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The Orange Perspective
Mike Boyer Interview
Wheels-off: How long have you been associated with the TCCRA?
Mike Boyer: Susie and I became members in 1981. I started to ride with the racers in '82. Susie became a riding member a few seasons later after serving a term as assistant points officer and a term as points officer. She also filled in for an assistant scoring coordinator who could not finish her term.
In what capacities?
I have been a "track safety officer". That was back in the dark ages when the assistant track supervisor was called the safety officer and there were only nine committee members. I was the track supervisor and filled in as same the last year of Tom "Penguin" Hall's term when Tom was ill. I really don't remember if Tom was ill or if that was the year he broke his leg. Over the years Susie and I have hauled Tom's beaten, battered body home so many times, his wife Rosie hated to see us pull into their driveway.
What are the duties of the Board of Directors?
I'm presently finishing the last year of my third term on the Board of Directors. You asked about the Boards duties. Well, Pat, the main focus of the Board is every money issue. Our books are audited on the average of every four races, sometimes more often. We check to ensure the system of checks and balances installed a few years ago is maintained. All expenses, other than those required for day to day operation must be approved by the Board. For example, funds to purchase the electronic scoring test equipment. Another function of the Board is to review the Officer Duties and to revise them if and when needed and to recommend rule or policy changes for the Committee's consideration and for general membership voting. The Board also sets all fees. I will add that the Board is now in the process of reviewing and updating the Corporate By-laws. Lastly, the Board is available to all Committee members for advice, suggestions, recommendations, etc.
What do you see as the proper role of the TCCRA's Board of Directors?
The proper role of the TCCRA Board of Directors??? A pretty good question, Pat. Personally, other than fiduciary matters, I think the Board should be a neutral entity with the willingness and ability to respond to all member queries while keeping the greater benefit of the Association in mind. Remember the Board can't dictate or command, it can only suggest, etc.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the organization that you consider positive?
Positive and negative changes in the Organization?? Pat, I think you're trying to put me in the "hot seat". O. K. I'll just list some but won't comment on them.
Positive:
- Member access to all Association information
- The PW class on Saturday
- The current numbering system
- Testing of electronic scoring
- Saturday and post race trophy presentation
- EMTs on Saturday and Sunday
- The Web Page
Sorry about the "hot seat", but I can't just sit here and lob you easy
"softball" questions, can I? O.K., what are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the organization that you
consider negative?
Negative:
- Our rapid growth
- Contingency programs that do not benefit more riders
- There may be a few more, Pat, but as you can see, the positives far outweigh the negatives
What do you personally (or the officership/BoD as a whole) think about clubs
within our club, like Riders for Christ, & Patman Racing? Do you feel they
enhance the club, or are they a hindrance in any way?
You ask about my views of clubs formed within our club. Personally, Pastor Jim provides a needed service. I really have no problem with any of the groups. The Patman Team, for instance, more than likely came about as a result of people who camp together forming their own "team". I know around our camp we often refer to our selves the "Shoestring Racing Team". Our group has also been known as the "MRL Racing Team" and many, many years ago as the "Low Buck Racing Team".
Give us a brief overview of your TCCRA racing career.
My TCCRA racing career is short. I rode the "F" class, over 38 amateur, with guys like Pops, Jerry Boren, Dwight Leatherwood, Sonny Truit, Doug Wright and Glen Waters. I never won a race, never trophied. Eventually was assigned a top ten number because the intermediate class was formed and all the fast guys in the class were moved up. I became F4 for one year only and that was the year I broke three ribs and a collarbone that required surgery to repair.
What other kinds of riding/racing have you done, and where?
The balance of my riding history is mostly AMA Enduros in Wisconsin and Michigan. District 15 I think but I don't remember for sure. Lots of trail riding and on New Years Day we would screw hex head screws into the knobs on our tires and ride on the frozen ponds. Obviously, before the introduction of snowmobiles. The ice rides were a pretty good cure for over-celebrating...
Where is your favorite place you've ever ridden?
The best place I ever rode was in Michigan, across the Menominee River from Pembine, Wisconsin. Rode fire lanes for miles and hours. Was really great!
Give some of the youngsters reading this a history lesson by listing the bikes you've owned.
Pat, I don't know if I can ever remember all the scooters I've had, but I'll try. 1948 Doodle Bug Scooter, a '50's something Triumph Cub, '70's something Yamaha 150, 1976 Suzuki TS185K Enduro, '78? Suzuki P.E. 250, Yamaha. IT 175, Suzuki P.E. 175, Honda '82? XR200, '85 Honda XR250, '85 Suzuki 230 Quad, '91? Suzuki DR250, '86 Honda XR200, Yamaha '95 350 Warrior.
Finish this sentence: I like going to the TCCRA races because________________
What I like best about going to the TCCRA races is the people. I stopped attending a few years ago. Think I got a severe case of burn-out. Racing became more work than fun so I opted for other things. Tried bass fishing, restored a "68" Mustang and did other singular things. Discovered I missed the people at the races and got involved again.
What is the most satisfying part of serving on the TCCRA's Board of Directors?
Personally, the most satisfying aspect of being a Board member is the privilege granted by the Committee to help out on race week-ends. It's a purely selfish thing. I don't race anymore and being able to help on race week-ends offers the opportunity to make a meaningful (to me) contribution as well as a valid reason for attending.
What is the least satisfying part of serving on the TCCRA's Board of Directors?
The least satisfying aspect is the inability to resolve or promote some issues I feel merit addressing. A lot of progress has been made, more so I think than many members realize, but I believe there is more to be made.
What do you consider to be necessary personal attributes for a leader of our organization?
Attributes for a leader? I suppose like any other business or organization. Skills to organize, lead, delegate, manage, communicate, plan, respond; an awareness of P.R. and the ability to forecast future requirements.
Are there any broad or specific changes you consider necessary for the continued health of the organization?
Pat, I'm not too concerned about the continued health of the club. It will continue to grow and prosper. In time, although not as rapidly as some would prefer, the changes needed to handle our growth will be made. Doing so will make the best Association going even stronger and healthier. Rome wasn't built in a day and all of our problems won't be resolved overnight. I believe if we address a few issues at a time and resolve them then address others we will be better off. I can tell you that, as we speak, the President, Committee and the BoD is working on a feasible method to publish rule change issues prior to the Rules Meeting.
Do you think that the club has grown too big to manage as currently constructed, or do you see our size as a strength in the off-road community?
I'm glad you asked that question. As I previously indicated, I believe our ability to manage and operate will catch up to our growth. I think our size is a definite strength in the off-road community. Just look at the contingencies!!! Our club is pretty high on the list of major manufacturer's programs.
If you could change only one thing about the TCCRA, what would it be?
That's a simple question to answer and thank goodness it's the last. Pat, if I could change only one thing about the TCCRA what would it be? Easy. DUST!
Mike, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions in such a candid manner. I believe I can speak for the entire organization when I say how much I appreciate your service to the TCCRA. You make the races a better place with your mere presence.
