CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
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As we draw to the close of another season of SCAR, I feel tired! It has been a taxing 18 months as far as the administration of our sport is concerned, lumped together with on track pressure from Ruan, Darryn and Donavan resulting in me feeling my age for the first time in my life! The good news is that I still don’t think I’ve grown up! The past season has seen some awesome racing and car presentation is up to a level never previously seen in our formula. New drivers have been a welcome breath of fresh air and our guest drivers from Italy have not only swelled the field but added personality and marketability. The high light of the season is that we have the youngest champion our category has ever had. Actually the combined age of the top 4 drivers is the lowest it has ever been. An exciting prospect for the future as the younger generation begin to make their mark. With quality drivers like JP Bredenhann and Chris Hart fast coming to grips with their Shelby’s, 2007 looks to be a humdinger. On the downside, it was sad to see Clive Kennerley sell his car. Clive was the reason I got involved in the first place and was always an inspiration. Alan Eve jumped in and out of various cars following the Ricardo gearbox experiment on his own chassis. This severely impacted on his performance in the Veteran’s championship. Gary Green disappeared from our grids midway through the year due to work pressure and Clare Vale missed 2 events due to technical maladies. Trevor Frost only dusted his car off for 2 or 3 events and although Mark Attieh entered his Shelby in a few Endurance events it did not appear in the Nationals. What about 2007 Mark? It was good to see Neville Jordan’s Shelby reappear, with Alan Eve driving, for the first time since Darryn drove it at the end of 2004! To the rest of the FAITHFUL, my thanks and absolute appreciation for the continued effort and commitment to Shelby Can-Am Racing. To our new members and competitors, thanks for your commitment and enthusiasm and I am sure 2007 will see you all progress another few steps up on that ‘learning curve’ ladder! Finally, in putting 2006 to bed, I would like to thank the entire outgoing committee for the role they played during their term in office. Jannet continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes and feed us at all the local events for which I am extremely grateful. I would be in serious trouble without her. It would not be right not to say good bye to Clare and Don Vale. They have brought much professionalism to Shelby during their time with us and Clare certainly added glamour and additional exposure. Clare was always striving to achieve quicker lap times and better results, never content just to have fun and I am sure you will all join me in wishing her the very best as she moves into class A of the Bridgestone Production Car Championship. 2007 Looms ahead with great opportunities and exiting prospects. As Shelby Can-Am compete on the Pro Tour together with Formula Vee, Formula Ford, Altech Porsche Challenge, Goldwagen VW Challenge and a Superbike Challenge, it will be a case of ‘all new faces and friends’. Only 8 events will comprise the 2007 National Championship but competitors will be encouraged to participate in the club enduro series as well. 3 of these events will be run on our Pro Tour dates while the remaining 2 will be stand alone events. Roll on 2007!! Congratulations to our new champions; father and son taking both the National and Veterans championship is just fantastic. To Ruan on his first National title and Franz on ‘another’ Veteran’s title, congratulations and thanks for being not only competitors but also friends! Well done on your achievements. I wish you all a joyful and safe holiday season and pray for God’s protection and fellowship with each of you during this festive time. May you all enjoy this time with family and friends and remember to acknowledge Him in all your ways. God bless Neil Lobb |