This year, SCCA requires all drivers to be SCCA members. And, for the record, our region opposed the change.

What this means is that if a driver does not have an annual SCCA membership, they will be required to buy a weekend membership. Our region will charge $10 for the weekend membership. So, event fees will be $30 for walk-up annual members, $40 for walk-up non-members, and re-registrants will get a $5 discount. So, for annual members -- no change from last year. For non-members (buying a weekend membership), fees go up $5.

Here's how it'll work. As always, life will be easier if you pre-register, annual member or not. If you are an annual member, YOU MUST BRING A CURRENT MEMBERSHIP CARD to prove it. If you don't, or, if you let you membership lapse, you'll pay the non-member rates.

If you are a non-member and pre-register, you will pay the non-member rate. Your address info will be sent to SCCA National Membership Dept, and they will send you literature to solicit your membership, including a CD and a copy of Sportscar magazine. For each weekend membership you buy, you'll get a $15 discount off of your national membership fee, should you decide to join. The maximum discount is limited to $30 (two weekend memberships). You can buy an unlimited number of weekend memberships, if you choose to do so.

If you don't pre-register, you'll fill out your timing card with name, address, etc at the event as always. We'll screen them to make sure they're readable. The info will go into the database, etc.

If you want to avoid all of this, you can join SCCA online -- cost is $80 ($60 national and $20 regional)
https://ams.scca.com/netforum/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=MemberFormInd_wizr&Action=Add&asp_key=0372C391-E85E-4503-85F0-6B5393E4E714

If you are age 24 or younger, it's an even better deal -- $45/year
https://ams.scca.com/netforum/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=MemberFormInd_wizg&Action=Add&asp_key=95312D81-C557-4D5E-A2E6-07EDD9D376E3

If you join online this week, bring a copy of you confirmation in lieu of a membership card.

We'll have membership forms available at the events, too. If you sign up at the event, you'll get the member rate.

Check out the SCCA website ( http://www.scca.org ) for more complete info on what SCCA is all about.

- Dick Willy
Solo Committee Chairman
NW Region, SCCA