Scott E. Blazey, 71, has been elected the chairman of BMW Clubs International Council. has a new chairman.
Blazey from the United States of America, succeeded David de Bruyn from the Republic of South Africa, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. David de Bruyn was Chairman of the World Council for nine years and has set the decisive course for successfully preparing the BMW Clubs International Council for the future.
A former president of the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), the largest BMW club in the world, Blazey served as the president of the Kansas City BMW Club, chairman of BMW CCA Club Racing, a delegate to the BMW Clubs International Council, and is currently a trustee of the BMW CCA Foundation, a separate, non-profit charity that promotes teen driver safety among other things.
Introducing himself, Blazey in this interview, recalled how he took delivery of his very first BMW R75/6 motorcycle in 1975. He also provided a deeper insight into his enthusiasm for BMW and the BMW Clubs. There are more….
Excerpts
When you got the first time in touch with BMW (products)?
Scott E. Blazey: The first time I really noticed BMW was at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, when I watched the BMW 3.0 CSL (#51) win its class. I bought my first BMW less than two years later, but it was not a car. It was a BMW R75/6 motorcycle. My first BMW automobile, a BMW 2002, came less than a year later and from then on, I have always owned and driven BMWs.
Which and when was the first BMW Club you have joined?
Scott E. Blazey: I was with the U.S. Army in Germany when I took delivery of my BMW R75/6 motorcycle in 1975 and joined my first BMW Club, which was the BMW Club Bad Windsheim. It was there I first experienced the camaraderie, fun, and sense of community from BMW enthusiasts.
What makes BMW Clubs and the community so special to you?
Scott E. Blazey: BMW automobiles and motorcycles are great fun to drive but even more, they generate in many of their owners an enthusiasm for driving and for sharing the BMW experience. I love motorsports and through BMW Clubs I have gone racing wheel-to-wheel, won time-speed-distance rallies, and traveled all over the U.S.A and the world. Through it all I met and continue to meet fellow BMW enthusiasts who have become many of my best friends.
As chairman of the BMW Clubs International Council Board, Blazey receives support from Trevor Dean (Vice President Motorrad), Dr. Bernhard Knöchlein (Vice President Classic) and Julio Reyes (Vice President Automobile).
The BMW Clubs International Council (BCIC) was officially founded in July 1981 by Helmut Werner Bösch, then board member of the BMW Club Europe e.V., and Dr. Horst Avenarius (BMW AG).
The BCIC consists of 20 delegates, 16 of whom come from the international BMW Club umbrella associations and four from the BMW Group Classic. The respective number of regional members determines the composition. In addition, each BMW Club umbrella organization can be accompanied by independent observers during the annual Council Meeting. They complement the BMW Clubs International Council.
The BMW Clubs International Council currently represents more than 230,000 BMW Club members in around 800 recognized clubs in 78 countries.
How do you view the future of the BMW Clubs International Council?
Scott E. Blazey: The goals for the Council are simple. Building on the previous achievements of the council, we will continue to help existing BMW clubs grow; help new BMW clubs get started; work with the BMW Group Classic to foster a sense of community with and enthusiasm for the brand; and do what’s right to help BMW club members worldwide enjoy the very best possible BMW and BMW club experience.
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