MPBA Electric Section AGM, Holiday Inn Birmingham.

2nd December 2001

Attendence:

Steven Severs. Ian Severs. Paul Severs. Ernie Lazenby. Elaine Lazenby. Bob Yates. Stephen Hart. Dan Egleton. Ian Williams. Trevor Goodinson. Peter Lockhart. Roy Hitchcock. Dave Richardson. Steve Harrison. George Roberts. Ian Phillips. Nick Rees. Jenny Hart. Keith Hickman. Bill Hickman.
Observer. Mr Keith Severs. Mrs Hickman.

Part 1.

Mr Trevor Goodinson, MPBA Web Master and a member of the NEC chaired the first part of the meeting. He had reluctantly accepted this job because no other NEC member was available and he pointed out that his membership of Electra would not prevent him from being impartial. His function was to ensure the election of a Committee from those present.

Trevor explained how the electric section was now constructed due to the inclusion of the Northern Fast Electric Racing Club (NFERC). The inclusion of the NFERC now meant that the previous situation whereby Electra, being the sole club in the section, had control of the annual grant from the MPBA and other responsibilities was no longer sustainable. The meeting was a new beginning and he hoped that fast electric racing would benefit.

Trevor also said that none of the Electra Committee would be present however he noted that the club was well represented.

At this point Trevor asked for nominations:

Ernie Lazenby addressed the meeting and pointed out the merits of having a committee that represented all clubs within the section. The meeting agreed this was a good idea.

Chair. Ian Williams (NFERC) nominated by Ernie Lazenby seconded by Ian Phillips. Unanimously elected.

Secretary. Ernie Lazenby (NFERC) nominated by Ian Williams seconded by Ian Phillips. Unanimously elected.

Treasurer. Dave Richardson proposed that this role be filled by the secretary if Ernie Lazenby was willing to do it. Ernie agreed to this and was elected unopposed.

International Rep. Nick Rees (Electra & NFERC) nominated by Stephen Hart seconded by Dave Richardson. Unanimously elected.

Competition Officer. Dan Egleton (Electra) proposed by Ernie Lazenby seconded by Dave Richardson. Unanimously elected.

Speed Record Organisor. Allan Shillito was not present due to ill health however he had spoken to Ernie Lazenby on 1st December and offered his services to the section. Ernie Lazenby nominated Allan for this position however Trevor Goodison pointed out that he could not accept the nomination because Allan was not present to formally agree to being nominated. It was decided therefore that the elected committee could later ask Allan to fill this role.

At this point several MPBA members from SWAMBC arrived and Trevor Goodison recapped what had taken place. He then informed the meeting that his temporary position as chair was at an end and there would be a short interval after which the new committee would take its place to continue with the rest of the meeting.

Ernie Lazenby thanked Trevor on behalf of everyone present for the professional and impartial way he had handled part 1 of the meeting.

Part 2

1. Format of the 2002 MPBA National Championships.

Following a short discussion it was agreed that the most sensible option was a two day event to be held at a suitable location. The members decided that the committee should decide where this should be having due regard to the 2002 racing calendar and geographical considerations.

2. Classes to be raced at the 2002 MPBA National Championships

This was an interesting discussion and members of the clubs present demonstrated a willingness to accommodate each others suggestions and the following classes were agreed.

Mono 1	As Naviga. Max. 7 sub C Cells. Any motor. 6 minutes. Clockwise around an oval.
Mono 2	As Naviga. Max 12 Sub C Cells. Any Motor. 6 minutes, Clockwise around an oval.
Mono 2 (restricted)	Recognised by all as the most popular class in the UK. Max. 12 sub c cells. Graupner 8.4 BB Turbo motor. 5 minutes Clockwise around an oval.
Mono 3	Max. 20 Sub C cells. Any motor. 6 minutes around an oval. Any type of hull except hydros/riggers. NB. This is slightly different from Naviga because it allows tunnel hulls/cats to compete but only those running Mono 3 hulls as specified by Naviga would be eligible for team selection to go to 2003 World Championships.
Hydro 1	As Naviga. Max 7 Sub C cells. Any motor. 5 minutes. Clockwise around an oval.
Hydro 2	Max. 12 Sub C cells. Any motor. 4 minutes. Clockwise around an oval. NB. There was a general agreement that the new Naviga rule specifying a run time of 5 minutes should not be adopted.
400 Class	There are no international rules for this class therefore it was decided that the following rules would be used until Naviga decide what to do with this class. Any hull type. Any type of drive system ie surface/sub surface. Maximum of 7 cells. Any ferrite magnet motor up to and including a 480. 5 minutes duration. Clockwise around a triangle. Steve Hart pointed out that the meeting had formulated the class as it is in Hungary. Nick Rees said that Naviga had contacted all member countries asking for suggestions as to a set of rules for the class. It was agreed that Nick should pass on to Naviga what had been agreed at our meeting.
ECO Expert	Naviga class. Max. 7 Sub C cells. Any motor. 6 minutes anti clockwise around a triangle. Sub surface drive. Minimum weight of 1kg.
ECO Standard	Naviga Class. Max. 7 Sub C cells. Any 3 pole ferrite magnet motor. 8 minutes. Anti clockwise around a triangle. Sub surface drive. Minimum weight of 1kg.
Formula 1	A UK class. Max. 12 Sub C cells. Any brushed motor. Anti clockwise around an M course. 5 minutes duration. Sub surface drive.
Formula 2	UK class. Maximum 7 Sub C cells. Any modified 540 3 pole ferrite magnet motor. 5 minutes duration. Anti-clockwise around an M course.
Formula 3	UK class. Maximum 6 Sub C cells. Sealed can stock 540 motor. 5 minutes Duration. Anti clockwise around an M course.
ECO Team	For teams of 3 using Eco Pro boats. 18 minutes duration. It was agreed that teams of three using FM2 or FM3 boats could compete.

IN ALL CLASSES THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF THREE BOATS FOR THE CLASS TO BE RUN.

Any Other Business

1. Dan Egleton raised the question of sponsorship for getting people to World/European championships. Agreed this would be looked into.

2. Stephe Hart pointed out that it was essential to have effective race control and the need to penalise bad driving. Agreed- this is essential and the committee will ensure there is at least one judge for each race.

3. Trevor Goodinson talked about the MPBA web site that he had brought up to date and pointed out that the site is only as good as the information supplied by clubs/MPBA members. Ernie Lazenby pointed out that the site was now very much improved and relevant thanks to Trevor's stewardship and it was agreed everyone should make sure all relevant info was passed to Trevor for inclusion.

4. Bob Yates raised the question of safety officers at the National Championships. The committee will ensure that a safety officer is present.

5. Dan Egleton asked if someone qualified in First Aid would be present at the Championship venue. It was agreed that the committee would ensure this was done and that a first aid kit was available. It was mentioned that the membership had a number of people qualified in first aid including Mr Ken Smailes who works with the St Johns Ambulance brigade.

6. Ernie Lazenby pointed out that all the venues used by the NFERC have on site all the equipment needed to run a regatta therefore the NFERC does not have any equipment to take to a venue without such equipment. Dan Egleton pointed out that Electra's trailer contained all the equipment required for a regatta. It was agreed that the Sec. should write to Electra requesting the use of the trailer for the national championship and if necessary a hiring fee could be paid. Ernie Lazenby mentioned that should this approach fail he is willing to have a tow bar fitted to his car to convey Darlington Clubs equipment including a recovery boat.

7. Ernie Lazenby raised the question of the correct administration of the 2001/2002 MPBA grant. (£335) He said it was essential that he was not left as the sole member of the committee allowed to sign the cheques. It was agreed that any two signatures would be required from the 4 members of the committee. An account would be established for the ‘MPBA Electric Section’

8. Dave Richardson said it would be a good idea to draw up a list of clubs in the UK known to run fast electric's. Agreed and this will be done.

9. A lengthy discussion took place concerning the attendance of competitors who are not MPBA members at the National Championships. In particular the possibility of SWAMBC members entering who are not members concerned both Stephe Hart and Peter Lockhart. Generally the feeling of the meeting was that it was idea to try and ensure that such people could race however the mechanics of how this could be achieved were not that clear. Two solutions were suggested; (i)Non MPBA members could be required to pay a higher entry fee (ii)Keith Hickman said SWAMBC may be prepared to contribute towards the cost of staging the competition. Trevor Goodinson said the matter could be discussed at the MPBA NEC however it was essentially a section matter. The committee would continue to look into resolving the issue however the robust comments expressed by Stephe and Pete would be noted. It was also noted that the MPBA had invited SWAMBC members to the Scale finals.

10. All competitors at the National Championship would be required to produce insurance cover.

11. Nick Rees asked if F1E could be included. Stephe Hart suggested this could be included at a speed record event. Agreed.

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 2.30pm