It's official. (or as official as it needs to be for now) The Sunriders Miata Club has sprouted a new branch: The Sunriders Autocross Club. Without going into lengthy boring details, here are the basic facts:

WHO: Anyone in the Tampa Bay area who has enjoyed, would like to enjoy, and/or would like to continue to enjoy the Courtesy Mazda - Sunriders Autocross series. (gotta toss out the sponsor plug every now and then)

WHAT: A new "club" under the Sunriders umbrella with the sole purpose of continuing and possibly expanding the Sunriders Autocross series.

WHY: Because the handful of "Miata dudes" who have been organizing and doing all of the grunt work behind these autocrosses for the past few years are getting seriously burned out. The Sunriders Miata club accepts that they can't continue this program without some serious help and involvement from the local autocross community, hence a new "open" autocross club.

WHERE: Still at St. Pete Junior College for now, though we may investigate some other sites in the future.

WHEN: So far this season's dates are: 9-Mar-2003, 12-Apr-2003, 17-May-2003, 21-Jun-2003, 20-Sep-2003 and 15-Nov-2003. Pending member involvement, more events may be added... or events may be cancelled. I'm hoping we can at least maintain this schedule.

If you've read this far, you probably also want to know this: Non-member entry fees for regular Sunriders Autocross Club events (that would be those 6 whens above) will be $30. That still includes lunch. (by the way, we are no longer renting helmets, they are now no-fee loaners, but we still have a limited supply so bring yours if you have one) If you elect to join the Sunriders Autocross Club, annual dues are $20. (these dues are waived for current members of the Sunriders Miata club who have already paid $30 in annual dues) Members get a $5 discount on their entry fees. There will also be members-only events which will, of course, be limited to Sunriders Autocross Club members. (the June event may be for members only, as will the October driver's school event)

If you were at the last Sunriders autocross, you may have noticed that we are working to streamline our procedures and simplify the way the program operates. The last event was excellent, the next will be even better. What you may not have noticed is that as part of our new organization, each event will have it's own chairman (and co-chairman/men). This practice spreads the burden of "running the show" around and helps prevent the volunteer burnout mentioned above. (don't worry, we're prepared to give as much guidance, instruction and help as necessary to those who volunteer to be event chairmen) We'll be looking to our new members to get involved and help keep the program going. Without your help, it could easily dissolve within the next year or two. With lots of people helping, we can do a lot more with a lot less effort, and this is our goal.

So, if any of you who are interested in joining the new club want to get a head start on learning what you can do to help, send me a note and I'll point you in the right direction. Hint: I don't have a designated chairman for any event after March 9th. Minimal experience required. Inquire within.

To keep up with the latest info, join the Sunriders Autocross email group on Yahoo Groups:
Sunriders Autocross Group

 

Once I know my work schedule which depends on whatever fixed employment I end up with I will be happy to commit to you guys.

You guys are one of my faves right up there with the SCCA and PCA.

 

sounds good, i look forward to the next sunriders event.

 

sounds good to me too.. as i will only be going to local Tampa events this year.

 

im going to try to be at the mar 9 event, after that well see.

 

Sounds like a plan. I've been running at Sunriders events for a while now, guess it's time to lend a hand.

 

Count me in....I want a shot at the cones!

 

well the college is very close, so i do think ill be attending the next event and give this a try.