David Rutherford, Trustee Candidate (Eastern Region)
I live in Talking Rock, Georgia, I have been racing motorcycles for 25 years, and have been active in AHRMA for 24 years. My participation covers a wide range of disciplines with multiple organizations providing me with a broad perspective as to what works, and does not work, with motorcycle racing. In AHRMA I’ve participated in roadracing, trials, dirt track, scrambles and cross country. I’ve raced Baja (3 times), Pikes Peak (6 times), and I have participated in all my racing on both modern and vintage motorcycles.
AHRMA is a world class motorcycle racing organization. I’m proud and honored to be a long-standing member. I’ve witnessed and participated in AHRMA’s evolution from the vintage racing heydays of the ‘90s, through the recession, and the current resurgence. The organization is reinvigorated and is well positioned to continue to expand and grow. As with all large, diverse organizations, there are aspects upon which AHRMA can improve. One aspect critical-to-success going forward is an ongoing evaluation and assessment of racing classes in all disciplines. Rules need to be clear and unambiguous so that racers have confidence that their time and efforts preparing machines will be optimized and that we have a fair and meaningful playing field. As time marches on and what were formerly “modern” machines become “historic,” a historic motorcycle racing organization needs to accommodate such machines, as well as the riders who have and want to race them. But unlimited classes are not practical for many reasons, principal among which are logistics. AHRMA’s challenge going forward is to strike the optimum balance for its participants which provides a venue for machines that riders want to race while having meaningful class structures.
I will strive to find and implement the balance which, to the extent possible, best reflects all members’ racing desires. AHRMA is a member-owned organization, and as such, it must meet and reflect its members’ needs. And, it must do so in an ever-increasingly complex business world. I have held officer level leadership positions in large, multi-national corporations, as well as having founded and run small, professional services businesses. I think my knowledge and experience in business provides a unique skill set which can benefit AHRMA and its members.
In closing, I ask for your vote as a trustee representing your interests, and I pledge my best efforts in accomplishing that goal. I look forward to serving all AHRMA members, nationwide, in all disciplines. Thank you.
David Rutherford
bsasouth@etcmail.com
404.285.8349
