Someone has GOTTA take this event over from Jim if he is truly retiring from the event. It just can't be over after this.
Very few people understand the enormous amount of time, energy and work that Jim puts into this event. It has exceeded his expectations, and quite frankly has grown too large.
There are a number of logistical nightmares that will hamper someone else doing the event in the same manner as Jim does. Specifically, it would have to be someone very local that has a good working relationship with the SVRA group running Oceano Dunes. Getting all of the equipment, shirts, goodie bags, etc there would be difficult unless you were close. I know there are many locals that help Jim, and I don't know how many would be available if Jim wasn't the one putting it on.
TLCA had been approached by the membership to take it over. The challenge that I see from that is that since it is a Public SVRA, there is no way to charge an event fee. If you look at many of the other events, the access is controlled, or at least limited. And once you attempt to start charging, the very best aspect of SNT (free) is gone.
Now, this does not mean that someone else shouldn't try. Jim was fortunate that the even evolved, and he was able to "ramp up" in what it took to put it on. Someone new trying to take over an event with 400 - 500 rigs would be truly overwhelmed without prior event experience. Much of what Jim does is not really documented.
An example -- When Tony took over Event Chair for Rubithon, There were established processes, committee chairs, trail leads, volunteer clubs, etc. Tony had been involved with Rubithon for a number of years as a committee member, so he was familiar with the "behind the scenes" aspects of the event. I don't feel that really exists with SNT.
I'm looking forward to this year's event. Looking forward to the Sand Chef contests in the hope of 3-peating.
to being the last one....
