NAC Start-Up auto club in the Annapolis Area for Imports

[Sean Shoemaker]

Fellow Audifans,
  Let me start by saying thank you sincerely for all of the assistance you
have provided myself and my friends in keeping these wonderful cars alive.
  I am starting an new car club in my area and I would like to share its
scope and intent with you in the hope of soliciting interest and advice.
  I bring this to you because the passion we share for automobiles is one
that draws forth creativity and self-expression.  No matter what someone's
vehicle of choice, the passion remains the same.  No matter your take on the
import craze, if you look at the skill and craftsmanship that goes into
these cars you will see it is a passion that is very familiar.  It is
through this passion that I see what it possible in my area and in other
areas as well.
  There is a perception of young people and sport compacts that they are
loud, obnoxious and out to cause trouble.  There also does not seem to be
any strong local car clubs to include this crowd.  In short they become a
threat to the peace of the community.  These young drivers are passionate,
creative and dedicate to their cars.  They are also just exploring the world
and searching for their place in it.  This is nothing new as most of us have
been there.  Through this perception they are left feeling alienated,
unappreciated and frustrated.  After all what they are looking for is a way
to express themselves.
  The probable way this would continue is that modified cars will be
targeted and assumed to be troublemakers.  More laws will be affected
limiting what can be modified on a car.  Many of these laws may even have
effects on others that enjoy the freedom of our cars.  It is even likely
that any attempt at a club would be perceived more as a gang.  This will
lead initially to rebellion and ultimately another generation of highly
talented and creative minds will be stifled and suppressed.  Through
frustration they let go of their passion in order to "grow up" and join
society.
  What if there was an active, united and powerful sport compact car club
both sanctioned and supported by local law enforcement and businesses.
Through their passion for cars these same people would be able to express
themselves and even share there passion with the community.  I see this
through local businesses allowing space for meetings, providing tech help
and by encouraging and facilitating the members to use the race tracks
instead of the streets.  I also see a possible future where they can learn
first hand about futures in creative enterprises by learning about forming
networks and having new ways to communicate with those in the broader
community.
    I present this to you not as the truth, but as what I see and what I see
as possible.  I invite you to look at this and think about what you see as
possible.  I am looking for assistance as well as feedback.  I am excited
about seeing what this next generation is capable of and I think they could
surprise us all if given the opportunity.  If you saw something for the
future out of this please let me know.  If you didn't, but you see what I am
out to accomplish, please assist me in making my message more clear.  Thank
you for your time.
-Sean Shoemaker