Minutes of QLD Meeting , 17th March 2013

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BOB ELLIS
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Minutes of QLD Meeting , 17th March 2013

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MEETING – QLD MEMBERS OF DLRA
Date: 17th March 2013
Venue: BULLETCARS, Unit 5/2, Ant Road, Yatla Q4207
Meeting opened 11.30 am
APOLOGIES
Tony Heinmann, Graham Handley, Steve Charlton, Steve Bridge
PRESENT
Dennis Campbell (Acting Chairman), Chris Hanlon, Bob Ellis, Arthur Demain, Steve Loone, Darren Berry, Mark Reiners, Mic Dare, Ken Streeter, Tom Rabold, Denis Carroll, Dave Leikvold, Jason Pointing, Don Kidd, Mike Riddell, Mick Roche, Danny Gathercole, Trev Slaughter, Matthew Saunders, Paul Lynch, Brook Denning, Bauer Draneim, Lyn Campbell, Eddie Sharouni, Kathryn Hanlon, Peter Healy, Ross Brown, Leigh Russell, Steve Main.

AGM AT LAKE GAIRDNER
• Input from numerous members
• The majority of those present attended the AGM.
• A minority of those present did not know where or when it was to be held.
• Notice of meeting was not given in accordance with the constitution.
• The AGM was poorly run.
• Doubt as to appointment of members to official positions and apparent change of appointment without a formal vote.
RESULTING DISCUSSIONS/COMMENTS
• The constitution on the DLRA website is not the current constitution, which was approved at the 2012 AGM.
• The constitution states that the quorum for any meeting (including an AGM) is 10 active members- this needs to be increased in view of current club membership numbers. Suggestion that a quorum should be a minimum of 10% of active members.

START LINE CONCERNS/PROCEDURE
• No proper “headset” radios were provided for start line as promised –time was wasted trying to locate radios, and officials finally had to use their own hand held sets, which were ineffective when a race vehicle had engine running.
• It is potentially dangerous for starter having to rely on “thumbs up” signal from official in start van – IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT GOOD QUALITY “HEADSET” RADIOS BE PROVIDED FOR KEY START LINE OFFICIALS AS A SAFETY PRIORITY.
• Delays often caused by competitors not being ready at start line.
• Needs better co-ordination between “pre stage” and start line (per David Leikvold) At times pre stage sent up to 30 competitors, but no run sheet.
• Should be a “dummy grid” at rear of start line so competitors can be sorted into 2 rows of say 5 deep.
• Some volunteers for start line were unclear on their duties. David Leikvold stated he and his Brother , Peter, ( in van) were at start line all week and would volunteer for whole week next year – if they had two more “permanent” people for the whole week, this would streamline operations and enable someone qualified (eg CLED) to train volunteers in start line duties.
• A lot of competitors did not seem to know what was expected of them – did not know about manuals prepared by Paul Lynch – more use needs to be made of these. Paul stated that he had e-mailed copies to all of those who requested them.
• Suggestion to use a large whiteboard “map” of track and exits at the start line for competitors.
• Exit roads were not clearly marked. Dennis Campbell showed photos of
• Bonneville exits with large flags and his design of a large sign “EXIT” in black on orange plastic safety fencing, supported by two 1” PVC pipes, very economical to make. “Flags” could perhaps come from sponsors?
• Exit road angles were too steep, difficult to turn into.
• A large number of bikes nominated the short track, but went on to run the long track. The penalty for should be that no time be recorded and no records set.
• General lack of communication between club and competitors.
• Ken Streeter suggested compulsory (brief) daily briefings for competitors and designated crew chief to advise of problems/procedure change. If competitor did not attend, will be penalty eg fine or loss of position in queue – says this has worked in other (non DLRA) events.
INSUFFICIENT RUNS PER ENTRANT/PRE STAGE QUEUE
• Chris Hanlon outlined his proposal to improve pre stage queuing (full details on “Pre stage Queue” – DLRA website) Tried to implement it this year , but it did not work .
• Competitors did not listen to the 2 way. May work if FM radio transmitter used from Pre stage to advise relevant competitors
• Runs will increase with more efficiency.
• Timing equipment on GPS track would increase number of “timed” runs, but this will slow down the total numbers of GPS track runs, and require additional manpower to implement.
SHADE STRUCTURES FOR START LINE (BOTH TRACKS)
• It was recommended that the Club needs to provide decent shade structures (similar to scrutineering bays would be ideal) Perhaps approach sponsors?
• Should club provide water and wet towels for competitors – should competitors be required to have their own towels/iced water in their chase vehicle?
COMMUNICATIONS FOR OFFICIALS
• Should be a separate channel for officials.
• Ideal scenario would be VHF, but this could cost 12k – 14k for 10 radio units.
• 2 club members employed in the mining industry to investigate possibility of their employers permitting the club to borrow VHF radios for the week.
STEVE BRIDGE – DEHYDRATION
• Chris Hanlon gave details of what happened to Steve, despite Steve taking precautions.
• Discussion re DLRA liability to competitors – club needs to educate entrants – perhaps an “education” warning sheet sent to entrants with confirmation of entry and copies available at the Lake and referred to in initial briefing.
• Wet towel for competitors - around the back of the neck is very effective.
• Should February date be reviewed, in view of the extreme heat?
SAFETY UP DATE – BOB ELLIS
• There will be no leeway/tolerance given to rulebook compliance of vehicles next year.
• Bob will have a technical inspection day for Queensland cars in November or December this year.
• Bob outlined some of the details of the safety equipment in the Thunderbird (major incident on Thursday) Bob was unable to move the helmet side restraints in scrutineering , yet the restraints were moved a considerable distance, in the incident, by the driver’s helmet. The Hans and helmet restraints appear to have saved the driver’s life.
• Rule changes will apply to rollover vents and lines (similar to fuel tanks) for rocker covers , oil catch tanks, gear boxes and diffs to prevent oil leakage as happened with the Thunderbird.
• Fire bottles may need to be mounted horizontally, in line with the drive shaft, (i.e.not vertically) as some may not /will not work if the car is upside down.
• Bob expects any important changes to be advised in the next DLRA news letter.
CHRIS HANLON- START LINE
Chris gave brief comments – problems largely covered in previous discussions.
PROPOSED PROGRAMME – FUTURE EVENTS
• Dennis Campbell read out proposed programme prepared by Bob Ellis (Copy attached)
• General discussion and comments regarding same.
• The meeting gave full support for AGM to be held on Sunday night.
LACK OF VOLUNTEERS
• Need a volunteer briefing each day (just after competitor compulsory briefing?)
• Improve conditions (provide water, shade and basic lunch) “Permanent” start line and timing van officials cannot leave their positions to obtain food.
• Better organisation/liaison – a number of members present were told there was no work/position for them when they went to the registration van to volunteer.
LETTER FROM AL FOUNTAIN
• Dennis Campbell read out letter from A L Fountain. (Copy attached)
• Trev Slaughter said he had not asked for any special treatment or favours – he had asked an official what they wanted him to do, He explained how he unintentionally exceeded his target speed on his first run.
STATE DELEGATE
• Bob Ellis advised that he was resigning as Qld State delegate because of pressure of work. But will remain as Head Vehicle Scrutineer.
• Nominations were called for. Bob Ellis nominated Dennis Campbell, 2nd by Steve Main. As there were no further nominations Dennis Campbell was duly elected.
ROSS BROWN- MOTOR CYCLE RUNS – 2013
• Ross Brown detailed the number of runs and records for the event.
• Ross gave details of the two motorcycle crashes on Friday and gave the riders comments as to the cause.
• Ross is considering any changes necessary , eg .for “A” Class bikes, the rider may be required to wear a headsock.(Brett had a “salt burn” injury to his neck where his leathers had been pulled down.)
• He reiterated that any bike involved in a crash had to be checked by scrutineers before running again.
• There has been discussion and comments about the accuracy of classes, designated by the entrant – Ross wants these checked in “impound” next year, and the following year wants equipment and man power to check engine capacity.
NEW TIMING SYSTEM
There is a lack of functionality available with the new timing equipment. Eg (1).the system can only produce one report of who ran and the top speed achieved. (2). No time slips are produced for competitors with speeds achieved.
Paul Lynch said when we can extract data from the system we will be able to producemore meaningful reports
DRIVING/RIDING COMPETITION VEHICLES/BIKES IN PITS
• Suggested that competition cars/bikes must not be operated in pits.
• Comments that some competitors speeding – potential for injury.
• Cars/bikes should not be towed on a rope.
• Bikes should be towed attached to a vehicle with a front wheel “lift” as discussed recently on the DLRA website.
TECH INSPECTORS
• Bob Ellis wants more car Tech. Inspectors trained to lessen the load on the existing few. Several members indicated that they were interested in becoming Tech. Inspectors.

KEY OFFICIALS COMPETING IN AN EVENT
• A number of key officials have not been able to compete in events because of the time taken to carry out official duties.
• The key positions ( eg Race Director, Chief Starter, Chief car/ bike scrutineer etc) need to have trained delegates so that these key officials can get a run.
• These key officials will have to be given priority so that they can run when it suits them and their delegated replacement.
LACK OF CLUB FUNDS FOR EQUIPMENT
• DLRA needs more funds to buy essential equipment (eg startline “headset” radios).
• General discussion – increased entry fees does not give continuous benefit if meetings are cancelled. The increased membership fees is the simlest
• Moved Dennis Campbell 2nd Chris Hanlon that at the next DLRA General Meeting a motion be put that “The DRLA membership fee be increased from $25 to $100 per annum”. Carried by unanimous vote.
• The Qld delegate to request that this motion be put forward at the next DLRA General Meeting.

Meeting closed at 2.20pm

DLRA Queensland delegate
Dennis Campbell
75 Wyuna Rd Tweed Heads NSW 2485
Telephone (07) 5536 2532
Email dc32tourer@gmail.com
Stayt`ie
Posts: 1041
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 11:47 pm
Location: Mackay

Re: Minutes of QLD Meeting , 17th March 2013

Post by Stayt`ie »

i know the minutes have been up for sometime now, thankyou for posting, :) ,,

i see that Ross is considering any motorcycle changes that may be necessary, the example given being Bretts "salt burn" to the neck area, with a possible recomendation that all "A" bike riders wear a head sock,, i only know of the extent of Bretts incident by whats been reported on this site, so i ask, what is the reasoning behind this possible next sock recomondation :?: ,, also what are other changes that maybe recomended, :?: ,,
First Australian to ride a motorcycle over 200mph at Bonneville,,,
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ROSS BROWN
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Joined: Thu Feb 18, 2010 6:43 pm
Location: COORPAROO BRISBANE

Re: Minutes of QLD Meeting , 17th March 2013

Post by ROSS BROWN »

In answer to Rons questions
I have started a new thread
please go to http://www.dlra.org.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2254

Ross
IT IS ALL A RACE AGAINST TIME.
TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE.

HOW FAST CAN YOU GO ?

S/UF 925
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