Thank You All for Attending

[Scott Wahlstrom]

Hello All,
Hope everyone had a safe and uneventful trip back home.
I just wanted to thank all of you for attending the 2010 Motor State Challenge. It appears that we are determined to start this event off in grand fashion with the weather. Sorry our BBQ at Warren Dunes was rained (STORMED) out. It's a beautiful park and I know many of you would have taken advantage of the photo opportunity. Good news is, we can schedule it again for next year and give it another try. It's a beautiful place - when there isn't 70 MPH winds and pounding rain....Ha! Ha!
We'll get the results of the track day and autocross day posted on our web site very soon. I know some are already floating around but some official post will be made soon. We'll also be loading a ton of great pictures in our photo libraries as well so stay tuned to the Motor State and Lane Automotive web sites. Steve will also be posting official results and photo links on Grassroots Motorsports and Classic Motorsports sites as well.
I just wanted to take a few minutes to send everyone a note to tell you all Thank You for being part of a very special event.
I'll have a more complete run down of the event tomorrow but I wanted to jump on here today to at least say thank you to everyone.
I'm already looking forward to next years event.

Congratulations to Brian Finch 1st, Mark Stielow 2nd, and Jeff Schwartz 3rd for your overall finishes in the 2nd Annual Motor State Challenge.


Sincerely,
Scott Wahlstrom

[406 Q-ship]

Hello All,
....Sorry our BBQ at Warren Dunes was rained (STORMED) out. It's a beautiful park and I know many of you would have taken advantage of the photo opportunity. Good news is, we can schedule it again for next year and give it another try. It's a beautiful place - when there isn't 70 MPH winds and pounding rain....Ha! Ha! Does that ever not happen in the state of Michigan?? If you don't like the weather just wait 2 minutes it will change (probably not for the better). LOL......

Being I was born there in the great state of Michigan and last year I was there it got to -46°.....brrrrrrr.

I am glad to hear that the Motor State Challenge is such a success, may be one day the my Malibu will make the trek.

[Ron S]

Scott, the weekend couldn't have been cooler. Even my ride back from Lake Michigan in the driving rain with no windows or wipers was quite an adventure. I can't thank you, and everyone involved enough for your hospitality, and hard work (I know it has to be a pain).

I hope everyone remembers who goes through the expense and effort to keep these events going. The sponsors and Motorstate Dist. should be first in everyones mind when upgrade time comes around.

Again thanks for the great weekend Scott, can't wait till next year. Ron

[wiedemab]

Scott,

Huge Thanks! to you and all of your crew, the sponsors, the SCCA folks etc., for putting together an awesome event.

This was my first time on a road course and it was awesome - more than awesome. Hopefully you are OK with me blaming my new addiction on you when the wife asks ;)

I got to catch up with some old friends as well as make some new ones, thrashed my car and didn't break it, and learned a lot in the process.

Even though my car isn't really what this event was intended to cater to..............One last kudos, not related to this event in particular, but to anyone and everyone at GM involved in the development of the C5 - Wow! My 11 year old 103K mile C5 impressed the hell of me this weekend. I can only imagine what the car could do with a capable driver behind the wheel.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tommycomfort]

Scott and everyone involved in making this event a reality I can't thank you guys enough! When I heard the crunch of the idiot rear-ending me the night before the event all I could think about was not being able to be there.

Deb, Sam and myself had an absolute blast on the road course and auto-x, but maybe even more important is the fact that my Dad, brother and brother-in-law fell in love with what the hobby is all about. I will definitely get more support from them in the future!

A special thanks goes out the SCCA guys that allowed me to take a low speed auto-x lap with my Dad who is 82 and just had a bunch of skin cancer surgery on his ear so couldn't get a helmet on. He talked about it the whole way home and immediately started telling the rest of the family when we dropped him off at home. It made for a very special father's day!

It was great to see some "old" friends, make new ones and just meet some that have been watching my build thread for years. What a great group of guys (and gals).

Thanks again!
Tom

[Yelcamino]

Scott and everyone that was involved - thanks for putting on this event! :cheers:

I had a great time as I'm sure everyone else did as well! I'm looking foward to next year!

[wmhjr]

Hello All,
I'm already looking forward to next years event.



Sincerely,
Scott Wahlstrom

Scott, just so you know. If you'll continue to allow convertibles without bars/cages out there, you can sign me up for next year right now. We of the oppressed class appreciate the opportunity.

[dropit69]

Thanks Scott and the whole Motorstate family everytime i turned around i seen someone with a motorstate shirt on grining ear to ear..i spent a long time trying to find a new helmet and the salesman was so great bringing almost the whole warehouse out for me to try on..can't wait till next year..the food at the park was awesome too even if i did have to scarf it down and head out in the rain..

[tazzz25906112]

You banged it out of the park again buddy,,,, 2 years of excellence.... Congratulations on a job well done and thanks for creating & hosting this great weekend of fun....

[Bow Tie 67]

Scott and crew, thanks for a great event. I want to apologize for not running well with Lane's stickers displayed on my front fenders. Next year I promise to step it up.

[RJ66]

Thanks to Scott & all involved, I had a great weekend. I also wanted to thank you for your help with sorcing parts for all that had car or trailer problems. I can't wait till next year!

[Jim Nilsen]

Thanks for putting on such a great event. The work and time you put into it all has to be exhausting. You can thank the Police Dept for the escort and the way they treat us, I still am in awe of the support they give you.

I will always continue to put you guys first when buying anything for my car, the best thing is that every time I do it always saves me money and I get the best backing in the industry. That is hard to beat anywhere you go.

Thanks again and hope to see you next year !!

[Charley Lillard]

Thanks for everything Scott. You guys put on a great event and special thanks to the Police for the escort. That was cool. I hope they made it out of there before the rain came.

My informal survey on if people could choose between two days at Gingerman or one Gingerman and one autocross was everybody would do two days at Gingerman. I'm biased toward track days and everybody knows it so maybe people were just telling me what I wanted to hear but maybe do a poll or survey. As I mentioned before. Encourage first timers out and let them know it will be a bunch of first timers just like them getting instruction. That is how to make this grow. I think most Pro-touring guys on this site have never done a track day and are intimidated but once you get them out there they are hooked. Maybe pay SCCA guys to do ride along instruction. Can first timers chime in here ?

Thanks again Lane Automotive.

[wmhjr]

I remember my first track day. Before I got there I thought that I would rather have passed on having experienced drivers doing instruction and then a ride-along before I was on my own. After the first couple laps I realized just how wrong I was. You may not even have to pay some of the SCCA guys if they get an opportunity to drive/ride in some very unique cars.

OTOH, I'm also thinking you still might want both track and Autox. Don't know.

[Ron S]

Thanks for everything Scott. You guys put on a great event and special thanks to the Police for the escort. That was cool. I hope they made it out of there before the rain came.

My informal survey on if people could choose between two days at Gingerman or one Gingerman and one autocross was everybody would do two days at Gingerman. I'm biased toward track days and everybody knows it so maybe people were just telling me what I wanted to hear but maybe do a poll or survey. As I mentioned before. Encourage first timers out and let them know it will be a bunch of first timers just like them getting instruction. That is how to make this grow. I think most Pro-touring guys on this site have never done a track day and are intimidated but once you get them out there they are hooked. Maybe pay SCCA guys to do ride along instruction. Can first timers chime in here ?

Thanks again Lane Automotive.

I was a bit intimidated by the road corse,especially after I spun out on the first hard turn. By the end of the day I had improved drastically, and all I wanted to do was put more laps on the car. I think alot of us were saying 2 days at Gingerman would be the ticket.

[Charley Lillard]

The nice part about Gingerman is if you go off track there is pretty much nothing to hit. A great place for beginners.

[Payton King]

event. Everyone know of my 2 blown tires on the trailer with no spare that turned a 13 hour trip into an 18 hour trip. Or the third blown trailer tire on the way home....but with all of those problems, it was the most fun I have had with my car. Gingerman was a blast.

I would consider myself a first timer on the track. Randy Bell offered his assistance but I wanted to learn the track first. Spun on my second lap. Humbling expierence, but I needed it. I rode with Randy to learn the line and he rode with me my next 2 trips out as the best coach I could have had. Huge difference in my confidence and car control. Randy made my trip....well that and seeing Ron in his underwear.

My vote would be for 2 days at Gingerman even if it meant a higher cost of an entry fee.

I will be back next year with a better car and hopefully a better skills.

[66SuperSport]

This event was absolutely awesome. Couldn't have had more fun if we tried, and again made a bunch of new freinds.

I have to say that Randy Bell is the epitome of what these events and this hobby are all about. That guy is totally cool and the spirit of the event award couldn't have gone to a better person. I never would have done so well on the track without him riding with me. Great instruction, confidence inspiring, and awesome attitude.
Probably the most fun I've ever had driving any car. Every time we came out of a corner Randy let out a big WOO-HOO as we ripped towards the next one. What a blast!!!

Unlike Charlie I really like the autocross and usually do well, but I would be up for anything at next years event. If we get enough cars two days of track time would be cool.

A big thanks to the crew at Lane / Motor State for all that they had to do and deal with over the weekend to make this such a success. This is my third event this year and the organization and planning that has gone into these really shows and is very much appreciated.

[lzdick]

Scott,
Kudos to you and Lane Automotive for putting on this fabulous event. Your organization is impeccable especially with the rapidly expanding popularity of the event. Being a 'first timer' it was truly a great three days (despite Friday's storm) for me. You and your support staff should be commended for making this a memorable experience for all. Everyone I spoke with over the weekend agreed that this is one of the most enjoyable car events they have participated in. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to next year's event.

Rich
'69 Z/28 Camaro #33

[Charley Lillard]

I think I did OK at autocross since it was the third one I have ever done. I just would prefer getting out of 1st gear.

[Yelcamino]

I was a bit intimidated by the road corse,especially after I spun out on the first hard turn. By the end of the day I had improved drastically, and all I wanted to do was put more laps on the car. I think alot of us were saying 2 days at Gingerman would be the ticket.

Definately two full days on Gingerman! The autox was fun, but there are parking lots everywhere and only one place has Gingerman!

[796spdbu]

Scott,
I was nice to meet you and have a good chat. Thank you for all you have done for our sport/lifestyle. It was a great weekend and I couldnt ask for more. Great Friends,Great Cars,Great Food. What more can a person ask for. I cant wait till next year. Now I know I can come and do open track days through the week I may have to stop by and take you to lunch some time. Thanks again for such a great weekend!

[Charley Lillard]

A big Saturday evening Bar-B-Q at Gingerman might be perfect...

[Juniorr]

Thumbs up from me... had a great time this past weekend, couple issues with the truck but its all part of the fun and games... looking forward to next years event.

[66SuperSport]

A big Saturday evening Bar-B-Q at Gingerman might be perfect...

Great idea Charley. I'll second that one. Everyone wants to hang out on Saturday night anyway. Why not do it at the track.
From the sounds of some other posts I don't think anyone wants to go back to the sand. That stuff got in everywhere and did some damage to a few cars.

[796spdbu]

Nibbles.....O boy cant wait to get back to Toronto.....muahahahahha..j/k

[Bow Tie 67]

A big Saturday evening Bar-B-Q at Gingerman might be perfect...


I'll third that, we do just this at our local track. Race hard all day, then de-compress while bench racing, eating and drinking, good times.

[Finch]

As much as I like the autocross the road course is what does it for me now so 2 days of that would be the ticket.

I also love the idea of a BBQ at the track Charley, Being able to wind down versus having to hop in the car and drive back to hotel would be nice.

[tommycomfort]

Well, I'm pretty new to the scene, but I'm all about two days at Gingerman. That's as long as it's Friday and Saturday... Keep Sunday for the auto-x. The differences in the two events are what the pro-touring movement is all about. I really like the BBQ at the track plan, but on the other hand, driving the cars on a cruise is showing everyone that we do indeed own street cars. If we stay at Gingerman for Saturday and Sunday and eat there also, we'll have the guys who show up with full blown race cars in trailers with no intent on street driving. Just let me know either way, because I'm pretty sure that if I take my back seat and speakers out I can become competitive... (my attempt at humor) :twothumbs

[Mike Holleman]

because I'm pretty sure that if I take my back seat and speakers out I can become competitive... (my attempt at humor) :twothumbs


Tommy,

You had no competition. As a family, Deb, Sam and yourself had more fun than the law allows. Hanging with you guys added greatly to my fun. Hope to do it again next year.
Mike

[RomsMotors]

I like to thank Scott from Motor State and the vendor that support this event. It was a great event. I"m ready for next year.

Scott

[mjschneidy]

2 days at Gingerman...sounds like quite a few of you now have what I call a road racing crack habit! LOL

I too support the 2 day idea and would like to see the run groups extended to at least 15mins. Maybe with the groups bit larger so we don't have 8 or 9 groups to work through. But none the less, great event and I'd come back even if nothing changes and be very happy to be there.

[Jim Nilsen]

A big Saturday evening Bar-B-Q at Gingerman might be perfect...

I will add to the total of wanting this.

It goes with the age old addage " while we are all here we might as well..."

Have a Bar -B-Q or better yet a Beer B-Q if it can be allowed?

I really like the idea of Friday and Saturday at the track and a day of fun at the auto x !!! That would make saturday much better for everyone after thinking about friday and what they need to do to have more fun going faster.

It can all stay the same for me if it makes it work. It is more important to me just to see everyone.

[Danny Thomas]

Scott
Thanks for getting me registered last minute after I was locked out of internet site..guess I should have paid better attention to registration site. You and the guys put on an awesome event. The BBQ will always be memoriable..lol. Look forward to seeing you at RTTH and Motor State again next year. over 1700 mles on my car on the highway and two days of beating on it. Does life get any better....it will when I become a better driver..lol Practice makes perfect..lets keep practicing...these events are awesome

[ProBell]

OK I made it home and have work back under control ( I think )
Thanks to all the people that made this event possible. I know it was a lot of work for a lot of people.This is my big event for the year and it could not of gone better.
I want to thank a few people that were a big help to me. Mike and Herb for letting me follow them the last 300 miles or so. Mike also picked up the alternator for me on Saturday night wile I took the car apart. Gregory and Todd for helping me try to get through the cones. Boy do I need more help. Matt for letting me stay in their room.
Thanks to all the guys that jumped in for a ride with me and let me go out in their cars. It was a blast ridding in some awesome cars and helping some very capable drivers with great car control learn the line. I love to be on the track and got to make a lot of laps on Saturday from one side or the other.
It was a honer to get to go out on the track with the top 6 cars. They are all very awesome cars and at the top of the Pro Touring world.
And last but not least, Charley for letting me take Jack Ass for a ride. It was a honer to get to drive such a awesome car. I new the power was going to be unbelievable but the way the car drove was even more impressive. My hat goes off to Charley and Mark for building such a awesome car. Some one back me up on this. ( I did drive the car? ) Tell me it was not a dream.

Thanks again Randy

[Charley Lillard]

He didn't drive the car.

[Ron S]

I never saw Randy drive Jackass, but someone was pulling holeshots outside my room Sat. night. Whatever it was, had a supercharger whine, and it sounded nasty. Man was that a fun weekend. Ron

[cmraman]

Thanks Scott and every one involved. I had a great time again. I too am a autocross fan, so I would like that to stay part of the event. I'm all for a BBQ at the track on Saturday, I'm usually there late anyways.

[Mike Holleman]

OK I made it home and have work back under control ( I think )
Thanks to all the people that made this event possible. I know it was a lot of work for a lot of people.This is my big event for the year and it could not of gone better.
I want to thank a few people that were a big help to me. Mike and Herb for letting me follow them the last 300 miles or so. Mike also picked up the alternator for me on Saturday night wile I took the car apart. Gregory and Todd for helping me try to get through the cones. Boy do I need more help. Matt for letting me stay in their room.
Thanks to all the guys that jumped in for a ride with me and let me go out in their cars. It was a blast ridding in some awesome cars and helping some very capable drivers with great car control learn the line. I love to be on the track and got to make a lot of laps on Saturday from one side or the other.
It was a honer to get to go out on the track with the top 6 cars. They are all very awesome cars and at the top of the Pro Touring world.
And last but not least, Charley for letting me take Jack Ass for a ride. It was a honer to get to drive such a awesome car. I new the power was going to be unbelievable but the way the car drove was even more impressive. My hat goes off to Charley and Mark for building such a awesome car. Some one back me up on this. ( I did drive the car? ) Tell me it was not a dream.

Thanks again Randy
Glad to help Randy. Wish I had thought to get you in my car at Gingerman. You surely would have helped me get around the course faster. Come down to VIR on the 23rd and drive my car in the UTCC.
I need a driver with a comp. license.
Mike

[ProBell]

Hi Mike

I meant to try and get in with you but lost track as the day went so fast with all the cars. I would love to drive your car but only have a instructors license.

Hi Charley

I am pretty sure I drove your car. What time did you start drinking? I thought this may be why you gave me the keys in the first place.
I hope I do not have to start pitching the Pamela Anderson story to explain to my wife why I was so excited!!!!!

Thanks Guys Randy

[Bow Tie 67]

Hi Mike

I meant to try and get in with you but lost track as the day went so fast with all the cars. I would love to drive your car but only have a instructors license.

Hi Charley

I am pretty sure I drove your car. What time did you start drinking? I thought this may be why you gave me the keys in the first place.
I hope I do not have to start pitching the Pamela Anderson story to explain to my wife why I was so excited!!!!!

Thanks Guys Randy

The look on Charlies face when he heard the blower whine in the distance, you would have thought Pamela grabbed him in front of his wife. :smoke: