Minutes of the Directors' Meeting held on 12 January 2010

1800 Class

Douglas Maclay presented a paper on the 1800 class. Objectives were (1) to attract additional FF1800 drivers to Mono given that they do not wish to modify their cars and (2) to generally make the 1600/1800 classes more attractive by running a race separately from faster cars. Simon Davey suggested that Mallory was one of the few places where 3 grids could be practical owing to numbers and grid size restrictions.

Peter Whitmore commented that for it to be safe to run 2 grids with 2 litres and 1000/1400 combined, an open circuit like Thruxton was helpful. A 10 second delay in starting one class might give an additional safety margin. The board was in general against a separate Zetec FF class because it split an already effective class where a well driven FF Zetec is capable of victory. Resolved that the club will run 3 grids at Mallory (using 1 practice and 2 races) if it is commercially viable to do so and will examine class splits at other circuits where it is considered appropriate.

Race Committee.

It was noted that MSVR closing dates were generally 3-4 days before the meeting whereas CSCC were 3 weeks and members would need to be aware that CSCC entries should not be made late to avoid charges.

Spa - There were (at the date of the meeting) 40 expressions of interest from both Mono and elsewhere, though similar levels in the past did not crystalise as entries. Since the principal role of the club was to provide a UK championship, minimal risk could be accepted and so an arrangement was suggested whereby full entry fees are payable immediately, with a refund only if the event does not proceed, and the contract is signed only if the funds are more than the race cost by the deadline. Club representatives to meet the organisers at Autosport Show to discuss arrangements. Nick Harrison would like there to be the facility for 2 drivers to share cars as there were 2 races.

Publicity/Social Committee.

A joint press release with MSVR has been arranged at no cost to MRC. A stand at Race Retro at Stoneleigh has been booked March 12-14th. Several directors volunteered to man the stand, members would be asked if they would like to help on the stand via Startline/Website/Forum.

A mid season barbecue would be arranged. Subject to the agreement of circuit owners it would be at either Snetterton or Mallory. Jonathan Baggott to enquire of both organisers, announcement to be made. The informal Saturday meal at the October Snetterton was very well received and similar events may be attractive later in the season

Some discussion was held about publicising the Mono 1400 class which now had 2 known members with cars fitted with standard Hayabusas. A journalist test day (perhaps with other cars) would be investigated, with MSV Bedford being a possibility. The club also needs a “selling” page for the 1400 class. Peter Whitmore volunteered to provide the words for a piece.

Track and Racecar appears to have ceased operations as no contact can be established. Accordingly we do not have a title partner.

Technical Committee

Nick Harrison raised the issue of variable length trumpets and twin injectors. Russ Giles explained that the benefits of these were felt by engines with different characteristics to Mono engines, so there was no need for regulation.

Website/Startline

A suggestion was made that to make the advertisements easier to access without registration a link could be put whereby an advertisement could be emailed to somebody (eg Simon) who could then post it with a picture. Noted that the forum still had access issues. Large numbers of advertisements of relevant cars helped attract members.

Treasurer

Year end accounts had been circulated previously showing a small surplus thanks largely to the success of the meetings at the end of the year.

Administrator

John Atkinson is to be approached to continue as eligibility scrutineer. A list of areas for review would be developed and Simon Davey (who is independent of any team or driver) will liaise with John. Loan of test equipment may be appropriate or if necessary purchases may be made.

Dinner Dance numbers looked to be very good indeed.

AGM

Members would be invited to submit topics for discussion at the post-AGM forum. These topics would be given priority over any raised on the day.

Tony Cotton

(TC was taking minutes as Patrick Huston was released from hospital on the day of the meeting following a back operation. We are pleased to report that Patrick is not only recovering very well indeed from the operation but that it has produced a spectacular increase in his mobility, which in recent months had deteriorated. The board wishes a full and speedy recovery and we all hope we will see Patrick back in the cockpit soon.)