NeOkla News
Officer Elections
NeOkla Members have received ballots in the mail to vote for 2011 officers. Please return your ballot by 5 p.m. on Nov. 5th to the address shown.
There is one candidate for each office:
- Regional Executive: Neil Cox
- Assistant RE: Patrick Lipsinic
- Secretary: Betty Martin
- Treasurer: Virginia Apker
There are four suckers... ummm, I mean terrific guys... who would like a chance to serve on the NeOkla SCCA board, but only two positions open. The candidates have submitted the following bios to help you decide: (in alphabetical order)
John Brook
Actually I've been a fan of motor sports for as long as i can remember. Started with drag racing at 16, then branched out into dirt track. As I matured I started following NASCAR and Grand prix racing as a spectator. Then about four years ago I met Adam Myers and started coming to NEOKLA events rode shotgun for one race and the rest is addiction. The last NEOKLA STS2 points champ and the First champ under the new STS. Have become increasingly involved with the Administration side as a solo safety steward and now am running for this seat because I believe it is important to have new blood in groups to prevent burnout.
Jon Pyeatt
My name is Jon Pyeatt and I think you all know me. NEOKLA means a lot to me and I try to do what ever is asked of me to aid in the best interest of the club. I have been on the board of directors for several years now and if you re-elect me I promise to do my best in your interest.
James Stowers
My name is James Stowers and I am currently on the ballot for a spot on the SCCA NEOKLA Regional Board.
I have been involved in racing for many years and have a host of qualifications that would make me the best choice for this spot on the board.
First of all, I am a solo safety steward and have held this qualification for two years. I also am a Club Racing Midwest Divisional Scrutineer.
Currently, I am one event away from becoming a Rally Safety Steward.
I began with the racing school in 2004 at Stephens Brothers at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit.
From there I raced my first Autocross in 2006 at Fair Meadows.
I am the owner of Stowers’ Racing and Repair and have been in business for over three years.
I currently own and race three cars:
FP-84 Red RX-7 (1983) – Which has been FP champion in 2008 and Co-Champion in 2009
CS-84 Brown/Champagne Turbo RX-7 (1987)
CSP – 84 Brown Stock RX-7 (1979)
I ran my first Rallycross in 2010 at Asbury, Missouri (Mokan Dragway)
I have attended the last three Mid-Div conventions in Kansas City.
I have been around the sport for some time now and have certainly done the work necessary to achieve the qualifications and experience that I have acquired.
I would certainly appreciate your consideration and vote for this position on the SCCA NEOKLA Regional Board and thank you in advance for your time and support.
Paul Terhune
Since joining the NEOkla Region SCCA in 2007, I have served as SOLO co-chair for 2008 and obtained a SOLO Safety Steward license. In 2009 I was honored to receive the Dick Martin Memorial trophy.
I would be honored to serve on the board if the membership so chooses, and will continue to support the NEOkla region in any way possible in the foreseeable future.
Betty Martin and Virginia Apker Honored at MiDiv Convention
Betty Martin was awarded the 2010 MiDiv Worker of the Year Award and Virginia Apker received the England-Stipe Award, the Midwest Division’s highest honor. Read more in Neil Cox's report below.
A Letter from our Fearless Leader, Neil Cox:
NEOKLA Report - Feb, 2010
Is it time to go racing, yet? Although the last two months been cold, wet and dreary, they have been full of SCCA functions. In addition to our regular membership and board meetings you might have attended the NEOKLA Awards Banquet, SCCA National Convention and/or the MIDIV Convention. This is the time of year when we recognize the performance and participation of our members’ efforts behind the scenes to make our passion successful. I have been blessed to be your representative at all of these events and to share with you the results of our members’ hard work.
The NEOKLA Awards Banquet was held at McNellie’s with great food, beverage and fellowship. We have three annual awards that recognize the spirit and effort that our members put forward to make our programs fun. The Most Active Member Award goes to the individual that participates in the most events and meetings that year. For 2009 our Solo Chair, Todd Swain, earned this trophy. A committee led by Eve Pim in recognition of an individual who has given of him or herself tirelessly to make our events happen determines the Jack Pim Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence winner for 2009 is Richard Stephens. Finally The Dick Martin Memorial Trophy is presented by a committee led by Betty Martin to acknowledge a member’s effort and loyalty to make NEOKLA and its programs a success. Paul Terhune is the 2009 recipient of the Dick Martin Memorial Trophy. Congratulations to all three on a job well done.
Las Vegas was the site of the SCCA National Convention in 2010. Before you think what a party that was, remember that the convention is held at the South Point, which is well SOUTH of the Strip. I took a book. The Club recognizes individuals and Regions for improvement, growth and excellent communication with their membership. NEOKLA was recognized for communication. Back in the old days this was based upon the quality of the Region Newsletter, some of which were and are newspaper or magazine quality. Now most Regions maintain a Website along with their Newsletter. And most Regional Websites would remind you or the old NEOKLA site. Our new neoklascca.org was awarded an Honorable Mention for Regional Communications. The Regions that finished 1st, 2nd (Kansas City Region) & 3rd all maintain a newsletter as well as a website. Congratulations to Tonia Peacock as our Webmaster for creating a “Make it Easy, Make it Fun” Website for NEOKLA.
The final event of the Convention season was the 2010 MIDIV Convention and Awards Ceremony. The MIDIV has four annual wards, but two of those are significant for their recognition of years of commitment and service to the division The MiDiv Worker of the Year Award goes to an individual for contributions to Midwest Division events – race, rally or solo – on a Divisional level. For 2010 the MIDIV Worker of the Year was awarded to Betty Martin. Not only does Betty keep NEOKLA (as Secretary) running smooth, she can be found at registration at most of the races in our division. She also serves as Treasurer for the MIDIV Executive Committee. The England-Stipe Award is the Midwest Division’s highest honor. It is given to the Midwest Division member who has made the most outstanding long-term contribution to the club and to the sport. The award is named in memory of Margaret England and Mary Stipe, who were both licensed race workers. Virginia Apker is this years England-Stipe Award winner. Virginia has served the Region (currently as Treasurer) and the Division without fail. She is the glue in Timing and Scoring across the Division and currently serves as Secretary for the MIDIV Executive Committee. Did you know that Virginia was a demon in her HP Sprite?
Without the help of all of these award winners, the NEOKLA Board and our members I could not perform my duties and for that I thank you and congratulate you on your service to our club.
Neil Cox
RE NEOKLA