Message from RE (Regional Exec)

Dear Members,

While Rally and Rally Cross programs are off and running, others are focused on race prep and our NER staff have been engaged in key meetings which set the stage for 2012. At least 15 NER members attended the National Convention in Las Vegas (March, 1-3).

The theme this year was “embracing change and facilitating transition”. Two new racing series will run this year (The BFGoodrich Super Tour and the “Majors” pilot series), there is a heightened push on growing membership, the Runoffs format is under review, a marketing firm has been hired to enhance the SCCA “brand”, increased emphasis on local solo and rally programs, and administrative streamlining of event policy and procedures. I feel it is important that you know about the dedicated efforts and initiatives underway to make SCCA better and to tackle issues that bog us down.I expect the slides and material for the meeting will be up on the SCCA.com website in the near future.

This past weekend a number of NER members attended the Northeast Division Roundtable in Pocono, PA. This meeting, involving some 20 SCCA regions in the northeast and attended by about 130 members focuses on training and regional program coordination. The following NER experts led workshops: Scott Beliveau –Rally-X, Kathy Barnes- Solo Safety Training, Peter Villaume – Emergency Services, Peter Perrault – Sound Control and Denise Patten – Timing and Scoring. This provides the opportunity for regions to exchange best practices and offer workers and Stewards additional training.

At the local level keep your eye out on our (re-designed) website for preseason events. Paul Zahornasky, Bob Beaulieu and Neil Schelly are working hard on Region communications. The nice weather is giving us a “jump-start” on things and hints of good weather for upcoming events (March 31 Cape Cod Rally, April 7 Solo at Devens and Club Racing May 21-22 at NHMS). Looking forward to see you! Feel free to contact me at fisherdo1@cox.net

Doug Fisher, RE