GCR DE Update

DRIVERS EDUCATION

UPDATE for The FAST DRIVERS in our GCR

By Mark Johnson

President Olliviere asked me to take over duties and responsibilities of the “administrative side” of the GCR Driver Education program, the following items have been completed. As DE Admin Manager, the DE Team and I will undertake a full re-examination of the program to be certain we can fulfill the three driving factors of a successful Driver Education event. These three factors are: HAVING FUN, BEING SAFE, AND OPERATING A FINANCIALLY VIABLE DE.

Toward these goals, we have completed the following initial examinations toward our overall success and reintroduction of DE to GCR.

1. Mtg w/Peter Olliviere, Mike Roblin, and Jake Kooser to discuss and review the existing status of the GCR DE program.

Pick up DE documentation from Mike Roblin on the past 2-3 events.

2. Called and discussed PCA DE efforts with the following people outside of GCR

a. Mia Walsh PCA National DE Chair Person

b. Leslie Sikorski Zone 12 Rep

c. Denise Remus Suncoast President

3. Collecting Competitive DE info from: Chin Track, SCCA, other Car Clubs (Corvette, BMW, etc.)

4. Call into Homestead Track (tacit approval to schedule a day in Oct/Nov in 2023 from Peter Olliviere at the initial DE meeting). With limited tracks and big demand, we must get on the schedule!

Additionally, we are currently working on the following items.

1. Calls to Region DE Chairs for referrals and partnerships (Suncoast, Everglades, Space Coast, Gulfstream, others)

2. Reaching to Instructors and Drivers for feedback and direct input on value (positives and negatives) of GCR events versus

DE events for PCA Regions and other DE’s that are non-PCA, like Chin Track

3. Expect to contact past DE chairs in GCR for their input/suggestions

Mark Johnson has attended the SUNCOAST Region DE June 25-26 in Sebring at SIR to shadow their DE team. The goal is to gain knowledge of how a DE is operated and examination of all the moving parts. It has been suggested that Suncoast runs a high quality and efficient DE program, they will be our initial “benchmark” Region.

Additionally, GCR is investigating two or three “off track” DE introduction and training courses to be held before the end of the year to provide our members with insight into participation in DE, and how to properly prepare both car and driver for such an event.

For those so inclined, SUNCOAST REGION PCA will hold a DE event at Sebring August 6-7, 2022 for GCR members should you wish to get behind the wheel at SIR! Check out and register for the Suncoast event at ClubRegistration.org.

Christy Spangler, Social Chair

Happy Independence Day! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July weekend.

In the rearview mirror:

Zonefest, Memorial Day weekend – this was the first time I attended this event and had a lot of fun. Read more about it in this issue.

GCR Afternoon at the Movies, June 4th – a great turnout in spite of the weather. Everyone had a nice time and enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick. Thank you to Noemi Sanchez for putting this event together.

On the road ahead:

July 30 – Axe throwing at Game of Axes in Boca Raton. Registration is now open for this friendly competition.

August 20 – If you are attending Escape to the Cape, I have a tip for you . . . if you are a rewards member of the hotel and have the app, you can check in on the app and get a digital key. That means you will breeze past the registration line and be in the pool with a cocktail in hand in no time. Did you see the raffle prize announcement? I told you it was getting exciting! Stay tuned for upcoming announcements via emails from Ian Gerada via “enews.” You can also check the calendar on the GCR website at goldcoastregion.org/ calendar and on clubregistration.net for events and updates.

If you are interested in volunteering or have an idea for something fun, contact me at socials@goldcoastregion.org.

Christy