HPMA Membership Meeting 9-12-2009

&n= bsp; At 1:40 pm President Travis Garska called the meeting open with only six HP= MA members in attendance. Reflecting back on last season, Travis felt th= at the HPMA Circuit had a good year despite the lower attendance numbers at the races. He informed the membership that the Board had made changes to = our classes, effective next season, based on the lower numbers of riders in the= se classes. There will be only one= PeeWee Class, no Vet C Class, no Women's C Class, no = 65C Class, and only one Mini-NonComp Class. If numb= er increase, these classes can be reinstated. Eliminating the cla= sses will shorten the race day for everyone without compromising racer safety an= d fairness.

&n= bsp; Travis explained that the Board was considering adding a "Col= lege Boy" Class at our January meeting if there is enough interest. &n= bsp; This class would be a trophy class only for 250 riders age 17-24. No = 450s would be allowed. In addition, the Board may propose a 25plus Pro Cla= ss with pro payout at the January meeting for membership consideration. Members are asked to express their opinions about these proposed classes on the web site (hpmainc.com).

&n= bsp; Travis said that, following an HPMA race next season, promoters will be giv= en a score sheet that will provide constructive feed back on each tracks performance in various categories. The purpose of the rating= is to encourage and congratulate, as well as to correct problems. The evaluati= on will let race clubs know what they did well and what improvements need to be made for any races that follow. Travis informed the membership that Laramie, Douglas, and the new Worland track will not be allowed to have HPMA points races next season bec= ause of inadequate track prep along with other difficulties exhibited at their 2= 009 races. These tracks can still have a non-points race which will give = them the opportunity to correct deficiencies and be reinstated for the following season. The goal is to help tracks have quality races for the safety and satisfaction of participants a= nd to identify problems that clubs need to work on in the future.

&n= bsp; Travis remarked that our membership was down to about 300 signups this year. He suggested that we have more 2 day races as does the tri-state circuit because he felt their numbers held up better. The down economy and = the additional expense of transponders could also be contributing factors.

&n= bsp; In the NMA report, Reilly Ludwig said that ten racers from our circuit went= to Ponca as compared to fifteen the preceding year. He said that although we t= ry to follow NMA rules and race divisions, HPMA can not offer all the age group classes that other larger circuits do. It was said that this has not created any problems for our qualifying racers when = they transition on to Ponca, however.

&n= bsp; Steve Habeck made the Treasurer's Financial Report. HPMA took in $50,= 000 of which $14,446 was restitution. Our biggest expense was the transponders = at $16,460, but the rental income of $4,205 was bigger than expected and helpe= d to off-set these costs.

&n= bsp; Steve thanked Robin Alexander for her work on the yearbook which brought in $5,500 in advertising and cost $3,100. Steve said that he expected th= at we would start off the year with cash of $2,500 - $4,000 depending on final numbers from the banquet. Steve said that he would post the year end financials on the web site (hpmainc.com).

&n= bsp; Under New Business, Travis informed the membership that Steve Habeck will h= ead up a new points markup committee so that points will be updated in a timeli= er manner in the future. Mark-up points effect advancement as well as season e= nd status.

&n= bsp; Scott said that the Board is looking for a person to fill the Secretary-Membership position because Tammie Niehoff will be unable to cont= inue in this capacity. Any qualified person interested in this position should contact a board member.

&n= bsp; Steve Habeck informed the membership that the pro payout of $9,000 is the s= ame as last year. He also remarked that, because of HPMA status as a non-profit organization, all pros receiving a payout are required to comple= te and submit a W9 form for the IRS. Bruce Sowards, Riverton businessman, said that this is a good thing since pros could then write off expenses incurred for racing even though they do need to report t= his income.

&n= bsp; Chad Barber asked who determines the number of laps in practice. Trav= is informed him that the President does, based on f= actors such as weather and track conditions.

&n= bsp; Scott made a motion that we reappoint the three directors whose terms will expire 12-31-2009 for two more years starting 1-1-2010 – Travis Garsk= a, Steve Habeck, and Tammie Niehoff. The motion was seconded and passed. Tammie will stay on as an advisor to the Board to help train and pass on her experience with the Trackside software as well as assist as needed at races. Web Master Lerick Johnson of Alliance was thanked for his expertise in sett= ing up and maintaining the exceptional HPMA web site. Travis and Tammie were thanked also for their hard work last season.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:44pm.<= /o:p>

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Ludwig Secretary Pro Tem