BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
Annual General Meeting
1.00pm Saturday 7 February 2015
Minuets
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies from the chair – Norrie Kerr
Apologies – Scott Chapman
Apologies – Bert Conneely
2. Opening remarks by the Chair
The Chair welcomed the assembled members and guests. The method of how the
AGM and voting would work was explained as well as the etiquette for addressing
the meeting.
The Chair also confirmed that this would be his last AGM in the position of General
Secretary but that no nominations had been received to fill the, soon to be vacant,
post. Propose extraordinary AGM at Croft to ratify Chair and General Secretary
Going forward.
The general secretary stated that is one of the most successful years even if at times
the number where decreased on previous seasons. Was also stated that it is one of
the closet end to the seasons that there has been in many years with the overall,
Group 6 and Group 4 championships all been decided at the final meeting.
On behalf of the BSSO we would like to thank the supporters of our club for there
continued support across the whole season.
3. Confirmation of minutes of last AGM – Page Turn
Following this amendment the minutes were unanimously accepted as an accurate
record.
4. Matters arising, not covered elsewhere on the agenda
None
5. President/Chairman’s report
A Happy New Year was given to the members of the club with a special mention
to SRP with their efforts on breaking the record for the fastest scooter. A special
BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
mention was given to the friends, family and himself Dave Webster at this sad
time. It was made aware to the members that his illness has progressed and the
prognosis is not very good. The president stated that he is in awe of his situation
and that he gives “a wee pray to ease his pain”. The general secretary stated that
the members give time to remember Dave and his family during this period of
time.
6. Officer reports
6.1 General Secretary
The general secretary remarked how although he had been away for a large
portion of the season he was awe in of what had been achieved. He gave an
apology for his absence throughout the season but explained it was due to
family illness. He gave thanks to what he called out “scooter family” for the
support that we gave him during his hard time. A congratulations was given
the members of how the paddock had been a much happier and friendlier
place and that there was no repeat of the previous year’s issues.
A congratulations was given to the mechanics and riders for a thrilling season
and special congratulations to all group champions. The secretary was
impressed by the overall turnout at the meetings especially due to the
increased finical commitment it takes to run and perform in a 10 meeting
season. A special congratulations was given to team DKS will all that they
have achieved in both on and off the track. A special thanks to Lee Hollick
was given for his role as grid coordinator.
The general secretary gave a reminder to members that persons who
volunteer, as that is what they are, do not take the positions to purposely
annoy those who participate and therefore the upmost respect needs to be
given to those people. A thanks was given to Elliott Thurland for his
outstanding efforts in maintaining the website and points for each group. A
thank you was given to the continued support from friends and family who
support the riders and mechanics. An announcement was given by the
secretary that Tony Rudd would no longer be racing with the club.
A thanks was given to the technical officers especially Roland Davis for the
support he has given as Chief Technical Officer and Treasurer.
The secretary welcomed the new sponsors for the 2015 season. Casa
Lambretta have announced that they are to give a long term sponsorship to
the club of at least 3 years. They announced the following un-finalised
sponsorship:
£2500 for the overall championship
£500 for Group 6
£500 for Group 4
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£500 for sponsorship of the Anglesey and Scotland meetings
The secretary announced that cash prizes from the sponsorships will be given
but the amounts are yet to be decided. The contracts for the sponsorships are
in process of been finalised. He stated that there will be a subsidy for entries
for Anglesey and Scotland meetings if riders enter both meetings, again the
level of subsidy has yet to be finalised.
The secretary made the members aware that there are efforts to co-promote
and enter a UK round of the European Scooter championship in 2016/17 and
with that a thanks to Paul Green and Dean Orton for their efforts in trying to
achieve this.
Scomadi have also placed sponsorship for the auto classes and a thanks to
John Woods for implementing this.
Issues surrounding images being used to promote Gamma Technology has
been dealt with and a mention was given that company behind Gamma
Technology was not responsible for the issues but in fact a third party. A
congratulations was given to members affected with the way in which they
approached the issue and the professionalism with which it was handled.
Finally a new ACU code of conduct has been released with reference to use
of Social Media. We as a club are obliged to conform to the new regulations
and with that all members should support and read these new regulations. A
final well done was given to members for this season.
6.2 Treasurer
Was not at the meeting and therefore the general secretary gave his
comments. Roland Davis stood down as treasurer at the end of the season
(Cadwell Park). He told members how much red tape there was in handing
over the responsibility of treasurer to John Gilbert. John Gilbert told the
members that he had been told by Roland Davis that was between £2500 and
£3000 in the accounts. John Gilbert explained that he would publish the
accounts when the account had been changed to his name.
John Woods gave voice that sponsors should be named and promoted as
been sponsors of the club. Chris Geyton (General Secretory) said that the
committee are looking into media promotion of sponsors. Keith Terry voiced
that the club as a whole needs to be promoted. Bob West voiced that maybe
sponsor stickers or leather badges for leathers could imposed again as they
were in previous seasons.
6.3 Chief Technical Officer
Was not at the meeting and therefore the general secretary gave his
comments. There were no significant issues or instances like had occurred in
the previous season. It was made aware to members that more support
needs to given to technical officers during inspection including more technical
officers are needed and promptness to technical inspection. Jayne Morris told
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the members that the ACU are running a technical courses throughout the
year (1st March is the next course) and that the BHR are running in house
training for any members wishing to do technical inspection. John Gilbert
made members aware that it is not a 5 minute job and it is made easier if the
rider cooperate and if more technical inspectors were available the process
would be quicker.
6.4 Race Co-ordinator
Comments came from the General Secretary on behalf of the Race
coordinator. Again thanks were given to Lee Hollick. The members were
made aware that the position you are on the grid for the following meeting or
day is due to the rider’s position in the last race of the previous meeting or
day. The position on the start line is down to the rider and they can be found
at race control. Lee Hollick had nothing further to add
7 Election of officers due for re-election (2015 nominees in brackets)
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General Secretary (Chris Cook)
- The members were made aware that there was a vacancy and that
Chris Geyton was standing down. He stated he would stay in the role
as no nominations for the position had been given.
- Chris Cook put himself forward for the positon. The nomination was 1st
by Chris Geyton and 2nd by Mark Hullah. The nomination was
accepted. All members voted with no objections and no abstentions.
Treasurer (Jon Gilbert)
Chief Technical Officer (John Woods)
- John Woods stated he would stand for the year left on his licence.
John Gilbert stated he would stand in 2016 when he has completed the
ACU licence. Roland Davis said he would be there on an advisory role
due to completing the ACU course and examination.
Chair (Norrie Kerr)
- Norrie Kerr will stand until such time as a replacement can be found
- A nomination for Paul Green had been submitted. The nomination was
accepted. All members voted in favour of this with no objections or
abstentions. The position could not be accepted as Paul Green was
not present. The position will be decided upon away from the AGM.
8 Motions
General Secretary was pleased that no discussion about motions had occurred
on social media as had occurred in previous years. Chris Geyton stated he
wished for motions that are voted on today should be allowed in the same year
rather than what occurred in the past where motions would be implemented the
following year. Bob West stated that he would like motions to be applicable in 2
years, Martin Cook agreed.
BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
Chris Geyton therefore stated that for each motion a vote would occur for the
motion itself and a vote on whether or not the motion should be allowed in the
same year or as before the following year. He also stated any issues arising
would have to be taken to an extraordinary AGM.
Motion 1
To Add Casa Lambretta Reed Valve 225cc Barrel kit and small block reed
valve barrel to approved list of kits for group 6
This AGM calls upon the Committee of the BSSO to add the Casa Lambretta
225cc and small block kit to the list of approved kits allowed to be use in Special
Class engines. The kit is produced by a European manufacturer and available to
all riders in the UK from established dealers. The addition of this kit adds further
choice to riders and supports dealers and manufacturers who are strong
supports of UK scooter racing.
Comments from Mike Bonnet – The 200cc kit for the 125/150 casings is added to
motion
Comments from Steve Conneely – Promotion of commercial kits is key to
manufacturers sponsorship of the club as they are getting their kits out to the
public.
Comments from the floor –
Red – Would refusal affect sponsorship?
Response – No
John Woods – Cost?
Response (Mike Bonnet) – Discount will given to racers and the cost of the kit in
in line with other kits which are used within the club and are available
commercially.
Paul Baker – Any cylinder kit that is commercially available is allowed if it
complies with the supplementary regulations of the group. So is there need for
the motion?
Darren Kane – Which shops supply the kit? Is it only JB?
Response (JB) – No other dealers are available but unsure whether they offer
racer discount.
Vote for Motion on the Casa Kit 225 and 200
All members voted for with no abstentions or objections
BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
All members voted for the kit to be used in the current season with no
abstentions or objections
Motion 2
To permit Scomadi scooters to race in the 2016 BSSO Championship
This AGM calls upon the committee and members at this AGM to permit races to
use Scomadi scooter in auto classes in the 2016 BSSO championship. I ask that
all cc versions be permitted.
If this AGM sees fit the Scomadi’s will race in their respective classes. However I
see no problem if the AGM wishes to create a separate Scomadi class. I feel this
will show the BSSO is moving with the times and open another avenue for
scooterists to get into racing
Proposed by: John Woods
Seconded by: Jon Gilbert
An amendment to the motion stating that there has to proof that the minimum
number of bikes as per our regulations (100 units) has to be sold before the bikes
can be used.
The members agreed that the motion does not have to be voted on as our
regulations state that any motor scooter can be used as long as the production
number for each model of machine has reached the minimum unit number as per
our regulations.
Motion 3
Proposed change to the regulations regarding frames
This AGM calls on the committee of the BSSO to allow bracing to the frame of
Group 5 an 6 machines in the area between the folk stem tube and the frame
loop.
Specifically:
All braces must be removable and the machine function normally without it fitted.
Braces may only be of single tube or bar made of steel or aluminum, with a
maximum diameter of 40mm, securely fitted in a manor (as outlined above) so as
not to prejudice the safety of the rider or others.
Lambretta
A line drawn through the centre of the brace along its axis must pass through a
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point no further than 50mm vertically from the weld joint between the frame and
the steering tube and the rear must be within the area that would be covered by
the bridge piece on a standard machine.
Vespa (Large and Small Frame)
A line drawn through the centre of the brace along its axis must pass through a
point within the curve described by the transition from the frame to the steering
column. The rear must be within 50mm of the joint between the top of the
horizontal frame tube pressing and the rear body.
This change will be beneficial to scooter racing as it go some way to eliminate
frame flex and eventual weakening of our 50 year old machines under the
extreme braking forces now experienced with current tyres and braking systems.
It will also allow a more predictable steering response under hard braking due to
maintained steering geometry.
Comments from David Bristow – Further explanation of the motion to clarify what
the motion is asking for. He also gave a reminder that this is only for specials
class.
Comments from Mike Bonnet – None
Comments from the floor –
Ian Frankland – Is the motion compliant with the regulations of European
Championship?
Response (David Bristow) – The motion is already within their rules. He also
gave a reminder that this is only for specials class.
Bob West – No frame tubes have cracked during his time of racing and by adding
a brace it reduces the natural flex of the frame and places increased strain on
other areas of the frame tube. This has resulted in the past in small frame Vespa
cracking.
Dave Delaney – Stated that an alteration to the motion should be placed in that
states nothing should be attached to the frame bridge.
Andy – Is this also for Group 6a
Response (General Secretary) – No
Vote for Motion for Frame Bracing in Group 6
For – 18
Motion carried.
Against – 8
Abstentions – 1
BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
Vote for Motion to be applied in the current season
For – 19
Against – 5
Abstentions – 3
Motion 4 and Motion 5
Motion 4
New Casa BSG Corse 200cc billet ally casings for use in Group 6
The AGM calls upon the committee of the BSSO to add the new Casa BSG
corse billet engine casing for use in Group 6 machines. The casing are made by
an Italian company and are available to all riders, teams and selected shops.
The casings will add another choice to all riders on casings that can be used in
Group 6. These casings will comply with the outline legal rules to the Group 6
category. These casings come with standard Lambretta stud spacings for 200cc
which is the same format as the Misano casing and the advantage of these
casings would also be beneficial as changing main seals can be done without
removing the crank, unlike standard casings.
Proposed by: Mike Bonett
Seconded by: Chris Geyton
Motion 5
To ratify the acceptance of the Misano Lambretta Crankcase for use in the
Specials Class
This AGM calls upon the committee of the BSSO to ratify the agreement made
last year having now had the opportunity to inspect the proposed casings. The
casings are made by an Italian company and are available to all riders, teams
and selected shops.
The casings will add another choice to all riders on casings that can be used in
Group 6. These casings will comply with the outlined legal rules to the Group 6
category. These casings come with standard Lambretta stud spacings for 200cc
which is the same format as the Casa billet casing.
Both motions were discussed together as they are similar in what they bring but
the motions were voted upon separately as they are separate casing as stated by
Bob West.
Comments from the floor –
BRITISH SCOOTER SPORT ORGANISATION
John Woods – You can move the engine mounts is that not against regulations?
Response (General Secretary) – You can but the rules state about the engine
mountings to the frame. The point however, is valid and will have to be made
clear in the supplementary regulations if the motion is carried.
Paul White – Could lock wire be used to fix engine mount position on the casing?
John Howe – We already weld casing to the point that these casing are
manufactured to, so we should accept these on that basis.
General Secretary stated that if the casings are accepted then dimensions must
be given the supplementary regulations regarding the engine mounting position
as to comply with the standing regulations.
Vote for Motion for use of Casa Casing in Specials
All members voted for with no abstentions or objections
Vote for Motion to be applied in the current season
All members voted for the kit to be used in the current season with no
abstentions or objections
Vote for Motion for use of Misano Casing in Specials
All members voted for with no abstentions or objections
Vote for Motion to be applied in the current season
All members voted for the kit to be used in the current season with no
abstentions or objections
Motion 6
To abolish the 115% rule
The AGM calls upon the committee of the BSSO to abolish the current 115%
finish benchmark for all riders and that any non-finisher for whatever reason be
moved to the back of their respective group not the back of the grid as happened
during the 2014 season.
I don’t think it’s right that someone who hasn’t raced all season should be able to
enter and added further up the grid than the back of their respective group same
for those that failed to finish surely if you don’t finish you’re way outside the 155%
anyway.
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Comments from Steven Last – Re-read the motion for the benefit of clarification
Comments from Stuart Day – Reiterated what Steven Last stated
Comments from the floor –
The overall consensus was that you should be placed at the back of your group if
you do not have a orange vest. If you have a vest then the rule stands that you
grid at the very back of the grid.
Vote for Abolishment of the 115% Rule
For – 20
Against – 2
Abstentions – 1
The motion was carried and the rule abolished.
9 Emergency motions
None
10 BSSO Racing Regulations
To be given out via email after the AGM for comments up to and until 1 st March.
11 The BSSO constitution – review and update
The new constitution has been given out.
12 2015 Calendar of events and points system
No changes to the points system and the calendar of events given out at the
meeting was agreed upon by the members present.
13 Any other relevant business:
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Dan Livingston – Image and use of images was discussed in the
General Secretary comments and was sorted before the start of the
AGM by committee members previous.
14 Date of next meeting: Proposed 6 February 2016
The date was agreed upon but persons on the floor stated that it may be useful
for the AGM to occur in October. The committee agreed and agreed to look into
alternative dates.