Date Posted:09:02:26 01/15/08 Tue Author:Chuck Kidwell Author Host/IP: adsl-75-51-224-141.dsl.ipltin.sbcglobal.net / 75.51.224.141 Subject: Answer to Day 1
This is answer to Day 1
You said you hope you could get answered….I hope I can give you and the rest of the interested people those answers.
NMMA’s house was literally burned down. There is no person or group to point to for throwing in the match….it just self ignited. The membership was down to around 55 from 800 just a few years ago. The rules were too technical, there was no way to accurately enforce them; the drivers were upset with the way they were treated in tech; the tracks and clubs were unhappy with the way they felt they were being treated and above all times and technology was way ahead of the organization. Something had to be done! I had no intent of running for President when I placed a post on the Message Board stating what I thought was wrong and some ideas that might work to get us as the leader in Micro Sprint racing again. A few weeks later I was approached by several members asking me to run for the office. After contacting many track owners, chassis builders, engine builders and drivers, I accepted the nomination. I realize that only 50 or so people voted, but they are the membership and I became their choice.
After a big house fire, about all that is left is the foundation. That is what the NMMA is and we will build new from that. Yes, there is a name change. I was told by many tracks and drivers across the country that as long as it was the NMMA, they would not consider joining ever again. The name chosen by the Board was 600 Micro Sprint USA. Our cars are called Micro Sprints in most areas of the country and the 600 designates our engine size as does 360’s or 410’s do our big brothers. It gives us a new identity.
The old NMMA will not be allowed to die. The new website is under construction and will have stories by the Historian, articles on past National Champions and pictures of the cars that are so much of our valued History. We welcome those “old timers” to share their experiences on the web site. The message board and classifieds will continue and we encourage positive constructive content that is not just personal agenda but for the good of the organization.
The members do have a voice. They just have to use it. Contact the officers. Tell them your feeling. Ask questions. We are always open to fresh constructive ideas.
There is some money left in the treasury. Two thirds is in CD’s and the rest is our operating capital until the organization is up and running again. As a member you can call Mary Ellen Harris and she can give you the amounts. This is open to any member in good standing at any time.
I hope this answers the question you and others have been asking.
Thank you for asking. Please contact me at any time.
