MSOKC Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2003
As submitted by Secretary Jim Conlin

Meeting came to order at 6:05 pm at INFONETICS conference room, Grove City, OH. Present were Steve Tatman, Jim Conlin, Mike Dillon, Erin Dillon, Roberto Zayas, Mike Long, Tom Hickey.

General review of Race 2 (May 4) as guests of Ohio Valley Kart Association at CRP. Tatman informed the board that the OVKA Board of Directors voted Tuesday night (May 6) not to provide additional classes for MSOKC racers (Rookie Box, Briggs Medium, HPV) at the May 18 joint race. Tatman reported that Rick Coombs was apologetic when delivering the news. MSOKC racers could race with them but all would have to adhere to OVKA class structures.

More review of Race 2 events. Conlin suggested some lack of communication must have been involved initially since OVKA was not prepared to offer a Briggs Medium but did so once they understood about 9 MSOKC Medium racers were looking to race. Briggs Medium was to be at the front of a split grid with Briggs Heavy. That didn't work well in the first heat because multiple waved-off starts allowed the Heavy field to almost catch the Medium field before the green flag. For the second heat Medium was run as it's own class in response to Heavy driver's complaints.

But other than the Briggs Medium and Rookie Box races that ran as their own race, no additional burden was placed on the day's schedule other than tech, registration and congestion at grid entrance do to the additional 60+ MSOKC karts.

Conlin pointed out that regardless of the reason or how sincerely it was presented, for us to be informed 11 days before the joint race that not all our racers would be able to compete was not very professional and pointed out that under similar circumstances our board would not have done the same to Buckeye Kart Club as an example. That the OVKA board should have known the negative impact a last minute event cancellation has on a club.

A review of the schedule followed with consideration made to June, July, August, September and October dates. In trying to avoid regional and national series as well as three MSOKC races in a row the Oct 12 date was deemed best. Race 3 rescheduled for that date as an MSOKC only event. Also, that the race scheduled for Sept 21 at Camden w OKVA be moved to CRP as an MSOKC only event. Tatman motioned, Long seconded, voted unanimous.

Conlin reported that he and daughter Tracy had done a karting presentation to a Hilliard 4-H club that was was very well received.

Conlin proposed reconsidering doing a promo both at Mid-Ohio during a pro race weekend this year to make race fans aware of MSOKC. According to last year's research Mid-Ohio would allow us to rent a 10'x10' booth in the "Manufacture's Midway" for $600 which included 4 weekend passes to staff it. Conlin estimated 10,000 people would come through the Midway on Grand Am race weekend (June 27-29). Erin motioned that the club approve up to $700 to rent the booth at either the Grand Am race or the CART race in August. Long seconded, voted unanimous.

The board entered a discussion regarding Rookie Box and agreed that the integrity of the class must be maintained to provide a feeder system to Junior and Senior classes. Long noted that almost no RB motors are currently sealed and by our rules are illegal. The board is to recommend to the tech inspectors more diligent inspection and sealing of the motors. Mike Dillon to follow up on that. Discussion on promoting and encouraging a "baby kart" class (5 to 7yo) followed later.

Tatman reported that Briggs Medium racer Jim Fisher has raised $500 in corporate sponsorship for the rest of MSOKC 2003 series. It is his employer. Conlin to get the company's logo for the website.

Tatman reported that he is planning to buy Time Warner commercial time during NASCAR Busch races that will have both the track's and club's website addresses dosplayed on the commercial.

Siting the improvements made over the last year at CRP, Erin Dillon motioned that CRP's share of MSOKC's entry fees be increased by $2.50. This would move the split from $15 for MSOKC and $10 for CRP to $12.50 for each. After some discussion and clarification motion passed with all in favor except for Tatman abstaining.

Roberto reported that the manager of Skyline Chili on Polaris Parkway said we could do a karting promo there anytime, just give him notice. Hickey mentioned that the Quaker Steak and Lube would be even more appropriate. Roberto has had discussion with them too and thinks that we could get in there too.

Tatman suggested notifying the membership via the website that some of the gift certificates awarded at the banquet will be expiring at the end of June.

Conlin reported that because OVKA awards points in the feature to entrants that do not even take the green flag (apparently based on heat race performance) Julie has no idea who gets zero points under MSOKC rules for not taking part in the feature. She knows HPV and Briggs Medium but no other classes and this presents a problem for Race 2 scoring. OVKA provided us with their Excel file but there is no indication of who did not report for the feature. Without the actual lap sheets (which are probably no longer around) there is no way to know. What we will likely have to do is post as is and ask for racers who went home early notify Julie on the honor system. After that, rely on other competitors to inform her of scored racers that went home before their feature.

A discussion was held regarding the WKA weight color issue. We should start enforcing the white weight rule in the interest of safety. Hickey requested that the kart numbers appear on the weight as well. Website to warn that we will be enforcing the white weight rule July 1.

Erin report membership is at 78 members.

Meeting adjourned approx. 8:15pm.