The ARCA Panel held a meeting at the Holiday Inn, Borehamwood, on February 16.
They were joined by most of those who had offered to undertake jobs previously carried out by the Championship Co-ordinator. (The names of those present are shown in capital letters). The meeting was chaired by CLIVE HODGKIN, who said that his role would encompass liaison with the BRSCC and ensuring that everything ran smoothly in the run-up to the season and during the season itself. He would also look after negotiation with Toyo regarding control tyres. It was confirmed that BRSCC Competition Secretary, Drew Furlong, was the nominated Co-ordinator in the 2014 Championship Regulations.
The meeting received the following reports on current progress –
JOANNE EASTWOOD – Championship Registrations and number allocations: Joanne reported that despite the late start, 2014 registration forms were now available on the website and that she was starting to receive completed forms and cheques. Some competitors had asked for race number changes. Joanne and IAN BROOKFIELD would be taking over the organisation of the annual dinner and prize giving and they set out their thoughts on the event so far.
MATT DALY & JON BILLINGSLEY – Championship website: Matt and Jon gave details of the considerable progress they had made after taking over the website from Graham Heels and undertaking a complete re-design. However for various technical reasons the site could not yet go back on-line although hopefully this would be possible within a few days. However, Matt was able to show everyone what the new site would look like, receiving an enthusiastic response. There was still work to do before everything was fully up and running and this would inevitably be an on-going process.
MICHAEL LINDSAY – Regulations, race reports, commentating, prize givings, liaison with BRSCC on their website, race programmes etc, media notes at race meetings: Michael said that he had submitted the 2014 regs to the MSA via the BRSCC. He was happy to continue this task for 2015 although if there was going to be a restructuring of classes etc he would welcome assistance. On the suggestion of Ian Brookfield he would approach Gary Orchard to help with this task. Michael would continue with the other jobs listed as in 2012/13 and was hoping to revive “News & Gossip” as part of the website.
TONY HERBERT – Provision of number panels, numbers, Alfashop screen stickers, ARCA decals etc: Tony provided the meeting with details of current stock and it was agreed that he would provide all the decals required by the Championship plus administering stocks of decals from sponsors. He would mail them to all competitors or provide decals at race meetings if requested in advance. An initial pack of decals would be provided free. Thereafter, competitors would be charged.
JOY FAIRY – Sponsorship: Joy was able to confirm that Alfashop would remain as the Championship’s title sponsor for another year and that Toyo Tires, LMA and Grove & Dean (ex MMC Motorsport Insurance) would continue as associate sponsors. She was also able to give a report on behalf of Andy Robinson who will be looking after the provision of trophies in 2014.
WILL INGLIS – TV coverage: Will ran through the discussions he had been having regarding the Championship’s inclusion in the Motors TV “Last Lap” programme in 2014 including likely costs, a large part of which he hoped we would again be able to cover with sponsorship.
DAVID THOMAS – Hon Treasurer: David confirmed that he would be continuing in the role of Treasurer.
GARY WALKER – Hospitality: Gary told the meeting that he was now in possession of the marquee used for championship hospitality for the past two years and that it would be taken to meetings in the Bianco truck. Detailed arrangements for hospitality had yet to be worked out but Gary hoped that some of those present at each meeting would help to keep it running as an essential element of our paddock activity.
At the end of the meeting Clive Hodgkin announced that Matt Daly and PAUL PLANT would be joining the Championship Panel, taking over from Gary Walker, with immediate effect. If Paul was not able to attend a meeting, Gary Walker would deputise.
Others present at the meeting were ROGER EVANS (Panel Member), CHRISTINE HODGKIN and DIANA LINDSAY.