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09-15-2009, 05:01 AM
Der Gasser[/b] – There is no question that RTR needs a quality printed publication. It is easy to forget that many RTR members do not attend our events. “Panorama�? and our newsletter are the only benefits they receive for their $42.
DE Inspections[/b] – PCA is a Club. Its rules must provide the greatest benefit for the greatest percentage of members, and I think the current system does that. Individual exceptions set a dangerous precedent. I have had my car pre-teched by Performance, Dougherty’s, and by RTR. All three have found issues that I missed, and I’m pretty picky. Each morning’s Tech at the track is well worth the few minutes required. If you don’t like to wait, show up earlier. There is rarely a line. If you cannot wait ten minutes -- tough.
DE Fees[/b] - It is difficult to offer concrete proposals before seeing hard financials and quantifying trade-offs between different options. However, track costs are relatively fixed, so we are really discussing how to shift costs from one group to another -- and adding instructed students spreads this cost across a larger pool of drivers. Here are some general thoughts:
> Rules must be written and apply to everyone. If we are uncomfortable setting an established practice down on paper, we should not be doing it. As we can see from the snide comments made in this thread, unwritten policy creates ill will even if nothing is going on.
> A 30% credit for one student and 100% credit for two students seems reasonable. I like the idea of an increased incentive for two students since we are squeezed for Instructors.
> I run with the Allegheny Region once or twice a year. I am willing to survey all of our neighboring regions if it would help RTR develop a better system.
> AR-PCA reports that their instructors normally have two students,
and they do not pay a registration fee.
> Allegheny has four run groups. I have not worked through the
Scheduling implications, but shouldn’t that constrain Instructors
time more than RTR?
> Also, Allegheny has coffee and donuts every morning and great
give-aways at most events. I will ask if they can share their
Watkins Glen financial results to see if we can pick up any
pointers.
> From an Accounting standpoint, it seems reasonable to charge instructed students more. However, from a Marketing standpoint, it would create the impression that “management�? is lowering its own pricing at the expense of the novices. I do not think it is worth creating that impression.
> In the same vein, Instructors and current Execs should receive garage space for the extra time they give to the Club if the space comes free with track rental. This policy would be easily understood by all participants. Everyone else should pay. I suggest a Dutch auction if we are worried about cash.
DE Inspections[/b] – PCA is a Club. Its rules must provide the greatest benefit for the greatest percentage of members, and I think the current system does that. Individual exceptions set a dangerous precedent. I have had my car pre-teched by Performance, Dougherty’s, and by RTR. All three have found issues that I missed, and I’m pretty picky. Each morning’s Tech at the track is well worth the few minutes required. If you don’t like to wait, show up earlier. There is rarely a line. If you cannot wait ten minutes -- tough.
DE Fees[/b] - It is difficult to offer concrete proposals before seeing hard financials and quantifying trade-offs between different options. However, track costs are relatively fixed, so we are really discussing how to shift costs from one group to another -- and adding instructed students spreads this cost across a larger pool of drivers. Here are some general thoughts:
> Rules must be written and apply to everyone. If we are uncomfortable setting an established practice down on paper, we should not be doing it. As we can see from the snide comments made in this thread, unwritten policy creates ill will even if nothing is going on.
> A 30% credit for one student and 100% credit for two students seems reasonable. I like the idea of an increased incentive for two students since we are squeezed for Instructors.
> I run with the Allegheny Region once or twice a year. I am willing to survey all of our neighboring regions if it would help RTR develop a better system.
> AR-PCA reports that their instructors normally have two students,
and they do not pay a registration fee.
> Allegheny has four run groups. I have not worked through the
Scheduling implications, but shouldn’t that constrain Instructors
time more than RTR?
> Also, Allegheny has coffee and donuts every morning and great
give-aways at most events. I will ask if they can share their
Watkins Glen financial results to see if we can pick up any
pointers.
> From an Accounting standpoint, it seems reasonable to charge instructed students more. However, from a Marketing standpoint, it would create the impression that “management�? is lowering its own pricing at the expense of the novices. I do not think it is worth creating that impression.
> In the same vein, Instructors and current Execs should receive garage space for the extra time they give to the Club if the space comes free with track rental. This policy would be easily understood by all participants. Everyone else should pay. I suggest a Dutch auction if we are worried about cash.
Joe Piernock, Paoli, PA
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI
1972 914-3.2, 1974 Capri, 2013 GTI