January Newsletter

January 1, 2010

Greetings from Salem,

We’ve got lots of news to share. First off, our website has been completely re-designed and updated. There is a wealth of information for those folks new to racing as well as the veterans; many new pictures, a new “History” section celebrating our six decades of racing and the 2010 schedule is posted. Please have a look and let us know what you think:

www.salemsbd.org

I’m very excited to announce our new Legacy Sponsorship program. Founded by former Salem Champs, Robert Mossbrucker, (1977) and Tom Parent, (1976) the Legacy Sponsorship Program will provide opportunities for underprivileged children, who for economic or other reasons would not otherwise be able to participate in Derby racing. The program also provides opportunities for Past Champions, Racers, Board Members and other former participants to contribute to the Salem SBD Association and the Salem community. As founders of the program, Mr. Mossbrucker and Mr. Parent have each donated a new stock car kit. Working in partnership with the Salem Boy’s and Girl’s Club, participants will be chosen based on need, scholarship and sportsmanship. To find out more about the Legacy Sponsorship program and how you can participate see our website or contact me directly. And remember as a 501 (C) (3) Non-Profit any contributions to the Salem Soap Box Derby are tax deductible.

In our efforts to recruit new participants Salem SBD is working on new business sponsorships. We have a couple of new sponsors lined up already and are working out the final details with them. We believe partnerships with businesses will be a great way to bring new racers into the sport and raise our profile in the community. If you have any suggestions or leads for business partnerships please contact us directly.

Also, as part of our recruitment efforts, we are hosting a series of information booths at various locations around town. Each first Wednesday, as part of the “Go Downtown Salem” event we will have an information booth showing off derby cars and passing our flyers. Come on downtown this Wednesday, January 6 and join us.

As I mentioned the 2010 schedule is now finalized. Our Spring Opener will be a NDR rally on March 20-21. The Spring Opener will be a low cost entry fee, only $20 per race for Salem SBD members and will be Free for first time racers. This is a great opportunity to get some track time, test those new setups and get ready for the AA rallies that begin in April, as well as the Local.

Olympia will host their first ever Derby race in conjunction with our friends from Kitsap SBD. Organized by racer Jared Sjolin this is going to be fun race and a great opportunity to introduce our sport to the folks in the Washington capital. Check the website for the complete 2010 schedule.

Many of you have likely heard grim news reports about the state of business in Akron and no doubt these are difficult times. AASBD Chairman Bill Evans has written a letter reassuring us that the 73rd World Championships will be held this summer in Akron. You can read his letter on our blog:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/

Only 10 weeks until the Spring Opener race. As mentioned in the November newsletter, please be sure to check out your floorboards. We will be checking floorboards at the Spring Opener race. Out of spec floorboards will not be disqualified for the Spring Opener but will need to be updated prior to the AA Rally in April. Details of the new floorboard policy are posted on our blog:

http://salemsbd.blogspot.com/

Our annual Winter Youth Event will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 1 pm-3pm at the AMF Firebird Lanes, 4303 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Open to all racers from last year’s Local Championship race and any one who plans on racing in this year’s Local race at no charge. Parents & others may participate at normal rates. Come on out and join the fun. Please RSVP as soon as possible to Jarritt Youngers; email jarrittyoungers@comcast.net or (503) 798-0078.

As mentioned previously we are looking for volunteers to “Adopt An Oilcan Car”. I’m certain most of you have seen, our Oilcan cars are in need of some serious TLC and we’d like to get them all refurbished (and safe) for the upcoming race season. If you’d like to help out (please) and take one home to work on over the winter please let us know and we’ll get you lined up. It would be a fun family project and a great way to help out Derby. We’re hoping to have them all back in tiptop shape this coming season for some fun adult racing action.

Happy New Year from all of us at Salem Soap Box Derby. We are excited about our upcoming season and look forward to seeing you at the track.

Jim Youngers, Race Director