no extra events- entry fee survey

[chuck b]

No extra events this season on top of the original schedule. The Valleyfair possibility ended due to a $1000 difference in rental cost. Fantastic site, but paying triple+ our standard fare doesn't make sense without a lot more planning.......i.e. are people willing to put up a higher entry fee- try 50 bucks.

On that note, I wonder what people are willing to pay for a "perfect" site?

Personally, if it was $50, I wouldn't regularly drive two cars, but I may for a special event. Being a board member would be more lucrative......

[SalahK]

I would DEFINATELY pay $50 for an awesonme site. If you advertise the event on the right channels, You will be able to attract plenty of competitors from nearby areas.

MAC has plenty of surplus money, why not use some of that to cover any monetary deficiency in the Valleyfair event? Valleyfair isn't totally dead yet, IS IT ???

[1/2mv^2]

I would gladly pay $50 for a site that allowed 6 or more 60+ second runs. It all works out to the same cost per second!

[MNbiker]

Chuck,

Please don't tell me we've given up on Valley Fair!:(

I'm with the others, I'd pay $50 for a top notch site/course. It's still cheaper than driving to Milwaukee, Topeka, Peru, etc.

With just a bit of publicity (which I'd be happy to help with), I think we could break even at $40/driver.

-Steve

p.s. At $40, I'll still drive 2 cars. I wanna be a member of the "I looped Adam's Miata Club"!

[MNbiker]

Chuck,

Will Valleyfair give us a break for a 2 day rental? How about a 2-Day event for next Spring? THAT would be cool! Scheduled for the right weekend, we could probably get quite a few out-of-towners to attend.

Another idea for next Spring would be a Test 'n Tune day. Charge $50 for as many runs as you can get in. Timing would be running, but no run groups, no trophies. Everyone signs up for a work slot. This would be a really easy event to run, and would be VERY popular, early in the season. (Come to think of it, we could use the same idea for a Fall Event.)

-Steve

[1/2mv^2]

Errp, read your message more carefully.

So, you'd have to work once or twice for a specific time period?

[kit]

I wouldn't mind shelling out $50 to play on a huge lot.

[Dave Kral]

I'd pay the $50 to let the NSX stretch its legs.

[weidnerpaul]

My Thoughts:

The cost to the club would be ~ $3000(rent, insurance and trophies), and we'd have barely two weeks to get the word out. IF we could get enough committed people in a week(Pay no matter what the weather,or if they can't come for another reason - PAYING IN ADVANCE, ) can we still do it???

The club would need to take in at least $2000, we can't let the checkbook get too low. We'd need 40 people at $50 to reach this***. While it's normal for board members to be "comped" for the events due to the extra work they do I am suggesting that board members pay also, if not the full amount at least the difference ($30) between a regular event and the higher $50 cost of this event. Another reason I suggest this is that would give us at least 6-8 people toward the 40 we need.

This is one board member that would shell out $50 for that site/day.

Since I'm the treasurer I would be willing to take the $ in advance keep track of it and send confirmation to all entrants, we would need to do this fast, if not enough sign up/pay I would take care of sending back the $$$.

I would only support the event this year if we get the $$$ in advance, it's easy to say yes, commit and then not come cause it's too cold for the tires or some other reason and then the club takes a big financial hit...

This needs a quick decision...

Paul

Or if we do as Steve suggested with a $40 fee, then we need 50 drivers...

[miata#37]

$50? Still much cheaper for me than a trip to Milwaukee. I say go for it, but make sure it's someone like Mr. Washburn that designs the course.

[SalahK]

My suggestions:

- Keep the entry fee at $50. You should be able to get 40+ people easily.
- Treat this as a special event and charge the board members the difference.
- Invite the guys from COM, DMVR, Northstar BMW, Quattro Club, Vintage Club, Porsche Club, etc. I can take the lead on this one with help from a few others.
- It might be tough to collect $ in advance since we don't normally do it that way. But if that's what it takes, There are plenty of us who will dish out the $.

- We need to take some calculated risks, plan as much as possible, and GO for it!

[magicsammy]

I'm in for $50 - no problem

[chuck b]

FIRST- I need to find out if we can still do this, this fall. (If not this is a good discussion for next year).

I'm not concerned about a lot of us regulars shelling out the $50, but I am for the last 15 people or so to get us to the 50 people.

Another way to do things is to collect extra dollars at the start, and re-imburse at the end. This might cause Paul, our treasurer, an anuerism but he's got extra grey matter.

Here's my hypothetical example- I'm not sure about accuracy. Let's say we need $2200 (rent $1500, insurance $270, trophies $150, amortized miscellaneous charges like cones, trailer, timers, etc. $280). Charge people excess like $60 a head to enter. Then by the driver's meeting, return excess funds. So let's say 43 people showed up. That'd be $2580 pulled in. Then reimburse everyone to the nearest dollar by giving everyone back $8. Sounds like a non-profit club to me! We probably should start conservative by charging more in excess the first event, and get closer as we learn.

Worst case scenario from my perspective: 24 people show up and it's not until registration is closed, after an EM and others have worked their butt off, that we decide not to hold the event. And could we get out of the rental agreement. A few details that should be worked out, but I believe there's plenty (more than 40) of true diehards that'd show up. Heck, I think even some former MAC members would appear.

[miata#37]

Looking at some local schedules and allowing a little time for word to get out...

10/5 Way too soon for word to get out
10/12 DMVR runs at Sandpiper and it's still short notice for the autox world
10/19 DMVR and MAC run at Sandpiper and Midway
November- In central MN?!? Craziness

October 26 looks like the only opportunity to make this happen. Are there any other local clubs running on that date? Will it be too cold? Could it be snowing?!? I'm all for a "big time" event, but let's not get ourselves in trouble by not thinking it through enough.

One heck of a season opener followed by a big of a season closer in 2004? Perhaps a mid-season burner down at Fairmont too? (Seperate from the Basso Presto event of course) That might be the ticket to put MAC and the 'Council back on the autox map.

[DCM]

I don't want to put a damper on this, it is just a discussion board. And not a membership meeting.
Chuck has a mandated limit on what can be done, and not even da prez can change that.
But I want to do it too.
DCM

[paulfrey]

I know I would definitely try to make the 5+ hour drive to run in a bid lot in my STi, and pay a $50 entry fee. It's not a 100% sure thing I could make it, but I would try.

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by 1/2mv^2

Errp, read your message more carefully.
So, you'd have to work once or twice for a specific time period?



Umm, what exactly am I supposed to be "reading more carefully" for? It seems clear to me - although I have been accused of being on another planet at times....:p

As for the work schedule, I would keep it simple. Just figure out how many people you need to cover the course and keep the timing system running (my guess is about 10 total), divide the day into 90-120 minute shifts, and have everyone sign up for one shift. You don't leave your shift until your replacement shows up. Therefore, the event could run continuously throughout the day.

I have some friends out East whose clubs periodically put on Test 'n Tune events like this. It's not uncommon for drivers to get in up to 15-20!!!!! runs in a day. How about that for autox seat time?

-Steve

[MNbiker]

Here's a bit more fuel for the fire,:flame:

Dwight, I assume the Board could vote to approve a higher rental fee by email and/or phone, if we wanted to make this happen.

October 26th looks like an excellent date. The only autox within 5 hours is a Tri-State event at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

I propose we use MyAutoEvents for pre-payment, if we decide to hold this event. I could have online payment set up on MyAutoEvents within an hour of getting the go-ahead. That would eliminate the hassles for Paul and would give us a real-time tally of how many people are entered. Anyone with a MyAutoEvents login would be able to register and pay in a couple minutes. Refunds are also handled by MyAutoEvents, based on whatever criteria we set.

I agree Pat Washburn should be our lead course designer. I'll be co-driving with Pat this weekend in Milwaukee. If we decided to go ahead, I could start talking through some of the logistics with him then.

-Steve

[chuck b]

correction to previous post by chris...last MOWOG is the 12th, not Oct 19th. which leaves the 19th as the date to use for an extra event, if the board would agree to it- right Prez!
manyana

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by chuck b
correction to previous post by chris...last MOWOG is the 12th, not Oct 19th. which leaves the 19th as the date to use for an extra event, if the board would agree to it- right Prez!
manyana

The 26th would be my first choice, since DMVR has an event on the 19th. (So does Chicago, but that one's less of a concern.) Either date seems relatively open.

[914 Dave]

Love the idea of a TnT day. It would be a "blast". (hows that for some promotional copy...) The idea of a double header weekend is interesting also... Can we get enough interest on short notice to make this thing fly? Who knows. Should we try? Who knows. Who is this "who" guy anyway, what does he know, and when will he tell us whats up? Without being home to check schedules with Mrs Me, I'd say count me in at $50.00. While prior ideas of a larger gate with refunds are interesting, to me the logistics of the payments seems a bit much. Charge EVERYONE $50, and hope we come close to breaking even. OR, keep this thought alive thru the winter, promote the heck out of it from January on, and have a HUGE season opener. Not that I am against one last dance in the cones, but if this draws 30 people, and the club takes one in the shorts for the $$$, that might leave a sour taste in many mouths...

[weidnerpaul]

Dave,
Who's on first and I think when is in the outfield, they're busy helping the Twins tonight.

The two day T'nT would be a next year event, I think the ??? here is can we get 40 to 50 hardy souls to fork out the $$$ and is it possible to plan it with such short notice.
Remember even if we get 40 people there we are losing $1000, so if we get less we are hosed. We wouldn't want to spoil the site for the future by backing out at the last minute either, not sure what the best answer is...
Paul

[SalahK]

Chuck:

We need to tell the people at Valleyfair exactly what our situation is given the high cost and risk of low turnout. If they understand, they should allow us to back out on short notice. I doubt that there is a queue of people waiting to rent out their lot in late October.

Start with a nice even number like $50 prepaid. Assuming your $2580 estimate is correct, that leaves the breakeven point at about 52 entrants.

Set a limit: For example, If we can get 30 prepaid registrations by the backout deadline of "T minus 7 days", the event is a go. More people will probably show up at the day of the event.

I think it is definately achievable if we try hard are are willing to risk losing a little bit of dough...

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by SalahK
Chuck:

We need to tell the people at Valleyfair exactly what our situation is given the high cost and risk of low turnout. If they understand, they should allow us to back out on short notice. I doubt that there is a queue of people waiting to rent out their lot in late October.

Start with a nice even number like $50 prepaid. Assuming your $2580 estimate is correct, that leaves the breakeven point at about 52 entrants.

Set a limit: For example, If we can get 30 prepaid registrations by the backout deadline of "T minus 7 days", the event is a go. More people will probably show up at the day of the event.

I think it is definately achievable if we try hard are are willing to risk losing a little bit of dough...

I agree with Salah. I'm confident that if we're very up front with drivers about the cost situation and need for a minimum number of entrants, we'll get enough people to pre-register early. Given the tight timeframes, I'll reiterate my preference to use MyAutoEvents for registration/payment - It requires zero administration and we'll know IMMEDIATELY, when someone pays.

I'll volunteer to assist with event organization, if it's on the 26th. If it's on the 19th I'll have to pass, as I'm out of town until late on the 18th.

FYI - My ideas about a 2-day event & Test 'n Tune event were offered up primarily as ideas for next Spring. (BTW Paul, I was thinking of a 1-day Test 'n Tune OR a 2-day competitive event. I'd have to buy a new set of tires just for the Test 'n Tune event, if we did it for 2 days!)

[tmalzahn]

FWIW, I am out of town on the 19th and the 26th, so I can't make either of them.

:(

EDIT: Count me in for a $50 event on a large lot. (Maybe next summer.)


-Tim

[StevenMosley]

I'm not sure if we could do it yet this year with out a little indian summer.

I'm open for a April event there and will pay the $50 without blinking an
eye. The 2 day idea sounds great. I liked Steve's test and tune day idea.

Or maybe we could work with COM to hold a Saturday event and we do Sunday.

[1/2mv^2]

Originally posted by MNbiker



Originally posted by 1/2mv^2

Errp, read your message more carefully.
So, you'd have to work once or twice for a specific time period?



Umm, what exactly am I supposed to be "reading more carefully" for? It seems clear to me - although I have been accused of being on another planet at times....:p

-Steve

Sorry, I had typed something, and then went back and read your message more carefully, and what I typed was no longer valid, so I edited my message.

So, that was "I read", not "you read".

If Who's on first, then what' the pitcher's name. Cuz if its a twins relief pitcher, its "mud."

[washburn]

Hi guys and gals! I'm the "negotiator" with Valleyfair.

>>>>Chuck wrote:

Here's my hypothetical example- I'm not sure about accuracy. Let's say we need $2200 (rent $1500, insurance $270, trophies $150, amortized miscellaneous charges like cones, trailer, timers, etc. $280). Charge people excess like $60 a head to enter. Then by the driver's meeting, return excess funds. So let's say 43 people showed up. That'd be $2580 pulled in. Then reimburse everyone to the nearest dollar by giving everyone back $8. Sounds like a non-profit club to me! We probably should start conservative by charging more in excess the first event, and get closer as we learn.
>>>>>end quote

These figures are not correct. The rent is $2,500. I already pled our case for being a non-rofit to no avail. They want someone on site while we are there, and they feel they would rather do without the hassle for a lower fee. Given this, the total cost outlay is more like 3,200. That is 64 drivers at 50 bucks a pop.

I just got off the phone with them. The 19th is the best bet. I will not be available on the 26, and anything earlier is a conflict. He will re-confirm that the 19 the open this afternoon. He assured me that cancellation is not a problem due to weather. If we show up and there's 2" of snow on the lot, we get charged nothing.

Spring: Late April and early May are possibilities. (They open on May 15th) He will book a date with us, again subject to cancellation due to weather. Flooding is a real problem there, and while it doesn't happen every year, it is possible for it to be completely flooded out. We would again be allowed to cancell with no obligation.

I will post again when I receive confirmation this afternoon. The club needs to make a decision and appropriate the funds quickly. This is s high risk situation, and everyone should be prepared to run the event at a loss.

I would like to design the course. I would set up a reproduction of the Nationals course we ran on in Topeka this year. That's for Chuck who had to bail on Nats this year. Very sorry you had to do that Chuck!! More later!

Pat

[phile]

I hate to be the wet blanket.

There are many problems involved with an event Oct 26 at Valleyfair. One of these problems would be an annoyance. All of them together add up to: "Try for next year."

They want too much money for the site. If we pay it, we set a precedent, and will not be able to negotiate it down later. Also, this precedent may get back to the owners of lesser sites. Sites we need because this one is not available in the prime-time months.

There is too short a time to properly get the word out. Remember AllRight? It was a fine event at a good new site, but it was under-subscribed. That's not to say that the AllRight event was a bad idea. I think it will be an advantage in the long run. It is not huge, but it is OK, and has fewer scheduling restrictions than other sites.

Several folks expressed displeasure that we added 5.5 with very little notice. I think there would be a bigger backlash here.

There is little time to work out the logistics of the event itself. Our first event there will be watched closely by the owner and others. We don't want to look like amateurs.

The date is late enough that we could have truly horrendous weather. It might be gorgeous Indian Summer, but the stakes are very high at the envisioned rental rate. Many people will have stowed their summer cars by then.

I think the risks outweigh the rewards. We should continue negotiations with the owner with an eye to events in 2004. We have a good safety record and lots of insurance. We have a reputation for treating sites responsibly. We need to get into a new site with deliberate speed. Rushing to a late event with little notice twice in one season just feels wrong to me.

Phil Ethier

[Jon Kotek]

Ya know considering the weather, time of year and the fact that there will be an event 2 weeks earlier I am not sure if this is a good idea to do until spring. I think a big blowout in spring would be alot better idea. Everyone will be itchin for some autocrossing and we could really make it a big event with alot more time to prepare. I am talking about working with the paper, maybe have a couple people call in to the radio stuff like that. Do we really want to do this deal at a loss?

Jon

[Jon Kotek]

Originally posted by phile


I hate to be the wet blanket.

There are many problems involved with an event Oct 26 at Valleyfair. One of these problems would be an annoyance. All of them together add up to: "Try for next year."

They want too much money for the site. If we pay it, we set a precedent, and will not be able to negotiate it down later. Also, this precedent may get back to the owners of lesser sites. Sites we need because this one is not available in the prime-time months.

There is too short a time to properly get the word out. Remember AllRight? It was a fine event at a good new site, but it was under-subscribed. That's not to say that the AllRight event was a bad idea. I think it will be an advantage in the long run. It is not huge, but it is OK, and has fewer scheduling restrictions than other sites.

Several folks expressed displeasure that we added 5.5 with very little notice. I think there would be a bigger backlash here.

There is little time to work out the logistics of the event itself. Our first event there will be watched closely by the owner and others. We don't want to look like amateurs.

The date is late enough that we could have truly horrendous weather. It might be gorgeous Indian Summer, but the stakes are very high at the envisioned rental rate. Many people will have stowed their summer cars by then.

I think the risks outweigh the rewards. We should continue negotiations with the owner with an eye to events in 2004. We have a good safety record and lots of insurance. We have a reputation for treating sites responsibly. We need to get into a new site with deliberate speed. Rushing to a late event with little notice twice in one season just feels wrong to me.

Phil Ethier


Phil has expressed my thinking exactly.

Jon

[washburn]

O.K., I just confirmed with them that the 19th is open if we want it. After further review, I am leaning toward the "wait and make it better" camp. Much as I'd like to do ti this year, frankly I am not counting on the weather being all that great. Not much fun in 40 degree weather.

I personally would like to see us book a date in early May. Make it a well advertised, and big event. What does everyone else think?

Either way, someone should pick a date in early May or late April, and I will book it with them. No payments will be due until the week of the event, and we will have a contract to hold the date.

Pat

[MNbiker]

The 19th seems to soon for proper planning. Plus, the weather will be really hit or miss.

I vote for scheduling a two-day event in early May, assuming we can get a price break for two days. Otherwise, make it a one day event. We should try to avoid other large regional events, so we can pull in more drivers from outside the metro area.
I think we should structure this like big events at Milwaukee & elsewhere. Set up a grid, get someone to provide food, etc. We could realistically get 150+ drivers for a 2-day event, if it's well publicized and is scheduled for a relatively open weekend.


-Steve

[914 Dave]

I too would vote for a big May blowout. Exactally how huge is this lot? If we do a TnT, would there be room for a 60+ sec course, maybe 50' and 100' skid pad circles, and while we're at it, a 45'-50' slalom of maybe 6-8 or more cones. I know me and yellow would get alot out of the circles and slalom exercises.

[Jon Kotek]

I agree a big late April early May blowout. And I want this to be not just Big, not just Bigger then Big I am talking Bigger then Biggest :p And I want this to be promo'd big time I am talking press releases, TV and Radio and I WANT COOL T-SHIRTS!!! I think we should make this really cool and exciting.

On another note I would like to see us have at least 2 events a month next year. I will admit I am not a hard core Autoxer but I would like to have 2 events a month to go to. I think with the Allright lot and now ValleyFair we could pull this off. I am thinking one event would be for MOWOG and the second event would be an open event. I have a hard time talking my wife into letting me run all over the country to do Autox and I would rather have stuff close to home.

Jon

[psundberg]

I recommend an early May Valley Fair event AFTER an April event to work out the bugs. Don't want to do a big promo with the chance for things not to go right. I'd also keep it as a MOWOG points event instead of a test n tune since we'd probably get a bigger turnout.
Phil

[StevenMosley]

I think early May would be great. Is the lot big enough to do a Pro Solo Type event. Maybe we could do a co-event with COM to have 2 sets of timing equipment and use flags for starting instead of lights. Just an idea to throw out.

[miata#37]

I'd also vote for a big-time event next spring. One thing that haven't heard mentioned is title sponsorship. I wonder if we couldn't help soften the entry-fee shock for competitors by pursuading a buisiness or company sponsor it. It could have one of those names that runs on forever like "The Metropolitan Council of Sportscar Clubs Pro-Autocross Series presented by (insert your buisiness name here)".

It might go well with the promotional efforts being described in other posts.

[silveracer]

Well, you all know what I'm gonna say. As itchi'n as I am for another event, The 914 has shed it's rusty heat exchangers and served me a dish best served cold, i.e. Revenge for the abuse I've put it through this season. Anyway, cold or not I don't think we could call ourselves Minnestoan's/upper midwesterners if we did not at least consider the option. With that said I do agree with what all of you have said and think that this would be a great way to open the season. The trick is going to be to promote this thing properly. Who knows, maybe they will see we are of little hassel and will cut the club a deal on future events. I would be very interested in getting many of the other club racers involved.
Nate

[washburn]

Hold on folks....I saw a couple comments about having another site. To clarify the situation on this site, this is a one time deal. We get one date in the Spring and that's it...we cannot use this site through the summer for obvious reasons. We *may* be able to pre-schedule a date in the fall based on the success of the Spring event, and the willingness of the owners after we have been there. I for one would be pleased to get two dates from them, and we could schedule two events a year there.

We seem to agree that a large Spring event will work best. I will hereby volunteer to EM this event. What I have planned is a National style course, with fixed grids and other features seen at National events. I personally feel a two day event is more than we can handle, and is too risky. I propose a single day event for the first time, with options to do a two day later.

If this is agreeable, someone in my abscense must get authorization to expend the money and schedule the event. If I could get word that this is done/will be done, I will schedule it with the Valleyfair folks.

BTW, my apologies to Chuck and Adam from my previous note. I sometimes, for whatever inexplicable reason, mix those guys up and I foolishly did it again. Sorry boys...the course is for Adam, who sadly had to miss Nationals this year. (

[Jon Kotek]

Sorry Pat I was getting excited. Here was how I was looking at it, with ValleyFair added for spring and the fact that we should be able to get AllRight at least once maybe twice I think we could see having 8 maybe 9 events next year. And if the ValleyFair deal did well we could grab it for fall and have 10 events :drool: or more possibly. I could see having 2 events a month with that.

Jon

[weidnerpaul]

Jon sez: I would like to see us have at least 2 events a month next year

Seven (or eight) is enough, or my two cents worth:

As much as I'd like to add events, there are a lot of other close(St Cloud with the Corvettes) and further away, Waterloo, Lacrosse, Eau Claire, Milwaukee and more AX to go almost very w/e. I suggest trying some of their events, still AX, different focus or emphasis and a great learning experience. We talk about burnout of current club members/officers and adding more might set us up to fail.

I personally plan on going to at least two events a month somewhere next year but there is something to be said for just being a regular entrant sometimes, not that I don't enjoy what I do at our events. I will do my "extra" events elsewhere.

Paul

[MNbiker]

Personally, I think 8 events is a good number. It looks like we'll have a Met Council Series again next year, so there should be some other interesting events to attend in the area. In addition, the SCCA wants to have at least a couple events in the Twin Cities area next year.

Here's what I propose:

Valley Fair - 2 events (BIG Spring Event & BIG Fall Event)
Allright Parking - 2 Events (mid-Summer, so we can enjoy the shade under the overpass!)
St. Cloud - 1 Event (it's a change of pace, but pretty far away. Plus, plenty of other clubs will have events there.)
Midway - 3 Events

This gives us 4 different venues for some variety. We could swap out one Midway or Allright event for another site, if we find something new.

-Steve

[fitz]

Midway has been a very good host to us and for that reason alone I'd like to see us do more than 3 events there. If that means adding MOWOG's or schools doesn't particularly matter.

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by fitz
Midway has been a very good host to us and for that reason alone I'd like to see us do more than 3 events there. If that means adding MOWOG's or schools doesn't particularly matter.

I agree we could/should do more than 3 events at Midway (hey, it's 5 minutes from my house!;) ). If we do the Novice School, EVO 1 and EVO 2 at Midway, that would be a total of 6 events.

-Steve

[StevenMosley]

Originally posted by fitz


Midway has been a very good host to us and for that reason alone I'd like to see us do more than 3 events there. If that means adding MOWOG's or schools doesn't particularly matter.

They have been a good host and the location is great; but the lot really could use some new pavement. Cross your fingers and maybe they will get the money from the city. Anyone on the City Council? I pretty sure it won't happen.

Also if we do the Valley Fair event. I think it might be a good idea to give a price break to the people that preregistor for the event like a week in advance. This will give people an reason to preregistor in advance.

[SalahK]

Quite frankly, I hate the Midway site. The reason I attend MAC events at Midway is because MAC is a real fun group of people with the most autox talent North of (Des Moines) DMVR and West of Milwaukee. The SCCA-LOL guys are just too slow :D

Midway is good for Novice schools and Evolution events but it would be my last choice when it comes to a competitive autox event.

So far, we are making a good effort at finding new sites, Valleyfair in particular. Lets keep up the good work and hopefully we can gradually phase out competitive events at Midway.

[weidnerpaul]

Salah,
Remind me to show you the Austin Healey newsletter, you are mentioned twice :-)


As for Midway, I like bigger lots too, but its been pretty much the only game for us, my concern would be losing the site or preference for the site --- if these other lots don't pan out long term we need Midway...

Paul

[Jon Kotek]

I don't think Midway sees us as a "revenue generator" for them I think they see us as doing a community service. That being said I think the more lots the better. I am not "in tune" enough to be going outside my group for events and I would rather in the spring time show the wife "here are the events" and be done with it.

Jon

[DCM]

Salah, Midway like Paul say's, has been the only 'game in town'
We are glad to have had it. I like the fact that paddock and competition are in close proximaty.
Makes for quick turnovers.
As far as competition goes, you are right, 'iron sharpens iron' [that's biblical]
The first year I competed in DSP in my MGB, I never finished higher than 3rd. But we had 12-14 cars in that class. [I got a big head from that finish] We had 7 cars all within a half second in time.
Whew!



:dancin:
DCM

[fitz]

Originally posted by Jon Kotek


I don't think Midway sees us as a "revenue generator" for them I think they see us as doing a community service. That being said I think the more lots the better. I am not "in tune" enough to be going outside my group for events and I would rather in the spring time show the wife "here are the events" and be done with it.

Jon

They are not letting us use the lot out of the goodness of their hearts. We pay good money for it. But we have been good tenants so they let us stay.

Whether or not Midway is a good or a bad site for autocross is almost irrelevant. It is a site and they are happy to have us. It is in fact a site that probably saved the local autocross scene from near-extinction these last couple of years so we should all be damn greatful for it.

The last thing we should be doing is a repeat of the Canterbury and DCTC experiences where as soon as a better site came along we cut our ties to all the places we used to run. Then when those sites went away we had to scramble to find new places to play. Even if the perfect site came along, we still have to keep our feet in the door of the imperfect ones. You never know how long the perfect ones will be around.

[phile]

Originally posted by fitz



Originally posted by Jon Kotek


I don't think Midway sees us as a "revenue generator" for them I think they see us as doing a community service. That being said I think the more lots the better. I am not "in tune" enough to be going outside my group for events and I would rather in the spring time show the wife "here are the events" and be done with it.

Jon

They are not letting us use the lot out of the goodness of their hearts. We pay good money for it. But we have been good tenants so they let us stay.

Whether or not Midway is a good or a bad site for autocross is almost irrelevant. It is a site and they are happy to have us. It is in fact a site that probably saved the local autocross scene from near-extinction these last couple of years so we should all be damn greatful for it.

The last thing we should be doing is a repeat of the Canterbury and DCTC experiences where as soon as a better site came along we cut our ties to all the places we used to run. Then when those sites went away we had to scramble to find new places to play. Even if the perfect site came along, we still have to keep our feet in the door of the imperfect ones. You never know how long the perfect ones will be around.


I hope that the concept will never be ignored again, now that the "doomsday scenario" I expressed to no avail during the Canterbury years actually occurred.

The BMW Experience was scheduled to be at Canterbury this year. Did anybody go?

If BMW can get Canterbury, can we?

Phil Ethier