Following the resignation of Chuck Taylor as National Director, I have accepted the position of 944 Spec National Director at the request of John Lindsey (NASA co-owner).
John & I had a good conversation today, outlining future goals and direction for 944 Spec. The press release and formalities are coming, but as I feel a pressing need to move on, John gave me the go ahead to go public with this now.
I would like to thank Chuck for his years of service in this role - I bought my first car from him back in 2007. Chuck will continue as Rocky Mountain Series Director, and in a collaborative role with the other 944 Spec series directors on national issues.
While I have much to process, and plan, I want to present a short term agenda:
*Bring closure to the rules debate, and let the drivers know their voices have been heard. I will post definitively on the big issues tonight, and we will work towards hashing out the small issues very shortly. Any recommendations for changes will be sent to NASA for confirmation, and any needed clarification. See the rule change forum for details, and updates.
*Bring a positive attitude/tone to the forums by:
- Posting positive articles, tech tips, money savers etc, drawing on the body of knowledge from the series directors, experienced racers, and 944 technical experts. I would also encourage the addition of good ideas & questions/topics from individual drivers. We are putting together an article on cost-effective engine tuning & building tips, and some tips on car set up, soon.
-Starting a racecraft forum (Ken?), where we can work on driver development, sharing tips, good videos, data, etc. I would like to see a spirit of cooperation to make the new guys feels at home, and get up to speed quickly. If we share information & tips, it raises everyone's game.
*Series directors will set an example in sharing their data publicly, and encourage (though not mandate) data sharing to build a class of top notch, clean drivers. I would like this to be one of our hallmarks, as a class. Everyone enjoys learning to go faster/drive better, and its free!
*Open a direct line of communication with individual 944 Spec drivers throughout the country to gather information, answer questions, and promote an open spirit of communication. My email is eric dot kuhns at gmail dot com. I have an "open door" policy. I can't make every request & pet project happen, but I will do my best to thoughtfully consider and respond to all questions & concerns.
*Foster pride in the great series that has been built - spread the word! Talk to your friends, get together for build parties, social events, and suck your friends into this fun addiction we call 944 Spec Racing. I think it was Paul Newman who said "Racing is an addiction that makes Heroin seem a vague longing for something salty". Racing a Porsche in a cost effective series with a great bunch of drivers is the best variety of addiction there is!
