Der Gasser- Letter to Editor

[ninjabones]

From my conversations with many students, solo drivers, and instructors, a few common themes have emerged.  Granted, there will likely be vocal opposition no matter what is done. However, I believe the club must make a few changes to keep up with changing conditions in the club, in the economy, and with regard to emerging competition.

1.  We must absolutely positively ensure that the club maintains a competent, enthusiastic, and satisfied cadre of instructors.  This is the foundation upon which the entire DE system rests.  Competition from other venues mandates that we keep pace.  As such, we must compensate (in some form) our instructors at a level that is comparable to other clubs.  We must also ensure that instructors are given ample time to rest, provide feedback to their students, and have time to prepare their cars between runs.  I also wouldn't object to instructors being given extra time on track (either extended run sessions or an additional run session during the day).

2.  Consensus seems to be that instructors should have some type of financial commitment to ensure attendance.  Consequently, instructors should pay full entry fees at the time of on-line registration.  All discounts would be applied in the form of credit toward future events or cash refunds at the completion of the DE weekend. The same cancellation policies should apply to instructors as for students and solo drivers.

3.  Discount formula.  One-half price for instructors with one student, and free-registration for instructors with two students seems to be a reasonable solution from the feedback I have received.  This cost would be offset  by proportional increased registration costs for instructed drivers. Based on our current registration costs, this would appear to be about an additional $75 per student per driving day.  Given the expenses related to a typical DE weekend (tech inspection, tires, brakes, gas, transportation, lodging, wear&tear on the vehicle, etc), I do not believe that this additional cost will decrease participation in our instructed groups.

4.  Tech inspection.  I have participated in events with BMWCCA, PCA, SCCA, and NASA.  I've also been on our RTR tech crew for the past two years.  It is clear that our tech inspection process is by far the most entailed, meticulous, organized and yes perhaps the most annoying.  This is a dangerous sport.  There are many things over which we have no control; therefore, we must make every effort to ensure that we minimize risk with regard to the things over which we do have control, namely, the condition and safety of our own cars. Any change in our current practices must be made with careful consideration of possible consequences.  I do believe that there are many individuals in our club who are more than qualified to tech their own cars.  However, I do not necessarily believe that being a fantastic driver or driving instructor necessarily equates to having the requisite skills to inspect a race car.  Perhaps "tech inspection" status should be granted only to those individuals (regardless of run group or instructor status) who can demonstrate appropriate understanding and experience.  There are club members with far more experience than I, who can determine what those requirements should be. 


5.  Event organizers, volunteers and executive committee discounts.  One group that was not mentioned in this thread is, in my mind, the most important.  These guys bust their butts all year long to make sure we have enjoyable, fun and well-organized events.  They too should be adequately compensated for their efforts.  I, for one, believe that the key organizers of each DE weekend should not have to pay registration fees (or given credit toward future events if not driving). This would include chief instructor, safety/tech chair, registrar, and track chair (1/2 price for those sharing/splitting duties).  Perhaps a proportional discount should be given to exec board members based on their actual workload.  I do not necessarily agree with the discounting policy that is now being submitted by our exec committee whereby all exec committee members (or their cohabitant designees) recieve the same discount.


I do not want my comments above to appear as criticism of our current speed council or executive committee. I truly appreciate the incredible efforts that have been made to make this season so enjoyable for me and so many of our club members.  I applaud all of you for accepting the challenge of these tough economic times and adapting to the changing motorsport climate in our region.