Board Attendees:

  • President - Bob Hasenhundl
  • Vice President - Blair Harness
  • Secretary - Deborah Bingham
  • Treasurer - Noel Ross
  • New Rider Director - Dan Spurlock
  • VP Rules & Tech - Dustin Pfeiffer
  • Rider Rep - Rulebook - Dennis Stowers
  • Rider Rep - Trophies & Class Sponsors - Steven Racz
  • Rider Rep - PR & Events - Tim Ellis


Estimated Voting Members in Attendance: 27 in person, 17 online
Location: Nite Owl Sports Bar and Grill and Zoom
Start Time: 7:33 PM MT
End Time: 9:46 PM MT

Club Announcements

  • The end of the BOD election nominations is tonight. There has been a good number of individuals nominated. Tim May-Ellis has been nominated for VP, Emma Weaver has been nominated for Treasurer, three nominations for New Rider Director, two individuals nominated for VP Rules and Tech. The Rider Reps are running unopposed, Kevin Caputo for Rulebook, Dan Spurlock for PR and events, Steven Racz for trophies and sponsorship, and Chandler Dahl for press and communications.
  • The board continues to work on a schedule for next year.
  • In 2025, the MRA is moving to a one-day race program. The details are still being worked out; however, racers were encouraged to reach out to their rider reps to provide suggestions and feedback.
    • In response to a question on price changes, it was confirmed it is under discussion but no firm decisions have been made yet. Dan noted that there needs to be an increase in price for the club to continue.
    • Regarding the approach for the Saturday and Sunday, it was confirmed we’d likely only race one day per race weekend. The hope is to have a practice / lapping day on the Saturday, with racing on a Sunday. Bob confirmed that the Saturday lapping day is not yet fully determined, it will depend on what organization is running the event.
    • It was confirmed that the MRA will only be running a one-day program. There may be an exception for the 4-endurance race weekend.
    • The board confirmed that there are discussions ongoing with Legion regarding a collaborative approach.
    • In response to a question on where the cost savings would occur, it was confirmed that the other organization would have a separate contract and be responsible for their own costs.
    • Regarding dates, it was confirmed that there have been no contracts executed. HPR gave MRA the same dates as last year, while we accepted some dates, going to a one-day schedule results in those dates not necessarily being available. It was confirmed that PMP and PPIR are amenable to the one-day program and will work with the MRA on dates.
    • Regarding the running of classes, it was confirmed some classes will be cut and others will be combined. Dan confirmed that there are likely 6 classes being cut.
      • Regarding SuperStreet, it was confirmed that the plan is to no longer have this class.

    • It was confirmed the goal is to have ~6 race weekends in 2025. Regarding the financial plan for 6 rounds, the MRA needs to focus on the race rounds and entries along with other associated costs. Bob noted that we can not afford to pay for race rounds based on the money in the accounts.
      • Deb noted that the finances are being scrutinized to ensure that all parties are getting a good deal. Dan indicated that we are looking at how we did business in the past, the labor expenses and at the track expenses. While it might not be popular, we will need to target utilizing tracks that are cost effective and can meet the MRA’s needs.

    • Regarding the MRA running a track day, with no ambulance and corner workers there would need to be $227 for 55 racers.It would be over $300 per racer to have ambulance and safety crew. Racers would then need to spend a similar amount for the race day.
    • It was confirmed that $35K was moved from the emergency fund to the operational fund.
    • Deb noted that all financial documents are available on the forum. Noel is compiling the materials from the past few years.
    • Regarding the plan to increase the racing pool, some of the metrics are being tracked. Superstreet wasn’t working to convert racers, opportunities, such as MotoGP watch parties, are also being explored to increase visibility to the MRA. Outreach efforts are being assessed to target the appropriate population.
    • Regarding staffing, the availability of staffing and ambulances for a one-day program is still being investigated.
    • Regarding the numbers of licenses purchased in the past few years, Dan indicated there were ~167 in 2024, and approximately 220 in 2023.
    • Regarding gaining or losing racers with a one-day program, it was confirmed we anticipate losing a small number of racers.
    • Regarding the number of racers in 2024, it was confirmed that racer numbers dropped by 48%.
    • Regarding utilizing a staggered approach in pricing for the different tracks, it was confirmed that this is being considered, with the more expensive tracks resulting in a premium incurred by racers.
      • The MRA does get a discount at HPR, it is not published anywhere. Regarding Pueblo, it is ~$1.5K cheaper than HPR. Dan noted that there are fewer corners at Pueblo, so the labor cost is also reduced and the cost per bike on track is also cheaper at Pueblo.

    • Regarding being a part owner of HPR and why the MRA can’t afford to go there, there is a small discount the MRA receives from HPR; however, the reduction in racer numbers along with the low entry fees has resulted in a poor financial situation.
    • Starfighter noted that average sign up has dropped per racing day, Noel confirmed it has dropped to ~65 per day. Deb noted that there is also a drop off in racers between Saturday and Sunday, and that this is likely due to the races on each day.
      • Seth indicated concern that the one-day announcement came after the rule change period closed. He noted there may be a need for an additional discussion later.
      • Dennis noted that it’s likely not going to impact the class structure much and the fine tuning can occur throughout the process.

    • In response to Tyrell’s question regarding the change in the schedule, Tim confirmed that a subcommittee is discussing the one-day schedule and that there will be more information coming out regarding potential changes. This will then be covered in the Rule change meeting.
    • Regarding the rule change meeting, Dennis indicated that there are some working models, and there are plans to publish it ahead of the meeting, so that discussion can occur during the meeting. Dennis believes this should be able to be covered in the meeting. Post meeting, the subcommittee will meet with the newer board members to discuss the approach. Dennis encouraged members to reach out to the Rider Reps to give input.
    • Regarding the ownership of HPR, the MRA is a member of CAMA and is a ⅕ initial investor in the track. CAMA oversees HPR, and as long as HPR is making money, then CAMA doesn’t engage.
      • Deb confirmed that during numerous General Meetings, information has been given regarding the accounts. She noted that Noel has provided information on outstanding invoices during these meetings and what these amounts are anticipated to be.

    • Nate noted the MRA should not count on collaborating with Legion, as the club is taking a conservative approach for next year, and HPR is too expensive.
    • Sarah noted that this is a team effort, not everything can fall on the BOD. Engagement from the club members to offer help, or ideas, is essential to ensure the club’s survival.
    • In response to a question from Tiffany regarding access to the Forum, it was confirmed that not just MRA members can request access and emails should be sent to info@mra-racing.org. Individuals who have a legitimate reason to post, can also request access. Deb also confirmed that members of the general public can attend MRA meetings, where financial information is typically disclosed.

  • Bob noted that there was a RoadRacing World article published that Ben Fox, a former MRA racer and BOD member, passed away from his injuries.


Blair Harness - Vice President

  • Blair joined the meeting late due to a work emergency. Blair has declined his nomination for the VP role in 2025.


Deborah Bingham - Secretary

  • Novices were requested to reach out to Deb regarding completion of novice hours. They must be completed by the end of Wednesday, 10/9, to allow for points to be counted.
  • Racers were asked to provide suggestion or feedback on what worked for registration / check-in for 2025 what didn’t work, and any suggested improvements


Noel Ross - Treasurer

  • Regarding the financials, following requests from Mike Applehans and Tiffany Maestas to view financial information, moving forward, all documents will be available for view on the forum.
    • The information will be posted under Club Announcements.
    • Noel will also be uploading all the documents from 2023 - 2024 and any other information members might want to look at.

  • Round 8 figures are still pending, a large deposit was received from MSR and Noel is still going through it. The check from HPR, along with others issued, have not been cashed.
  • An email was sent about an hour before the meeting that she is currently unable to address due to the short timeframe. Those answers will also be put on the forum. However, from a quick glance regarding the question of “professional fees”, Noel could confirm that it appears our charter fees were put in that bucket for some reason, this was not done by me but someone from the accounting firm. It has since been corrected and will be available for view at the next general meeting.
    • It was confirmed that this relates to the AMA charter fees.
    • In response to a question from Seth, it was confirmed that the MRA must pay annually to be sanctioned by the AMA.

  • The MRA accounts are as follows: Ops $28,073, Safety Fund $1,172, and Reserve $15,249.90
  • Regarding her questions sent just prior to the meeting, Tiffany questioned Noel on how we do not know if there are sponsors who haven’t paid yet, Noel indicated she has not yet had a chance to look at it .
    • Tiffany indicated that these are questions Noel should already have an answer to given she deals with them weekly. Deb noted that the board are all volunteers that have full time jobs, and while that hasn’t always been the case for the board, we also have lives, so to send an email an hour and a half before the meeting started and expect answers isn’t appropriate. The board received updated information on an ongoing basis, so, to ensure that the information being provided is the most up to date, the questions and answers will be placed on the forum.
      • Roberta noted that when Tiffany sat on the board, she also had a full time job.

    • Deb further stated that the schedule is not yet determined for next year, so Tiffany’s last question cannot be answered yet.
    • Seth noted that perhaps a way forward is to have some standard questions that can be answered at the General Meetings as they want this information every meeting.
    • Deb confirmed that if it is a standard expectation, then that is fine, but to send an email an hour and a half before the meeting is not appropriate.
    • Tiffany noted that the club has been under financial scrutiny because of her, and until the last meeting, agree or disagree, the club has been saying we are doing great.
      • Deb and Dan rebutted that this is not the case and that information has been provided at the monthly General Meetings

    • Tiffany asked the other members their opinion in the message that has been coming from the board. Seth noted he was unaware that $35K moved from the Reserve account to the operational account. Tiffany noted that this was not announced until the September General Meeting. She noted that Seth comes to every meeting.
      • Deb asked Tiffany to clarify what numbers do not make sense so that the board can dive in deeper. She states they make sense now as they were informed about the movement of funds between accounts. Noel noted that we just completed that transfer a month ago, and that nothing is being hidden, if that is what she is insinuating.
      • Deb stated that nothing is being hidden, that the board has been frank in each meeting about what is going on and Dan noted that after each round, Noel has provided an update on the club’s losses.
      • Tiffany countered that we still don’t have numbers from Round 8.
      • Regarding the August General Meeting, it was confirmed that it was on the 4th. There was a BOD meeting on the 5th, where a vote was held regarding the transfer. Tiffany asked if it wasn’t pertinent to inform the club of the transfer. It was stated that the information was provided and Tiffany again rebutted that she has Seth who is saying he didn’t know.

    • Tiffany noted she was specifically seeing where it was going as she has done this for three years and she gets the amount of work it takes. She noted the numbers do not make sense.
      • Noel indicated that she has not received invoices in the same manner. If she received them the same as Tiffany did, it would have been much easier.
      • She noted that as she is not going to be the treasurer in future years, then that will be for someone else to deal with.
      • Tiffany noted that she gets Noel has checked out. Deb stated that Noel has not checked out and Tiffany rebutted that she just said that she doesn’t care as she’s not going to be the Treasurer any more. Deb and Dan reiterated that Noel is done now, but she has worked her absolute butt off all year. Tiffany noted that she’s not saying that she hasn’t or that she’s been negligent or stealing money. What she is saying is that up to September, the board has been making it seem like everything is great.
      • Noel countered that this is not true and the board has been providing information from each round.
      • Tiffany stated that there was a question on how we got all the additional money to pay corner workers.
      • Deb questioned where the stealing statement came from, Tiffany noted that she was saying she wasn’t implying that, to which Deb indicated that it had never been mentioned until now.
      • Tiffany noted that the attitude coming at her is that Noel worked her ass off and she doesn’t appreciate it, she indicated that is not what she is saying. She again reiterated that what has been going on up until September hasn’t been made super clear. Deb noted that the meeting minutes show the information provided. This state of the club after the first few rounds was not apparent. Until a deep dive on the club’s financials was completed, the BOD decided to not take payment, to do what’s best for the club. She again reiterated that Noel has not checked out, it has been a long year and the BOD has been meeting more often to work to address the issues.
      • Tiffany indicated that the information has not been posed that way, because had it, then this would have rested with the members. Noel noted that the information has been presented all year, and that she would be interested in knowing what information Tiffany presented when she was in the position.
      • Tiffany noted that she got her hand slapped for giving round by round losses. Dennis noted that this is the information we have given, and Tiffany stated that we are always a few rounds behind.
      • Tim walked the group through information contained in the minutes. Tiffany requested
      • Seth asked when we started considering pulling money out of the reserve. It was clarified that the BOD meeting on the 5th was where it was discussed, and then voted on.

    • Sarah noted that the numbers she recall being provided are not fully accurate, as she has had delayed invoices. Deb clarified that while Noel has been providing information on solid numbers, she has also then noted estimations regarding outstanding invoices. The cancellation of Round 3, resulted in money being pushed to Round 4 and this was reported many times. Deb again reiterated the board is trying to be as transparent as possible.
    • The problem for Tiffany is that the information can be entered into the P&L, she stated it is like a checkbook. She indicated that she used to hand HPR an invoice at the end of SUnday, and even if they didn’t cash it, it was maintained in the logs.
    • In response to Tyrell’s question on what would make Tiffany and Seth happy, as fingers are simply being pointed at individuals and everyone simply wants what is best for the club.
    • Tiffany noted that prior to the August meeting, she was not aware that the club is not doing well. She asked which BOD member has shown up to a HPR track day to promote the MRA events, she noted that if she’d known the club wasn’t doing well, she would have encouraged racers. Dan questioned why she wouldn’t be encouraging racer to come out all the time and not just when the club is in need. She stated because the club seemed to be doing fine. Dan noted that after Round 2, that he stated to the club that they are our biggest sales force. Tiffany stated that the perception given to was it’s all good.
      • In response to Roberta’s question on if the final amounts were ever clarified, Deb confirmed that Noel has provided updates one invoices have been received and what remains outstanding.

    • Seth after trying to clarify dates, noted it would be nice to know the information as a professional courtesy. Deb noted that it occurred at the appropriate venue, it wouldn’t be appropriate to post that information on Facebook. Seth suggested utilizing the forum. Noel confirmed that she processed the transfer, after the vote occurred.
    • Deb and Bob confirmed that the BOD typically meets the first Wednesday of every month. However, when there is a race weekend, the date moves.
      • Tiffany retorted that there were a lot of I don’t know. She asked if anyone else had questions as she was done and had a whole list of questions. She asked if anyone cared to know what her questions were, or if they were happy to go. She stated she felt like she was being attacked.
      • One question asked was what remains to be paid out for the year, Tim noted that it cannot be answered as the banquet has not been planned. Regarding a question on why we are having a banquet whe we are in a financial crisis, it was confirmed that numerous members stated they wanted a banquet.
      • Tiffany stated that she has a general estimate based on experience, she noted that she knows that the Round 6 check hasn’t cleared and the liability insurance is monthly through the end of the year. Then there are banquet costs.
      • Deb noted that there are reductions being made across the board, to which Tiffany responded that this is the first time she is hearing about it.
      • She noted that the banquet is typically in a month and questioned if we didn’t think this would be the place to talk about it. Deb noted that saving the club was more of a priority. The BOD has been having numerous meetings to discuss the changes for next year. Tiffany stated she isn’t talking about organizing it. Deb continued that there have been subcommittees created on the BOD to handle the multitude of items ongoing. She noted these are the things that club members should know. Tim informed that we did discuss this last month, and several people were very upset with the suggestion of a lower cost banquet. Tim noted it has been under discussion and members were requested to reach out to Tim with ideas. He noted that he has had three members reach out with potential venues, and he created a spreadsheet to hopefully keep costs neutral or to a minimum.
      • Tiffany noted that what the members don’t understand is that racers get a nice wooden plaque that costs $6.4K. She noted that if it was transparent, then members would be understanding. Tim noted we were transparent and that it was related to the dire financial state of the club. He noted that Steven is looking into reducing the cost of the awards. Tim noted that if we raise every single issue with the racers, the meetings would go on endlessly. He noted it was unreasonable to expect to receive every single detail. Tiffany again reiterated that she didn’t want every detail but if the BOD had noted we can’t afford a banquet then it might have changed minds. Tim again reiterated that the information was provided.

    • Roberta noted that from her position as an accountant, you typically know the invoice amount and while there may be some unknown, it can be estimated. Deb confirmed that Noel, when she does not have the final invoice, has typically provided an estimation of the amount. There are always some unknown factors regarding the track invoices, such as ice, and lunches.
    • Tiffany noted that there was an estimation of $15-$20K being returned to the reserve fund. Deb noted that people approach things differently and some are more optimistic than others. When forced to provide an opinion, it may not reflect what someone anticipates. She noted that the board would like to put $15K in. Tiffany noted that utilizing words such as hope, like to, may give the wrong perception to the members. Deb noted that this is the only time the word hope has been used.
    • Dennis agreed and reiterated that the per round losses have been stated numerous times.
    • Bob asked if it would be better to simply state we don’t know. Noel indicated that was her initial response and when pushed, she stated her estimation.

  • Tiffany again questions which account will be used for the corner workers at the banquet, Noel again noted that responses will be provided on the forum. She noted that the short timeframe did not allow for her to collate the responses.


Dustin Pfeiffer - VP of Rules and Tech

  • Dustin noted agreement with Tyrell that the BOD is working for the betterment of the club. There can always be more transparency and improvements to be made.
  • Dustin will not be running for VP of Rules and Tech for the 2025 Season. He noted that the board takes a lot of time and he needs to focus on his family. He encouraged everyone to run for a position to understand what’s involved in the board.


Dan Spurlock - New Rider Director

  • Dan is working on the transition plan for the next New Rider Director. Given the change with the MRA no longer hosting Superstreet, the position for onboarding new racers will change.


Steven Racz - Rider Rep - Trophies & Class Sponsors

  • Racers were asked to reach out to Steve regarding medals leftover from Round 8
  • It was noted that the incorrect month was printed on the Round 8 medals. If racers would like corrected medals, they should reach out to Steve.
  • Regarding the trophy costs, for the banquet they cost $6.4K, with awards for each round costing ~$1.2K.
    • Some suggestions were made regarding cost saving for plaques and medals.
    • Mike noted that it may be beneficial to cut down on awards and only give trophies for first place for the endurance race.


Dennis Stowers - Rider Rep - Rulebook

  • Information regarding the October 26th rulebook change meeting was sent with the General Meeting email. The meeting will occur at the NiteOwl and will likely be ~4 hrs.
  • The goal is to have the Rulebook released at the start of the year. There will be a summary of changes that will be provided prior to the Rulebook release.


Tim Ellis - Rider Rep - PR & Events

  • Regarding the banquet, the board has created a subcommittee to work on this. We expect to confirm a venue and date by the end of this week. Additional information, such as start times, tickets on MSR, will be available at the end of next week. We are most likely looking at mid-November, but will confirm all details ASAP.
  • The board will vote on special awards this week. Racers were encouraged to send rider reps any suggestions for those awards by EOB Thursday, 10/10. Tim reminded the attendees that the BOD is often not privy to occurrences in the paddock.
    • Action: Bob to place list of awards and qualifications on MRA Facebook page

  • Brendan noted that the club has improved its quality of social media. He suggested that merchandise may be an avenue that can be explored, as well as additional advertising.
    • Tim noted that we have built relationships with sport bike related clubs around Colorado. He noted we are going to move away from bike nites for other vendors and will plan to try to hold our own where we have a watch party. This will give people a chance to come meet us and get to know the MRA without the pressure of signing up for race school.
    • He noted that discussion is still ongoing around merchandise, however there are a number of


Additional Questions

  • Sarah noted that members should send her clips of video footage for the year. She also asked that members send her any ideas for social media posts.
  • Roberta asked if a BOD member reached out to racers who did not return this year, Tim did reach out to some racers, however, very few responses were received. Ahead of Round 4, Tim also reached out to former attendees to invite them to come along.
  • Seth asked if an endurance round was planned for 2025, Tim indicated that it is still on the table.


Gifts

  • 50/50 Jose Rios De Vincenzo received the $50 in person MSR credit
  • Corey Jackson received the $25 zoom MSR credit
  • Joshua Radcliff received the NiteOwl gift