News & Announcements

Last updated 4/18/2008

INR National at Gingerman Cancelled
The National Race at Gingerman scheduled for April 26-27, 2008 has been cancelled
2008 OVR Great Lakes Race of Champions
http://www.ovr-scca.org/_roadrace/schedules.asp Click to the link to view and download the 2008 OVR Great Lakes Race of Champions National Race and Restricted Regional Race Entry and Supps May 31 & June 1st at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course!
Comments and report from Larry Dent
From: larry dent Date: Sat, Mar 22, 2008 at 9:50 AM Subject: Re: Directors Comments Blast, I forgot a very important comment. The club is solvent. Enterprises paid back a substantial portion of the debt it owes SCCA inc, Pro did the same and the club would up with a profit in 07 of somewhere between $300,000 and $400,000. Really good news. On Sat, Mar 22, 2008 at 9:44 AM, larry dent wrote: Good morning GreatLakes R.E.'s. Hard to believe that it is spring, yet it is snowing in Fort Wayne as I write this update. Will each of you please pass this note on to your newsletter editor for publication so my notes get the widest possible distribution. The new FastTrack is out and contains many interesting items, and I will not re-hash them except to mention that a recommendation has been made to the BOD, by the SEB, that A Mod be exempted from the minimum participation requirements for the solo championship in Topeka. This will be voted upon soon so I would suggest that all you A Mod people that complained to me about the situation e mail the BOD in support of the SEB recommendation. The second very important thing is to make sure you all realize that an incorrect press release and item in Sports Car both indicated that the new classes created last year would be invited to the RunOffs this year. THIS IS NOT CORRECT. This years RunOffs will consist of the 24 classes that have qualified in the old fashioned way of being the top classes in participation nation wide, plus a one year addition of GT 3, making a total of 25 classes. My own personal belief is that all National Classes should have a National Championship race, but that is a minority view at present on the BOD. NOW, a committee has been formed with the urgent task of looking at the RunOffs and making recommendations as to what needs to be done to improve upon the RunOffs. Everything is on the table for them to consider, including worker facility's, class participation, location, cost and anything else that they consider important to the future growth of the RunOffs. I can say unequivocally that the RunOffs are the prime focus of the BOD at present and we are determined to do what is necessary to insure the growth of the RunOffs and the pleasurable experience of spectators, workers and drivers. You are likely aware of the big bru-ha-ha over the Formula C engines, just resolved. What you likely do not know is that it generated more e mails than any subject in the past several years. At one time during the height of the discussion I was receiving and/or sending some 20 e mails a day on the subject. Thanks to the very public discussion and comments sanity prevailed and the matter was solved to the satisfaction of ALMOST everyone. The next face to face meeting of the BOD is May 7 to 11 so anything you wish to comment upon should reach myself and the BOD before that time frame. Incidentally, we do a face to face 4 times a year and meet by conference call the first Monday of every month. Now, I have had a lot of folks question me about my decision to not run for a second 3 year term as your Director. In some ways I feel that I am letting you all down, because the first year is a learning experience, the second is time to get with the programs and the third, and three more if re-elected, are the years to become a real influence on the direction the club is being taken. I was fortunate to be appointed Chairman of the SCCA Foundation BOD and we have made great progress in re-formulating the Foundation after several years of stagnation, But having said that, I must say that I have been very frustrated at the demands on my time, the effects on my health (major heart surgery last summer, NOT caused by the work, but certainly a factor) and a general unhappiness with many of the actions of the BOD itself. And so I again say that due to my age (74 and counting) and the strain that being a Director places upon one, I will not be a candidate for re-election. One very good person has already stated he wants my job (I offered it to him on the spot) and I hope to see several other qualified persons step up to the plate and take a swing. I hope to see you all at the Nelson Ledges Drivers School April 19/20. Larry Dent, Area 4 Director
***CHANGE IN NATIONAL RACE DATE**
The correct dates for our GLROC National Race at Mid-Ohio are May 31-June 1, 2008. Please mark your calendars. If questions, please contact Jude Summers, Race Chair, at 614-888-4646 or Gloria Sheets, Chief Registrar, at 614-586-8101.
Dancing with the Starters
The 2008 racing season is just around the corner and I'm looking for some new people who want to be in the second best seat in the house. Starters, as turn marshals do, communicate to the drivers with flags. We also stay in communications with the corners and control. There is quite a rush when the pace lap is coming around that last corner and you know that you are one who decides when to throw the green flag to unleash the battle for the checkered flag. We do keep a running lap chart to count down the laps and prepare for race's finish. It's such a great feeling when you see potential winners coming down the front straight and you get to show the checkered flag for their fine accomplishment. I try to have enough people on hand for a weekend so that when we rotate around I do include a break or two. During the pro weekends, of course you will have a chance, to walk around the paddock and garages, see the cars up close, and meet the drivers. During the Mid Ohio Region Porsche race at Mid Ohio I'm having a school for Starters. The race will take place on May 17th and 18th. I would prefer people with flagging and communications or driving experience, but I will train anyone who is eager to learn. I do require you to be there all day Saturday and Sunday. If interested or you have any questions, please contact me direct at 614-332-4540 or sccastart@yahoo.com. Are you ready to dance with the Starters? Randy Holton
New Discussion site
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ohio_Road_Racing_Officials/ There is a new workers/officials discussion page set up for OVR members, and anybody else who’s interested. http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ohio_Road_Racing_Officials/ Have a safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!