OK, here is the solution that was first tailored and approved by the board, and then put up for vote by the members present at last nights meeting (a quorum was present) and passed overwhelmingly, with only one person voting in opposition.

Overall sprint race entry fees will increase by $30 and will include ALL practice sessions on both Saturday and Sunday.

So, last year the fees for sprint races were:

$110 for the first race, $150 for two, $170 for three, $20 for each additional class. This included Sunday AM practice but Saturday AM practice was an additional $50.

In 2008 the fees will be:

$140 for the first race, $180 for two, $200 for three, $20 for each additional. These prices include ALL practice sessions on both Saturday and Sunday.

Endurance classes remain the same at $50 for one, $75 for both. Entry into one or both Endurance races also makes you eligible for ALL practice sessions, even if you have not entered any sprint races.

We would prefer that only people entered in an Endurance race go out in Endurance practice. My gut tells me that Endurance practice will be lightly attended (because it immediately follows the Saturday sprint classes) so we won't address this unless it really becomes an issue.

Overall, the board felt this was an equitable solution that levels the playing field for everyone from a cost perspective. The people who were already paying for Saturday practice (roughly 50% of the racers attending each weekend) will actually see a small decrease in costs, the other half will see an increase in costs (but you are getting additional practice time in exchange). Economically speaking, this will essentially be a wash for the club, which is the best we can do in the face of ever increasing costs. Logistically speaking it removes the headache of making sure that people aren't trying to practice without paying, keeping track of who is allowed in what sessions, etc.

So, we know it's not perfect, but when considering costs, fairness and ease of implementation, we feel this is the best overall solution.

Now lets go racing!!!!