2000 Banquet Report

Well, we are in that cabin fever stage of the circuit. The 2000 banquet is over, and we are waiting for the first race. From talking to the Renegade guys, they are READY. They have been working all winter to get their course ready. Course info is already on the internet. PBMA/RCTR are also working on their run. Remember that they are combining to do just one run this year. I have almost promised them that if they did just one event, that the Circuit riders would really turn out for them. Please don't let me or them down! They need a large rider turnout to make this combined event pay. Incidentally, we have had a very wet winter out here in West Texas, and if you believe the forecasts on weatherplanner.com, then all of the West Texas events should be primo. The Texana Ranch has had quite a bit of moisture, and Bobby and Randall both tell me that it should not be nearly as loose or dry as the last several years.

Our annual awards banquet went very well. Attendance was up by about 10%, the ICO computer raffle generated about 10% more money, and the auction brought in about 50% more money. This increase was due to the generous donations of statewide dealers, the Wagon Wheel Ranch, our members, and a computer from A-Loop This money goes directly into the TSCEC bank account and helps pay for operating expenses, year end awards, i.e., jackets, trophies, etc. I hoped you liked the jackets this year. Your officers thought they were the best that we had given in some time. Mike Collins and Tucker-Rocky also outdid themselves again, and gave awesome riding suits to all CD Overall winners, as well as a multitude of gift certificates, Silkolene oil packages, Dunlop tires, etc. to other winners. Every winner got a discount certificate to be used at the dealer of their choice.

Speaking of the banquet, I announced that evening that we would be moving to a more central location, more convenient for our downstate members. I got quite a bit of feedback, much of it from those same downstate members, to keep the banquet somewhere out here in WT, even back at the Wagon Wheel. I would appreciate comments from members about what you want the circuit to do. E-mail me at gmtscec@home.com, or visit with me or any of your officers at the next few races.

Just got off the phone with American Suzuki. They will be including TSCEC events in their off-road contingency program. You Suzuki riders can thank Rick Higgins with Sharp’s Motorsports for getting that ball rolling. Details will be on the website soon.

One other announcement. I will have the rest of the 2001 TSCEC posters at Renegade. Most were picked up at the banquet, but for the ones that are left, I hope some of you will volunteer to take them to your local dealer. There was one date mistake on the hand-out. The August 12th race at Breezy Hill was mistakenly printed as Sept. 12th, instead of August 12th. I have corrected sheets for the posters.

Jeremy Frazier will be doing the roll charts this season. Jeremy’s e-mail is riderkt200@aol.com and you clubs can contact him directly with your information.

One other important announcement. When the circuit does awards jackets, we consider winning an Overall Championship the ultimate achievement. However, we don’t then recognize that rider for his class wins also. We had five riders last season who won Overall’s, and also won their class in another division. Congratulations go to Darren Fowler for winning OA Sabine as well as first place in HP and CD, Bill Roe for also winning first in Sabine division, Scott Grey for his HP win, (and, from what I hear, Scott’s unofficial party is more fun than the official circuit party), Zane Giblet for his CD win, and our over worked but much appreciated Vernon Markworth for winning the Championship division. If any of you winners want your class wins added to your overall jacket, then get them to me, and I will get it done. 

Renegade is almost here. Mount your new tires, get out that new gear, double-check your computer, prep your bike really well, and we’ll see all you guys and gals on Feb. 3rd and 4th. 

George H. McMahan