John Horsman will join us for an “interview” type of program about his experiences in the world of professional sports car designing, constructing and racing. His life in sports car racing is historical to say the least. Having won major races all over the world, and having designed, developed and constructed many of the greatest race cars, John and his wife, Janet, have retired to Tucson but his interest in racing has never diminished. This year, John and his friends, are bringing four of the world’s best known racing sports cars to our Tucson Classics Car Show. They will be on display for you and our guests to enjoy. Included will be a Porsche 917 and a Mirage M1, M6 and GR8. John will also be available to discuss each car and to answer questions during the day.
Biography - John Horsman
John was born in the industrial north of England, in Oldham, Lancashire. He graduated with honors in Mechanical Sciences from Cambridge and then furthered his education at the London School of Economics and later, at Arizona State University studying aerodynamics. He also spent two years in the RAF.
In 1958 he went to work with Aston Martin Design and Experimental Department as a project engineer. In 1961, he was named assistant to John Wyer who was the managing director. He later moved with Wyer to Ford Advanced Vehicles Ltd. where he was responsible for the construction and preparation of the GT40 race car. In 1967, he moved to J. W. Automotive Engineering Ltd. as director and chief engineer responsible for the development, construction and race preparation for all of its products, the Mirage M1, M2 and M3, the Ford GT40s and the Porsche 917s. His team won the 24 hour endurance race at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 and the coveted World Sports Car Championships in 1968, 1970 and 1971. He later moved to the Gulf Research and Racing Company where the Gulf Mirage racing cars were built. There, his team took both 1st and 3rd in the 24 hour Le Mans in 1975. John then moved to Phoenix with his wife, Janet, and their four daughters. There he joined Grand Touring Cars, Inc. and his Mirage GR8 finished 2nd at Le Mans in 1976 and his Renault Mirage 2nd in 1977. In 1983, John and his wife Janet, “retired” to Tucson where he spent time working with Rotarian “Bib” Stillwell at Learjet and with “Bib’s” amateur racing team. In 2006, John published his book, “Racing in the Rain, My Years with Brilliant Drivers, Legendary Sports Cars, and a Dedicated Team.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of former members CARL MAASS and KARL MEYER, and to the loved ones of current member MARK CLARK’s mother. It is never easy when a family member or loved one passes, however when the inevitable does occur, it is nice to have family and friends around to help ease the pain. I trust you’ll all find some comfort from members of the RCOT family.
SHAWN SCOTT, how can you leave us? It will take at least two people to fill your shoes… Seriously, thanks for all you’ve done for Rotary over the years. We wish you all the best and happy trails in Green Valley!!
We had a very informative and perhaps somewhat contentious program this week, which focused on the Pros and Cons of the Pima County Bond Package that is up for vote in the election next month. Clearly both Tom McGovern and Joe Boogaart believed in their respective positions. Personally I’m happy the package is split into several pieces so we can pick and choose if we so desire.
A HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout-out to PATTY CARNOVALE, BOB ERNSTEIN and KATHLEEN HUDSON-WICKS. I trust you all had an enjoyable time on your Birthday!
Quote of the week: “If CON is the opposite of PRO, does that mean that CONgress is the opposite of PROgress?” Gallagher
INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE CLUB…IS IT A NUMBERS GAME OR SHOULD WE BE ULTRA-SELECTIVE?
Perhaps those two are not 100% mutually exclusive, as might first seem.
First of all, the Rotary Club of Tucson is definitely not desperate for more members. Our club won’t shut down next month if we don’t grow by one or two or 22 members. While there certainly are Rotary clubs in the world that are truly in crisis mode (and will soon close without new members), our size and our stable financial position mean we are far from desperate. That is how we should plan it, like it, and want to keep it.
Having put the panic aside, there is a feeling among most associations that the group can accomplish even more with a greater number of members as long as you keep the atmosphere satisfying, rewarding, and fun. We all know that a regular infusion of new people is needed to offset those who leave. That is despite any retention program, even a perfect one, that we might employ. Recent history shows an out-migration rate of about two per month from our club.
How do you overcome the understandable losses, let alone grow? In the extreme, you convince as many people as possible to join, even if it involves calling in a favor, or cutting down on due diligence applied to applications, or not offering thorough membership information for fear of scaring people off. Not surprisingly, there can be a significant percentage of fall-out in a relatively short time, but the theory says that as long as the net is positive, we are doing well. The idea is to let the not-so-committed weed themselves out.
But does a need of 2+ new members a month to expand our club mean we can’t be selective in our consideration of who would be a good fit? It better not, say those who advocate a careful recruiting process. Short-term number-pumping can turn into long-term collapse if there are no standards.
As is so often the case, best practice is somewhere within the span of zero screening to nearly unrealizable hurdles to joining.
We want members who contribute in some – and hopefully many – ways, and who are a fit for the type of club we are. They need to feel comfortable holding membership and we need to feel comfortable calling them a fellow member.
Whatever our standards are, we should project to the world that we have them. When we say we are seeking new members, let’s convey that it is for the right reasons, not just for growth’s sake or solely to meet some numeric goal. Fill vacancies at a reasonable rate, and strive for long-term relationships.
We shouldn’t try to push everyone into Rotary membership, and the world should understand that we don’t accept just anyone into our organization who is willing to pay dues.
A bad relationship for either party would become, at some point, a bad relationship for both. A good relationship for both brings years of success and satisfaction.
Enjoy a first time ever performance of, "Henry Porter and the Sorcerer's Secret" at the Gaslight Theatre, Sunday, November 1st at 12:00 noon. Price for tickets is $18. This is first come, first serve. So sign up on Clubrunner under Upcoming Events on the Rotary Club of Tucson's website. Go to www.tucsonrotary.org.
Any questions please call the Rotary Office at 623-2281. Thank you!
Notice to All Members: Please make sure you have a Club Community Services shirt to wear at the Tucson Classics Car Show. If you do not, please see Jon Wang who will be selling these shirts at upcoming weekly meetings. Thank you!