Nearly forty members, representing about 20% of the Southern Arizona Region of PCA, attended a planning meeting on Saturday, December 13. After a stop at the nearby Zona 78 restaurant provided food and beverages for a majority of the group, the Udall Park Recreation Center once again provided space for our gathering.

Coordinators Dave Radmacher and Terry Prnce had obviously put a lot of effort into planning the questions and providing an outline of the support needs of the driving program. The overall goal of this meeting was to find ways that will allow the driving events program to continue to flourish. That includes attracting new participants and reducing the burden on our volunteer workers. With Dave’s guidance, the lively discussion ranged from descriptions of the jobs that need to be done to put on our events to the ways in which we can improve the experience for both drivers and workers.

You may recall that the activities of the driving program include car control clinic, driver education and autocross days. As it turns out, each of these have slightly different requirements but with a few items that are needed across the board. We discussed the many and varied ways that volunteers can and must assist the program. Interestingly, some of the requirements can be filled by non-driving club members and some by a little bit of work from each of the driving participants. Overall, the outcome of this meeting means that you can expect six or seven well orgainized and smoothly run events in 2009. We will visit Pinal Air Park, Central Arizona College and Arroyo Seco Raceway twice. And, we may visit a new, local venue for thefirst time (fingers crossed). Stay tuned for dates and locations.

One thing that I have noticed over the years is that the driver program has produced a very close knit group. We all work together and play together to support our own and the group’s desire to use our cars legally in a challenging and safe environment. Don’t be surprised to find out that you are immediately included, from the moment you show up or even stop to talk to a fellow member about the program. And, don’t be surprised if you get asked to join in the fun. It’s easy to get involved. You don’t need to drive your car but, if you choose to do so, our approachable and knowledgeable drivinginstructors are there to help.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than being outdoors driving your car the way it was meant to be driven.

Dave is a "BLUR" as he rallies the troops & guides the program.... (Photo by Rink Reinking)

Participants Study the Handout Provided by Dave (Photo by Rink Reinking)