09/18/2022
If there is to be a Clifton Hill Climb (CHC) 2023 a lot more people need to step up and get involved.
1. We need to know who will participate as spotters/flaggers and remember they must attend the safety meeting ahead of the event.
2. We have been scolded numerous times for not reaching out to the race fans and possible racers among the mining community in Morenci. Although we make an effort each year, clearly, we have not yet succeeded in adequately connecting with this potentially large audience and funding source. A CHC liaison with the mining community is sorely needed. Despite our best efforts we still lag in this area.
3. Advertising must be placed months in advance for many publications. Payment must be made in advance.
4. Although April 2023 seems a long way off, critical decisions have not yet been made such as:
A. Establishing a weekend for the race date. (Which also impacts logo design, T-shirt availability, etc.)
B. Finding financial sponsors to help offset upfront and ongoing expenses - advertising, the race brochure and paid manpower for the weekend.
C. Coordinating with the Town of Clifton regarding the race trophy, courtesy van, Hill Climb Parade and security while racers travel on town streets to participate in the parade and the Race Driver Meet & Greet afterwards.
D. Getting permission from the County to race on Ward Canyon Rd. using the ballfields as a paddock, asking for bleachers, asking for extra road clean-up along the racetrack, getting a roll off, and providing them with the Insurance Policy.
E. Finding vendors who will work with the Tourism Council and the SCCA to provide meals, snacks, and drinks on Friday, Saturday & Sunday of the race weekend.
F. Coordinating with the American Legion or alternate site for the Sunday Award dinner.
G. Hill Climb Queen contest, coordinating with Morenci High School & Duncan High School.
H. Finding a Hill Climb Queen cash sponsor for the scholarship(s).
I. Coordinating with local hotels and RV parks, cafes and restaurants, and possibly a caterer.
J. Do we want to try attracting a drone business to film the race and broadcast like we did this year?
K. Streaming the race, extra equipment for the starting line.
L. Do we want to have a Thursday early registration event?
M. Do we want to invite musical talent to play and attend?
N. Then there is the matter of porta potties, trash cans, emergency signage, ensuring ample water is available for participants and onlookers,
O. Volunteer docents to help direct and assist the audience to reach all three viewing stations, and in general help with questions and answers.
This is not the complete list, just the outline, there are lots of details to complete as well as deciding on a Grand Marshall for the Race parade, securing the cars for the race parade, determining a theme for the race, etc. Remember – safety first, so we ask the ambulance service, Fire Department, towing service and law enforcement to be there with us.
If you are willing to volunteer, to accept some of these responsibilities, to help the Tourism Council get the sponsorships and or cash funding necessary please message the Hill Climb or Tourism Council now. Thank you.
