I'm proud of our amateur statis, but not sure it should be our motto. I'm always bragging how we're able to put on an international event with an all-volunteer organization (except for one hard-working "part-timer").
The SCTA has existed, yes even thrived, without major input from outside sources. The bank account is well.
And as for getting more publicity, the MOVIE hasn't helped our events that I can see. Longer lines, more wanna-bes, more posturing, rat wreckers taking up hotel rooms and just generally being annoying.
A few years ago (and I don't know all the details) the organization allied itself with one of the cable channels. They then wanted to restrict members' video recording. And they wanted to hold up record runs one morning until their helicopter got there. Yes, we all like our publicity, but being subserviant to other entities doesn't bode well for the health of our old, renegade, hot rodder sport.
It's fine when some of us can make a living (being professional) at land speed racing. And they should be called professionals and be proud of it. Let's hope all us amateurs and professionals can continue to enjoy our "sport" or "profession" side by side without outside influences changing things to benefit themselves. After all, there's no other reason for them to be involved.
Stan Back
