Our first autocross event of the season is taking place the weekend of March 20/21. We will be racing with the Blue Ridge Region of the SCCA, down in Verona. It’s a short 20 minute drive south of JMU, and a fantastic way for anyone new to the sport to get exposed, either by driving or getting ride-alongs.

The Saturday part of the event is a “test and tune” session. Sunday is the actual timed, “for real” autocross event. There is no pressure to attend both days! Some of us who have been itching to get back behind the wheel since December 1st will go both days out of sheer desperation and excitement.

We are also hoping to bring Ray Schumin – of BRR fame – to a meeting prior to the autocross weekend. Ray would be presenting a sort of “Autocross 101″ class to help those new to the sport learn the basics before showing up and hitting the pavement.

Stay tuned to the home page, the forum, and your email for more updates!

After a semester of autocross, track days, meetings, wrenching, photo shoots, go-karting, Kline’s, and (hooray) zero broken DSMs, we’ll leave you with this. According to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers…

At the core of this sport is the fact that continuous learning, networking and connecting … is the most effective way for individuals, teams and organizations to accomplish their objectives and gain a sustainable competitive advantage to win races.

With that said, as we go separate ways for the month of December, keep learning new things about your car and yourself. There are many MM students and alumni in the Northern Virginia and Richmond/Roanoke areas, so if anyone is in need of a helping hand or some wrenching knowledge over break, don’t hesitate to post up on the Forum and ask! That the weather is cold and lousy does not put motorsports on hold for a season.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the spring!! Watch the home page for updates as to our first meeting and its’ location/date/time. Have a great break and stay safe out there!

Next weekend – October 24th to be specific – is the MM & Bob Wade Meet ‘n’ Greet. Hit up the link on the top right corner of this page for some details. Response has been healthy and we are anticipating a good turnout!

There is one final autocross being held in Salem, VA by the Blue Ridge Region of the SCCA. Online registration is open through October 29th. Several MMers have expressed interest, so there will be some sort of MM representation down in Salem on the 1st!

Finally… if you are going karting with MM on the 14th, PLEASE sign up on the forum and get your money to us! Our next meeting is this Wednesday, the 28th, and you may pay then. Or, feel free to send it via PayPal to madisonmotorsports@gmail.com. Please include an extra dollar or two to cover the PayPal fees.

As mentioned above, our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 28th. We’ll see you there, at 7 PM, in HHS 1209!

We have a great event scheduled in Verona for this coming Sunday, September 20. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if you don’t have a car. We’ll get you rides in some pretty awesome cars.

If you’re missing out on the 20th, come out October 4 as we run with the Blue Ridge Region of the SCCA. Both events are being held in Verona, which is about 20 minutes south of JMU.

If you haven’t been to an autocross before – or haven’t driven in one – check out the Autocross Handbook, provided by the SCCA, for the basics on what will happen.

Our first meeting of the semester will be held this Wednesday, September 9th. Meet us at 7 PM in HHS 1209. We’ll be going over what the club does, and the various events planned for the semester. Dues ($20 per year) from both new and returning members will be collected as well.

See you on Wednesday!

Cabell is hosting a welcome-back BBQ at his place – that’s this Friday, September 4. If you need a ride, let us know on the forum. A link with more information is right here.

We are waiting on JMU’s confirmation for a meeting room, time, and day. We are hoping the first meeting can be held next Wednesday, the 9th, at 7 PM. No promises yet, though. Check back – and watch your email – for confirmation.

The Fall 2009 event schedule has been posted! Hit the Calendar link for more details. Remember, threads about each event will appear on the Forum as dates get closer.

Hope to see everyone at the BBQ – please RSVP and let us know about rides!

MM will be represented as one of over 350 clubs and organizations on Tuesday evening. Come out and help spread the word. We will be at the UREC Turf, unless it is raining, in which case we’ll be at the Convocation Center.

Cabell, our generous VP, has offered up his house on W. Wolf Street for some welcome-back (or welcome, for new members) action. Come out, meet ‘n’ greet, and enjoy some burgers and hot dogs.

We will try to organize rides from the JMU Bookstore if anyone is lacking transportation.

Click here for more info. Hope to see you there!

The officers have met and are in the process of planning events. A tentative schedule of Fall ‘09 events should be posted soon.

Also, keep in mind Student Org Night is next Tuesday – September 1 – at 6:30 PM. If you are in town and would like to swing by, please feel free! We will be at the UREC Turf from 6:30 to 8:30, or in the Convo Center should the rain gods make themselves known.

Keep checking back, the tentative event schedule is on its’ way!