vote for your ahrma trustees statements_spread.pdfidea of “rescuing” a basket case hodaka....

3
12 Vintage Views December 2017 December 2017 Vintage Views 13 Trustee Candidate Statements T his year, there are eight candidates running for four seats on the AHRMA Board of Trustees. Please read the statements and use the postage-paid ballot card found at the center of this issue to cast your votes. All members are entitled to vote for two candidates from his or her own region, either east or west of the Mississippi River. You may write-in the names of individuals not on the ballot, provided they are members in good standing and live in your region. (e AHRMA Membership Office can provide information about a person’s region and membership status if you are unsure). Ballots with more than two votes will be voided, as will votes for candidates outside one’s region. Your name, address and membership number must appear on the ballot. Ballots must be received at the address specified on the ballot, no later than January 8, 2018. e ballots will be tabulated by an independent CPA, and as soon as available after the close of voting, results will be posted on the AHRMA website. Results will also appear in the February Vintage Views. Opinions expressed by the individual candidates do not necessarily reflect the view of AHRMA’s Board of Trustees or staff. Information on How to Vote (Continued next page) Eastern Candidates Vote for your AHRMA Trustees ARTHUR KOWITZ ORMOND BEACH, FL AHRMA is a wonderful association, made up of excitement seeking gear-heads of all ages. Whether we race old bikes or off beat newer ones, dirt or pavement, we have some traits in common that bind us together. Over the years I have attended and participated in many AHRMA Trustee meetings. So, I have firsthand experience and see that AHRMA is approach- ing a cross-road. e growth of Modern ‘Alternative’ Racing poses a challenge to our Historic organization, as grids in some of our vintage classes are waning. Some want us to be a purely vintage organization by limiting modern machines, while others would like to increase modern classes and take advantage of the benefits new riders bring to our club. In my opinion, we can be true to our core and welcome the underrepresented modern bike classes with some fresh ideas. An example: In order to honor our historic mission, we could invigorate targeted vin- tage classes with low-to-no-cost incentives. Picture this...offer the ‘500 Premier’ road racing class a package for 2 years to include dramatic trophies, the cover of ‘Vintage Views’ twice a year, early paddock entry with prime parking, etc. By shining a spotlight on AHRMA’s once ‘premier’ class, we may be able to rekindle interest. At the same time, we can encour- age modern classes that bring in revenue and the younger enthusiast that will become AHRMA’s future. Addressing our challenges in this type of positive manner would be healthy for AHRMA. I love this organization and my fellow racers. While at an AHRMA event, I know “I am amongst my people”. As your Trustee for the next 3 years, I will offer ways for AHRMA to be business-like and remain true to its roots, while looking to the future. Allow me share some notables about who I am: • Florida Native, Married 46 years (Wanda), 3 grown sons. • Educated University of Florida. • USAF and FL Air Nat’l Guard fighter plane tech. • Career as self-employed businessman for 50+ yrs. • AHRMA member over 10 years, cur- rently Life Member. • AMA member since 1970, currently Life Member. • Motorcycle as primary transportation since 1963. • Have built my own race bike chassis and engines for decades. Motorcycling History... • First Street bike - Home-made from laundry washing machine/bicycle, 1963. • First Dirt tracker - 100cc Kawasaki G31M, 1970. • First Enduro bike - Kawasaki G5, 1971. • First Road Racer -175cc Ossa Sport, 1972. • Laid out original ‘Gatorback’ MX track 1971 • Iron Butt 1000 mile/day rider, 1971- 2017. • Former AMA Superbike Expert earn- ing a national number, 1975-1982. • Multi-time AHRMA National Cham- pion in Vintage and Modern classes, 2008-2017. • Multi-time Daytona 200 competitor from 1980-2017 (also the oldest racer in the history of the ‘200’). Currently... • Daily ride - Kawasaki Concours 1400. • Hooligan bike - Aprilia Tuona V2 Factory. • Race bikes - Zero SR, Kawasaki Z1 Superbike, Suzuki GSXR600. • Pit Bike - Hodaka 125 Wombat. • Living room at home displays a 1968 BSA A65 Lightning. • AHRMA Fast ‘n Safe Race School instructor. • Retired. Business Experience... • Motorcycle Dealer for 8 years: Kawa- saki, Ossa, Laverda. 1970-78. • President of UF Alumni Association of Volusia/Flagler 1994-98. • Chairman of our local municipal Redevelopment Board 2000-2004. • Founded, Operated, then sold multi- million dollar business, 1986-2016. Personal traits… Smart, Resourceful, Even-Tempered, Reliable, Tenacious. ank you for your consideration... Please Vote! …and encourage your AHRMA friends to vote too. Arthur Kowitz, AHRMA member #8154 Louis L e Blanc baton rouge, LA It’s been three years now since writing my last candidate statement, so firstly, I want to say thanks to all of AHRMA as you elected me Eastern Trustee at that time. It is a true honor to have the opportunity to serve in this role for such a great organiza- tion. ank You. I have been a motorcycle enthusiast my entire life. I live in Baton Rouge, LA and I’ve been involved in many forms of mo- torcycling including woods riding in south Louisiana, flat track racing, motocross and also road racing. Also, I entered my first trials event last summer at Donner Pass in California, it was much fun and I am happy that I was able to do so. I am just completing my first three-year term as AHRMA Trustee. ere is a lot to learn as you accept this role as a Trustee in AHRMA. I have worked hard to apply and engage myself as much as possible as Trustee. I’m enthused and excited as much as ever about what AHRMA is and about being involved with AHRMA in a leader- ship role. I have continued to volunteer at AHRMA events for years. I say these things to let AHRMA members know a bit about me, but more so to show that my love for motorcycles and vintage motorcy- cling is strong and only getting stronger. I do most of my own mechanic work and I have helped many other AHRMA members get their bikes ready for another race day. Cur- rently, I serve on the AH- RMA Special Awards Com- mittee. Also, I Chair the Dirt Track Rules and Eligibility Committee and we are actively look- ing for ways to re-grow our Dirt Track program. I am a Road Race Class Sponsor for Formula 125. I will continue to give all that I can to AHRMA and continue my contribution to this great organization. All of the above has built a stable base for my continued interest in vintage motorcycling and high quality mo- torcycle events. My business and career is in the petro- chemical Industry. I am an engineering manager for the largest petrochemical company in the world. I manage the de- sign, procurement and construction of the world’s largest and most advanced technology projects. Most of my work is in the USA. I have worked on international projects in the past and will in the future be assigned to international projects. I feel it very important to promote AH- RMA to more and more new members while maintaining a commitment to AH- RMA’s Mission Statement. I will support keeping our vintage motorcycles at the front of our focus. I believe I have been effective in my cur- rent role as AHRMA Trustee and I believe I possess the qualities that are required to

Upload: others

Post on 27-May-2020

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Vote for your AHRMA Trustees Statements_spread.pdfidea of “rescuing” a basket case Hodaka. Tearing that bike down to every nut and bolt and rebuilding it not only generated priceless

12 Vintage Views December 2017 December 2017 Vintage Views 13

Trustee Candidate Statements

This year, there are eight candidates running for four seats on the AHRMA Board of Trustees. Please read the statements and use the postage-paid ballot card

found at the center of this issue to cast your votes.

All members are entitled to vote for two candidates from his or her own region, either east or west of the Mississippi River. You may write-in the names of individuals not on the ballot, provided they are members in good standing and live in your region. (The AHRMA Membership Office can provide information about a person’s region and membership status if you are unsure). Ballots with more than two votes will be voided, as will votes for candidates outside one’s region. Your name, address and membership number must appear on the ballot.

Ballots must be received at the address specified on the ballot, no later than January 8, 2018. The ballots will be tabulated by an independent CPA, and as soon as available after the close of voting, results will be posted on the AHRMA website. Results will also appear in the February Vintage Views.

Opinions expressed by the individual candidates do not necessarily reflect the view of AHRMA’s Board of Trustees or staff.

Information on

How to Vote

(Continued next page)

Eastern Candidates

Vote for your AHRMA Trustees

ARTHUR KOWITZORMOND BEACH, FLAHRMA is a wonderful association, made up of excitement seeking gear-heads of all ages. Whether we race old bikes or off beat newer ones, dirt or pavement, we have some traits in common that bind us together.Over the years I have attended and participated in many AHRMA Trustee meetings. So, I have firsthand experience and see that AHRMA is approach-ing a cross-road. The growth of Modern ‘Alternative’ Racing poses a challenge to our Historic organization, as grids in some of our vintage classes are waning.Some want us to be a purely vintage organization by limiting modern machines, while others would like to increase modern classes and take advantage of the benefits new riders bring to our club.

In my opinion, we can be true to our core and welcome the underrepresented modern bike classes with some fresh ideas.An example: In order to honor our historic mission, we could invigorate targeted vin-tage classes with low-to-no-cost incentives. Picture this...offer the ‘500 Premier’ road racing class a package for 2 years to include dramatic trophies, the cover of ‘Vintage Views’ twice a year, early paddock entry with prime parking, etc.

By shining a spotlight on AHRMA’s once ‘premier’ class, we may be able to rekindle interest. At the same time, we can encour-age modern classes that bring in revenue and the younger enthusiast that will become AHRMA’s future. Addressing our challenges in this type of positive manner would be healthy for AHRMA.I love this organization and my fellow racers.

While at an AHRMA event, I know “I am amongst my people”.As your Trustee for the next 3 years, I will offer ways for AHRMA to be business-like

and remain true to its roots, while looking to the future. Allow me share some notables about who I am:

• Florida Native, Married 46 years (Wanda), 3 grown sons. • Educated University of Florida. • USAF and FL Air Nat’l Guard fighter plane tech.• Career as self-employed businessman for 50+ yrs.• AHRMA member over 10 years, cur-rently Life Member.• AMA member since 1970, currently Life Member.• Motorcycle as primary transportation since 1963.• Have built my own race bike chassis and engines for decades.

Motorcycling History...

• First Street bike - Home-made from laundry washing machine/bicycle, 1963.• First Dirt tracker - 100cc Kawasaki G31M, 1970.• First Enduro bike - Kawasaki G5, 1971.

• First Road Racer -175cc Ossa Sport, 1972.• Laid out original ‘Gatorback’ MX track 1971• Iron Butt 1000 mile/day rider, 1971-2017.• Former AMA Superbike Expert earn-ing a national number, 1975-1982.• Multi-time AHRMA National Cham-pion in Vintage and Modern classes, 2008-2017.• Multi-time Daytona 200 competitor from 1980-2017 (also the oldest racer in the history of the ‘200’).

Currently...

• Daily ride - Kawasaki Concours 1400.• Hooligan bike - Aprilia Tuona V2 Factory.• Race bikes - Zero SR, Kawasaki Z1 Superbike, Suzuki GSXR600.• Pit Bike - Hodaka 125 Wombat.• Living room at home displays a 1968 BSA A65 Lightning.• AHRMA Fast ‘n Safe Race School instructor.• Retired.

Business Experience...

• Motorcycle Dealer for 8 years: Kawa-saki, Ossa, Laverda. 1970-78.

• President of UF Alumni Association of Volusia/Flagler 1994-98.• Chairman of our local municipal Redevelopment Board 2000-2004.• Founded, Operated, then sold multi-million dollar business, 1986-2016.

Personal traits…

Smart, Resourceful, Even-Tempered, Reliable, Tenacious.

Thank you for your consideration...

Please Vote!…and encourage your AHRMA friends to vote too.

Arthur Kowitz, AHRMA member #8154

Louis LeBlancbaton rouge, LAIt’s been three years now since writing my last candidate statement, so firstly, I want to say thanks to all of AHRMA as you elected me Eastern Trustee at that time. It is a true honor to have the opportunity to serve in this role for such a great organiza-tion. Thank You.I have been a motorcycle enthusiast my entire life. I live in Baton Rouge, LA and I’ve been involved in many forms of mo-torcycling including woods riding in south Louisiana, flat track racing, motocross and also road racing. Also, I entered my

first trials event last summer at Donner Pass in California, it was much fun and I am happy that I was able to do so. I am just completing my first three-year term as AHRMA Trustee. There is a lot to learn as you accept this role as a Trustee in AHRMA. I have worked hard to apply and engage myself as much as possible as Trustee. I’m enthused and excited as much as ever about what AHRMA is and about being involved with AHRMA in a leader-ship role. I have continued to volunteer at AHRMA events for years. I say these things to let AHRMA members know a bit about me, but more so to show that my love for motorcycles and vintage motorcy-cling is strong and only getting stronger. I do most of my own mechanic work and I have helped many other AHRMA members get their bikes ready for another

race day. Cur-rently, I serve on the AH-RMA Special Awards Com-mittee. Also, I Chair the Dirt Track Rules and Eligibility Committee and we are actively look-ing for ways to re-grow

our Dirt Track program. I am a Road Race Class Sponsor for Formula 125. I will continue to give all that I can to AHRMA and continue my contribution to this great organization. All of the above has built a stable base for my continued interest in vintage motorcycling and high quality mo-torcycle events.My business and career is in the petro-chemical Industry. I am an engineering manager for the largest petrochemical company in the world. I manage the de-sign, procurement and construction of the world’s largest and most advanced technology projects. Most of my work is in the USA. I have worked on international projects in the past and will in the future be assigned to international projects.I feel it very important to promote AH-RMA to more and more new members while maintaining a commitment to AH-RMA’s Mission Statement. I will support keeping our vintage motorcycles at the front of our focus.I believe I have been effective in my cur-rent role as AHRMA Trustee and I believe I possess the qualities that are required to

Page 2: Vote for your AHRMA Trustees Statements_spread.pdfidea of “rescuing” a basket case Hodaka. Tearing that bike down to every nut and bolt and rebuilding it not only generated priceless

14 Vintage Views December 2017 December 2017 Vintage Views 15

Trustee Candidate Statements

(Continued next page)

Scott R. RobirdsSAlem, SCI have been an active AHRMA member in good standing for nine years and have participated in National and Southeast Regional events during that time.Like many of us in AH-RMA, I began racing mo-torcycles as a teenager; for me it was in high school in the early 70s. I was com-pletely absorbed with the mechanical challenges of keeping my bike running in top form for three moto-cross heats, but more im-portantly in securing bragging rights over my fellow competitors and high school class mates in the upcoming week.Also like many of us, I moved on with life as I entered college, started a career and had a family. It wasn’t until 2006, while looking for a mechanical project for my teenage daughter that I came across the idea of “rescuing” a basket case Hodaka. Tearing that bike down to every nut and bolt and rebuilding it not only generated priceless memories with my daughter, it also rekindled my interest in working on and riding some of the best motorcycles ever built (I admit to a bias here!).At the highest level, an AHRMA Trustee must perform three important duties; duty of care, duty of loyalty and fiduciary responsibility. I would like to present my

experience and perspective in each of these areas:Duty of Care: As a licensed optometrist and medical device industry executive for over 30 years, I have had extensive expe-rience in reviewing data, filtering when necessary and drawing meaningful con-clusions. It is critical to gather all relevant facts for a given decision while guarding against “paralysis of analysis”. My decades of experience as a clinician and research and development executive have prepared me for making those decisions in an effi-cient and effective way.Duty of Loyalty: While in the corporate world, I also completed a career in the United States Air Force, retiring from the Reserves with the rank of Colonel in 2010 after 30 years of service. I have adopted as my own the Air Force Core Values of “Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do”. These values have served me well in all aspects of my life and will continue to be my foundation if elected as an AHRMA Trustee

Fiduciary Duty: I have had the pleasure of serving on the Senior Management Board for Bard Medical Corpora-tion over the past 7 years. The responsibility of the Board, among other things, is for the P&L of our $800M Division. Furthermore, within my own function I am responsible for managing a multimillion dollar budget which includes expenses for personnel, con-sultation contracts, required government payments, travel, etc. I believe I have a solid

understanding of the requirements needed to manage the revenues and expenses of an organization and the importance of meet-ing financial commitments.At the end of 2017 I will be retiring from corporate life. I look forward to applying my energy towards something that I and 3,140 of my AHRMA friends thoroughly enjoy. AHRMA serves an essential role in preserving the interest and history of motorcycles during a pivotal time in their development. I would be honored to serve AHRMA as a Trustee and help to main-tain this important link to the past.Respectfully, Scott R. Robirds, O.D., 770.377.7432, [email protected]

continue as your AHRMA Trustee. In the past years I have been to many AHRMA events and I have become personal friends with many of our members and officials. I have been accessible to AHRMA members and I will continue to grow my acquain-tance and friendship with our members. I believe it is important as a Trustee to be in contact and talk to our members. I will continue to work hard to contribute to AHRMA’s ability to host ‘High Quality Vintage Racing Events’, which stabilizes the future of our organization.In summary, I am thankful for the oppor-tunity you have already given to me and I am positioned to continue as your AM-RMA Trustee. I would like to continue to serve the members of AHRMA. I ask for your vote. I will do my best to represent all AHRMA members and this great organi-zation.

Western Candidates

tom bentleycottonwood, caMost AHRMA members on the West Coast already know me because of tech inspection. Those of you who do not know me, here is a brief history of my involve-ment in AHRMA and why I am once again hoping to represent you.First of all, I love this exciting sport. I began racing motocross in 1970 at age 13. When I turned 17 years old, I purchased my first brand new motorcycle. I picked the bike I wanted right from the crates at the shipping docks in Southern California – a yellow 1974 Maico. I didn’t ride or race motorcycles for 25 years after that. I found AHRMA in the late 1990s. I now ride the same Maico that I bought new in 1974! Now my entire family rides in AHRMA, also – my wife Julie; my sons, Tim and Terry; and my daughter, Alisa. Between the five of us, we support many different classes.However, racing these great old bikes was not enough for me. I volunteered to as-sist Dave Janiec, former Chairman of the Board, in tech inspection duties. I am now the current off-road Western Chief Tech Inspector helping to keep our riders safe and honest. This position has enabled me to get to personally know the members of AHRMA and learn what the members want to see either changed or maintained in the organization. I have had great con-versations with most all of you! I served on the Board of Trustees for 6 years during a period of AHRMA’s history that was con-sidered one of the most tumultuous since its inception. Proudly we were able to work

hard as a governing body, and together we were successful in defeating our adversarial opponents and became a much stronger organization. After serving for 2 terms, I decided it was time for someone else to serve. You elected me again 3 years ago, and now I am asking for your vote again to serve another three years. Members who know me have come to realize that I am not one to shy away from making difficult decisions, while always keeping the integrity of the organization and AHRMA’s Mission Statement in the forefront of my reasoning. I have the ex-perience needed to be a viable active par-ticipant on the Board because of my work, involvement, and understanding of this organization. If elected, I can assure you that I will do my best to represent you, the members, in every decision I am asked to make, while keeping the national strength and integrity of AHRMA’s Mission State-ment and Bylaws intact. I thank you for your consideration to elect me to serve as one of your western trustees to help keep the strength of the largest vintage racing organization in the world that promotes “fun on old wheels.” I hope that you will trust and support me with your vote, and I would be honored to serve the membership for another term.Thank you.Tom Bentley

Murrae HaynesSanta fe, nmHello out there, Racers. It’s election time for trustees and I’m your man to work for you in all disciplines of our great organiza-tion, AHRMA. Yes, work for YOU, not just words and ideas on paper.My wife Mabel, our dog Chynna (woof), and I have crisscrossed the country, racing, working as an AHRMA official/volunteer, attending every Road Race since 2013 with our race rig.I race in vintage and modern classes: 2004 Buell in BOT, 2014 Brammo Empulse in E-Supersport, 1969 Ducati in 350 GP, and a 1972 BMW in Lost Era Sidecar. Back in the day, I raced motocross with a local AMA Chapter, starting with a 50cc Puch, progressing to a Bultaco, a 250 Jawa, and a 440 Victor with some Hondas mixed in.As an AHRMA Official, my duties to date at every meet include tech inspection, grid marshal, and instructor for the AHRMA Fast & Safe Roadracing School. The school, by the way, very proudly enrolls 60-plus new members each year. I am also a member of the Road Race Modern Rules

Committee. Mabel also works as a grid marshal.I’ll try and make this quick. My accom-plishments with AHRMA include: I am very proud of being honored with the Mike Smith Perpetual Award in 2014, scored multiple regional Championships, and a National Championship this year on the 1972 BMW sidecar, with Mabel in the chair.Okay. Let’s get to busi-ness. I think we’re all on the same page, to have fun on two vintage wheels, be-ing pro-active to provide an appropriate environ-ment for and to showcase competition among classic and special inter-est Clubman and Grand Prix racing motorcycles for members, plus to new generations of race nuts, thereupon continuing membership.HOW DO WE DO THIS? – We do this by continually creatively advertising our product, Road Racing, Vintage MX, Post Vintage MX, Observed Trials, Cross Country, and Dirt Track in the correct media.Media – Magazines, both local and na-tional, local newspapers, and social media.As a study of Road Racing, every class and race is sponsored. The series every year has a Title Sponsor. This in turn promotes major exposure, without cost to AHRMA. Off-Road disciplines may use this method to increase exposure to new blood.Let’s not forget our modern classes. Mod-ern specialized classes in Road Racing with unique expensive bikes are so im-portant to our organization. Because they are very fast and physically demanding to race, the riders are younger. These exciting bikes lure the younger age group. Time evolves, and these riders often migrate to vintage classes.We need to, again, promote, advertise these modern classes in today’s modern forums to attract the younger set, not to hide them behind our vintage mindset. The opportunities to expand AHRMA’s exposure to the racing world are endless.This formula will in turn boost our vintage racing. The specialized modern bikes are an integral ingredient to the continuing success of our historic racing and help to pay the bills.So, looking at the big picture, modern bikes help the vintage series in many ways. I’m here to support both.

Again, this proven formula can be ap-plied carefully to off-road and flat track disciplines. As the calendar moves forward so must our vintage timeline to include newer generations of motos, appealing to a younger race mind. I believe this will pro-tect our vintage bikes, our vintage vision (heritage) which our club is based on.

I will work with off-road and flat track Directors as I have with the Road Race Director, attending and working local/regional events. I will take this time to say thanks to our Captain, AHRMA Executive Director Dave Lamberth for all his hard work and patience as he works with all the disci-plines and Directors.As you can see, my resume with AHRMA combines rac-ing, hard work and profession-alism. I’m hungry to accom-

plish the task of a successful trustee. The race rig is ready and full of diesel, Chynna has her bowl and leash packed, and my “race” boots on the ground attitude is ready.Vote for me, and all disciplines of AH-RMA will be rewarded by my presence. I play well with others. Cheers!Murrae HaynesAHRMA member [email protected]

brian larraburrecalabasas, caI live in the western region (Los Angeles), and I am looking to gain the votes needed to represent AHRMA in the West for all AHRMA disciplines. Road racing is a major source of our an-nual revenue and over the last several years this has helped support all of AHRMA. The level of entries that road racing is drawing proves that we are moving road racing in the right direction. We need to promote the growth of all the AHRMA disciplines. By drawing members with modern equip-ment to all of the AHRMA events, we can create new interest in the vintage programs. The younger racers become our next generation of vintage racers. I see that other race Associations are stepping up to get in on vintage racing, and they achieve this by having existing modern programs and then invite our vintage racers. We

Page 3: Vote for your AHRMA Trustees Statements_spread.pdfidea of “rescuing” a basket case Hodaka. Tearing that bike down to every nut and bolt and rebuilding it not only generated priceless

16 Vintage Views December 2017 December 2017 Vintage Views 17

Trustee Candidate Statementshave to get ahead of that game. For riders to understand vintage, classic and modern equipment, they have to par-ticipate in events with them all together. There are some on the board that would like to keep the organization in a time cap-sule, if AHRMA continues to operate that way I don’t see how it will make its way in to the next generation of racers and members. For AHRMA to continue building grids we need to focus on premier events in order to draw the entries. Some tracks are cheaper, but they if they don’t draw enough riders, then why run them. I think we could poll members about what tracks they like and the ones they don’t.Racers want to race at the premier tracks, just take a look at Barber event.AHRMA should set the goal to bring in the younger new members. Hopefully what we will see is that young guy or gal that may be running their modern bikes will decide to race a vintage dirt or road race bike when they see the possibilities. I see it happening now in road racing and that is a huge opportunity for all of AHRMA. I support all of the programs, so in order to keep AHRMA paying the bills and making money, we need trustees that vote to support AHRMA overall and not vote against modern programs. I hope to be elected and if so I will listen to you and then use that information to vote for the growth and future of AHRMA. I want to work with the other trustees to help us all see things the way the majority of the members want to see AHRMA and help to steer AHRMA towards the future and membership growth. In short I love AHRMA and the unique people that want to be a part of it.A bit about me:I have had the good fortune to ride all types of vintage & modern road and dirt motorcycles starting at the age of 11. From my early years I had a strong desire to race motorcycles however my wife (Cari) of 22 years, my 4 boys and my work came first. Along the way I built up a collection of vintage racing and road bikes. I own and operate construction and

manufacturing companies in the Southern California market, employing hundreds of people, this has taught me team building and how to work as a team to achieve goals. In 2007 I formed a street rider and racing school with former World champion Doug

Polen as the Instructor. I ran this school nationally for 4 years helping over 1,000 rid-ers and racers along the way and developed a new passion, helping others learn how to be better riders and racers. This taught me a lot about promot-ing in the motorcycle world. As a student of the school I was ready to run my first race in 2007 at the young age of 47. I finished dead last along with being lapped by the entire Glendale Harley race team.

After 3 AHRMA events in 2007 the hook was set, I raced the full calendar in 2008 and 2009 earning the #1 plate in 2 classes. A 2011 injury sidelined my efforts for sev-eral years but now I am back on track hav-ing a ball again with AHRMA along with adding E bike racing to my roster.Brian Larrabure, AHRMA Member #8348, Race #14, email: [email protected]

debbie pooletiburon, caIt seems such a short time ago that I took my seat at the board for the first time. 2006 was an increasingly difficult period for AHRMA, and my first board meeting was one I won’t soon forget, with bank-ruptcy looming and attacks on the organi-zation coming from many fronts. Thankfully, AHRMA has survived and is doing well. It has been an honor to watch the transformation back to health from a front-row seat, and to have some little part in decision-making that would steer the outcome.Twelve years later, there are different chal-lenges and puzzles to tackle. One that has developed over the last couple of years and which I have taken as a special proj-ect within my own region is that of the One Event Membership. These weekend memberships may be used only once in a 13 month period, stated right on the One Event Membership form. Compliance with the 13 month period is often over-

looked, ignored, and in some cases simply not understood by both riders and sign-up/membership personnel at our regional and national events. This seems to be a prob-lem with the off-road disciplines, since all AHRMA road race events are promoted by AHRMA, with the same sign-up per-sonnel and AHRMA oversight at most every event. Conversely, AHRMA MX, Cross Country, and Trials have multiple promoters all over the country.How do we ensure promoters have an updated list of One Event Memberships and the 13 month eligibility date for each? How do we ensure the sign-up and mem-bership volunteers use the list? How can we best contact each One Event Membership applicant to offer them an upgrade to full membership within the 30 day window allowed for con-version? I have started implementa-tion of this in the Northwest region, which I hope will be fully opera-tional for the 2018 season. But what about the rest of the regions? A quick study of 2017 estimated we could be losing about 150 memberships per year, but that is probably extremely conservative. This is something we need to get a handle on or, in my opinion, discontinue the One Event Membership offer.The second challenge is one that is just becoming more obvious, and that is the fact that of the general population, young people are not mechanically inclined and have little interest in motor racing. The phenomenon is widespread, and many organizations are affected, AHRMA prob-ably among the least affected at this time. I have said before that changing AHRMA to attract younger riders is unlikely to be a viable solution to increasing membership, and the national trend now seems to bear this out. What we want is to attract the right kind of young people, those inter-ested in working with their hands, in the historic value of what we do, and who will be long-term members of AHRMA be-cause of the unique organization it is and always has been. The BUILD program which has been put

into action in AHRMA road racing is an excellent vehicle for this, and I am help-ing with such a project building a vintage trials bike in partnership with a small motorcycle shop on the northern Califor-nia coast. Most kids need the basics, and this is how we will start out. I would like to see the BUILD program, or something similar, be a larger part of AHRMA, offer-ing easy-to-access advice, success stories, and how-to’s for how to start one’s own BUILD project.AHRMA has so much to offer the mo-torcycle racing world from a fun, varietal, historic and safe perspective – there truly is nothing like it! I firmly feel we can build on our successful formula, making some changes along the way, but retaining what has made AHRMA a great organization to go race and ride with for well over two decades.

greg tomlinsondana point, caMy name is Greg Tomlinson. I’m writing to express the ways my election as an AH-RMA trustee will strengthen and grow our race organization. This racing family, safely having fun on the track and the well being of our club is as important in your life, as it is mine. With your voice and your vote, together, we will shape the future of our club. I of-fer fresh new energy, bringing a balance of respect for past convention with open-mindedness to modernity. I will be my own vote as a Trustee, considering matters with fairness, honesty and enthusiasm, without bias to any particular group of riders. My goal is to provide leadership through partnership that clearly illustrates the future of AHRMA.This is precisely the type of leadership I’ve been performing outside of AHRMA my entire adult life. In fact, as the founder and President of a successful company, pro-ducing events, engaging the public, maxi-mizing financial performance and facing inevitable challenges, this is what I do each and every day.

My passions as a motorcyclist are diverse… Competing in Vintage Roadrace, Vintage Motocross, Post Vintage MX, Dirt Track, TT’s, and Scrambles. I am currently build-ing a bike to enter in Trials as well. I have been a highly active member of AHRMA for 6 years, racing domestically and inter-nationally on vintage machines in several classes and disciplines. During that time I’ve earned three national championships. I’ve worked to build strong relationships with all stakeholders in our AHRMA Fam-ily. From trustees, volunteers, corner work-ers and fellow racers. My ideas and leadership will help grow our membership and visibility. I believe we need stronger event outreach and promo-tion that will build attendance with more racers, spectators and sponsors. We can improve new rider programs, take advantage of the current revitalization of Dirt Track nationally, working to bal-ance diversity on the board and a fair split of Western Re-gion rounds of competition.Having spent my entire professional career in action sports, I have key relation-ships among motorsports brands, media outlets, social networks, promoters and oth-er rider organizations. Along with experienced leadership, these relationships will broaden our club’s sponsorship base, exposure and appeal. I know we can accomplish these goals as well as generate more interest and participation amongst potentially new and current mem-bership at large. My business experience is wide-ranging and fiscally minded that speaks to the not for profit nature of our organization. Founding and leading a publicly traded enterprise, I am accountable to a board of directors and shareholders. Defining op-portunities, setting the course and deliver-ing. Meeting the needs of a dynamic group of domestic and international partners. Managing a multi-million dollar budget and answering to the global profit and loss of the company I lead. Additionally I have

chaired and served on committees of not for profit associations. Performance is what counts in the boardroom as well as on the racetrack. These results deserve your con-sideration.My extensive expertise of growing grass root competitive series, producing signifi-cant events and my decades of competing, promoting, producing and hosting world championship and regional competitions across multiple sports, distinguish me as a trustee candidate who, long after this elec-tion will continue to earn your vote. On the personal side of things, I have been riding all forms of motorbikes since the 70’s. Together with my three sons and girlfriend, we ride, race and enjoy owning, collecting and maintaining a variety of motorcycles together. My garage, therefore,

is a rather busy place with multiple generations of rid-ers and interests. I believe that AHRMA needs forward thinking leadership that is compat-ible with the past, honoring the mission our club was founded on. I’ve travelled and competed extensively, listening and relating to the many diverse viewpoints of our fellow club members. These experiences give me an understanding of the

issues at hand, with an eagerness to help guide the club for you and the generations to come. Each person who zips up his or her race suit shares our enthusiasm for this club, along with a common desire to improve our skill, lap times and the club at large. Now more than ever, we need a strong and effective voice. I want to be a leader for AHRMA’s future and I want to serve as your voice. This is why I’m run-ning for AHRMA trustee.Thank you for your consideration, Greg Tomlinson#5 Road Race & Dirt Track#50 VMX & PVMX PS: No matter whom you vote for, please make sure you vote! ▲