Many of you may not have heard about the 2014 SCCA Convention and the North American Motorsports Expo (MSX) trade show, happening simultaneously in Charlotte, March 7-9. Whether you have, or have not, you probably have two big questions: what is it, and why should I go?
Fair points. Let’s take them in order.
What is the SCCA Convention, and what is MSX?
First things first, these are two different things. They’re happening at the same time, in the same place, but separate them for just a second. That sounds confusing right now, but it will make it easier on you in just a minute.
The SCCA National Convention happens every year. For the last several years, it was in Las Vegas. This year, it’s in Charlotte. It includes the annual meeting, which is the business meeting of the SCCA, and required by our by-laws. It also includes training seminars, information sessions, and round table discussions on just about every aspect of the Club. It’s a valuable tool for those who are involved in SCCA’s leadership, event planning, and organization.
MSX is a brand new trade show, running this year for the first time. It is not the typical racing industry trade show—it is OUR industry’s trade show. It’s geared to amateur racers, soloists, rallycross participants. While other shows seem to focus on the roundy round tracks, this show is targeting vendors specific to our SCCA activities. There are exhibits from vendors that you’ll be interested in, and they’re currently lining up speakers ranging from Randy Pobst and Andy Pilgrim to seminars on chassis, shocks, set up, data collection and more. In other words, everything you do, and want to do better, all in one place.
Why Should I Attend?
Didn’t you read what we said above? Because it’s going to be fun, informative, and helpful, all at once! Bonus points if you’re within driving distance from Charlotte, of course, but no matter what, the schedule is set up so that you can arrive on Friday morning and be home Sunday night. That’s a new twist this year.
But really, which should you attend? The SCCA Convention is great if you hold an elected Region position, if you regularly help plan Solo events, or if you just want to be more involved. It costs $295, and among the Solo specific sessions are Town Halls, Best Practices exercises for Regions to share ideas, a Tool Box session for Regions to learn the items available to them, and a session on Growing Your Program. That cost also includes Saturday night’s SCCA Hall of Fame Induction Banquet Presented by Mazda.
If that seems like it’s above your level of participation, the MSX show is probably for you. The trade show floor – free. No cost. Zero. You can look, shop and ask questions to your heart’s content.
But, here’s where the MSX show gets really valuable. For $95, you can attend the MSX seminars. These are geared to drivers, and have some real value. Basic and advances sessions on set-up, shocks, tires, towing, data collection, tax law, and testing are all on the agenda. Sound like anything you do as a Soloist?
Bottom line? You can find something helpful at each of these sessions. If the Convention (www.SCCA.com/Convention) isn’t for you, head on over to MSXExpo.com and see what the new show offers. You might be pleasantly surprised.
