Call for 2007 Event Masters

[MNbiker]

This is a call for volunteers interested in serving as Event Masters and/or Course Designers for 2007 MAC Events. I'd like to have these key volunteer positions lined up for all events in the next 30 days. Below is a list of Events, with designated Event Masters & Course Designers noted, in cases where volunteers have already stepped forward. Any spots shown in red still need to be filled/confirmed. Please note, the Event Master and Course Designer DO NOT need to be the same person.

Members who wish to work as co-EM's are encouraged to do so. In such cases, I will ask that one person be officially designated as Event Master and the other as Chief of Course/Course Designer.

Members who haven't been an Event Master before, but want to learn the ropes, are encouraged to volunteer as an Assistant EM. If you don't have an experienced member lined up to team with, just let me know you're interested, and I'll see what I can do to match you up with someone.


04/21/07 Novice School #1 Classroom - Dunwoody (Sat)
Event Master: Pat Washburn
Course Designer: N/A

04/22/07 Novice School #1 Driving - Midway (Sun)
EventMaster: Pat Washburn
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

05/05/07 MOWOG 1 - Valleyfair (Sat)
Event Master: Steve Garnjobst
Assistant EM: Rob McMillan
Course Designer: Pat Washburn

05/06/07 MOWOG 2 - Valleyfair (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Garnjobst
Assistant EM: Shane Donahue
Course Designer: Pat Washburn

06/03/07 MOWOG 3 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Meschke
Assistant EM: Darryl Wrolson
Course Designer: Mike Brausen

06/16/07 Novice School #2 Classroom - Dunwoody (Sat)
Event Master: Pat Washburn
Course Designer: N/A

06/17/07 Novice School #2 Driving - Midway (Sun)
EventMaster: Pat Washburn
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

07/01/07 MOWOG 4 - Midway (Sun)
Event Master: Chris DeLay
Course Designer: Jonathan Grothe


07/14/07 Evolution Phase 1 - Midway (Sat)
Event Coordinator: Steve Garnjobst
Course Designer: Evolution Instructors


07/15/07 Evolution Phase 2 - Midway (Sun)
Event Coordinator: Steve Garnjobst
Course Designer: Evolution Instructors

07/22/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Garnjobst
Course Designer: Mark Fitzpatrick


08/05/07 MOWOG 5 - Midway (Sun)
Event Master: Josh Karsten
Course Designer: John Mensch

08/19/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Garnjobst
Assistant EM: Larry Sanders
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

09/16/07 MOWOG 6 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Mark Fitzpatrick
Assistant EM:John Mensch
Course Designer: Mike Brausen

10/06/07 MOWOG 7 - DCTC (Sat)
Event Master: Nikki Dahlman
Assistant EM: Larry Sanders
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

10/07/07 MOWOG 8 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Meschke
Assistant EM: Mike Brausen
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

10/14/07 MOWOG 9 - Midway (Sun)
Event Master: Nate Abel
Course Designer: David Parsons


Please indicate your interest in this thread, or by emailing me directly at mnbiker@comcast.net (mnbiker@comcast.net). Feel free to call me at 651-276-1143, if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Steve Garnjobst
MAC Vice President

[MNbiker]

Note: Several members have expressed interest in EMing and/or designing courses this year. Please reiterate your interest in this thread, as my memory isn't perfect.

-Steve

[the tick]

I'd take a shot at course design. Do you have any CAD formated info on any of the lots (that need a course)?

[MNbiker]

I'd take a shot at course design. Do you have any CAD formated info on any of the lots (that need a course)?
We have good CAD basemaps for Valleyfair & Midway. We have raster-based aerial maps and diagrams for DCTC. You want to try a Midway course? That's a good place to do a first design, as the site is manageably small, and the parking lines make cone placement easy.

-Steve

[914 Dave]

Steve, for M9 list me as course designer, and Nate Abel as EM.

[SmokingTires]

Note: Several members have expressed interest in EMing and/or designing courses this year. Please reiterate your interest in this thread, as my memory isn't perfect.

-Steve

Course design at MOWOG 6! I'm still in :)

[washburn]

I traced the DCTC raster and dumped it into to Autocad at some point. I'll see if I can find it and forward it to you.

[the tick]

We have good CAD basemaps for Valleyfair & Midway. We have raster-based aerial maps and diagrams for DCTC. You want to try a Midway course? That's a good place to do a first design, as the site is manageably small, and the parking lines make cone placement easy.

-Steve

Sure. Send it my way.

[JKarsten]

I will EM MOWOG 5 at Midway

[MNbiker]

I will EM MOWOG 5 at Midway
Josh,

Jonathan Grothe told me he wants to EM one of the Midway events, but I can't remember which one. If he wants the August event, can you EM the one in July?

Thanks!

-Steve

[MacDubois]

I'd like to try assistant EM at M1. What sort of duties does this entail?

[JKarsten]

Josh,

Jonathan Grothe told me he wants to EM one of the Midway events, but I can't remember which one. If he wants the August event, can you EM the one in July?

Thanks!

-Steve

Let me know I could do another site too.

[jgrothe]

Steve

I was planning on the July 1st Event at Midway
(MOWOG 5)
I will design the course But I would like help (co-event master)

Thanks Jonathan

[jgrothe]

Sorry
I see that I should have put MOWOG 4
July 1st

[shane86]

I'd be interested in Co-EM @ M2

[magicsammy]

I can EM MOWOG 8

[MNbiker]

Okay, I think I've captured all the volunteers so far. We still have plenty of volunteer opportunities.

Test n Tunes - We haven't worked out the details yet, but these events should prove to be pretty interesting. At DCTC, we have plenty of space to have multiple courses/stations. We'll likely have something like this: a 40-50 second course, a long practice slalom, and a skidpad. Or we could do two courses (assuming we can come up with a way to time the second course). Lots of opportunity for EM's/course designers to be creative!

Assistant EM - the responsibilities of this job are as follows: First, to cover for the EM, when the EM is driving, helping with the course, etc. Second, to learn more about what's involved is acting as an EM - so we can build a larger base of members who can serve as EM. Third, to act as a "floater" volunteer - plugging gaps as necessary.

-Steve

[phile]

Test n Tunes - We haven't worked out the details yet, but these events should prove to be pretty interesting. At DCTC, we have plenty of space to have multiple courses/stations. We'll likely have something like this: a 40-50 second course, a long practice slalom, and a skidpad. Or we could do two courses (assuming we can come up with a way to time the second course). Lots of opportunity for EM's/course designers to be creative!


Skidpad is a given. If there is an opportunity to have a skidpad that can be driven in either direction, we must have one for a Test & Tune. At Dakota, that would have to be the traffic-circle part. Some thought needs to be done for the entry-exit-reversal-pyrometer setup, which is normally a little more ad hoc on a big open lot.

[washburn]

Assistant EM - the responsibilities of this job are as follows: First, to cover for the EM, when the EM is driving, helping with the course, etc. Second, to learn more about what's involved is acting as an EM - so we can build a larger base of members who can serve as EM. Third, to act as a "floater" volunteer - plugging gaps as necessary.
-Steve


MOST critical, get the EM coffee. No cream, heavy on the sugar.

[SmokingTires]

I'd be up for course design for one of the open TnT at DCTC as well. I can also assistant EM anywhere needed. It would be good to learn so I can help fill spots next year :)

What format works best for mapping a course? Right now I only have photoshop, but I could use others.

-Mike

[washburn]

Best thing to use is Autocad, or anything else that uses actual scale. You cannot eyeball it...you need something to scale that can measure distances.
(You *can* eyball it, but I don't recommend it. It will not turn out like you planned, and it will be a bunch of comprimises...do it right the first time.)

[skeltd1]

You cannot eyeball it...you need something to scale that can measure distances.

I am giving a series of presentations at work regarding the importance and benefits of meticulous planning and some simple processes to help everyone plan better.

None-the-less, I´m opening the presentation with the slow-in-fast-out analogy. Slow down up front, plan your path, get things under control, then accelerate.

Very pertinent to this discussion. I can imagine the more time one spends in front of AutoCAD will save lots of time and stress later.

By-the-way, does anyone have a good slow-in-fast-out diagram or slide?

Dennis

[jgrothe]

In Slow out Fast
Check out this design manual for corner ideas

This may want to be "manditory reading" for all Event Masters / Course designers.

http://houscca.com/solo/courses.asp
go to the bottom of the page and open the "solo course design manual"

I found a lot of great ideas for courses I have done.

[MNbiker]

Best thing to use is Autocad, or anything else that uses actual scale. You cannot eyeball it...you need something to scale that can measure distances.
I agree with Pat. I prefer Visio to AutoCAD for course layout, as IMHO the interface is a bit more efficient for drag-and-drop use - but any vector-based CAD program will do just fine.

For Midway, it takes no more than 30-45 minutes to set up a properly designed course. The parking lines aid cone placement, and I usually don't need to make more than a couple minor adjustments from computer to asphalt.

Valleyfair would be easy to work with, if it weren't for all the bad areas of pavement. I'm going to try documenting the worst spots in advance this year, so Pat can avoid them with his CAD layout.

DCTC is the most difficult site to design on CAD - partly because we don't currently have high-resolution backgrounds, and partly because it's a lot easier to identify the proper apex & pinch points onsite. Two-dimensional drawings also don't communicate elevation changes - which are a significant factor at DCTC. The CAD layout IS useful for establishing how many cones you need and for special elements like slaloms. I've also found it very useful to plan corner radiuses on CAD. Without special cone placements, every corner at DCTC basically drives the same. However, with some planning, there are places where you can create increasing or decreasing-radius turns.

-Steve

[SmokingTires]

Anywhere to get Visio that doesn't cost $40?

[AlexL]

Anywhere to get Visio that doesn't cost $40?
Bit Torrent?

[MNbiker]

Hey folks, we still have a number of key event leadership positions to fill.

For those considering the Test n Tune events - you should know that we are ordering enough extra timing sensors to permit running two separate courses at the TnT events. With the space available at DTC, we should be able to fit two 40 second courses, plus a skidpad without any problems. With only 50-60 entrants, these will be really fun events.

Note these recent additions: I added Nikki Dahlman as EM for MOWOG 7 and Mike Brausen as Assistant EM for MOWOG 8.

-Steve

[MNbiker]

Folks, I'm starting to get VERY concerned about the lack of volunteers for some key remaining event official positions. In particular, we are still without any officials for our next event - the first DCTC event of the year. Mike Brausen has volunteered to serve as assistant EM or Course Designer, but this would be Mike's first time at either job. I'm hesitant to slot Mike in a position, until I know we have someone experienced to manage the event. It's time for some members to step forward and help out!

Open positions are shown below in red.

-Steve



06/03/07 MOWOG 3 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Assistant EM:
Course Designer:

07/08/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Course Designer:

08/19/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Course Designer:

09/16/07 MOWOG 6 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Assistant EM:
Course Designer: Mike Brausen

10/06/07 MOWOG 7 - DCTC (Sat)
Event Master: Nikki Dahlman
Assistant EM:
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

[MNbiker]

Thanks to Steve Meschke for stepping forward to take the EM slot for MOWOG 3. We could still use an experienced Assistant EM for MOWOG 3, so Steve has a bit more time to help Mike out with his first course design assignment.

Still plenty of other volunteer opportunities - sign up early & often!

-Steve

[Darryl]

Rdub and Ddub were going to take M3... Looks like Steve M took but we would be willing to do if Steve M doesn't want it... I'd like to design the course...

[MNbiker]

Rdub and Ddub were going to take M3... Looks like Steve M took but we would be willing to do if Steve M doesn't want it... I'd like to design the course...
You guys want MOWOG 6 instead? That looks like a pretty open weekend (no Milwaukee events). Since I have Mike on MOWOG 3, you can do the course for that one.

[Darryl]

I'll be out for MOWOG 6... Parade of home's, I'll be working... Sorry... I can help Mike with the course so Steve can take of the rest...

[MNbiker]

I'll be out for MOWOG 6... Parade of home's, I'll be working... Sorry... I can help Mike with the course so Steve can take of the rest...
I'll put you down for Assistant EM at MOWOG 3 then. You can help Mike AND Steve. :)

[SmokingTires]

As soon as Mike has a base format sample and an idea of how to worki Visio the way Steve likes it to look, you will have a course ready for crtique. :)

[MNbiker]

As soon as Mike has a base format sample and an idea of how to worki Visio the way Steve likes it to look, you will have a course ready for crtique. :)
I sent you samples this morning. Have you checked your email lately?

[weidnerpaul]

As soon as Mike has a base format sample and an idea of how to worki Visio the way Steve likes it to look, you will have a course ready for crtique. :)

Mike speaking about himself in the third person now?
:lol:

[SmokingTires]

I sent you samples this morning. Have you checked your email lately?

I haven't updated my E-mail. I'll update it to my current one. I did get the E-mail from you.

Is the area from corner 6 to corner 19 fair game, or is that too close to the hill?
And I assume the long slalom pad is no longer off limits :)

-Mike

[MNbiker]

I haven't updated my E-mail. I'll update it to my current one. I did get the E-mail from you.

Is the area from corner 6 to corner 19 fair game, or is that too close to the hill?
And I assume the long slalom pad is no longer off limits :)

-Mike

Don't use the outer loop (6, 19, 20, 21). You don't need the extra distance, and the inner loop is safer.

The long slalom pad is fair game.

We always seem to have problems running efficiently at the first DCTC event of the year, so don't make the course too long. If it's much over 60 seconds, it will get shortened.

[Darryl]

Don't use the outer loop (6, 19, 20, 21). You don't need the extra distance, and the inner loop is safer.

The long slalom pad is fair game.

We always seem to have problems running efficiently at the first DCTC event of the year, so don't make the course too long. If it's much over 60 seconds, it will get shortened.

Agree 100%... It would be great to be between 50 / 60 seconds and get 6 runs...

[washburn]

+1 on that

Oh, and feel free to sprinkle some BMW elements into the design. :P

[Darryl]

+1 on that

Oh, and feel free to sprinkle some BMW elements into the design. :P


Nice shot...

[fitz]

Please note, the Event Master and Course Designer DO NOT need to be the same person.


07/08/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Course Designer:

Thanks!

Steve Garnjobst
MAC Vice President

Turns out both T&T weekends are not great for me schedule-wise but I'll do course design for the July event. I'm not really interested in the EM gig though since I don't plan to spend all day there.

[MNbiker]

Turns out both T&T weekends are not great for me schedule-wise but I'll do course design for the July event. I'm not really interested in the EM gig though since I don't plan to spend all day there.

Thanks, Fitz. I'll add you to the list.

[fitz]

Thanks, Fitz. I'll add you to the list.

Are we looking to split this into two smaller courses or one bigger one? I'm good either way.

[MNbiker]

Members,

We still need to fill the event management positions shown in red.

I'm very concerned about the 07/08 Test 'N Tune, in particular. This will be our first TnT with dual courses at DCTC, and many key volunteers, myself included, will be out of town at the Milwaukee National Tour. We need an experienced EM who will be in town to step forward and coordinate this event. If we don't get a volunteer in the next couple days, I think we seriously have to consider cancelling the event.


07/08/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Course Designer: Mark Fitzpatrick

08/19/07 Test 'N Tune - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master: Steve Garnjobst
Assistant EM: Larry Sanders
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

09/16/07 MOWOG 6 - DCTC (Sun)
Event Master:
Assistant EM: John Mensch
Course Designer: Mike Brausen

10/06/07 MOWOG 7 - DCTC (Sat)
Event Master: Nikki Dahlman
Assistant EM: Larry Sanders
Course Designer: Steve Garnjobst

[stoooo]

Did you pencil me in as Assistant EM for M7 ? I'll try and properly commit to it as soon as I can.

Stuart.

[MNbiker]

Are we looking to split this into two smaller courses or one bigger one? I'm good either way.

We want two separate courses for the TnT's. We have two sets of timing equipment, and want to provide maximum seat time. I figure it should be pretty easy to come up with two 40-50 second courses.

It would also be nice to set the carousel up as a skidpad, but that might be a bit difficult with two courses.

[phile]

It would also be nice to set the carousel up as a skidpad, but that might be a bit difficult with two courses.

Just my opinion, but a skidpad is the most important tuning tool, and one that most people seldom get a chance to use.

[porkbone]

We need an experienced EM who will be in town to step forward and coordinate this event. If we don't get a volunteer in the next couple days, I think we seriously have to consider cancelling the event.

Just a thought, but with people becoming more and more serious in our club, maybe the all of our experienced EMs are going to be in Milwaukee? It may no longer be possible to put on an event the same weekend as an SCCA National Tour...?

[RedlineToy]

Steve, I would be willing to give the assistant spot a try knowing that you are putting up a handbook soon. Let me know whcih event you want me to be at.

Thanks,

[MNbiker]

Steve, I would be willing to give the assistant spot a try knowing that you are putting up a handbook soon. Let me know whcih event you want me to be at.

Thanks,
Larry,

Are you willing to take on two spots? Specifically the August TnT and MOWOG 7? After helping with those two very different events, you should be well trained to EM an event next year. :)

-Steve

[RedlineToy]

Okay, let's give them both a try. I know I will have a chance to talk about it for both events.

[the tick]

Steve,

Put me down as "EMIT" (Event Master In Training) for M6.

[MNbiker]

OK folks, we're getting close. We still need two EM's, including that critical 07/08 event.

[fitz]

Just my opinion, but a skidpad is the most important tuning tool, and one that most people seldom get a chance to use.

I'll put together something that requires a couple of loops around the toilet bowl before letting them move on. :)

[fitz]

OK folks, we're getting close. We still need two EM's, including that critical 07/08 event.

T&T course design is pretty much done if you need it for submission.

If we could just get someone to say the magic words (why not) to the EM position that day (switching to Lumberg voice) that would be great. My wife is working nights that weeked and she'd really like it if I didn't spend the whole day out there EM'ing and Course Designing. She has this nutty idea that sleep is good for you.

[phile]

I'll put together something that requires a couple of loops around the toilet bowl before letting them move on. :)

Nice joke, but that is not the same and you know it. For instance, if you are pyro testing, you only want to turn in one direction.

[MNbiker]

T&T course design is pretty much done if you need it for submission.

If we could just get someone to say the magic words (why not) to the EM position that day (switching to Lumberg voice) that would be great. My wife is working nights that weeked and she'd really like it if I didn't spend the whole day out there EM'ing and Course Designing. She has this nutty idea that sleep is good for you.
Yeah, send it my way when you have the opportunity.

We'll see if someone else will step forward & save your REM sleep.

[fitz]

Nice joke, but that is not the same and you know it. For instance, if you are pyro testing, you only want to turn in one direction.

After I posted that, totally in jest of course, I gave it some thought and ended up finishing the course designs for T&T #1 with a full lap around the bowl - mostly for my own amusement but it kinda works and is definately different. I may keep it just for that personal amusement factor.

Yeah I know it isn't the same as a pyro run, but we all know DCTC doesn't lend itself to that sort of thing (insert Dwights "I had a dream" speech). Perhaps if they let us set up a separate skid-pad in one of the parking lots...

[MNbiker]

Due to a lack of EM volunteers, the 07/08 Test 'N Tune has been re-scheduled to 07/22. Now, we need a volunteer for 07/22. :)

-Steve

[MNbiker]

We still need an EM for MOWOG 6, which is scheduled for September 16th at DCTC. We already have John Mensch lined up to act as Assistant EM and Mike Brausen for course design. Come on folks, lets get this last position filled!

-Steve

[MNbiker]

Come on , folks - we still need an EM for MOWOG 6!

[fitz]

Come on , folks - we still need an EM for MOWOG 6!

Sign me up

[MNbiker]

Sign me up

Thanks, Mark! I really appreciate your contributions this year!