Jerry B., you're dong the best you can. Don't let one grumbling day cloud the fact that you've been working vey hard over the years with a really good record of success. Keep up the great efforts.
As to my opinions about AX's past, present, and future.... (oh, boy! here we go....)
1) Past
Way back in the day, as Gary Burch stated, we met before-hand at the Q and actually drove the mapped track to see how it flowed, how safe it was, and how it worked with the constantly degrading surface. What Gary didn't mention is that the draft track map (prior to test-drive Wednesday) was drafted by one of us and reviewed over beers/dinner and commented on prior to driving. So, first we developed a track
map by consensus. This map had input from an early 911 driver, a Carrera driver, and a 944 driver. (Huh. Cooperation and respected input. Imagine that.) When we drove the track in one of our street cars (usually we all sat in Carl's PT Cruiser with a copy of the map on our laps, making comments along each section, and adjusting the map thru 3-way designer input) we would be sure that the map would be consistent with the thrown design, that it was "implementable," and that it contained all the elements of what a driving experience can have: Increasing radius, slow-speed decreasing radius, slalom, straights, straight-line braking, fast sweepers. Yes, it was a challenge incorporating all the elements into one track. But, we did it. Even the most ardent F.W.'s would comment on how they actually liked the track. Those were the days.
2) Present
Like so many programs in PCASDR, the Autocross program has, and is, evolving. As with any form of Darwinism, some characteristics are improving while others are being lost/taken out. Evolution happens. From a spectator's vantage-point I have observed a more independent, more secular approach to AX management and design. Time constraints, budgets, participation by new drivers and new vehicle types, individual attitudes, influences by others: these all have influences on how AX's happen. I will not deride the current or past AX Chairs for doing a job poorly. That's not the deal. I think the efforts the volunteers are making is huge, and they should be rewarded for all the time and effort they make. All the Chairs at AX events are doing a great job. Period. However,I have chosen not to participate in a program that I find less appealing. My choice, pure and simple. My 911 with a
relatively soft suspension and heaps of torque would be an excellent AX machine with the potential of finishing in the top 10 ... if not top 5 TTOD. But, do you see me there? 'nough said.
3) Future
All the programs in PCASDR have the potential of tapping into a wealth of information and resource from Volunteers Past. One of the hallmarks of the SDR is the availability of 50 years of history and the experience of previous Chairs as a resource ... if the current Chairs are willing to (as Mark Rondeau so eloquently says) "check their egos at the door" and sit down together with Co-Chairs and Chairs from the past to develop a really great program. Not just AX's, but IMHO all programs can benefit from this approach of tapping ALL the resources available. Many hands make for light lifting. Some Chairs are doing this. Some are not. Also, it should be noted that much of the AX program is in fact written down and the "book" is handed across to the new Chairs as the outgoing Chairs retire. Much of what we (Carl, Gary, and I) learned, and much that happened before we were chairs was documented. I'm hoping that the trend toward documentation continues, so that those people who are willing to sit down and review the written history will benefit from the decades of experience AX Chairs have accumulated. I'm hoping this is still a part of the evolution rather than being apart from the evolution. While those who can't remember the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat them, those who remember the successes of the past are gifted with improving upon them.
K. I'm done. Thanks to all the AX volunteers (AX Chairs, Timing Chairs, Equipment Chairs[?], Set-up volunteers, Corner-Working Chairs, Safety Chairs, and other volunteers) that make one of the most popular events happen.
I'm shutting-up now.
....but the folks in CC04 (?) are now pissed!!! 
Congrats, you tore it up in the Cupcake! 
