MSOKC Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2003
As submitted by Secretary Jim Conlin

Meeting came to order at 7:05 pm at INFONETICS offices, Grove City, OH. Present were Board members Steve Tatman, Jim Conlin, Erin Dillon, Mike Dillon, Bob Strawser, Roberto Zayas, Mike Long, Mike Unger, Mike Yoerger, Tom Hickey. Also in attendance, Roy Hume, Keith Hume, Beth Hopkins, Jim Fisher.

Erin reported that the banquet was on track. Russell Karting Specialties was providing sponsorship for 10 classes. About 60 attendees have registered. Trophies & plaques had been ordered, Erin submitted a spreadsheet illustrating how the awards will be distributed. Erin will be working with Dana Conlin on a Power Point presentation. Mike Long has negotiated a good deal on champion's jackets and his company, Sound Investments, will be be a banquet sponsor by purchasing these jackets for the club.

Erin gave a Treasure's update and suggested the 2004 BoD should consider raising entry fees since they haven't been raised in years. Discussion regarding finding sponsors for each class followed. Discussion of member survey and BoD election ballots both to be handed out at the banquet.

Steve reported that the paving company was scheduled to be at the track last Monday (Oct 20) but that weather had but their schedule behind and then they broke their roller. Steve called the asphalt plant to find out how late in the season they would be open. They said they would be for a few more weeks and then also verified the paving company's broken roller story. Steve said he was confident they would be getting to him soon.

Steve said he still hadn't heard a definite air date for the MTV show. Last he heard it would be around Thanksgiving.

Scheduling of 2004 races:

April 25 Sun - Race 1
May 8 Sat (w Sunday sched) - Race 2
May 16 Sun - Race 3
May 30 Sun- Race 4
June 13 Sun - Race 5
June 20 Sun - Race 6
July 10 Sat - Race 7
July 24 Sat - Race 8
August 7 Sat - Race 9
August 15 Sun - Race 10
August 28 Sat - Race 11
September 11 Sat - Race 12
September 19 Sun - RAIN DATE
September 26 Sun - Race 13
October 2 Sun - RAIN DATE or FUN RACE

Saturday evening races were included for several reasons; After avoiding other Manufacturer's Cup, Gold Cup and Great Lakes Sprint Series events as best as possible and with OVKA taking some prime CRP dates, Saturday evening races were the best solution for maintaining the event spacing we prefer. Also, preservation of the new track surface was a prime consideration in that racing in the cool of the evening will be easier on the new asphalt. Also should be more comfortable for the drivers and crews (unless mosquitoes are bad again).

Jim to trim member survey and have them and the ballots ready for distribution at the Banquet.

Discussion of Vega spec tire proposal from Grand Prix Distributing. Grand Prix Distributing is a sister company to J&J Racing. Proposal included pricing similar to what our members are paying for SL4s plus proposal provided for free tire set vouchers based on number of sets ordered, provisions for free freight, free promotional items and 2004 banquet sponsorship of $1000.

Mike Unger reported that he had the proposed Vega "blue" tires on his TAG kart for the 1 hour enduro and for open practice after the enduro. He estimates over 150 laps were put on those tires and that wear was good, performance did not drop off and seemed to be only about half used up. Jim confirmed the number of laps and the amount of wear on the tires, Keith, as one of the last drivers to try the TAG said the tires still had lots of grip. |

Bob Strawser reported he was still leery of Vega tires based on bad experiences with them when they were spec'd for Gold Cup. Mike Long questioned the reference to a 20 case minimum and pointed out the club would be unable to make a $8000 investment right before the start of the season. Also, if the minimum was not met what would be the freight charges. Jim said he would call John Giacomelli tomorrow and get those answers. It was suggested that Russell be given the opportunity to match GPD's proposal because they have been helping MSOKC out for years.

Jim reported that he had sent emails out to current and former HPV drivers to find out what can be done to get more HPV drivers out more regularly. Jim said the rough CRP track surface was cited often but so was simple lack of time. Two suggestions for attracting more racers surfaced from the email dialog: raise weight and go to HPV4 spec. The higher weight was doable but not popular with the light drivers. Changing to the HPV4 spec was unpopular with drivers trying to contain costs. Jim said he was simply informing the BoD of these developments and to give the issue some thought, maybe discuss with karters they talk to.

Short discussion about class reduction. MSOKC now only has 10 or 11 classes running in 8 or 9 races, much better than other clubs out there. Discussion on adding a TAG class and where that class is headed in general.

Steve thanked everyone on the BoD for having a particularly productive year and he feels the club will continue to grow.

Erin remembered that some special awards were not yet determined, opened discussion on Most Improved Junior, Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Senior driver.

Meeting adjourned 9:15 pm.