• PNW, with a little help from our friends
Dirk D Williams

SUMMARY PROPOSAL.
Gentleman, I write this letter in request of a separation of the Northwest Region into two self-sustaining regions. I have been a member of AHRMA for nine years now and have grown concerned for the health, welfare, and growth of the region, particularly the northern part of the region.

In speaking with hundreds of members who are current and whose membership have lapsed, I have learned that their main concern is the lack of venues in the northern part of the Northwest Region. Members state that they would willingly return to active status within AHRMA, if more events were being presented to the membership within a reasonable traveling distance.

RATIONALE.
The benefits of a separate region are obvious. Vintage and Post-Vintage Motocross in the northwest is alive and well. Hammer and Tongs, VDR often have 239 to 366 riders per event. We see these numbers as an opportunity to re-introduce the riders and ex-riders back into AHRMA.

The rational is that by creating a new, self-sustaining region in the Pacific Northwest that larger membership opportunities exist for AHRMA. That quality venue be made more accessible to the members who are not able to travel longer distances to race in other states. We would in fact, meet the needs of members who are not being fairly and equitably represented.

SPECIFIC PROPOSAL.
We are proposing that the existing Northwest Region be separated into two specific geographical regions, roughly divided into northern and southern regions with the dividing line at the border between Oregon and California/Nevada.

It has been suggested that the new, northern region be called the “ PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION” by members who would likely be incorporated into the new PNW region. We are proposing that the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana be incorporated into the new Pacific Northwest Region. We suggest that California and Nevada remain one region and continue to be named the Northwest Region or another name of their choosing.

We request that all disciplines be incorporated into this regional separation that would include Motocross, Post Vintage Motocross, Cross Country, Trials, etc.
We would suggest that a smooth transition be accomplished after the existing “05” Northwest season is completed. Upon AHRMA Board of Trustees review and approval, we would suggest that the “06” season be the target year for a Pacific Northwest stand-alone new region.

DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE OF TEAMS.
I understand that AHRMA is primarily a volunteer run organization, particularly at the regional level. We have a dedicated group of members who have agreed to step up to the plate to make the proposed new region a success. This year “05” the group worked closely with Ric Tipton (NW REGIONAL COORDINATOR) to schedule and staff 4 new races in the NW PVMX Series, as well as administer a new 6 race, PNW PVMX series within the NW series.

I have worked very closely with Christopher James to create a logical manageable team that have openly stated that, If given the opportunity to build a new region, that they will assume the roles of management within the new Pacific Northwest Region.

This team consists of a twenty-two person grading committee, for VMX, PVMX, Cross-Country, Trials, Premier and Classic. This grading committee consists of Experts, Intermediates, and Novice riders; all have many years of vintage motorcycle experience.

We have also selected four per discipline as technical inspection staff members. Those Tech Inspectors are well qualified, each having in excess of twenty years vintage motorcycle experience, all would welcome training from our current National and NW regional Tech Inspectors. Christopher James has already created a web site specific to the Pacific Northwest Region.

Of the thirty plus mentioned management team members, over half are already AHRMA members, and the other half will join upon the successful new region being created. I believe it critical that the following members are acknowledged by AHRMA as PNW representatives upon approval for the new region.

Dirk Williams, VMX.
Christopher James, PVMX.
Len Lowery, Cross Country.
Jay Lael, Trials.
Tom Mc Allister, Premier and Classic.

In creating this new Pacific Northwest Region, we will be racing at existing motocross tracks, and natural terrain “Non prepared Surface” tracks within the Pacific Northwest Region. We have penciled in the following: Sign up members, Points keeper, Assistant Points Keeper, Starters, Scorekeepers,
Lap counters, Announcers, Gate attendants, Flaggers and miscellaneous volunteers who will assist as needed.

We logically believe that the promoters and their staff will field the majority of these responsibilities, however we have created teams to supplement the needs of the promoters to make the PNW events quality venues with cohesive teamwork to create time/cost effective events. Including natural terrain events.

We have members out as I write this proposal, actively seeking new race locations. Those locations are Washougal MX Park, Washougal Washington. Albany MX Park, Albany Oregon. Clarks Branch MX Park, Roseburg Oregon. Goldendale MX Park, Goldendale Washington. Alderdale MX Park, Alderdale Washington. Sandy MX Park, Sandy Oregon. Medford MX Park, Medford Oregon.

We have also secured a 1600-acre hay ranch in Klamath Falls Oregon, for use in the 06 season. This ranch has elevation changes, existing water, and includes two large mountains for possible CC and Trials events). Klamath Falls MX Park, Klamath Falls Oregon.
We are also working closely with AHRMA members in the Boise Idaho area, to identify and promote an event in the greater Boise Idaho area, in the 2006 season.

FINAL COMMITMENT. • I would like to say that this recommendation is being forwarded to the Board Of Trustees not in frustration, but in an attempt to nurture and grow the Pacific Northwest into a manageable new region that compliments the needs of the members and the organization; That compliments the current Northwest Structure and supports that region by evolving into a parallel region that gains it’s roots from leadership and wisdom of those who created this sport.
This parallel region strengthens all of AHRMA by building on a solid foundation of Vintage, Post Vintage, Premier and Classic, Trials, Cross Country, and any other discipline within the organization; by promoting growth and new possibilities for the members in both the Northwest and the Pacific Northwest Regions.
The Pacific Northwest’s goals are no different then any other region.

We fully and strongly support the infrastructure currently existing with-in AHRMA. The goal of the Pacific Northwest is, in fact, to become a contributing region that promotes growth and new venues, while supporting the needs of the existing region by providing “ Cross-over” venues at which riders from both regions can participate in events in either region, and receive points towards specific racing series.

We also feel strongly regarding two-day racing events in which two disciplines or eras race on the same weekend. The motivation for this is the maximization of the weekend and return on the members’ expenses. We realize that not every race can be a two-day event. However we believe that four or five events per season are reasonable.

In closing, I would like to share with the Board Of Trustees that an opportunity exists here in the Pacific Northwest. That opportunity is for an increase in membership and quality venues. That opportunity is for the Board Of Trustees to lead from the front in supporting this request for a new region.

Growth, Prosperity, and harmony within the Northwest are to be gained. Strength in numbers, and a financial stability are a by-product of this new region.

Respectfully submitted.
Dirk D Williams
AHRMA Member # 4204.

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