The schedule conflict between the JCNA's Challenge Championship and DVJC's Spring Rally, is unfortunate, since both groups are trying to promote a rally as part of their events.

Although 1700 miles separates the two events, we have a long standing 14 day rule which applies, and is the reason that the DVJC's sanction request should not have been granted. I would point out that we have an AGM coming up in March, where there is an opportunity for DVJC to propose a rule change, or to petition the delegates for JCNA sanction of your particular event.

We have planned an interesting and exciting event in Phoenix, including a rally in which we had hoped Kurt could participate. As a participant in this rally, we had hoped to feature Kurt and his car. By registering for the event, his could have been an additional car in the Concours as well as the rally, and might have been the car to finally fill a container, reducing shipping costs.

The committee has been quite successful in attracting thousands of sponsorship dollars, the majority of which are being used to "buy down" the entrant's costs. We owe it to our sponsors to do our utmost to encourage entries, and give sponsors teh maximum possible exposure. That, coupled with the incredible amount of work required to stage this event, gives us a moral responsibility not to sanction any competition.

I understand and sympathize with your position on this issue. I hope that you also, can sympathize with ours. Finally, I remind you again, that there's an opportunity at the AGM, to discuss the issue with the delegates.

Gary Hagopian, JCNA President

Submitted by ghagopian@jcna.com on Tue, 01/28/2003 - 12:28

Steve,
All of what you have said, is understandable. We will certainly miss you and any others not able to attend this landmark event.
As I pointed out in my post, the AGM, 6 wks before both the Challenge Championship and the DVJC's rally, presents an opportunity for accommodation. Why not sponsor a proposal, and send to Sec. Averill?
Still your pal,
Gary

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Fri, 01/24/2003 - 15:30

Gary,

While you and I usually agree on most issues, I disagree with you on this one, in part. Yes, I agree that all JCNA affiliates should do the most they can to support the Challenge Championship and make it a resounding success. Sponsors deserve the most "bang for their buck" and should draw the widest audience possible.

The program of events at CC 2003 sounds fabulous. I wish I could be there to do the HPDE, the slalom, the rally and maybe even the concours with the nice new paint job our E-type will be sporting by this spring. Unfortunately, we can't be there. A number of factors went into that decision. First and foremost, the distance. Frankly, it is just too far. I know that shipping was available for the cars, but with that, the air fare, hotels, registation, driving event fees, etc., it was beyond our budget. Put that all together, it just wasn't going to happen.

Most of the people in our club that I've spoken to and other neighboring clubs are not going. Why? Virtually everyone had the same reason: The distance. It is just too far. Some considered flying and renting a car, but then felt that if they weren't taking their own beloved Jag, why bother?

How does all this relate to the DVJC rally on the same weekend? Simple. The availability of a JCNA sponsored event in our area of the Northeast simply didn't factor in any way into my decision not to go to Phoenix or that of anyone else I've spoken to about it. Not one bit. Even if I was an avid rallyer, having the DVJC event available that weekend locally would not have stopped me from going to Phoenix if I had decided to. Especially since there will also be a rally at the CC. I don't think it would effect anyone else's decision to go or not go to Phoenix, one way or the other.

DVJC's rally is a special situation. I would not want to see the rule changed just because of this event. But I don't think DVJC should be penalized either. In past years, as I understand it, the Challenge Championship has been run mid-summer, like it was in Franklin, Tennessee. However, because Phoenix is entirely too hot at that time of year, the event was moved to early May and more favorable weather and temperatures. Not a bad reason to do it then.

However, the rally DVJC is running their event with has been scheduled for the first weekend in May for at least 10 years, as I understand it. They didn't schedule their event on the weekend of the CC. Rather, JCNA scheduled the CC on the longstanding weekend of their rally. Would it be nice for you to have Kurt and his car out there? Sure. But you must remember that just as the CC takes much time and effort to put together, so does the rally that Kurt is working on for DVJC, a rally that has been held annually on the same weekend for a decade.

In this case, and this case only, I believe an exception should be granted for the DVJC to have a sanction for their rally on May 2 and 3.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'89 XJS Coupe