Another event location and ideas needed

[Bill Howell]

I really want to put on another event on......soon. Probably spring sometime. Here is the situation. I want it to be located where others that can not make Pigeon Forge could come. I am thinking somewhere in Indiana. Sorry, but we are taking baby steps here, can not come west quite yet. Anyone got any ideas on a good track? How far would you guys be willing to travel to an event. Maybe we can find a good location, located somewhere central to the most people and do this event somewhere other than my back yard.
Feedback wanted and needed, please post if you have something to add.

[ilovefirstgens]

awwww c'mon!

how bout a meetup in san jose and a haul over to highway 1 and down to laguna seca for some real racing!!!

[Tony Bolton]

I'll go as far as you drive me, Bill! I'm not big on driving long distances. :(

[bret]

Putnam Park is absolutely beautiful...and safe...and expensive. The challenge would be to amortize the cost over as many participants as possible. Obviously I am quite motivated to have an event in Indiana. I will definitely work toward that end.
A much less costly alternative would be a more traditional Autocross using a large parking lot or airstrip facility. There is such a possibility in Lawrenceville, Illinois which is on the Indiana border about an hour south of Terre Haute.
Yet another possibility would be a parking lot type event in French Lick, Indiana. They are opening a new casino there in December and will be actively persuing visitors. It is beautiful country [not quite Pigeon Forge, but nice] and the motel and entertainment situation would certainly be a plus.
Need an opinion from everyone...how important is the drag racing portion of an event like this to everyone? That answer will obviously influence the choice of location.
We'll keep digging.

[Tony Bolton]

Honestly, drag racing is fun but it's like a burn-out competition.............you can do that pretty much anywhere. A road course(or like the 411 oval track/autocross)gives the driver the opportunity to show off his skill along with what i'm sure most everyone has upgraded on this site...........SUSPENSION!

[Steve1968LS2]

Putnam Park is absolutely beautiful...and safe...and expensive. The challenge would be to amortize the cost over as many participants as possible. Obviously I am quite motivated to have an event in Indiana. I will definitely work toward that end.
A much less costly alternative would be a more traditional Autocross using a large parking lot or airstrip facility. There is such a possibility in Lawrenceville, Illinois which is on the Indiana border about an hour south of Terre Haute.
Yet another possibility would be a parking lot type event in French Lick, Indiana. They are opening a new casino there in December and will be actively persuing visitors. It is beautiful country [not quite Pigeon Forge, but nice] and the motel and entertainment situation would certainly be a plus.
Need an opinion from everyone...how important is the drag racing portion of an event like this to everyone? That answer will obviously influence the choice of location.
We'll keep digging.

French Lick, Indiana??? :rotfl:

[steemin]

French Lick, Indiana??? :rotfl:

Watch it Cali boy..:box2:

It could have been Floyd's Knob, Indiana!
Scott

[ProdigyCustoms]

HUM, Casino, Cars, Racing, OK, you talked me into it!

[steemin]

Bill,
Sound good to me.
An event in Indiana would be great!!
I am not really connected to the track scene, but surely there has to be some viable options in Indianapolis..
"The Racing Capitol of the World"!
Scott

[bret]

French Lick, Indiana??? :rotfl:

I swear it's a real place. Sleepy little town that has decided to pump some life into it with a casino. It's about 25 miles from our shop in Jasper, In. About 60 miles northwest of Louisville, Ky. You know...God's country!

[jimhamptons]

French Lick, Indiana??? :rotfl:

I believe that is where Larry Bird grew up...Is he behind the casino development??

[parsonsj]

Larry Bird = French Lick, Indiana.

jp

[trapin]

Indiana? In the spring? Have you forgot what the weather is like that time of year in the midwest? We got lucky this year...but I doubt the midwest will smile on us as she did this past spring. Usually it's grey, wet and in the 40's about every single day. At least in Michigan that's the case. Just a warning.

[Doug Harden]

Another vote for Putnam Park!!!! One of my favorite tracks!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

ORP has a road course layout too....along with drag racing (duh).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Both venues are $$, but worth it.

I kinda' like the French Lick idea, but no real road course kills it for me.

I'd throw out IMS, but they're a pain in the @$$ to deal with.... (I've done four major events there).....they frown on "spirited" driving.

[Doug Harden]

Indiana? In the spring? Have you forgot what the weather is like that time of year in the midwest? We got lucky this year...but I doubt the midwest will smile on us as she did this past spring. Usually it's grey, wet and in the 40's about every single day. At least in Michigan that's the case. Just a warning.

It's not so bad down here on God's country....but weather is always hit-n-miss.

Anytime >April - September< is OK.

[ssdeuce]

How about Nashville super speedway. It's south a little

[andrewb70]

Bill,

How about this?

http://www.barbermotorsports.com/rentalrequestform.php

Spring time is nice in Alabama.

Andrew

[tracar91]

Indiana has Putnam park and Indianapolis raceway park (recently renamed I believe)

A little farther north is Black Hawk farms outside Chicago
Road America in Wisconsin
Mid-Ohio in "Mid-Ohio" :rotfl:
Waterford hills in Michigan

Lots of other spots, just thought I'd heat up the discussion!

[dropit69]

yeah weather this weekend in indiana/illinois area was mild 70's ..some rain..i bragged it was 90 down there..irp (indianapolis raceway park) is now o'reily raceway park at irp very clever name..lol but wouldnt mind it being closer but still liked it down there too..that run in the hills was soo cool..

[mpozzi]

Hey Bill,

Go west, young man!! I like "First Gens" wish list but understand if it's too much real estate to travel over. It's P-T heaven out our way and I, for one, would love to play cars with you guys.

Mary Pozzi

[mikey]

How about Heartland Park Topeka? I know it's in Kansas but it does have a nice road couse and dragstrip. The new owner has sunk alot of $$$ into it lately and they are haveing the SCCA runoffs there next month. hres a linkhttp://hpt.com//store/catalog/index.php?osCsid=7bd9f2bed7031d988747e169f26e73c0 It may be a little more central for some.

[BA.]

I've been around Putnam Park a few times and indeed it is a nice course, plenty of run-off room, etc. Can't be as expensive as Mid-Ohio can it? :)


Anyway, let's think about having a 60mph - 0 braking distance event next year. Or, if room permits, our own little 0-100-0 event. How cool would that be?

Oh, and the drag strip isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but damn I sure do like it.
I vote to keep it if we can.......ESPECIALLY if it's a full quarter mile!

[Bow Tie 67]

Both are in Joliet Il. Probably expensive.

Route 66 Drag strip 1/4 mile.

Autobahn country club has 2 connected 2 mile road courses.

[andrewb70]

Both are in Joliet Il. Probably expensive.

Route 66 Drag strip 1/4 mile.

Autobahn country club has 2 connected 2 mile road courses.

The Chicago area also has Byron Dragway by Rockford and Black Hawk Farms. The only problem with Chicago is that spring weather can be unpredictable.

Andrew

[67SSDan]

I'll go as far as you drive me, Bill! I'm not big on driving long distances. :(

Quit being a girl!

I'm good to go anywhere on this side of the country for the time we had last weekend.... Just so long as we have another one here as well!

[Bill Howell]

Dang, I am shocked at all the responses. When I said spring, I was thinking late spring, like May. By then the weather should be getting better.
Everyone has to know that the charge for an event is directly related to the cost of the track. Since the tracks here are so cheap to rent, that is why we did the event so cheap this year. Plus even it was not a break even deal. I eat the difference just to show we could do it and have a great turnout. Insurance is a hugh consideration too, so all that has to be worked out. I really like the airport idea, if there is one we can use. Being a East Tn. guy, I know no one up that way so I would definately need help gettting the right contact. Other than that, I would love to do this again, soon.
I will do some map studing and come up with a pole in a day or two with all the suggested places. If you could attend one of these, vote for the location that works for you. Obviously the location that would draw the most participatants would get the nod.
Mary, I hear you, and we will do something out your way one day, but it will be a year or five.

[andrewb70]

Dang, I am shocked at all the responses. When I said spring, I was thinking late spring, like May. By then the weather should be getting better.
Everyone has to know that the charge for an event is directly related to the cost of the track. Since the tracks here are so cheap to rent, that is why we did the event so cheap this year. Plus even it was not a break even deal. I eat the difference just to show we could do it and have a great turnout. Insurance is a hugh consideration too, so all that has to be worked out. I really like the airport idea, if there is one we can use. Being a East Tn. guy, I know no one up that way so I would definately need help gettting the right contact. Other than that, I would love to do this again, soon.
I will do some map studing and come up with a pole in a day or two with all the suggested places. If you could attend one of these, vote for the location that works for you. Obviously the location that would draw the most participatants would get the nod.
Mary, I hear you, and we will do something out your way one day, but it will be a year or five.

Bill,

If the next event is set up more like a typical track day on a road course, its a given that the price will go up. I would gladly pay $400-$500 for 2 days or road racing.

Andrew

[parsonsj]

Count me in too. 1 day drive or so. Locales with other things to do (like for wife and kids) is a bonus.

$30, $500. Whatever, I'm there.

jp

[XCESSIV]

Putman park is cool and near Indy the weather in the Spring could be snow or 85 degrees if you need help count me in.

[67SSDan]

Bill,

If the next event is set up more like a typical track day on a road course, its a given that the price will go up. I would gladly pay $400-$500 for 2 days or road racing.

Andrew

Oooofff... $400 - $500, and I'll be spectating like a mofo! :)

[19topless69]

Here's a vote for Route 66 Joliet, IL.

[Steve Chryssos]

We're gonna do this right: Hop on planes to check venues for track and surrounding, secure major sponsors to help offset costs and organize the event to deliver both performance and lifestyle--and most of all--create an exciting event that improves the hobby.

That's a tall order, so be patient. We'll make it happen.

[Steve68]

Sebring, ok,ok, I know something more central located, maybe next time I can participate,

[Doug Harden]

Most track days I've attended cost around $300 or so....something I'd pay for an event with youz guys any day.

[Midwest Performance]

There is a drag strip in Eddyville Iowa that is pretty nice and may be willing to give us a break and a course in Newton they autocross at. I could to talk to someone and find out track rent costs. Knoxville Iowa is in between both of them so some people could catch a sprint car race that night if they want.

Kevin

[steemin]

I believe that is where Larry Bird grew up...Is he behind the casino development??

Larry Bird is indeed the "Hick from French Lick"
Larry is not involved in the resort that I am aware of.
Back in the day French Lick was a high end resort.
(Frequented by gangsters:machine:)
Recently they have performed a big $$ renovation to the entire property.
Scott

[mtuck]

How about coming to Texas? Is that to far for you? There is a nice track near Dallas that would be perfect for your next event.


http://www.motorsportranch.com/


Just my 2 cents....
Matthew

[MarkM66]

Indiana has Putnam park and Indianapolis raceway park (recently renamed I believe)

A little farther north is Black Hawk farms outside Chicago
Road America in Wisconsin
Mid-Ohio in "Mid-Ohio" :rotfl:
Waterford hills in Michigan

Lots of other spots, just thought I'd heat up the discussion!

I think IRP may be a good idea too. They have a road coarse, drags, and a lot for autox.

Actually an F-body group, I think Midwest F-body assn. does, or use to put on an event every year that did all three events. Event only drew around 100 cars, so maybe a shared event would be worth looking into. Steve R. would probably know more about this event, as I think PHR covered it.

[Beegs]

We're gonna do this right: Hop on planes to check venues for track and surrounding, secure major sponsors to help offset costs and organize the event to deliver both performance and lifestyle--and most of all--create an exciting event that improves the hobby.

Judging from the feedback of the first event, you guys pulled it off. :worship:

I'd be willing to step up and pay to abuse my car on a road course. Watkins Glen or Limerock would be good. :naughty:

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I really like the airport idea, if there is one we can use.


Scratch the drag racing. Rent an airport and lets do some top speed runs instead of drag racing. Or 0-150-0 or something of the sorts. Hell, you could even line two cars up and drag an 1/8th mile, too. What about somewhere like North Carolina (Maxton) or Virginia?

[tracar91]

Dang, I am shocked at all the responses. When I said spring, I was thinking late spring, like May. By then the weather should be getting better.
I will do some map studing and come up with a pole in a day or two with all the suggested places.

Bill, If your talking about May in Indiana, I would suggest that our group hook up with another group I'm involved with (www.fbody-event.org (http://www.fbody-event.org)). Who started as all f-bodies but has more recently grown to other types of cars. We do 2 days of Roadcourse, 2 of dragracing, 2 1/2 days of autocross at Orielly (IRP) around May 18-20. Great group of guys, much like all the people here. If you want more information, I'll hook you up with the organizer of the Fbody event. Sharing the venue would reduce the costs and bring two cool groups of guys together.

[Tucks69]

Hey Fella's

Maxton is 30 minutes from me here in Rockingham. We have a 1/4 mile dragstrip and a vacant North Carolina Speedway (Nascar left us). The SCCA uses the speedway a couple of times a year. The Dragstrip has numerous events during the year. My wife is the President of our Chamber of Commerce and Tourism for Richmond County. She may be able to help with some connections!!

If anybody is interested let me know.

Mike Tucker
Rockingham

[69speed]

Indiana would be awesome for me too!!! Especially the southern end. I'm within an hour from Floyds Knob :) And Caesar's riverboat!! Awesome pokerroom there if anyone is interested.
Honestly, I'll make it to the event wherever it is if I possibly can, so my vote is irrelevent.

[Samckitt]

Indiana; where South Bend ain't South
North Vernon ain't North
& French lick isn't what you think either.

I have always wanted to go to Putnam park. I vote for that, not sure about drag racing, other than what used to be called IRP (Indianapolis Raceway Park). Obviously it is in Indianapolis, on the west side. A little drive from Putnam Park. Roads here in Indiana are not the hilly/curvy roads that are in Tenn. I would love for it to be in Indiana. Maybe drive me more to get the d@mn thing on the road again.

[steemin]

Bill, If your talking about May in Indiana, I would suggest that our group hook up with another group I'm involved with (www.fbody-event.org (http://www.fbody-event.org)). Who started as all f-bodies but has more recently grown to other types of cars. We do 2 days of Roadcourse, 2 of dragracing, 2 1/2 days of autocross at Orielly (IRP) around May 18-20. Great group of guys, much like all the people here. If you want more information, I'll hook you up with the organizer of the Fbody event. Sharing the venue would reduce the costs and bring two cool groups of guys together.

This sounds like a great idea..
Sounds like they already have a great program layed out..:cool:
Scott

[BADVELLE]

Indiana? In the spring? Have you forgot what the weather is like that time of year in the midwest? We got lucky this year...but I doubt the midwest will smile on us as she did this past spring. Usually it's grey, wet and in the 40's about every single day. At least in Michigan that's the case. Just a warning.

Your right, in Michigan this is normal, but again, I never considered Michigan part of the Midwest! I lived in West Bloomfield for 6 years, loved my time there, but I love the fact that I get more Spring and Summer in Missouri. Weather is always going to be hit or miss, but I believe Indiana would be a excellent place for this event, definitely closer to me! Although, I really wanted to go to the event in Pigeon Forge, if anything just to see the area!

[BADVELLE]

I swear it's a real place. Sleepy little town that has decided to pump some life into it with a casino. It's about 25 miles from our shop in Jasper, In. About 60 miles northwest of Louisville, Ky. You know...God's country!

Hey Bret - I really enjoyed watching you thrash on all of your cars at the GG Kansas event. On Friday my dad and I parked right on the corner where you were set up (1971 Nova, green), awesome display. I kept telling my dad I was going to take the Nova through, but he knew I would just take out the entire course with the stock suspended car! Anyway, great show you and your team put on!!

By the way, I was trying to catch up to you and find out if your current Mustang is the orange/white one you had way back when, I remember from the first Power Tour that ended in Michigan, I always like it!

[USAZR1]

How about coming to Texas? Is that to far for you? There is a nice track near Dallas that would be perfect for your next event.
http://www.motorsportranch.com/
Just my 2 cents....
Matthew

Anywhere close to Texas sounds good to me,too. Indianapolis and Pigeon Forge are both 1,000 miles from me and I'm in north Texas.

Bet SW would have some good info about a few places here.

[67SSDan]

Hey Fella's

Maxton is 30 minutes from me here in Rockingham. We have a 1/4 mile dragstrip and a vacant North Carolina Speedway (Nascar left us). The SCCA uses the speedway a couple of times a year. The Dragstrip has numerous events during the year. My wife is the President of our Chamber of Commerce and Tourism for Richmond County. She may be able to help with some connections!!

If anybody is interested let me know.

Mike Tucker
Rockingham

Yeah, I know this is going the wrong direction (map wise), but I have always wanted to check that place out. Isn't that the DSE play ground? That'd be cool.

[Finch]

They hold Autocross events every two weeks at the Nashville Super Speedway. http://www.trscca.com/trscca/soloschedule.html Another option could be in Bowling Green Kentucky. It has a 1/4 mile drag strip with a flat oval and the entire infield is paved. http://www.beechbend.com/Oval%20Track.htm

[XCESSIV]

TAKE IN CONSIDERERATION THE FARTHER WEST YOU GO THE STORMS HAVE HAIL AND TORNADOS LATE MAY IN INDY BEFORE THE 500 HOTEL ROOMS ARE AT A HIGH PRICE. THE ROAD COURSE AT PUTNAM PARK IS MORE FORGIVEING THAN MANY OTHERS. THE TRAFFIC IS NOT BAD COMPARED TO CHICAGO. BOWLIG GREEN IS AWSOME I GO TO THE GSCA NATIONALS EVERY YEAR GREAT TOWN AND FACILITY. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A
ROAD COARSE IT WOULD VERY FUN OR THE AIRFORCE BASE IN KOKOMO NORTH OF INDY THE HAVE AUTOCROSS EVENTS THERE AND MAY BE ABLE TO DO SOME LONG TIME RUNS.
JUST MY 2 CENTS:bsjerk:

[Tucks69]

Yeah, I know this is going the wrong direction (map wise), but I have always wanted to check that place out. Isn't that the DSE play ground? That'd be cool.

Yeah it is farther east.

DSE is in Mooresville which is about 85 miles from here. The Maxton track has there own website, just do a search for the East Coast Timing Association. I believe they race once a month. Steve Earwood owns the Dragway. It is a really nice track. The round track is located right across the street. I am going to a party at the round track next week. I will check on the rental price.

I know some of the guys want to go west, so it might be a good place to go in the future.

Mike

[DarkBuddha]

Have you folks considered more "destination" type spots? Maybe some place like Provost, Reno, Phoenix? Or if you wanted to go west, Portland, SF Bay area, Seattle? Probably a bit too far west, huh?

[67SSDan]

Oooo... if we're doing destinations... why not Turks and Caicos! Our wives / girlfriends would love it, and we could all rent Geo Trackers and setup road courses through the 'round-abouts'!

Or... you know.. Reno would be cool too.

[Charley Lillard]

Reno Nevada has a new track in Fernley that is supposed to be good.

[novanutcase]

As long as there's a Crap table nearby I'm in!:yeah: