President's Message -- Steve Dierks
Sharing The Enthusiasm

As automobile enthusiasts and members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), we welcome springtime as the return of the driving season. It is time to prepare that favorite car for the season ahead. Opportunities to participate in club driving events accelerate as winter events yield to spring. It is time to come out and play.
You and I share a general enthusiasm for the Mercedes-Benz brand. That is why we belong to MBCA. The club mission is to enhance the enjoyment of the Mercedes-Benz experience by giving members access to information, Mercedes-Benz experts and fun local events. Our participation in those club events develops a sense of community among MBCA members.
Many Sections have scheduled springtime technical sessions during which members will prepare their favorite cars for the driving season ahead. The anticipation of spring always heightens the enthusiasm for driving.
As you prepare your car for the coming season, you may need access to technical information. Your club is a treasure trove of information. It includes a robust network of Mercedes-Benz experts. It is our aspiration to become your undisputed authority for Mercedes-Benz information past and present. Your club provides authoritative information through The Star, “TechTalk,” and the club forum.
Each issue of The Star includes articles on Mercedes-Benz topics. The authors of the articles are authorities on their subject material. The “TechTalk” feature of the website includes contact information for many MBCA experts and indicates their areas of expertise. It facilitates qualified responses to your specific technical inquiries. Technical Committee Chair George Murphy is committed to providing authoritative responses to member inquiries for technical information. The club forum facilitates information exchanges between members at many levels of interest and expertise.
This issue of The Star includes a feature article that describes the club-sponsored German Tours led by past-president, Jim O’Sullivan. The trips include guided visits, in English, of many Mercedes-Benz facilities in Germany. Participation in the MBCA Germany tours expands your appreciation for the brand, enhances your ownership experience and is a significant membership value. I urge you to consider one of these tours in your future.
Sections have planned many driving events for 2012. Plans include fun runs, scenic tours, “First Sunday Drives,” autocross events, and defensive-driving programs. It all builds to a crescendo with StarFest®, our signature event. StarFest is a great member value that includes a comprehensive array of participation and spectator activities. I encourage you to include StarFest in your 2012 MBCA activities. Information is in this issue of The Star and on the club website.
Now is the time . . . Let’s drive ‘em,
Steve