2010 Tech Talk and Membership Meeting

BAMA kicked off the New Year with the Annual Tech Talk and Membership Meeting yesterday again held and hosted by Rick Weldon of PR Motorsports.

The day may have been gloomy but it was bright with color by the attendance of BAMA members and friends with an array of beautiful Miata’s. A few brave soles even came with tops down in the true Miata style. I do have to mention that RED Miatas dominated the color palate along with a large number of white, blue, and silver all shinny examples of all 3 Miata Generations.

The day started with the consumption of great pasties, Krispy Kreme doughnuts along with Peet’s coffee provided by Marc and Melanie Lewert and Peter Law.

Rick Weldon gave a very informative and interactive presentation on all the in and outs of how the suspension components are there to “keep the tires on the road”. BAMA folks all came away with an in-depth understanding of suspension functions and were able to hold and compare different systems including the brand-new and beautiful Gold Olin Suspension System. Rick also presented a great slide show on racing Miatas.

Suzanne Moore’s NA was high up on the rack ready to be used as the demonstration model for the installation of it’s new, yes RED, sway bars which were installed by Hecter Lugo. Hector provided a step-by-step installation and the group was able to see up close just how sways are installed and the advantages of the new components.

A hush came over the group while all consumed a very yummy lunch, provided by PR Motorsports. However, quickly there were smaller groups formed discussing all aspects of our cars, what we had all just learned and meeting new people.

Jeannie Hobbs announced the election results and all greeted the new board members. Nik Qualls was elected as President, Pete Watters as Vice-President, Terry Chasteen as Membership Coordinator, and Suanne Moore as Treasurer. A request was announced for the need for a Webmaster for this year and a “thank you” was given to Terry and his partner Jim, for all his hard work getting our beautiful new website up and running in the interim.

There was a member vote on the revised January 2010 bylaws that were just completed and the members approved these bylaws.

The BAMA Board on behalf of all membership presented Rick Weldon with a jacket embellished with a BAMA patch in appreciation of all the support of BAMA and it’s membership.

Finally there was the traditional raffle for prizes including a free one-year membership, BAMA t-shirts, BAMA sweatshirt and a Miata book. A member also generously donated a set of floor mats for the raffle.

A “Thank You” needs to go to Rick Weldon, Hecter Lugo, and Jeremy Rine of PR Motorsports, Marc and Melanie Lewert, Peter Law, the BAMA Board and all who attended for being a part of this great event.

2010 will be a great year for BAMA, there will be lots of fun, sun with “tops down”!