OHIO VALLEY KARTING ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2006

 

 

CALL TO ORDER: President Randy Vermillion called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at Ramada Inn, Middletown, Ohio. 

 

OPENING REMARKS: Randy Vermillion thanked everyone for coming and asked that cell phones be turned off or on vibrate mode.  He explained there is a lot to be discussed and asked that attendees refrain from sidebar conversations.  Vermillion reported that Ray McKibben lost a pocket computer at clean-up day.  If anyone has found it, please contact Ray or any OVKA board member. 

 

SECRETARYS' REPORT: Lynda Whitaker made a motion to accept the March minutes as published.  The motion was seconded by Tim Bell and passed unanimously. 

 

TREASURERS' REPORT: Gary Gregg provided an update on finances.   

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

BANQUET COMMITTEE: Rick Coombs reported arrangement have been worked out with the Kings Island Resort and Conference Center for the 2006 banquet which will be held Saturday, January 20, 2007. 

 

RULES COMMITTEE: Rick Coombs reported the 2006 rulebooks have been printed and will be available at Karting 101.

 

SPONSORSHIP: Randy Vermillion explained 75 packets were mailed out promoting OVKA sponsorship.  He reported Baker Racing Engines and Digitron have come on board as sponsors for the 2006 racing season.  Vermillion asked that members help identify potential sponsors and let him know so he can provide them with information.  Vermillion explained there is a need for a sponsorship chairperson which involves putting sponsorship packets together for mailing, maintaining a database of current and potential sponsors and phone calls.  This position would work closely with Hal Thornton who oversees pit spots.  Vermillion said in addition to the chairperson, other people are needed to serve on this committee to personally visit potential sponsors to promote OVKA.  Contact Vermillion if interested or wanting further details.  Vermillion reported some pit spot payments have been received and there are a number of spaces still available.

 

SHOWS & PROMOTIONS: Randy Vermillion thanked Max Viney for coordinating OVKA’s participation at the Lang Chevrolet Show sponsored by DARF last month.  Thank you also to other volunteers: Don Boles, Dennis Queary and Vermillion.  Boles reported there was a car show at the Piqua Mall last week.  Vermillion responded we need to look at participating in that next year.  He said he will send in a reservation for the Springfield Car and Parts Show at the Clark County Fairground over Memorial Day weekend if there are volunteers to work the booth.  Vermillion reported a booth assignment has been received for next year’s Kart Marketing International Show which will be moving to Schaumburg, Illinois (suburban Chicago).  Steve Smith thanked Nick Ouwerkerk and Joan and Billy Morgan for representing OVKA at DARF Promoter’s Night recently.

 

CHAMP RACE: Rick Coombs reported someone is needed to chair the Champ Race.  He explained it involves making arrangements for catering, activities, setup and cleanup.  Contact Coombs to volunteer or for more details. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

WKA CHEST PROTECTION REQUIREMENT: Randy Vermillion reminded everyone that as of December 26, 2005, WKA now requires the use of chest protection in Kid Kart and Sportsman-age classes (12 years and younger) in all series.  More information can be found on the WKA website.  He reported that Team Valhalla was at our Swap Meet and said they will upgrade the Armadilla chest protectors.  Vermillion explained this will be enforced beginning with Karting 101. 

 

2006 WORKERS: Randy Vermillion stated he anticipates a continued struggle filling corner worker positions this upcoming season.  He asked for assistance in locating people 18 years of age or older with some racing knowledge who would be willing to work this position.  Vermillion explained training an inexperienced person on the day of the event can delay getting the races started.  Contact Vermillion or Lynda Whitaker.  Steve Smith pointed out that the worker assignment schedule for race 14 needs to include Kid Karts along with Sportsman Briggs.

 

DRIVING SCHOOL: Randy Vermillion discussed the need for someone to work with Nick Ouwerkerk at the driving school on Saturday, April 8th, to be trained to take it over in 2007.  If no one steps up, we will not be able to continue offering this.  Contact Ouwerkerk or Vermillion.  Ouwerkerk explained the track will be closed for practice during those times when driving school participants are on the track.  Gary Gregg said he is willing to split the cost of gravel with the club.

 

CLEAN-UP DAY: Randy Vermillion thanked the 45 people who came out and helped on clean-up day.  He said a lot was accomplished.  Due to weather conditions that day, sealing and painting will need to be done at a later date.  Vermillion explained there was the need for some gravel, paint and supplies and made a motion to appropriate $877.81.  The motion was seconded by Tim Bell and passed with 10 in favor and 1 abstained.

 

COMPUTER SOFTWARE: Lynda Whitaker explained the Lightning racing software has been received and installed on the master laptop.   Southern Indiana Racing Association has contacted her and offered to share the time of Lori Richardson who is coming from Texas to train them on this program.  SIRA has asked OVKA to contribute $200 toward the cost.  Whitaker made a motion to appropriate $200 to go to SIRA for software training.  The motion was seconded by Max Viney and passed unanimously.

 

SPECTATOR AREA: Tabled from last month, Randy Vermillion discussed the need for improving the spectator area outside turn one and recommended a porta-john be added there.  Gary Gregg suggested waiting to see what kind of crowds attend this season and said a porta-john could be moved from the concession area.  Vermillion asked Gregg what can be to improve the appearance of the white building at the entry area.  Gregg said he will have it repaired.  Vermillion explained that at one of the KMI seminars, they discussed how importance appearance is in making first impressions with visitors.  Don Boles suggested there be a sign directing visitors to the spectator area.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

KARTING 101: Randy Vermillion explained that Karting 101 includes a one-hour instructional session where safety, flags and race day procedures.  This is followed by small groups going out on the track to go over entering and exiting the track, how to use the lineup oval, driving lines and passing.  He asked for volunteers to help.  Rick Coombs, Ted Cradlebaugh, Randy Landes, Tom Marshall and Max Viney will assist.

 

KID KARTS: Lynda Whitaker explained there have been several requests for an unrestricted Kid Kart class for 7-year-olds.  WKA has said they would review a written request if submitted by the board.  Randy Vermillion said the club offered a novice class for Sportsman-age drivers last season on an as needed basis.  Ted Cradlebaugh discussed the importance of new drivers putting in track time practicing.  Mark Brown asked what happened to proposing a transition class to WKA as was discussed last season.  Following discussion, a motion was made by Vermillion to approve and submit the following criteria to WKA as a local option class:

 

Name of Class:

Rookie

Ages:

7 through 12 years old (must be 7 at time of participating in class)

Engine/Chassis:

·          Comer K80 with .400 restrictor on Cadet chassis

·          Yamaha 3-hole can with Sportsman carburetor on standard chassis

Weight:

·          Cadet – 200# minimum

·          Sportsman – 215# minimum

Other:

·          Purpose: The development of drivers preparing to enter Sportsman-age class

·          All other OVKA & WKA regulations & specifications apply as per Cadet Jr. Sportsman & Sportsman Yamaha

·          Each driver must be evaluated by the Rookie Class Director prior to racing in this class

·          .400 restrictor will be supplied by OVKA

·          Transponders will be required for purpose of monitoring lap times

·          Gear and/or weight may be adjusted throughout the season as deemed necessary to maintain an even difference between Kid Kart & Cadet Jr. Sportsman/Sportsman Yamaha lap times

·          This is a non-points class (no trophy or jacket)

·          Year-end award will be given at the banquet; drawings based on level of participation

 

The motion was seconded by Randy Landes and passed with 10 in favor and 1 abstained.  Gary Gregg made a motion that if WKA approves the criteria, OVKA will offer the class.  The motion was seconded by Steve Rumsey and passed with 9 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstained.  Brown agreed to be Rookie Class Director.  Gregg said Tim Reed may be willing to be Kid Kart Director.  Vermillion asked if there is any further action about Kid Karts to which Steve Smith said it is a good class the way it is and shouldn’t be changed.

 

FLAGPOLE: Randy Vermillion explained the large flagpole is in need of repair or replacement.  Rick Coombs said a commercial flagpole costs approximately $2,000 and suggested checking with Drew Young about obtaining a light pole that a pulley could be run inside of.  The matter was tabled.

 

AMBULANCE: Gary Gregg asked if the board would want to consider hiring an EMT instead of an ambulance in order to reduce costs.  Randy Vermillion responded the purpose of charging for reserved pit spots has been to cover the cost of having an ambulance at G & J Kartway since we race the majority of our events there.  Gregg said he feels having an ambulance helps attendance and the club may want to wait to see what the kart count is this year before considering this.  Steve Rumsey stated he prefers to have the ambulance there to which Victor and JoAnne Hartings agreed. 

 

 OPEN DISCUSSION:

CONES: Randy Vermillion reported quite a few of the cones on the track are in bad shape.  Rick Coombs made a motion to appropriate up to $300 to purchase new cones.  The motion was seconded by Steve Smith and passed unanimously.

 

BY-LAW CHANGE: Rick Coombs explained how cumbersome it is to limit the president to $100 per purchase and made a motion to change the by-laws to $300 for presidential purchases.  The motion was seconded by Steve Smith and passed unanimously.

 

FUEL COST: Randy Vermillion explained due to an increase in fuel cost, it will be necessary to charge $6.00 per gallon for the club’s spec fuel, Citgo 110.  Tim Bell responded this was to be expected.

 

BOARD POSITION: Randy Vermillion explained that Bob Cox is unable to accept a board position following his nomination last month due to a job change.  Vermillion nominated JoAnne Hartings to the OVKA Board of Directors.  The motion was seconded by Max Viney and will be voted on next month.

 

PICTURES: Steve Smith reported there is a picture of Danica Patrick in her book, The Danica Patrick Story, which was taken at G & J Kartway.  Smith suggested pictures of the top finishers be taken on the podium as there is always the possibility they could go further with their racing.  Lynda Whitaker suggested talking with Terri Ruggiero who takes digital pictures at some of the events. 

 

AWARDS: Steve Rumsey suggested giving top finishers awards such as medallions, perhaps to Sportsman-age on down.  Rick Coombs said he agrees and pointed out there may be senior-age drivers who would also want to receive them.  No further action was taken.    

 

DUNLOP TIRES: Gerald Whaling reported he is already having difficulty obtaining Dunlop 6.00 tires.  Randy Vermillion responded he talked with Jim Russell who assured him there is not a shortage of tires and will continue to monitor the situation.  Whaling suggested the club consider going with Bridgestone tires.

 

ADJOURNMENT: Randy Vermillion made a motion to adjourn to executive session at 9:55 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Steve Smith and passed unanimously.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Having been nominated last month, Doug Stempfley, II was unanimously voted to the OVKA Board of Directors.  Executive session was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

 

NEXT MEETING: 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at Ramada Inn Middletown, 6147 West State Route 122, Franklin, OH (east side of I-75)

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Bell, D. Boles, B. Brundage, R. Coombs, G. Gregg, R. Landes, M. Lewis, S. Rumsey, S. Smith, H. Thornton, R. Vermillion, and M. Viney.

 

MEMBERS / VISITORS PRESENT: C. Bogan, M. Brown, T. Cradlebaugh, J. Hartings, V. Hartings, T. Michimi, Randall Potter, Randy Potter, D. Stempfley, G. Whaling, L. Whitaker, and B. Williams.

 

Respectfully submitted by Lynda Whitaker, OVKA Secretary, 4/27//06.