MSOKC Board Of Directors Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2004
As submitted by Secretary Jim Conlin

Meeting came to order at 7:10 pm at INFONETICS offices, Grove City, OH. Present were Board members Mike Yoerger, Eric Fagan, Steve Tatman, Tom Hickey, Beth Hopkins, Mike Long, Bob Strawser, Mike Unger. Roberto Zayas was in attendance via teleconference. Alternate Board members present were Roy Hume and Keith Hume. Also in attendance, Rick and Teresa Rees and Jim Fisher.

Old Business:

Tabled from last meeting, allow billet connecting rods in Briggs Stock classes in interest of engine longevity. Discussion among those present mentioned that batch of rods available from Briggs were bad and would break even at low rpm; OVKA has elected to allow billet rods; WKA not allowing them out of concerns for over-reving cast flywheels causing catastrophic failure of the flywheel resulting in possible injury. Bob related conversation with a WKA tech that said Briggs has released another batch of con rods that are better than those "China" rods and that these new rods are readily available. Allowing billet rod fails for lack of motion.

Tabled from last meeting, allow participation in club promotional events to count toward minimum races/events to qualify for year end awards. Intent is to encourage member participation in karting promotions. Must be club "sanctioned", meaning club flyers or other printed info must be distributed. Bob motioned to allow participation at club approved promotional events to count toward nine event minimum for year-end awards. Mike U seconded. Unanimous.

Tabled from last meeting, incentives for good grades. Intended to support parents in emphasizing good school work. Discussion among present included what would be good incentive and who's responsibility emphasizing good school work should be. Failed for lack of a motion.

Continued from last meeting, progress on club charter. Tom said he has made no progress, been working on other issues. Mike U to see if he can get a copy of OVKA's and Bob to see if he can get a copy of Great Lakes Sprint Series' both to just have as examples.

Treasurer's Report:

Beth distributed a copy of an email in which Erin apologizes for not having time to provide a detailed financial report. According to email, club has about $3300 in checking account. Discussion regarding making tire purchase next month. Total cost of first batch of tires will be around $8000 with half to be paid at time of order and the balance due 45 days later. The tires can be in central Ohio two days after ordering. If tire were ordered last week in March, distribution could begin around April first giving everyone 3-4 weeks of testing and the balance would not be due until around May 15. Still, it is essential that as many tires be pre-sold and prepaid for as possible to not deplete club funds completely. Jim to post on the website that members should order & pay for tires ASAP because the sooner we can submit the order, the sooner we can get tires to members and that a delay in prepaying may delay arrival of tire. Also, Roberto to send out invoices for ordered tires as a reminder that tires need to be prepaid.

Jim C Reported class sponsorship is coming along with All Seasons Spas, National Kart News and INFONETICs all having come on board. Jim Fisher confirmed that Distinctive Trucks will be presenting check soon too. Jim C said we are currently talking with other potential sponsors: McCall Motorsports for Junior Unrestricted or Junior Sportsman, Joshua Homes for 80cc Shifter, J & J Racing for one of the remaining 2-cycle classes.

Membership Report:

Jim, acting as Membership Chair said the Membership roster has not changed since last meeting: 114 total members, 67 of which are Master members. Jim reported that Peggie Floyd, junior racer TJ Floyd's mom, had volunteered to serve a Membership Chair. The appointment was accepted by all Board members. Jim passed around a copy of a 2004 Membership Application revised only slightly from the 2003 version. No changes were suggested/submitted by other Board members. Jim to get a copy of membership app, waiver and release to Peggie Floyd and make them available on the club site.

Publicity Report:

Bob gave update on Lancaster Motorsports show Feb 26 -28. Has space for 5 karts, could still use a 2-cycle and a Senior Briggs. Could also use some help on Saturday but really needs someone to cover for him Sunday for tear-down as he has to work that evening.

Jim reported that Mid-Ohio had sent info on this year's vendor midway but that pricing did not indicate the club's discounted rate. Jim has a call into Mary Weir but has yet to receive a call back.

Mike L reported that his company, Sound Investment, had just participated at the World Of Wheels rod & custom show at the Convention Center. He had his shifter on display and gave away many of the intro flyers the club provided him. He said that it seemed like more people were interested in his kart than other equipment at his display.

Steve said recent TV exposure has been great and that we should encourage members to write to SpeedTV and Discovery Channel showing our support. Asked that Jim put something about that on website.

New Business:

Mike U presented Kid Kart rules he was asked to develop. Discussion on open tire and the $500 claimer rule to prevent blueprinting and other ridiculous modification to the Kid Kart motors. Approved Unanimously.

Jim presented the 2004 GCRs that had been distributed to the BoD prior to the meeting for review. The following points were discussed:

Increasing membership fees and/or entry fees, resulting in no changes, all fees to remain at 2003 rates.

Late entries starting at the tail of the field for all three races for that day. Board agreed to have rule added into GCRs.

Regarding 2-cycle bodywork rules which have been lagging behind WKA rules book in the interest of cost containment for the racers. Tom pointed out that WKA specs are accepted as standard and that we should abide by them in them for the sake of the participants, officials and anyone else connected to our races. Board agreed to strike the wording from the GCRs that permitted 2-cycle classes to deviate from the WKA rules. Discussion of the impact on our racers and all agreed the double-high nerf bar rule would affect the most 2-cycle entrants. Board asked Jim to post this change on the website immediately so that 2-cycle owners have time to make modifications.

Rick Rees pointed out that by following the 2004 SKUSA rules for 125cc Shifter moto engines would have to run with an air box and would reduce air induction by 25% making the speeds significantly slower. Rick indicated the Board should consider making air boxes optional for the 125cc Shifters. Board agreed to change 125cc Shifter section of GCRs to not require air boxes.

Weight differences for 80cc Shifters with front brakes and without front brakes. Board agreed with only one distention that minimum weight for 80cc should be raised to 370lbs and no weight penalty given to karts with front brakes.

Mike U motioned to accept the 2004 GCRs as presented and then modified in the meeting. Mike L seconded. Approved unanimously.

Steve Tatman reported that Pearl Gamble is retiring from racing but has offered his services as 2-cycle tech inspector. Some concern of a conflict of interest since some of the engines he's built are still competing. More concern however over his proposed fee, $100/day. All agreed Pearl would be good but maybe unaffordable. Steve to make Pearl a counter offer.

Bob proposed that the club spec the driven and drive gear for Rookie Box class. Tabled for next meeting.

New business: No new business was brought to the table.

Meeting adjourned 9:55 PM