From the Exhaust Notes
1998 by April Doctor
Published January 25, 2004

A member for five years in the late seventies and early eighties, Mike Ashbaugh re-joined the Nebraska region again in 1991 and is still a member today.

"The person who originally got me involved was John Rudder", Mike said. He had just been to a solo, and he said, "You have got to try this!"

Mike is very active in the club. He has been a Nebraska Region Solo Director and was Activities Director for several years, starting in 1998. There are many things about being the Activities Director, like making sure everything comes together. "You can't get behind," Mike says. "If you do, you'll be in a world of hurt, trying to make sure everything with sites and insurance is cleared away. Also, making sure all the equipment ends up at the site, and the event master has all of their aspects taken care of."

Although this is one of the more difficult jobs, it's not totally without its rewards. Mike said he felt he owed something back to the club, after all the fun events where it was other people's hard work, it was his turn. "Also, there is nothing like seeing the smile on a fellow competitor's face, and knowing that they are having a good time. Then you know you did a good job."

Another stress of the job that Mike explained, was that of being an event master. "There are so many things to think about, and no matter what the circumstances, or what the cause was, it is always on the shoulders of the event master, because, after all, he is in charge."

In the case of one of the events at Offutt where he was the event master, he ran into exactly that situation. Every detail had been taken care of, except what to do if people from the base parked their cars on part of his course between the time he set up the night before, and the time he arrived the next morning. Taking the only realistic solution, Mike rerouted the course around them. "I always like to have everything planned out ahead of time, so that made me crazy, to have to change it like that." The rerouting made the dip on the course a bit difficult for a few cars, but fortunately this happened to include some from out of town. But, all in all most everyone had fun.

One thing unique to this sport is how the competitors are willing to help each other out. At his first divisional Mike remembers how his car would not start. As he continued work on it that day people kept stopping by to check on him. One person lent him a brand new van, and helped him out with his car. When the event was over, Mike had beat him.

The SCCA is like a second family, and it is also a family activity. However, it is important to not let that get in the way of your family. Got to go to your mother-in-law's birthday; or pick up the new baby from the hospital? Just make your runs early, we're understanding! For the most part Mike's motto is that every event is challenging, and he does it because it's fun! "When I was Activities Director I was very thankful to have had the support from the members. Good event masters and workers made the job easier. That and people willing to give up their time."

For many years, Mike, has been event master for the "Ollie Webb" charity solo. He loves doing it, especially for the children. He gets rides for as many of the kids (over 14) that he can. The children and their parents love the fun.

Since MidAmerica Motorplex has been built, Mike and his wife, Diane have been working sound control at all the SCCA races. At the moment they have regional licenses but will be upgraded to Divisional licenses very soon.

Mike has co-driven Solos with John Rudder in his 260 Z, and also has driven several cars of his own. The one we all remember the most is his blue Opel GT. I think that's why he's always been called PaPa Smurf. He is now restoring it so you will see it at solos again soon.

"I don't know how to express how I feel about the club. All the people that are dedicated to making things work - they are the best around. I am always proud to say that I am a member of the Nebraska Region."