From the R.E. Dan Halloran, Regional Executive Email: dan.halloran@yahoo.com
The Longer Term Challenge Ahead It’s just over 4 years since I had the phone call from Shirley and Jeff asking me to run for the Regional Executive position on the Oregon Region Board of Directors. I had almost no experience with the administration of the Region, I had only been a driver. But after 4 years being RE I can truthfully say my decision has been rewarding and fun. When I started racing I found that half the fun was the camaraderie and friendship in the paddock and on the track. Serving on the Board allowed me to learn that lesson anew only with a new group of people and situations. We worked on different problems but always found time to enjoy each other and of course found time to share racing stories both new and old. Oregon Region has a rich history and we unearthed pictures, articles, movies, and memories from the last 60 years and from last week. Some people have been at this for a long time and others just starting out. They all have made the four years a lot of fun. I also learned other “things� as well. In no particular order I learned about Solo and Rally and actually got to compete in Solo. The kind Solo folks convinced this Road Race guy that running by Spec Racer Ford in the South Paddock at PIR was a bad idea and loaned me a wonderfully prepared and very fast Mini for several runs. What a blast. I learned that we are lucky to have such smart, talented, dedicated people running our weekends. As a Road Racer I took for granted that when I showed up to race there would be people there to make it happen. There are. But I found the many non-racers who come out for to work the races share our passion for cars and racing.
If you are a racer and haven’t personally thanked these weekend warriors please do so. I learned that the other clubs in the area, TC, Cascade, and OMRRA are as passionate about motor sports as we are. They may run their events a little differently, their race vehicles maybe a little different but they care about the sport and have always been willing to talk about ideas and share information when asked. I have worked with TC and Cascade as an instructor on track days and helped in JHWWLQJ FHUWL¿ FDWLRQ IRU WKH QHZ 253 WUDFN and sharing some development issues at PIR. My only regret is that we never cooperated on sponsoring a joint race weekend but that will come.
“The longer term challenge is insuring that we continue to attract new members. This is an area we have not addressed as forcefully as we should have.� I found that there is a small group of people who really take on a disproportionate burden in making sure the club functions.
dulge our passion for automotive sports need to step up and volunteer. Oregon Region has some challenges. In the short term the economy is preventing people from racing as often as they would like. The effect on the Region is that entries are down for Road Racing and we QHHG WR Âż QG ZD\V WR NHHS RXU FRVWV GRZQ and to improve the value people get for their money. Making racing more family friendly is also a goal. The longer term challenge is insuring that we continue to attract new members. This is the area we have not addressed as forcefully as we should have. But is at the top of the list of issues for a new Board to adGUHVV 0DQ\ RI RXU FRVWV DUH Âż [HG DQG DUH GLIÂż FXOW WR UHGXFH ZKHQ HQWULHV GHFOLQH most notably the cost of renting the track. I believe that at some point we will need WR Âż QG ZD\V WR ZRUN PRUH FORVHO\ ZLWK WKH other clubs to share the track when we rent LW DV ZHOO DV Âż QGLQJ QHZ SHRSOH WR UDFH I could name a long list of people who have made my four years fun but I would rather not risk forgetting a name. Rather thanks to all of you who have shared evenings attending Board meetings, gave generously of your time and knowledge to help me run the Club, who have given of your time to make sure all of us can indulge our passion for motor sports. Thanks to all of you.
!RRIVE AND $RIVE (ERE AND !WAY
You see the same group taking on responsibilities over and over. All of us who want to in-
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