[Wichita-SCCA] [evolution-announce] Evolution Inc to change ownership 2007

[Robert]

Evolution Inc to change ownership 2007
Posted by:      "JeanK-D at Evolution"             jkinser77 at yahoo.com

Mon Jan 1, 2007 8:59 am        (PST)

As promised for 2007-some exciting news to bring to Evolution Performance
Driving School past attendees, future attendees, supporters, friends, etc...

   I first apologize to any emails, phone calls, etc that have not been
returned as with many questions and what has been going on,  could not give
answers or insight until this was announced...

   After 14 years, I have decided it is time to take a step down, change
directions a bit in life and will be turning over ownership of the school to
someone else.  I am thrilled to actually be handing over to 3 good friends,
great instructors for the school, of which 2 came through the school a few
times many years ago as students, went on to win their first of several
championships both solo 2, and pro solo- and become SOME of Evolution's
most  well known and sought after instructors.  Pat Salerno, Mike Jr.
Johnson, and Tim Aro have stepped in to fill my small foot steps and sit in
my small chair, (yes, I know there would be smart ass comments on that), and
will be the people to take on running Evolution.  I will continue to
instruct and consult, while also market/promote the school in all ways as I
would.  Even moderate and oversee the Evo discussions list since creation we
did in 2000.  I am very excited for them and positive they will take pride
carry on the integrity
  Evolution has been known for so many years.

   More to follow from those gentleman.

   I have to take a moment and say a some words though-it will be a bit
lengthy as there are so many I need to say something to after 14 years....

   This was not an easy decision and choice to make.  Since cofounding this
school back in 93 with Jim McKamey when it was McKamey Autocross
schools.....this school for me became and started as an idea at the St.
Louis tour  when I was doing my usual pestering Jim with my "you should
start a school I think it would do well"....he'd always grumble and make a
comment of not going to happen..so the day he responded "Well, you set it up
and we'll do it" was the day my whole life changed.  I went home and
started...Jim and I did 5 schools the first year....weekends of schools that
was....single days.  We now do about 100-120 single schools yearly...and
that can be 4-8 on one day involving multiple locations.

   Jim was my mentor, father like figure, who at times frustrated me so bad
by making me go through all the pains of learning a business, dealing with
situations and people that all would help and influence this school.  At
times I thought he was way to hard on me, but in years looking back know why
he did it.  And I thank him so much for being as hard as me on he was, but
for most of all believing me, and trusting in me.  You my friend, have no
idea what that meant to me and the impact you had on my life back then.  One
of the tallest and shortest people in solo, we had alot of fun and headaches
together....you and Trudi will alway be very special to me.

   To all the region hosts who had the nerve to bring this school in, try it
out on the solo region/community of theirs and become annual
hosts/supporters of the schools-Rob Pickrell, Salina Region, Raleigh/Durham
region, Gerry Terrawnove, Equide Rapide region, Darrin Disimo who took on
hosting schools on his own in Florida and now instructrs, Dean Smith
Kentucky region, Ron Shurie DC region, Wendover, Seattle, Calgary and Regio
in Canada, The great wonderful James Rogerson in the Houston region, Rich
Wayne New York Region Chicago region of Tri State Sportscar club where we
started, Ohio regions, Greg Smith and Virgina area....  Lincoln Nebraska
Cornhuskers Corvette clugb and all those corvette and Miata clubs
schools...Des Moines, Wendover, Brian Robertson/Robert Puertas So Cal
region.....the major BMW club Chapter of BMW in Boston-Steve Hazzard who
puts on the biggest weekend in Evo history every year....we all be came such
good friends, like family....and we worked
  together to make it a success for everyone-it had to be that for
everyone...WE made it WORK TOGETHER however we had to, sacraficing at
times....I cannot tell you what an honor and pleasure it has been to say I
hope had been part in helping your region but most of all getting to know
you all and as many of the people in the region as I could.

   I cannot say enough about Kumho Tire and Rudy Consolacion.....your
loyalty, friendship and suport has meant so much in the past 8-9 years
now?  I hope to see it continue. thanks for everything and hope we helped
get the Kumho word out!

   Bryan Kinser-in some respects I owe you some thanks because you were part
of the fuel that lit the fire and desire/passion to make this what it has
become just by being you and having the doubt about where it or I could go
with this autocross school.  Your phone call to me after the Car and Driver
article came out about it ,meant more than words can say.  You also helped
produce 2 of the biggest inspirations why I put my life, heart and soul into
this school-our two children Tyler and Austin Kinser.
   Tyler and Austin Kinser-having you made me want to leave behind something
to make you proud of your mom, now and after I am gone that possibly one day
someone might come up to you at an event or somewhere and say that your mom
made a difference in their life too.  I wanted to leave you something of me
that would stay behind knowing that your mom wanted to help people -as this
sport can make such differences in peoples lives.  I had to sacrafice in the
early years, but it was to be able to spend the quality time later on with
you and not have a job that you had to be at a babysitters while Mom worked
all day or night and all week....this allowed me the time when you were
young with you.

   The instructors-many of you had been my good freind first, racing buds,
many came through the school as students first....and then many of you
became like my family......we have been through many ups and downs...trial
and error, and hills of emotions....you have been there for support through
many of my personal issues and without some of you, I would not have made it
through some possibly as strong and positive as I have.....thanks for
listening, reading all the emails, and calls.....you have gotten me through
the hardest parts of life so far that have been dealt...thanks for
friendship and caring...I love many of you for just being a true friend....

   Every Mckamey/Evo past student/supporter and aquaintance....your notes,
calls, stopping me at events just to say hi, the reflections and evaluations
from past schools...the results at the end of each year...the decals on all
the cars...the passion, desire and love for this sport like I have....thanks
thanks thanks from deep within, for welcoming Evo into your life in some
way....if we could be a part in any help to you and made a difference in
your life, we accomplished something.....a thanks has meant more to me the
past years  than you can know....

   As I said, this was not an easy choice to make.  I basically gave up my
own racing of recent years to enjoy being the mom and wife I had set out to
be 14 years ago, before this school became my future.  My kids were reasons
and inspiration to build it, and now they also have become the  main
focus  of recent few years of the need to step back.  I guess its kinda like
phase 2 of my life.  My son Dylan who will be 6, seems to really have taken
the racing interest...and after trying with my older two sons who  did not
get to participate in it as much as THEY wanted to, I am going to let Dylan
follow his passion and desire for what he wants to do...the time has come
for me also to relax a bit, get rid of that every day stress that can come
from running a company ,and get back to doing the things you want to do and
be able to leave the office there.  I have gone through my share of personal
difficulties, tragic events, and  dealing with situations created by people
in my
  childrens lives that have taken a toll on those children that no child or
any parent should have to go through, regardless....So it has been through
the last 2 years the decision has been thought about, decided yes and no
about 10 times per month....and finally a final yes....

   I hope to see many of you at events again, enjoy life again for me with
my family and friends- and be able to be the person I was, and even
better.  I feel the past year was a year for running the school  in that I
was just going through the motions..my passion and drive, focus was
rerouted.to what I had to deal with....... I know the new powers that be at
Evo will help build it and take it to new levels I just could not do any
longer while trying to be the mom my kids need.  I have built some strong
relationships with through the years that I hope wil continue with the
school and for some future endeavors for Evo.

   While very emotional in in past months and sad...I am very excited about
the future I have and starting again from a very different position..feel
free to contact me, as I will still represent and work for Evo both
instructor and consultant again, ....I hope to still be very involved but
more from the "grandparent" position..I know many of you can understand that
statement...LOL

   Anytime you want to share any story with me from past years, feel free as
it sure is fun to think back and reflect back to some of these most
memorable memories and people I have come across and had the honor of
meeting and spending some time with...

   Again-thanks to all of you for a most wonderful 14 years of the
school....you have no idea what you all have meant to me, as this sport has.

   Jean

Jean Kinser-Dana
   Evolution Performance Driving School, IN
   649 Jamestown Blvd. #2173 Altamonte Springs, Fl , 32714
   www.autocross.com/evolution      jean77 at evolutionschool.biz
   407-595-5345 mobile


   "A car is as fast as the driver makes it"
   "The most important go fast part of any car is the driver"
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