December Newsletter                                                              12/2008

Download full, printable version - December Newsletter  (1Meg .pdf file)

2008 Treasurer's Report                                                         11/2008

  Treasurer's Report

October Newsletter                                                                10/2008

Download full, printable version - October Newsletter  (510k .pdf file)

Prez Sez                                                                                 10/2008

The races at Hallett were great! It was cool, clear and the track just keeps getting better. The Stephens hospitality is second to none as always. You need to go next spring just to see the Winner’s Circle. What a great monument to a fine man. Great people, great party great racing and some really neat cars made for a memorable weekend.  We were visited by a 1928 Frazier-Nash with a 1918 Curtis Jenny motor; 8.5 liters and 5:1 compression.  It took real men to drive those cars at speed. They had just mounted new tires and had too much grip. The Frazier needs to slide or it “tips” over (not a good thing). Ten additional pounds of air to each tire solved the problem.  Watching and listening to it was a real treat for all of us.

Elections are coming. There is one at-large position to be filled. Bruce has finished his term and according to by-laws, must step aside. Those are big shoes to fill. Bruce has been an outstanding board member; always thinking ahead and putting CVAR first. We will surely miss him.

If you want to give back to the club by serving on the Board of Directors, contact John Furlow Sr. (jcf@verizone.net) The board meets at least 4 times a year but is active all year long. It is a commitment but is crucial to CVAR.

The Nov race marks the 20^th anniversary of the founding of CVAR. There are lots of things in the works including a police escorted parade down Texas Ave. from Bryan to TWS. We are working on Thursday afternoon for that.  Watch the Yahoo forum and the website for details as they are finalized.

The Saturday awards party should be a good one. Lots of legends of CVAR are planning to attend. Plan to stay and bench race after the awards.

Sunday marks the beginning of the 09 season. Be sure to register for both days or you’ll find yourself in a hole in February.

Good things are happening all around CVAR. Be part of it

See ya in Nov

September Newsletter                                                             9/2008

   Web Version       
               
  Download full, printable version - September Newsletter  (5Meg .pdf file)

Prez Says                                                                               9/2008

Wow! What a great event it was. We started Friday morning with beautiful weather and a good turn out. The racing was close, especially in G-2. I understand that G-2 put on the best spectator races of the weekend. Bill Mather (TWS owner) came out Sat. He is working hard to promote TWS and making improvements. I know I was pleasantly surprised to see workers out Friday morning blowing cut grass off the track. Way to go Bill. We really appreciate your efforts.

 

Kudos to Race Chair John Furlow, not only for a well run weekend but also for receiving the Ken Miles award at the Historics in August. John is the only 2 time winner of the award. Speaking of the Historics, we had 13 entries and 14 drivers this year. Not bad for a little club from TEXAS.

 

The Sept students did well with all advancing to race group next race. Next Race?  Hallett and it’s coming up quickly. Thunder on the Cimarron is always a great event. The Hallett folks put on a great show and their hospitality is the best around. Get your entries in soon. You won’t want to miss the fun.

 

The Nov race marks the 20th anniversary of CVAR. Many of the founding fathers will be there. Come out and show your stuff. Stay tuned for more details and perhaps even another first for CVAR.

Remember the Board of Directors had moved to make the Nov Sunday race the first points race of 2009.

 

The board meeting is Sept 20th  in Temple. As always everyone is welcome to attend.

 

I took a tour of ECR in August. All the rumors need to be put to rest. The Cook’s had the same fella that repaired Hallett several years ago there and he took the time to show me what he did.  Many of the rough spots on the rear straight were ground smooth and sealed.  Linda took me around in her private car (sometimes it’s good to be king) and the track was as smooth as a baby’s bottom.  Of 600,000 square feet of track, 7,000 sq ft were ground, topped and now sealed. They have also sent out bids request for additional improvements.

 

Get your entries in for Hallett and we’ll see you there.

July Newsletter                                                                           7/2008

available in .pdf format - July Newsletter

 

2009 Schedule                                                                          6/2008

May Newsletter                                                                           5/22/2008

ECR Review


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Prez Sez                                                                                      4/20/2008

Prez Sez:

We’ve had a great start to the 08 season. 141 entries at the Feb School/Races included a very able student group. The students performed flawlessly throughout the weekend. They showed awareness of the vintage spirit all weekend. Hallet was down 6 entries to 98, but the weather was beautiful and the dedication of the Mike Stephens Victory Circle was well received. If you missed Hallet, you missed some great racing and a great party.

I want to give a special thanks to John Furlow and Greg Reynolds for chairing two fantastic events.  We were featured in Texas Southern Living, a regional magazine in the March issue. There were lots of great pictures and a great write-up. Italian TV also taped 5 hours for a TV show much like Top Gear. We are supposed to get a copy but haven’t seen it yet. 

We think we have solved the timing problems from February. It turns out the decoder randomly dropped cars. Reb had to reconstruct the Sunday races car by car, lap by lap. It took him close to 60 hours to do it. Saturday was lost all together. For those of you that showed patience, THANKYOU. Timing and Scoring is a thankless job. If it goes well no one knows, if it jumps off the tracks, everyone knows.

The next Board of Directors meeting is May 10. It will be held at the Best Western Motel in Temple, TX.  (That’s central to all the directors). Once again, there will be a 30 minute time slot for member input. We won’t take action on your comments but they will become action items for the next meeting. If you would like to address the board, or just see what goes on at our meetings, come on down. 

Eagles Canyon is just around the corner. It is a driver’s track for those that missed the December race. As Maytag said, “It’s Hallett on steroids.” It is very technical with 70 feet of elevation changes multiple times. The flat parts are in the grid and paddock.  We plan on having the big rigs park in the lower paddock to avoid the congestion of December. Fuel is available and there is a snack bar that serves a mean lunch. Friday will be test and tune, with races Sat and Sunday. Eagles Canyon is 12miles north of Decatur TX on HWY 51. The storms took down the sign so be alert for the track entrance.

A word on safety: We race for the enjoyment of driving vintage cars, not for the glory. You have a lot to lose, including the respect of your fellow drivers. A successful weekend can be noted if you put you car back on the trailer in the same condition you took it off. Let’s reverse the trend and have an incident free weekend.

Jeff Wilt has set up our logo at Panda Embroidery. You can go to their website www.pandasportswear.com and order knit shirts and jackets. You pay when you order.  John Furlow has hats and decals. Look him up at ECR if you want decals for your tow vehicle or race car. It’s a good way to advertise your hobby. 

The vintage racing community lost a good friend and competitor with the passing of John Roper on April 3, 2008. John most recently ran an MGB with CVAR, but had raced many different cars for many years. He was best know recently for racing a TR-8 in the SOWDIV.

At one time John was flat towing a Frog-eye. As he went down the road he kept hearing an engine trying to start. He pulled over and the Sprite was trying to jump in gear! Some of us have laughed at that story regardless of how many times we heard it.

See you at ECR-- George

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Authenticity Report -    from Jan. 2008 BoD Meeting

January 2008 BoD Meeting - Authenticity Report

-    An overall Authenticity Program has been initiated that will reward the most authentic closed wheel and open          wheel car at the end of the 2008 season.  This program is not associated with the current championship. 

            Charlie Jones will head up this new committee. Current members are Bruce Revennaugh, Dan Haynes,
            Don Gwynne, Michael Jenniges and Howard Pace.  If you would like to be part of this effort please
            contact  Charlie at:  cjones@forumoilfield.com 

            The Committee is to have a rough outline for submittal to the BoD at the next meeting.

The BoD has authorized funding for two trophies

 
-    We had one petition for rule change in 2007 from G-1, which was unsuccessful but did bring to light
      problems associated with the process. 

Seth Higgins has been given the task of consulting with the other GReps and modifying the petition process.

A preliminary report to the BoD is scheduled for the next Board meeting.

If you want to be part of that process or have ideas you wish to share, please contact Seth at:  SHiggins@advaoptical.com.

-   The car weights are currently posted on the web-site with last year’s championship scores.  If you weighed
     last year, and we have your weight recorded, you need not weigh again in 2008 unless you want to verify
     your weight.

            It was reaffirmed at the BoD meeting that any closed wheel car can run under the GCR’s dating from
            1967 to 1972, but no cherry picking from different GCR’s is allowed.

For 2008 there will be weight enforcement.  In order to receive the full 3 bonus authenticity points in the “Mechanical” category, your car must be within 5% of your required weight.  If your car is not within the 5%, your maximum possible award will be 1 point, in the “Mechanical” category.

            No car will be turned away in 2008 for being under weight.

Some of the earlier GCR’s are more generous in the minimum weight.  The GReps will use the 1972 version unless you provide the earlier GCR and additional weight documentation.

For G-1 Sedans the minimum weights are as follow:  1967 GCR; 2700 lbs dry weight or as per Homologation papers.  1968 GCR; 2800 lb dry weight. 1969 GCR; 2900 lbs dry weight.  1970-72 GCR; 3200 lbs wet weight.  CVAR will use 6 lbs/gallon for fuel to adjust your weight.  (you tell us gallons of fuel in the tank when weighing)  Production cars are as per the PCS.

For G-1, you determine the GCR you want to run under based on how your car is built.  CVAR will use the performance items of your car to set a minimum GCR year.  As an example, A-Sedans first used rear disc brakes in 1968, using them would mean you are at least running to the 1968 GCR.  The 302 motors in Fords were first used in 1968.  The Lincoln brakes were produced in 1969.  Dry sumps were in 1972 and would require a 3200 lb minimum weight.  Remember, no cherry picking of performance items from different GCR’s.  Performance items are considered to be 1) Motor; 2) Drive train/Suspension; 3) Brakes; 4) Tires/Wheels; 5) Weight.

-     Cars constructed with uni-bodies from post 1972 (or 1974 for FIA) closed wheel cars has been limited to
       “within model series or chassis series” with a maximum date of 1990. 

Cars that are not completely back dated will not be awarded full bonus authenticity points in the “Body” category.

It up to the entrant to prove that the later uni-bodies contain no significant structural enhancements.  If at later date, it is discovered this to be an error, the log book may be with drawn.

CVAR is not going to check VIN numbers, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck….it’s a duck, until proven otherwise.

Cars belonging to CVAR members that do not have a CVAR log book and are not legal to run under CVAR rules are not allowed to compete in the race weekend.  The are however allowed during Fridays testing and tuning providing they pass the standard CVAR tech.

All cars must have a log book to be allowed on track on race days.  The only exception is for Student cars, which may operate under the novice permit.  Drivers of cars on track without log books are subject to disciplinary action by the Chief Steward.

All cars must pass CVAR tech before being allowed on track.  Drivers of cars on track without tech inspection are subject to disciplinary action by the Chief Steward.

All cars for 2008 must have an up to date Declaration form on file with the appropriate GRep.  New forms for 2008 are posted on line.  The Chief Steward considers falsifying this document to be a serious offence.  If you are caught falsifying this document your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months.

-    As per the January BoD meeting the only Board  approved G-1 exceptions to the GCR are the following:

1) The allowance of 302 cubic inch motors in Shelby GT-350’s, 289 Cobra’s, and Tigers.

2) Roller rockers for AS; AP, and BP classes.

Not approved by the BoD  within the G-1 petition are the following:

1) Multi-disc clutches in Production cars.  These must be removed as per the previous 2007 memo to G-1.  The removal date will be extended to the summer break of this year.  Any Production car with a multi-disc clutch will have a maximum “Mechanical” authenticity point award of 1- point.

2) Lincoln brakes on Shelby GT-350’s.  The GCR does not allow updating a production car beyond the car’s PCS page.  The Lincoln brakes, while true Ford production items, are in fact a larger diameter rotor, and larger caliper than the PCS specifies.  The BoD did agree that so long as the rotor is the correct diameter and the correct caliper is in the correct location, after market rotors and hats are allowed in the AS, AP and BP classes.  G-1 cars which do not meet these rules have 12 months to remove/correct this item.  No reduction in authenticity scoring will be taken at this time, since G-1 felt these brakes were approved by CVAR.

3) Modified upper and lower control arms are not allowed by the GCR.  The wording differs slightly for Production and Sedan classes.  Reinforcing is allowed, but changing the angle of the upper ball joint by cutting and welding is not allowed under the GCR.  The addition of heim joints to the lower control arm is also not allowed.  G-1 cars which do not meet these rules have 12 months to remove/correct this item.  No reduction in authenticity scoring will be taken at this time, since G-1 felt these control arms were approved by CVAR.

The GCR does not specify a limit on tire size; hence the G-1 adopted limit is invalid.  The only limit is the wording of the GCR.  The BoD did mandate a 60 series height to width ratio in G-1.  (Treaded Vintage Hoosier, or current treaded Goodyear Blue Streaks are acceptable).  The later Hoosier radial DOT slicks are not acceptable in any Sedan or Production class.

-    BoD approved clarifications to the GCR as they apply to G-1 are as follows:

The limit of 310 cubic inches for AS and BP Shelby’s was acceptable to the BoD.  This is based on a stock stroke and +0.060” over bore.

The allowance of Ford 351 Windsor (big plug) heads in place of Ford 289 heads is acceptable to the BoD.  We have on file a current listing of approved GM heads.

The allowance of aftermarket block and internal components of the engine is acceptable to the BoD, so long as the blocks are dimensionally the same with respect to bore spacing, cam center, etc, and are of the same basic material as OEM.   Internal components must be of the same basic material as OEM.

The BoD clarified the GCR wording as it applies to Production Cars in Section 2;2.2;D;25 and Sedans Section 6;6.A.4;F;1, to mean more than one engine oil cooler is allowed.

-   Herb Hilton will make the Authenticity Chairman aware of any non-CVAR entrant who enters a CVAR
     event. This info will be passed to the appropriate GRep for screening of the driver and car.  The GRep is
     responsible for making sure the entrant “plays nice” with the rest of the Group.  If the entrant is not CVAR
     material, he may be banned at the GReps discretion.

-   It was brought up at the BoD meeting that some cars do not have all lenses taped.  The decision was to
    strictly enforce this rule. 

-   We have seen stock harmonic balancers come apart and cause a major oil down.  CVAR recommends all
     cars run an SFI approved balancer. 

-   CVAR will revisit the Caterham issue in the future.  Please make you opinions known to your GReps or BoD
     members, before the May 10, 2008 BoD meeting. 

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Safety Summary 2007 -    posted 1/31/2008

 

The CVAR Safety Committee wants to sincerely thank each and every driver for an outstanding year.

    
            To bring better consistency to our Safety Program last year CVAR initiated a revised comprehensive Safety Program where we established a proactive approach to Safety. Vintage Racing and CVAR in particular consider any Car-to-Car contact incident a “felony” and a “Black Flag” event a “misdemeanor.” The Safety Committee does not want to use the “shotgun” approach where an entire group is punished for the actions of one or two individuals; therefore we began to track those drivers who were “Black Flagged” for any reason other than mechanical issue. The reasoning being “Black Flag Events” indicate a lack of control and/or a “non-vintage” attitude that can (and does) lead to Car-to-Car contact.

Almost everybody who races will, on a rare occasion, slide off the track or spin; however if certain drivers have an “Event” once, twice or three times each weekend over several weekends then that driver has either a car issue and/or a driver issue. It is obvious these individual are more likely to be involved in or cause a Car-to-Car Incident.

Last January no one knew what the data would reveal. No one knew how many times individual drivers were “Black Flagged.” The results were very surprising and remarkably good. Remember, mechanical problems and “offs to avoid” are not counted in these statistics.

            The data revealed the VAST MAJORITY of us drive with the “Vintage Spirit.” Overall we had one “Black Flag” event per 18-car race. [Based on the following: total of 829 cars entered in 7 race weekends: six times on the track and 9 laps per time on the track: a total of 44,766 “car laps” (one car driving one lap). We experienced a total of 264 “Black Flag Events” for the year, this equates to one event per 166 “car laps” which translates to 18 cars driving 9 laps each.] 

Congratulations to all of us.

            When the “Black Flag” data is broken down to the individual, the “Black Flags” flew 9 times for

2 drivers, 8 times for I driver, 6 times for 1 driver, 5 times for 4 drivers and 4 times for 4 drivers. Thirteen drivers accounted for 72 (28%) of the “Black Flag” events — and some of those drivers did not drive every weekend. The worse offenders have been informed of their substandard performance and all agreed to improve their driving. The rest of us have three or less “Black Flag Events” for 7 races.

            For 2008 we have simplified the chart that details the action your Safety Committee will take to chronic non-contact offenders. We will track “Black Flagged” events over a moving window of 12 months. We will begin to warn drivers with 5 or more “Black Flag Events” after the April Hallett Race. If drivers continue to accrue “Black Flag Events,” penalties will be imposed beginning in February 2009. This long lead period will give everyone time to evaluate and adjust, if necessary, their driving.

The Revised Safety Program

            Here is the Revised Table taken from the revised CVAR Safety Program:  Section 2, Table 1, #2. Continuing Non-Contact Event — NOTE: The objective of this tracking program is to assist drivers in detecting and correcting the reason(s) they are having problems. Drivers who are unable to control their driving will not be allowed to participate in CVAR events.

 

Number of Black Flag Events per Tracking Period	Penalty
One through Four	No action
Five	Warning Letter, Introduction to Group Mentor, Placement in Driver Identification Program
Eight	Internal Probation for Three Race weekends, Placement of Novice “X” on car
Ten	Internal Suspension for One Race Weekend

 

So word to the wise: if you visit the pits you won‘t win the race —  and you might not even finish.

 

Contact Events were too many — One is too many

“Touching is a felony”

            Unfortunately we had several Car-to-Car Contact Incidents and some significant Single Car Contact Incidents. Drivers have been put on the trailer, placed on internal probation or VMC probation. While we may be somewhat understanding of Non-Contact Events, your Safety Committee becomes very stern and harsh when cars touch. We will take into account extenuating circumstances and track conditions, but           if you are the driver at fault in a contact incident expect, at the very least, to be sent home.

            Believe it or not, we had one driver (who was sent home) punt a slower car off the track. When questioned he said, “Some tapping and touching is simply a part of racing:” Maybe touching is okay in NASCAR or SCCA, but not in CVAR. Our Objective clearly states: “Vintage Racing does not tolerate deliberate contact or a “win at any cost” attitude. Vintage drivers compete in a spirited but controlled manner giving their fellow drivers room to race.” If the Safety Committee believes deliberate touching is occurring during a race those drivers do not have the Vintage Racing Spirit and will be put on the trailer, placed on probation or possibly suspended from racing. Your fellow vintage driver does not want to be hit. Remember, you are in control of your racing future; just as our Objective states; “ … each driver holds the key to his or her ultimate success within CVAR. You are in charge of your own racing future.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Below are summary tables for “Black Flag Events.”

Table 1: Cars Entered per Group: Example Gp I had 25 cars entered at TWS in Feb 07  

	Feb 07	Mar 07	May 07	Sep 07	Oct 07	Nov 07	Dec 07	Year Total /
Group	TWS	Hallett	TMSR	TWS	Hallett	TWS	ECR	Avg Wk End
1	25	11	21	27	11	24	25	144 / 21
2	22	21	21	16	20	15	16	131 / 19
3	16	15	12	16	19	15	10	103 / 15
4	11	12	10	13	9	13	16	84 / 12
6	22	23	20	23	42	18	22	170 / 24
7	29	22	30	32	25	32	27	197 / 28
TOTAL	125	104	114	127	126	117	116	829 / 118

 

Table 2: Black Flag Events:  Example Feb 07, Gp 1 had 10 Black Flag Events

NOTE: This table does NOT represent the number of drivers with a Black Flag Event as some drivers go off more than once a weekend.

	Feb 07	Mar 07	May 07	Sep 07	Oct 07	Nov 07	Dec 07	Year Total
Group	TWS	Hallett	TMSR	TWS	Hallett	TWS	ECR	Avg Wk End
1	10	2	11	5	15	8	6	57 / 8
2	2	3	5	Zero	6	5	6	27 / 4
3	6	3	3	5	14	2	6	39 / 6
4	Zero	5	4	Zero	3	4	4	20 / 3
6	8	7	10	7	21	4	13	70 / 10
7	8	6	7	3	10	3	14	51 / 7
TOTAL	34	26	26	20	69	26	49	264 / 38

 

Table 3: Number of Drivers with 4 or more Events:

NOTE: GROUPS 2 & 4 had Zero drivers with a total of 4 or more events over 7 Race Weekends  – EXCELLENT RECORD - CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!

# of Events à	4	5 Warning Letter	6	7	8 Penalty	9 Penalty	10 or more Suspension	Total # of Driver with 4 or more Events
Group
1			1			1		2
2								ZERO
3		1				1		2
4								ZERO
6	4	2						6
7		1			1			2

Beginning in February, 2009 action will be taken as per the Safety Program

Please see the full safety program here

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Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting - 1/19/08

Corinthian Vintage Auto Racing, Inc. (CVAR)
Minutes of Board of Directors (BoD) Meeting
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Best Western Motel, Temple, TX

Attendees:
George Curl, President
Bob Green, Vice-President
John Gaudette, Treasurer
John Fershtand, Director
John Furlow, Director
David Griffith, Director
Bruce Revennaugh, Director
Roy Allen, Director
David Peterson, past President
Seth Higgins, Member
Harold Pace, Member
Herb Hilton, Member
David Littlefield, Member
Chalmer McWilliams, Member
Jeff Sloan, Member
Don Gwynne, Member 

The meeting was brought to order at 1:03 pm by the President, George Curl. 

1.  Introduction/outgoing statement:  George Curl welcomed the attendees and made brief introductory remarks.  Past President David Peterson had not yet arrived, so his outgoing statement was postponed until later in the meeting.

2.  Consent agenda:  George Curl stated that he will prepare and distribute a "Board Packet" approximately 8 to 9 days prior to each meeting, to allow pre-meeting reviews of a "Consent Agenda" and other reports and issues.  Intent is to streamline the routine approval process.  Bob Green moved to approve the previously distributed Consent Agenda.  John Gaudette seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.  Consent Agenda items thus approved were:          

    Minutes of the previous meeting 12/02/07 - Action - Approved
    North American Modern Endurance Challenge - Decision - Declined
    Electronic Dues // membership - Action - Online, underway
    State of CVAR report - Action - e-version to web, paper at track
    Mailing list to Vintage Motorsports - Action - Approved
    Mailing list to Vintage Racer - Action - Approved

3.  Election Results and Membership Renewals:  Herb Hilton provided a rundown of CVAR election results.  The proposed Board of Directors slate was approved by the membership, notwithstanding a few write-ins.  Herb read a critical note from Steve Kent regarding conduct of elections per the CVAR by-laws.  John Gaudette discussed the Board's plans for getting the elections back on track as prescribed in the by-laws.  Bob Green moved that the election results be accepted.  John Furlow seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

It was decided to give everyone up until the first race of calendar 2008 to renew, then to begin enforcing the expired membership penalty (initiation) fee, commencing on February 25, 2008.  Currently, approximately 100 memberships have not yet been renewed.   

At present, there are 69 CVAR drivers with expired licenses or licenses that will expire before the February event at TWS. 

4.  Treasurer Report:   Before giving the financial details, John Gaudette noted that he has a CVAR-owned IBM ThinkPad notebook computer that he does not need or use.  David Griffith spoke for it, and will henceforth use it to maintain records of car weights and other CVAR tech inspection matters.  This CVAR property is now in the possession of David Griffith. 

John Gaudette stated that IRS Form 990 income tax return for CVAR's calendar 2007 earnings is due May 15, 2008.  In recent years, CVAR has paid approximately $900 annually for a professional tax preparer to prepare this document for signature, but it is a relatively simple form, and John volunteered to prepare it himself, for the President's signature.   

After a brief review of the financial statement, John Gaudette moved that the treasurers report be accepted.  Bruce Revennaugh seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.    

5.  Outgoing statement:  David Peterson thanked everyone for their support during his 2007 tenure.  He said that he found it not easy to please everyone, and that he received a lot of complaints about the voting process.  He felt that treating a lack of response as a vote for the proposed slate diluted member confidence in the fairness of the voting process, and recommended against doing so in future elections.  He noted that the President can never do it all himself, and encouraged volunteerism on the part of the BoD when new issues arise.   

6.  Registration:  David Littlefield noted that improvements to the DLB Racing website handling of second car entries are underway.  DLB can provide CVAR with tailored reports for use by tech, medical, etc. upon request.  In the future, CVAR may be able to tailor report formats for ourselves, instead of asking DLB personnel to change the format for us as is currently required.   

Herb Hilton agreed to send all non-CVAR car entry information to Roy Allen, so that the non-CVAR cars can be properly screened for technical issues. 

The proposed 2008 fee schedule provided in the "Board Packet" was discussed, and the only change was to make the student entry fee $400, not $450.   With this one change, the new fee schedule will become the basis of DLB online registrations for the February TWS event, which David Littlefield will open ASAP.

George Curl proposed disallowing walk-in students at CVAR drivers schools, with the cutoff point set at 10 days prior to the event.  This proposal was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved.

It was noted that the closed wheel and open wheel enduro events on Sunday at the November 2007 TWS event drew a total of only 22 entrants.  The TWS paddock thinned out noticeably on Sunday morning.  A decision whether to continue these enduros is to be an action item for the next BoD meeting. 

7.  Schedule:  George Curl noted that all CVAR members are welcome to attend BoD meetings, and that 30 minutes will be placed on each BoD meeting agenda to assure members have an opportunity to bring their concerns or recommendations to the BoD.  The Best Western motel in Temple will continue to be the meeting place until further notice.  The BoD meeting schedule for the remainder of 2008 was set as follows:             
                            May 10, 2008
                            Sept 20, 2008
                            Nov 22, 2008 

8.  School/Instructors:  George Curl addressed a proposed change to compensation for Friday instructors.  The expectation is that instructors will drive their cars during student sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and on Sunday mornings.  There was explicit recognition that cars with high operating costs, e.g. Group 1 cars, may not go out during all student sessions to the full extent.  The intent is to compensate instructors for Friday by granting free "test and tune" Fridays at the following two events.  Clarification:  this is to be a "use it or lose it" benefit that cannot be carried forward beyond two events immediately following the school Friday instruction.  In return for instructing at one school Friday, the instructor receives two Instructor Friday "test and tune" sessions.  Bob Green moved that the above change be implemented.  John Fershtand seconded the motion, and it was approved over one nay vote.    

9.  Tech Inspection:  David Griffith addressed the requirement that all lenses, both glass and plastic, shall be taped. After discussion, strict enforcement was the direction from the BoD.   

CVAR's current drivers suit requirements were addressed.  After discussion, it was agreed that CVAR should require at least one layer be SFI approved, and that the outer drivers suit must be one designed for racing automobiles (i.e., not an old military flying suit).  David Griffith was charged to write up specific wordings for approval at the next BoD meeting.  If approved, the updated requirements should then be posted clearly on the CVAR website.  

There was discussion as to whether CVAR needed a separate rules set for pre-war cars.  David Griffith is to review other vintage organizations such as HSR, SVRA, etc. to benchmark pre-war rules.   

Harold Pace noted that regardless of various accommodations which may be made for pre-war cars, CVAR should nonetheless require adequate rollover protection and modern seat belts, in the interest of driver safety.  Drivers should not be allowed to drive without adequate rollover protection and modern seat belts simply by signing a waiver; in the event of a fatal accident, their heirs would not be bound by any such waiver, and CVAR would suffer in the courts for not requiring adequate safety equipment, regardless of the car's pre-war vintage status. 

Weighing of cars will continue at 2008 CVAR events, but only for cars not yet weighed or for those wishing to be weighed again.   

10.  There followed a 15 minute break at 3:00 pm.

11.  Member input:  Chalmer McWilliams and Jeff Sloan spoke in favor of a reversal of the BoD's July 2006 ruling to exclude Caterhams from CVAR eligibility at a future point in time.  Chalmer outlined his arguments in a letter to George Curl dated 16 December 2007, copies of which were available.  During discussion which followed, Harold Pace reviewed the reasoning for the BoD's 2006 decision.  Chalmer asked that existing CVAR Caterhams be permanently grandfathered, in a way that they can still be raced in CVAR if sold to a new owner.   There was also a discussion of certain Westfields being granted a CVAR race-by-race exemption, void if car is ever modified or sold. 

Bruce Revennaugh moved that the BoD should revisit the July 2006 decision to bar Caterhams and the one Westfield.  David Griffith seconded the motion, which was approved with one abstention.  This issue will be set as an action item for the next BoD meeting.

12.  Tech and Authenticity:  Seth Higgins and Harold Pace provided a background review of Porsche 911 configurations and eligibility for backdating to 1974 or earlier configurations.  The issue of backdating cars back to 1974 for CVAR's FIA class or 1972 for other closed-wheel classes is not limited to Porsche 911 cars, but is most visible with the 911 because the body style didn't change until 1989.

There was discussion of "non-logbook" or "non-CVAR-legal" cars belonging to CVAR members being allowed to run on "test and tune" Fridays, but not being allowed to race with CVAR.   

There remains a provision for non-CVAR members, i.e., guests, to race with CVAR up to twice a year with cars not meeting CVAR requirements.  Such cars must nonetheless have a logbook issued by some other recognized VMC organization, e.g. HSR, and the driver must hold a license from the other organization as well. 

CVAR Novice students can still be allowed to attend their first school and receive a Novice logbook with a car not meeting CVAR requirements, but for their subsequent Novice events, the car must be conforming and have a CVAR vehicle logbook. 

There was discussion of a driver taking a car which had not been through Tech Inspection onto the track, and there was discussion of a driver lacking a current Novice logbook or valid vintage racing license onto the track.  All agreed that either case should be strongly dealt with, up to and including banishment for a significant period of time.  Harold Pace pointed out that it is the driver's responsibility to be properly licensed, to verify that the car has a valid logbook, and to verify that the car has been through Tech Inspection, else CVAR be legally vulnerable in the event of an accident.   

Roy Allen discussed his proposal that two Authenticity trophies be purchased, to be awarded at year end to one open wheel car and one closed wheel car.  An Authenticity Award committee is recommended to evaluate cars all through the racing year.  Charlie Jones, Bruce Revennaugh, Don Gwynne, and Dan Haynes have volunteered to serve on this committee.  Goals for 2008 in this regard are:         
                - Set standards for future judging.

                -Establish group of knowledgeable people

                - Start library of "authenticity"… videos, photos, interviews, etc.

                - Judge/pick two cars by November 2008 TWS

John Furlow moved to establish the above awards, approve expenditure for two trophies, and establish the initial selection committee as described above.   Roy Allen seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. 

There followed an extensive discussion of two documents titled "1972 GCR for A/S and T/A with CVAR Exceptions" and "1972 GCR for AP & BP cars with CVAR Exceptions".    

Don Gwynne voiced the need for a general statement for both to the effect that while these documents address a car prepared to 1972 GCR, similar CVAR exceptions and CVAR clarifications may apply for cars prepared to other issues of GCR.  It shall be up to the competitor preparing a car to other than 1972 GCR to provide a copy of that other year issue of GCR & PCS and to request clarifications as to any CVAR exceptions and/or clarifications which may be applicable to that year of GCR.   

Bob Green spoke as to the penalty for falsifying a document and signing one's name.  He used the Tech Declaration sheet as an example…”6 months license suspension, with one individual already on suspension”…”Do Not Do It, People” 

With the meeting going past 6 pm and the discussion of Group 1 rules and their CVAR exceptions and clarifications still going strong, George Curl brought discussion to a close and directed Roy Allen to re-write the two documents reviewed, incorporating the intent of today's BoD comments, and bring to next BoD meeting for final consideration.  There is not an intent that the next BoD meeting spend three or more hours discussing the same issues again. 

13. Micellaneous : Bob Green discussed the new Vintage Racing League, what it is and what it is not.  VRL hopes to sell the concept of high roller VIP tents at 6 to 8 selected vintage racing events to large corporations.  VRL would charge the large corporation for hosting VIP spectators in relatively lavish settings, tents, buffets, wines, etc.  VRL would sponsor the vintage event and pay the track rental fees, but would not be the organizer of the event.  Event control and responsibility would remain with the sanctioning organization (e.g., CVAR, HSR, SOVREN, etc.).   

Discussion of CVAR logos was postponed to the next BoD meeting due to time considerations. 

The Vintage Motorsports Council (VMC) is meeting on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Embassy Suites DFW South.  Up to 27 vintage organizations from all across the USA are likely to attend this meeting.  Any CVAR member may attend.  CVAR normally has travel costs associated with attending VMC meetings, so there is a savings on travel to this particular meeting.  VMC pays the hotel for the meeting room facilities (approximately $250).  Bob Green moved that CVAR sponsor Continental Breakfast for the meeting attendees for approximately $300.  John Gaudette seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved. 

Don Gwynne will update the "Periodic Report - Nonprofit Corporation" filing on the Texas Secretary of State's office online website "SOS-Direct" with the new CVAR board members and officers.  

Bob Green announced that E Production is being moved from Group 7 to Group 2 to balance the field sizes.   

Next BoD meeting is set for the same location on May 10, 2008 at noon. 

Meeting was adjourned by George Curl at 6:07 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

 Don Gwynne (for the absent Secretary, Jeff Wilt)
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Treasurer's Report - Year Ending 2007

Fellow Corinthians-  CVAR "staged" seven events during 2007, five in Texas and two at Hallett in Oklahoma, and averaged about 120 entries per event.  Our February drivers school and races at TWS attracted 135 entries;  our September event at TWS attracted virtually the same number of entries.  Our least attended event was the April event at Hallett, Oklahoma.  Our fall event at Hallett attracted in excess of 130 entries, of which approximately one third were non CVAR drivers, and made for an interesting time in the paddock, not to mention the sight of all those Formula Fords and the show they put on.  Our November event at TWS was followed by our "test" event at Eagle's Canyon Raceway four weeks later.  These two events staged just four weeks apart at the end of the year held down the entry for both events in my opinion, and as a result we did not cover our costs for either event. We (the Board) anticipated this to some extent and consider the cost to be an "investment" in knowledge for the future.  We were able to stage our Eagle's Canyon event for considerably less than we had anticipated, and surprisingly, at least to me, for $ 3,000 to $ 5,000 less than it costs to stage an event at TWS.  If you like running at TWS, YOU NEED to put those events on your calendar;  it takes some 140 entries to cover our costs at TWS. A BIG majority of the members I talked to were delighted with the race track at ECR, notwithstanding some safety issues they want addressed.

In 2007, we collected some $ 233,800 in entry and related fees for our events; additionally, we received some $19,100 in dues, sponsorships and miscellaneous items.  We spent $ 243,800 to stage our events and another $12,700 on nonevent costs like advertising, printing, insurance and so forth.  The net effect was to fall short of covering our total expenses by some $ 3,700.  I do not think in terms of profit or loss re CVAR;  I think in terms of covering costs as we are not here to make money but to have as good a time as possible as a "club" of vintage auto racers.  This was not a bad year in my opinion. 

During 2007, we increased the per diem rate we pay our corner workers to stay competitive with other groups competing for this important group of people;  this was a significant cost increase for our TWS events in September and November, as well as ECR in December and will result in higher costs for our February and May events in 2008. 

At present, we have a six event schedule on tap for 2008;  I think not having a December event on the schedule will result in a larger turnout for the November event. This will thus increase our average entry number and greatly help our cost structure for the year.

We are currently planning to return to ECR in May;  based on the initial reaction of those attending in December, I suspect the May entry will approach 150 at ECR compared to 112 at MSR FW last May.  MSR has been a track where we were quite successful at covering our costs;  I expect this is likely also be the case at ECR, as I expect it to attract more entries than MSR and the costs for our test event there were less than expected. 

TWS has new owners who indicate they plan to operate the track for at least 5 years to come ... Good news for TWS fans.  They are currently reviewing the prior owner's contracts for possible modification before executing contracts for 2008 events.  We have preliminary plans in the works with ECR's track management for a return to ECR in May.                              

Respectfully submitted,

  John L Gaudette

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Registration Changes for 2008

Entry Fees have increased.  After many, many years of no increase to fees and continually increasing costs, we find we have to increase race entry fees to keep CVAR in the black.  We believe that CVAR entry fees are still the best bargain in motorsports and compare very favorably with any other racing organization, particularly when the amount of track time is considered.  Two day race entry (Saturday and Sunday) for CVAR is $200.  This will increase to $250.  Test and Tune (Friday) will remain at $100.  Compare this to the $325 two day fee charged by NASA or $360 two day race entry charged by SCCA

 For most people online registration will not change.  However, if you are entering two cars or two drivers for one car, there are some things you need to know:

  When entering two cars: 

Go through the registration process for the first car as you would normally do.  Make your credit card payment for that one car.  When you are through the process, you will be given the option to “Register a Second Car”.  Choose this option and you will go through the process again with the second car, being sure to change to that car in My Garage.  When you select the fee amount, you will select the full race entry fee, then in the Test and Tune fee you’ll have the option of a $50 charge (instead of the full $100) to add the second car.  Proceed through the payment process as you normally would.  All of this presumes that you are registering the two cars in two different Groups.  If you are registering two cars to run in one Group (ie, you will be switching cars in the same Group during the weekend) contact me for more information.

 When entering two drivers: 

You cannot enter a second driver on your account!  Each driver needs to establish his or her own account even if you are sharing the same car.  This is important because we need all the same license and liability waiver information on every driver! 

The second driver will use his account (or create one if necessary) on DLBRacing.com to register the same car.  He will need to put the car details in My Garage just as the primary driver has them.  Assuming that the secondary driver will be driving in a different Group there shouldn’t be a number conflict.  If there is a number conflict for any reason, contact me via phone or email and I’ll give you instructions on how to resolve it.  The secondary driver will otherwise register normally, selecting the full entry fee.  However, assuming both the secondary and the primary driver wish to register for Test and Tune, the secondary driver can select the $50 “Add a Driver” fee for Test and Tune, rather than pay the full $100 fee.   Thank you all for your patience and understanding.  Now, let's get those cars ready to race!!

Full fee schedule table at:  Fee Schedule

Race Registration for the February School and Races is now open!  Go to http://www.dlbracing.com/clubs/corinthianvintagerace/vintage.aspx?EventID=3112 to register.

David Littlefield

CVAR Registrar

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Board of Directors Meeting - Jan. 19th, 2008

The Board of Directors will meet Saturday, Jan 19, 2008. 1 PM

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