Meeting 7-9pm-ish on July 31st, 2024, with the monthly meeting *always* happening at Laurel Auto Clinic, aka “Carl’s Shop” Laurel, MT. Attendees included Carl, Eric, Zeus, Darrin, Lane, Briant, Dave, Jared, Micah, Bill and Pepe, Jessica, Luke, Matt and Kindra.

—-*Carl Jones (El Jefe), Matt Boggio (El Jefito), Lane Baumann (Treasurer), and Kindra Munda (Secretary) were all in attendance this evening*—-

TREASURERS REPORT:

Lane reports that the club’s finances include: $12,972.15 which is a whopping increase of some dollar amount from the previous amount. Can’t remember what it was, so see the previous newsletter if you care. Or come to the meetings too, that would be fun. Just sayin’.

*AC at the Metra – The event was discussed to finalize the sponsorship and all the other crap we will need to do to put on this event. It was discussed that there may not be as many drivers as we were hoping, but we will adjust the final amount for Jason when we see who shows up to the Metra on Saturday. Jason doesn’t care to have tons and tons of advertising, and we will raise a couple of banners so passing folks can drive up and see what all the fun is about. One banner will be at the entrance and the other will be near the table. Angie and Kindra will do table stuff, Chris will help tech cars, Luke will bring water and ice, Carl will be free to put out any fires as they arise. If we have more than 60 people, we will split into 3 run groups. If less than 60, we will still do two run groups. Now the important question – Which side of the lot to use? We took it to a vote, after much discussion about North and South, and This side or That side. Here or There. Left and Right, or is it Right and Left? It was brought to our attention that some club members don’t know their directions and would probably get lost in the wilderness. It was mentioned by Bill that North and South are two different sides of the Metra. Kindra pointed out to those that were confused that the North side is the side closest to the Rim, and South is the side closest to the interstate (which is visible from the far southwestern corner of the South lot). It was ultimately voted that we will use the North lot (closest to the Rim, the one with the elevation change, the side that has the entrance in the middle or That side if your name is Matt) for the course, since it is bigger (size matters here, folks). And that we will park and grid in the South lot (the one closest to the interstate, the one that is smaller. The one over ‘there’).

*Live Timing – It was also discussed to make it known about the live timing Pronto offers. Live timing allows participants to check times in an instant and in real time. It can be accessed on your Smartphone or computer. YR108 does not condone checking or being on your phone during and while participating in live action events. It is dangerous to be on your phone in the grid (could get smooshed) and strictly forbidden when behind the wheel (distraction and not in control of the car) or working the course (could also be smooshed or ran over). So please be smart. We would hate for anyone to be chastised for poor phone etiquette in front of other racers and spectators (it’s embarrassing). Plus, one could catch the death (also embarrassing, and highly irreversible). Not smart at all. Now that we’ve learned when TO use our phones (SMART – Out of your car, out of grid areas, and off course far away from moving vehicles) and when NOT TO (NOT SMART – On course, behind the wheel, working the bucket, etc.) the live timing link is here:

                LIVE TIMING: prontolivetiming.com/yellowstone/

*YDS – We had 26 drivers, 4 of those were weekend memberships, and we still came across a small profit ($274) for the event. We will pay CW next week. It was brought to our attention that Bill had issues with the radio calls while working timing. Not that Bill specifically has issues (debatable), but more that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of radio etiquette. PLEASE wait 2-3 seconds AFTER pressing the talk button to start your call to timing. It takes a little bit for the radio waves to connect, and when you just start blabbing into the radio BEFORE it connects, timing doesn’t get the call. Then they have to call for you to repeat it….. then your dumb ass has to do it all over again. And you will probably speak louder and faster when repeating. Neither of which is helpful. I know how exciting it can be out on course but give it 2-3 seconds. We beg of you. PLEASE. Also, make the call either before or after you run, NOT DURING. It is hard to understand you when you’re all huffing and puffing across the course. Not to mention, your radio hand is moving while you’re running, so it makes it hard to hear when the radio isn’t by your mouth.

To recap:

1. Watch the vehicle as they pass by your area.

2. See if they hit/wiggle/flung in the air any cones.

3. LOOK BOTH WAYS and KNOW THE COURSE and if it doubles back BEFORE you run out to get/check a cone.

4. If it is a +1, press the radio button and WAIT 2-3 seconds before speaking.

5. Speak slowly, clearly, and TRY to use the car numbers. DO NOT yell into the radio. It does not make timing hear you better. DO NOT try to communicate while running. You’re not good at it. No one is.

*PRONTO – It was a success, and they even comp’ed our first event at YDS! How nice! Lane talked pricing with the representative and was able to score a lesser fee for our club, with the new total being $75 per weekend. Any savings helps! Thanks, Lane! He was also able to get the cables for the timing system, about $10 for both displays. We can expect this system to be up and operational at every event moving forward. We will continue to keep AXWare in our back pocket and see how this goes. Hopefully this is a healthy addiction for our club.

*Safety Steward – WE NEED SOME MORE!! Wanna learn how we keep our events safe? Ever thought of yourself as someone with attention to detail (almost to a fault)? Ever had to tell someone spectating to go get a wrist band? Have you had to call in to timing that a passenger was holding their phone and to check if it was secure when the run was finished? Ever had to DNF a run because the driver had their own hand or arm outside the car? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you would make a great Safety Steward! RallyX needs some, and AutoX needs some too! If you’re interested, email SCCA Region Services first, then they will open the Portal of Awesomeness for you to enter and become certified. After you request courses on becoming the very valuable and completely necessary Safety Steward, the link will present itself to you.

                EMAIL: regionservices@scca.com

*Business Cards – In the works, Micah and Lane are working on getting the details together. Detail faster!!! Where are they?

*Merch – Beanies, hats, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are ready to go home with you! Make sure to bring some cash to pick up your new YR108 body coverings. Matt is tired of all those boxes of them sitting in his living room. He reports it leaves no room for activities.

                Beanies, hats, T-Shirts – $15

                Sweatshirts – $25

** IMPORTANT DATES**

September 7-8 – Co-op with Bozeman in Helena at RMESTC

September 21-22 – Coneheads in Helena at RMESTC

September 28 – Casino event in Riverton, WY. (Only 4.5 hours away, fun times, great people)

October 5 – Metra Meltdown

Meeting adjourned tonight about 8:30pm. Hard and fast, as it was the second meeting this calendar month ahead of the AC Metra event. Some of us could be so lucky. Look forward to sharing ideas but don’t know where to go? Do you feel like no one listens to you at home? When you talk cars, car parts, and going faster, do people’s eyes glaze over and do they start to drool? Do you have big brain ideas but feel like all your genius falls on deaf ears? Come to a meeting. We would love to talk car parts and matching shoes well into the twilight hours with you. Heck, there might even be some treats this next time.

Meeting 7-9pm-ish on June 5th, 2024, with the monthly meeting *always* happening at Laurel Auto Clinic, aka “Carl’s Shop” Laurel, MT. The best of the best included Carl, Matt, Angie, Kindra, Dave, Micah, Jared, Lane, Luke, Briant, Darrin, and Bill. Our fabulous group of “go hard or go home” drivers prepared for tonight’s meeting with caffeine and enthusiasm. Lane took it upon himself to order (with his own finances of course) durags for the Hooptie Event. The fine, limited-edition headgear was passed out to the Hooptie Veterans, and we thank them for their service to our entertainment. Hooptie Veterans were required to wear their durags for the entire Hooptie Day this past weekend (Sunday June 9) while competing for their Chalice of Excrement. Some drivers required assistance in donning and doffing their durag. It was a very fashionable style for the night. Carl brought the meeting to order just like he drives his Mustang: swiftly and partially in the dirt. Many were frightened, but none were surprised. Especially Kindra.  

—-*Carl Jones (El Jefe), Matt Boggio (El Jefito), Lane Baumann (Treasurer), and Kindra Munda (Secretary) were all in attendance this evening*—-

TREASURERS REPORT:

Lane reports that the club’s finances include: $12,488.22 which includes all the outstanding debts paid, apart from the Bridger Runway Light. No lights were harmed in the execution of the Aviator Cup, so the Bridger Light Debt is still the same amount as before and still outstanding. No one really had any ideas about what to try next. Got an idea? Come to the meeting yo. The invoice for the October Metra event will be drawn up soon.

*Aviator Cup – Season opener for YR108 was a success! Merch was ‘flying’ out of the tubs. Get it? Flying? Drivers from all over Montana and a few from Wyoming piled up their vehicles and drove the dust right off. The course was fresh, the trailer had some season opener issues, and it was cold and windy. All in all it was a great time. We had 44 entrants, 15 using the weekend membership on MSR. Total revenue was about $725 not counting the merch sales.

*Acton Cross – Annual Hooptie Day! First Place Loser this season was Micah. He will bear the shame of being too fast and will hold possession of the Chalice of Excrement for the next 12 calendar months. He was beyond excited and may have even shed a tear. Not really, the look was less than enthusiastic. Better luck next year! Second Place winner this season was 5^th place (according to the dice roll), and Carl took home the coveted Sal-Lasagna. It looked tasty, but Carl said the mushrooms wouldn’t be too popular at his house. Congrats on the win! Third place winner and keeper of the Hooptie Trophy is Matt. Strategy, persistence, patience, and a little bit of sandbagging got him this wonderful prize! He will have the privilege of gazing at this amazing artistic trophy for the next year. He will keep it meticulously polished. He will keep it in tip-top shape for next year’s Hooptie Winner.

*Helmets – The season is upon us, and we will be in need of helmets here in a few short months for the Archie Cochrane/Metra Day in August. Be sure to dust off yours and bring them to any event you come to so we can get as many approvals as possible. If you have any extras lying around that you don’t use, or if you’ve just been using ours because you “can’t” find yours in your garage, time to start looking bruh. They will be in short supply, and it is an absolute rule to wear one as a driver and a passenger. If you’ve been thinking of buying a new one, make sure to look at the most recent SCCA rules to see accepted ratings. **

*Business Cards – In the works, Micah and Lane are working on getting the details together. Detail faster!!! *ARRUGH* (Kindra is impatient and wants the cards yesterday and could have passed out a fair amount already this season)

*Merch – Beanies, hats, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are ready to go home with you! Make sure to bring some cash to pick up your new YR108 body coverings.

                 Beanies, hats, T-Shirts – $15

                 Sweatshirts – $25

*AXware – Just as a reminder, AXware does not recognize letters IN the car number when registering. Please keep the alphabet out of the numbers side of the yard. This isn’t algebra. Also, AXware has some expanded functions and will play with them a bit more to see what they are and how they work. It could even out the classing and trophies for Street, CAM, etc. Other issues involve utilizing AXware with limited timing peeps and safety stewards. Also, if ever AXware is malfunctioning, turn it off and back on. Tech support 101 here.

*Trailer – Following the trailer set up in Bridger, it was made known that many things are very specific when it comes to setting up. Carl was nominated to make a chart, complete with pictures (yes, photos help us figure things out) on how to set up certain elements within the race trailer. Included will be an Axware setup for the timing person. No PhD required.

*MSR – Registration is set up for this season’s link in MSR. You should be able to find all updated classing in the MSR drop down choices when registering. If any issues come up, please message an admin or Messenger to the YR108 Facebook page. Classes are fixed (minus Karts). It was discussed again why karts are not feasible for YR108:

• No venue that is safe for Karts – we have limited venues here in Billings and surrounding areas as it is
• Special Safety Stewards – we are thin on those as it is
• Restrictions – lots and lots of those, limiting Helena or Bridger as the only possibilities
• Tech – Special Kart inspection. Again, this limits who can inspect the Karts
• Course Design – This also limits us on who can be Course Master for Karts
• Safety Wear – Special fire suits, helmets, etc. So specific, it excludes almost everything we have available in our region.

*Drill – It was voted to get a drill for the trailer and to leave in the trailer, nothing special, max $20. Walmart Brand blue light special. The trailer stands are a pain to hand raise and lower, not to mention, no one wants to bend over for that long. All votes in favor, apart from Matt who voted against. (And I saw him use it at YDS this last weekend). Rude.

*Hot Shots – This coming weekend in Helena, we will have Hot Shots at the RMESTC in Helena, MT. It is gonna be a hootn’ hollerin’ good time so be sure to attend. The plan is to meet Friday June 28 in Park City at 10am and convoy down. If anyone is interested in helping set the track, it would be appreciated. Many hand make light work. There is camping available (please no tent stakes in the ground), bathrooms (bring your own air freshener), and showers (to un-stinkify) after the race (ewww, smelly). Remember, the campground is a no alcohol area so be sure to leave the booze at home. We want to be respectful so we are invited back!

*Minor waivers – Be sure to jump on SCCA.com and fill out the free (and required) minor waiver well ahead of any event you think you might want to attend with any person under the age of 18. Even if they are only riding, the waiver is STILL required (by SCCA and the insurance). It takes upwards of a week to a week and a half for approval. It stays good for a year so the young’uns can enjoy this family friendly motor sports year-round. If the driver is a minor, there is a different waiver to sign online. Be sure to get them done, even if you’re uncertain.

*Archie Cochrane – The contract for the Metra is done and set up. We are still waiting for the sponsorship from ACF (Archie Cochrane Ford) to come through, but all is ready to go. MSR will open for registration soon (keep your eyes peeled) on June 14^th at 12:01 am. The nominal $5 fee is required by MSR as they are the registration hub for all things fun. It was decided that $5 would cover whatever flat fee MSR charges and will help weed out anyone who decides to register because it is free and not because they actually plan to attend. If you want to pay at the table that is fine, but there may be no guarantee there will be a spot so please pre-register at least. We voted to cap the number of entrants at 100 due to the size of the Metra, as well as how to pull off such a sizeable event safely. Helmets will likely be an issue, so please, please, PLEASE find any you might have so we can tech them and have them handy for novice drivers and spectators. Also, IDs WILL be required and must be presented at the table for anyone who plans to attend Motorin’ at the Metra on August 3. THERE WILL BE A DEDICATED ID CHECKER on this day. Lane will be speaking with Jason soon to get the details finalized. Thanks, Lane, for taking on this awesome task.

*Back up cable – It was proposed to get a backup cable for the timing system. All voted yes, should be around $30.

*Spending – It was also proposed to allow the President or Treasurer to spend $50 on items for the club without prior voting approval. Receipts will still need to be turned in for financials so no one is spending all of the club money on Glizzys or Hot Dog socks.

** IMPORTANT DATES**

June 29-30 – Hot Shots at Helena RMESTC

July 13-14 – Coneageddon at YDS

August 3 – Motorin’ at the Metra

September 7-8 – Co-Op with Bozeman in Helena at RMESTC

Meeting adjourned in record time tonight, there was still some daylight as the sun set on another perfect day in Montana. Trinity showed up towards the end but didn’t bring any treats. Maybe next time. Many people talked about what fun could be had in Helena, Darrin was put in a headlock by Kindra, not sure why. He tapped out in 3 seconds. All is well.  

Meeting 7-9pm-ish on May 8th, 2024, with the monthly meeting always happening at Laurel Auto Clinic, aka “Carl’s Shop” Laurel, MT. The large turnout included Carl, Kindra, Chris, Lane, Micah, Jared, David, Bryant, Darrin, Bill and Pepe, Caleb, Luke, and Matt. Our group of semi-talented drivers and owners of various cars laughed and shook the rain out of their hair as they settled in for the meeting tonight. Angie should be proud, as it was known by all tonight that Matt would do anything for a Kirkland chocolate chip granola bar. He’s such a good boy! Who’s a good boy?!? Meeting was brought to order by Kindra with an apple in one hand, and a pen in the other.

—-*Carl Jones (El Jefe), Matt (El Jefito), Lane Baumann (Treasurer), and Kindra Munda (Secretary) graced us with their presence this evening*—-

TREASURERS REPORT:

Lane reports that the club’s finances include: $17,959.63, which does not include an outstanding check to CW for $1250. The check was written, and Carl did mail it out. It is still uncashed. Lane deposited $820 from Rally and holds about $700 in petty cash. RDO is still YR108’s unofficial sponsor and Carl will generate an invoice in order to collect the donation. Thank you RDO for helping the good times roll. It is believed that Rally this season was able to break even. It is up from last season where we did not break even. The numbers still need crunched but Lane reports that Rally profit this season is in the 3-figure range. The low 3 figures, guys. Go ahead and get excited. A win is a win! A profit is a profit.

*Upcoming expenses – Should this say “Past-expenses-that-still-need-paid-but-someone-refuses-to-take-our-money?” Maybe.

CW – $1250. The same $1250 that seems to be uncollected.

Aero Septic – $185 for past services. It would total the last 3 invoices. Thanks for paying for the can. Check is still uncashed.

Bridger light – It was suggested to wait until after the season opener at Bridger to make another attempt at repairing/replacing/buying and doing it ourselves runway light. There is concern that maybe another might just be wiped out. Tonight, Chris mentioned just letting a yellow Mustang wipe out another one and replace both at the same time. It could ease the pain of this Bridger Light Trauma and start the healing process. Not sure why yellow…. Could be sanded down blue. Or black. Or white…. Bryant says, “The saga continues” so keep your wigs on folks, because this could get exciting!

*RallyX – FINISHED! Grand Winner was announced and it is…. Drum roll please…..

DARRIN BY 3 POINTS!! WOOHOO! Congratulations!

Second place is Josh G, Third place is Luke, and Fourth place is Matt.

Congrats guys! Another one for the ages! Matt has been looking for a new venue to add to the Rally lineup. It is in the works, but he says it needs a little refining, and maybe a tree needs to be moved. Only just a bit to the left. No big deal. Also, YDS is looking real sharp. Portions of the old course have been recovered; some current course has been updated. Some 21 different variations (forwards and backwards) currently exist. So don’t neglect those Rally cars. The season is closer than you think.

*Track Master/Trailer Cleanup – Lane was dubbed “The Track Master” for YR 108. Thank you, Lane, for designing such fun courses for our club. And a big thank you for letting us crash your yard for trailer cleanup. Lots of fun, sun, hose, and snacks. Found a granola bar from who knows how long ago. The Brick was left in the trailer to fulfill a greater purpose in the future at an undesignated time and place.

*AutoX – Hooptie Day for this season was decided, and it’s going to be a Glizzy of a time, folks! (If you are unaware of what Glizzy means, it is a term for a hot dog. And you just lost a few cool points. Uncultured, sheesh.)  This season at YDS on June 9th will be Yellowstone Region 108’s Annual Hooptie Day. Hooptie rules apply. If your brain is a bit fuzzy on the terms of a Hooptie, keep reading.

A Hooptie is/has:

                1. Perceived value of less than $2000

                2. Non-sporty

                3. Low HP (we’re talking less than 160 here guys)

                4. Greater than 400 TW tires

This year Hooptie days will have the customary winnings for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place (Remember, 1^st place is the new last place. No-one wants the Chalice of Excrement. Be strategic here. The real prize is 3^rd, but Carl says “That cup of shit I won will forever say I am faster than Matt”). And speaking of Hoopties, the question of a Chevy Cobalt came up: How many is too many? Matt says 4 is a good start. One to have as a shit box, one to keep stock, one to have turbo and one to be really fast. Lane says to add another for Rallying. Luke was just excited about having so many.

*Archie Cochrane/Tech Day – Tech Day was a success! We had 33 cars that got pre-approval for AutoX. Jason got all 3 of his Mustangs out that day, including a really cool old one. He says it is slow, and more of a track car. Kindra convinced him to go get it anyways and tech it just in case he wanted to grandpa it out on course. Carl had the scales out too, and Bill was discussing the weight of the back glass panel on his Camaro. I guess it’s pretty heavy. Like “I’m not into dating big girls” heavy.

*Helmets – Be sure to dust off yours and bring them to Bridger and any event you come to so we can get as many approved as possible. If you have any extras lying around that you don’t use, or if you’ve just been using ours because you “can’t” find yours in your garage, time to start looking bruh. They will be in short supply, and it is an absolute rule to wear one as a driver and a passenger. If you’ve been thinking of buying a new one, make sure to look at the most recent SCCA rules to see accepted ratings. **

*Minor Waiver – Carl wants to remind those club members who have drivers and passengers under the age of 18 to get online and fill out the completely free Minor Waiver for this season. It’s free and required by the SCCA and it also takes a couple of weeks to be reviewed by the SCCA. Carl can see those on his end when complete, so get it done guy. You know who you are. I printed mine out to keep in my race bag, but you don’t have to go through all that since Carl knows all. Easy, simple, free, required for any underage driver or passenger. If you have questions about how to do it, contact a member that has kids or message YR108 on Facebook and we can help! (no ridiculing here) 😊 Safety One-st

*Bridger – Season Opener for YR108! WooHoo! Come and get it fellas (and ladies)!! Porta Pots will be delivered on Tuesday, Matt will jockey the trailer on Thursday, Luke will bring the water (Thanks you for helping keep us hydrated). Come blow the cobwebs out of your racecar in Bridger using compressed air (boring) or moderately spicy speeds (better) and let’s get this season off right!

*Business Cards – In the works, Micah and Lane are working on getting the details together. Detail faster!!! *ARRUGH* (Kindra is impatient and wants the cards yesterday)

*Cones – During trailer cleanup, cones were sorted and shi██ cones were separated from the nice cones. We may need more and will know soon enough at our upcoming events. Some of them were sad. And tired.

*Merch – Discussion included the numerous boxes piled up in Matt’s house and how we need to get rid of it. So, get some new merch and start rocking that new logo. Beanies, hats, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are ready to go home with you!

                Beanies, hats, T-Shirts – $15

                Sweatshirts – $25

Old merch/old logo will be sold at the new merch price and we will bring all the merch to Bozeman and Helena Events. Lane may have a YR 108 branded Do-Rag with a custom designed Glizzy for sale at YDS for Hooptie Day. Make sure to bring some cash to pick up your new YR108 body coverings. Lane also described having Amazon custom print YR108 merch as an online ordering scenario. We upload the logo and buyers can peruse the selection of apparel and colors at their leisure (on the pot). YR will get a portion of the sale and it will have no effort on our part. Every club member liked this idea of passive income, so much so that Matt even voted yes on this topic. (It was as if the granola bar helped in some way).

*Trailer costs – Lane and Carl both generally tow the trailer to places. It was brought up that maybe the club could front some of the cost of fuel for this. It was discussed that Carl will never take any money, Matt would pull a bit more often if fuel was cheaper, and Lane doesn’t care so much, but it would be nice to get thrown a bone occasionally. Lane thought a flat rate would be nice, as the government does. Matt thought the driver could just wing it with a max amount, because our club members aren’t going to try and gouge the club for money. Darrin thought the driver could have that day’s entry fee waived for trailer duties. After some discussion, club members voted to reimburse the trailer-pulling member an amount equivalent to the distance of the trip. Around town would be less than if it were Helena or Bozeman. Majority voted yes, Matt voted no. Lane place will be the new place for the trailer since he is flush with open space. Thank you, Lane. At some point, Carl will pack the bearings for the trailer. After Bridger, but before Helena. Thanks for keeping our crap mechanically sound. Thank you, Carl.

**I’d like to point out that Chris and Kindra are members of TWO different clubs. There seems to be some confusion about this topic. We are members of SCCA Yellowstone Region 108 AND Riverton Autocross. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME CLUB. Riverton Autocross and YR108 are separate entities, run by separate people. Riverton Autocross is NOT AN SCCA RECOGNIZED CLUB. Riverton racers, including their board members, come up here and participate, and Chris and Kindra go there and participate. Some of you hear us talk about Wyoming events, and we would love to have any YR108 SCCA members come down to Wyoming. The first is in Cody for the Mustang Rally in May. The festivities start on Thursday May 26, but the AutoX event is Sunday, May 26 at Fremont Motors in Cody, Wyoming. Riverton Autocross is just an infant club, (started in 2012) in comparison to SCCA, who is laying down their 80^th year this year. If you have any questions about this topic, please reach out to Kindra or Chris and we can help clear the air or give information. **

** IMPORTANT DATES**

May 18-19 – Bridger Season Opener 😊

June 8-9 – Acton Cross at YDS

June 29-30 – Hot Shots at Helena RMESTC

July 13-14 – Coneageddon at YDS

Meeting adjourned prematurely by Darrin and Lane but were quickly reminded that it was not their job. Bill and Pepe were the first to leave. Kindra and Chris left next so not sure exactly how long everyone stayed. Pretty sure Lane thinks he can use an assortment of tow assemblies to pull a camper using Yak. I will believe it when I see it.