We love cars. But we also know winter isn’t the best time of year for motorsports (unless you have a well-timed northern RallyCross.) So what is an automotive lover to do?
May we suggest a trip to a storehouse of culture and beauty? AKA: a museum visit?
Yeah, yeah, yeah… we know. Museums are boring. They’re filled with ancient indentations of ferns or paintings from artists with only one ear. But there are some museums that pay homage to majestic awesomeness that will satiate those hungering for motor goodness during winter months. We’re talking about the shrines that are automotive museums throughout the United States.
There are tons of places to explore automotive history. Just check out the National Association of Automotive Museums for an engaging presentation near you. Lots of these joints also have displays centered on racing, such as Los Angeles’ Peterson Automotive Museum currently displaying “Howlin’: Select Vehicles from the Nearburg Collection.” (pictured)
So maybe navigating an auto museum isn’t as much fun as one of our events, but until the weather improves, at least you’ll have some pretty machinery to gaze upon.
The record setting attendance at the 2015 Solo National Championships has set the bar high for 2016. For the record the official count for 2015 was 1223. We hope to break it again in 2016!
The 2015 Solo season is officially in the rear view mirror so I want to update the membership on a few of the things we will be working on in 2016.
- Look for a major ProSolo Announcement soon!
- SCCA Timing Systems — we currently have a broad group of members and experts gathered to flush out and give input to the SCCA Staff regarding what it would take to create or acquire timing software that will tie online registration, online results, weekend membership, Solo reporting, sanctioning, and credit card processing together.
- The SEB is excited to launch STP (Street Touring Pony Car) this year as a supplemental class. We are always cautious about how and when to add a class. It was very clear the membership demand for this class is strong. Also look for new classifications including mid-engine vehicles to STU shortly.
- Rules Change Tracking Spreadsheet — The SEB is working with Doug Gill to keep everyone informed about what rules change proposals are in play and their current status. Look for this in the: Programs > Autocross > Rules section of the SCCA.com website.
In 2016 we will continue the online Town Hall format. There will be Spring and Summer online Town Hall meetings. The dates for those have not yet been set. Also, look for category specific meetings and Solo Safety Steward training. Solo Safety Training should happen in February 2016 and we anticipate Street Prepared will be the first Category Specific online meeting.Watch Solo Matters for upcoming information.
I personally want to thank all of the advisory committees for their service in 2015. It’s a tough job and only a small percentage of our members volunteer for any of the positions. We are always making an effort be more transparent and communicative.
Currently there are open positions on the STAC, SMAC.
2016 brings the SEB terms of Mark Andy and Dave Hardy to an end. I truly enjoyed working with both of them and the amount of time and effort they have given the club during their terms has been tremendous.
Mary Andy, thank you for your efforts!
Dave Hardy, thank you for your efforts!
The SEB welcomes two new members, Bob Davis from the New England Region. Bob has been autocrossing since 2008 and became the New England Region Solo Chair in 2010. Bob and his son Billy compete is CSP in their Mazda Miata.
Mike Brausen is from the Milwaukee Region. Mike has been autocrossing since 2004. He currently competes in FP in a 2006 Mitsubishi Evo. Mike was a member of the SMAC prior to joining the Solo Events Board. Welcome!
Happy New Year to all!
