A note to Bill Howell and the pro-touring community

[Payton King]

First, before I jump on my soap box and start my rant, I would like to express my deepest thank you to Bill Howell and his core group that put forth the time, money and effort to further the enjoyment our hobby. From the starting event of Run Through the Hills, Bill and his league of merry men (and Melinda) have grown that single event to 4 events. Through his vision and hard work, he has provided us with a venue to get together with like minds and have some of the most fun that I have ever expierenced in this hobby and has set the stage for other events like Motor State, Optima Challenge, etc. I have had the opportunity to meet many from this board and Lateral-G and have developed some of the best friendships that I have.

I would like to say it again, THANK YOU! I do hold you in highest regard for being a pioneer and getting cars off the trailer and people out the the lawn chairs to enjoy what they created. I would also like to thank all the vendors that sponsor these events and make them possible.


Now for the rant, I appreciate the fact that this is a discussion board and a place to exchange ideas and opinions, but to have 121 posts about how all these classes need to be formed and either this thing or that is not fair. Really? In my opinion, these events get people out to enjoy their cars and provide a safe venue to do so. It is more about the friendships than it is about the competition (for me anyway). Don't get me wrong, I like to compete as much as the next guy, but Bill is not trying to form a professional racing league, if you want that kind of structure and rules there are plenty other places to go.

I, for one, am happy that someone stepped up to provide us events to attend. After reading that thread it felt like there was a lot of "arm chair quarterbacking" going on. From Bills response, I gather he did as well. I mean come on, it is like finding a $20 bill and bitching because it was not crisp. Why do you want to piss off the very person that is putting on these events? It is not like this is his job and it takes a tremendous amount of time to put one of these things on. I agree with Bill, run what you brung and hope it is enough. There is always going to be someone with more money, more driving talent, better car or better looking. That is just life. Is a $15 trophy really that important?


Not trying to start another discussion on the same topic, just trying to give thanks where needed and provide a little reality check. I sure some or most will not agree, but that is OK as well.

Hope to see you at the next event. I will be the guy running mid to lower in the pack with the big grin on his face.

[ChevelleNV]

Well said, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm building mine to have some fun...

[zbugger]

Thank you Payton. Finally someone who gets it.

[mdprovee]

I agree with Payton. I ran mid pack at RTTC, nothing to prove, but having fun doing it. Hopefully my times improve over the weekend, some did and some didnt, but that didnt dampen the fun, and I am ready to sign up again.

Thanks for a great event and format.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

ha!

i havent seen the thread you talking about, but i feel you man.. i feel you.

[mpozzi]

Albert and I were talking about just this subject earlier this morning and well said, Payton. The Run to the "______" (fill in the blank here) events have grown and this type of event appears to be prospering and is what the majority of us want. Without Bill, Yancy, Danny, a host of volunteers and support staff, and some incredible event sponsors, there's no way any of these events could take place.

Bear in mind that Bill, et al, are not getting rich doing this and after each event have probably even had to pay out of pocket for unanticipated expenses. I thought Danny's thread was fine but hurriedly turned into a free for all with regards to event rules, classing, types of cars, and whatever else happened to be thought of. While these RTT? events are a competition of sorts, no F1 scouts will be present looking for that new talent for next season's series. We're in it to have fun and good times with our friends while doing the same with our cars.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[wiedemab]

I tried to inject some of this thought into the other thread, but probably didn't word it as well. I agree completely- -Well said

[Nessumsar]

Really well said post

Co-signed Payton!

[Tony_SS]

I think I missed that thread, and am glad I did! How ridiculous.

[ErikLS2]

Well said Payton, I agree as well. I hope most of the participants took a moment and looked around and thought about what it took to put everything together. Many thanks to Bill and the whole crew.

Now, I'll somehow have to get my mind around the fact that when I attend these things not only will there be better drivers and better cars but someone will be better looking too??
And, no Formula 1 team will be waiting for me to sign a big $$$ contract either? That's a lot for one middle aged ego to take. :lmao:

[SicMonte]

Save the drama for you're mama...hahaha I had to say it.

I willl come in last at RTTS and I can't wait!!!

[Derek69SS]

Is Danny (the OP in that thread) one of the organizers for these events? I took the topic as a request for ideas, and that changes to the format were being considered. I apologize for misunderstanding the intent of the discussion, or if any of my comments were taken as unwanted complaining.

I've only participated in one of the events, and had a great time. I hope to participate again when my car is back together.

Thanks Bill, thanks to everyone who volunteers to help, and thanks to the sponsors who make it all possible.

[CurtiSS 69]

First, before I jump on my soap box and start my rant, I would like to express my deepest thank you to Bill Howell and his core group that put forth the time, money and effort to further the enjoyment our hobby. From the starting event of Run Through the Hills, Bill and his league of merry men (and Melinda) have grown that single event to 4 events. Through his vision and hard work, he has provided us with a venue to get together with like minds and have some of the most fun that I have ever expierenced in this hobby and has set the stage for other events like Motor State, Optima Challenge, etc. I have had the opportunity to meet many from this board and Lateral-G and have developed some of the best friendships that I have.

I would like to say it again, THANK YOU! I do hold you in highest regard for being a pioneer and getting cars off the trailer and people out the the lawn chairs to enjoy what they created. I would also like to thank all the vendors that sponsor these events and make them possible.


Now for the rant, I appreciate the fact that this is a discussion board and a place to exchange ideas and opinions, but to have 121 posts about how all these classes need to be formed and either this thing or that is not fair. Really? In my opinion, these events get people out to enjoy their cars and provide a safe venue to do so. It is more about the friendships than it is about the competition (for me anyway). Don't get me wrong, I like to compete as much as the next guy, but Bill is not trying to form a professional racing league, if you want that kind of structure and rules there are plenty other places to go.

I, for one, am happy that someone stepped up to provide us events to attend. After reading that thread it felt like there was a lot of "arm chair quarterbacking" going on. From Bills response, I gather he did as well. I mean come on, it is like finding a $20 bill and bitching because it was not crisp. Why do you want to piss off the very person that is putting on these events? It is not like this is his job and it takes a tremendous amount of time to put one of these things on. I agree with Bill, run what you brung and hope it is enough. There is always going to be someone with more money, more driving talent, better car or better looking. That is just life. Is a $15 trophy really that important?


Not trying to start another discussion on the same topic, just trying to give thanks where needed and provide a little reality check. I sure some or most will not agree, but that is OK as well.

Hope to see you at the next event. I will be the guy running mid to lower in the pack with the big grin on his face.

Amen Brother. Well said.

You are so right those that have fun are the real winners, and we really thank Bill and crew -again- for an opportunity to do so. It's a MUCH bigger job than we realise to put these events on. Hopefully they can have fun again.

Regards

CurtiSS 69

[Matt@BOS]

Is Danny (the OP in that thread) one of the organizers for these events? I took the topic as a request for ideas, and that changes to the format were being considered. I apologize for misunderstanding the intent of the discussion, or if any of my comments were taken as unwanted complaining.

I've only participated in one of the events, and had a great time. I hope to participate again when my car is back together.

Thanks Bill, thanks to everyone who volunteers to help, and thanks to the sponsors who make it all possible.

Yes, Danny might not be quite as well known around this site as Bill or Yancy, but he is quite instrumental in helping to put these events together. Just like the others, I know he has invested a ton of time and money into making these events not only occur, but run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible.

Now, I think he was asking for opinions. After RTTC there was a bit of controversy regarding classes, and distinctions between vendors, sponsors and non vendors.

In any case, Bill has come up with a solution now, which means we can stop debating rules and start figuring out how we're going to get to the next event and have some fun!

Matt

[gkring]

I didn't and don't normally go to events so I can't comment on this specific one. I took the aforementioned thread to be a request for ideas to make it better and didn't really see any griping. I didn't take Bill's thread closing response as a negative either. He was basically stating his facts and closed the thread before it did get too negative sounding.

[Ron S]

You beat me to it Payton, It is supposed to be about beating on our rides, and having a good time. Thats what separates us from SCCA and NASA, we DON'T need a rule book.

As busy as my life is, I can't imagine trying to organize an event. I am so thankful Bill and his crew, spending so much time and money, getting this stuff together. Think about it, Bill almost single handedly made it possible (no matter where you live in the country)to participate or be a spectator in some of the coolest car events in the world.

Where else in the country, are you going to see that many high end Muscle Cars, getting the crap beat out them, on a road course, auto x and, drag strip. I'll tell you where, Nowhere!! Lets stop trying to micromanage everything, and let Bill do his thing.

What is it they say, shut up and lets drive. Ron

[Derek69SS]

Yes, Danny might not be quite as well known around this site as Bill or Yancy, but he is quite instrumental in helping to put these events together. Just like the others, I know he has invested a ton of time and money into making these events not only occur, but run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible.

Now, I think he was asking for opinions. After RTTC there was a bit of controversy regarding classes, and distinctions between vendors, sponsors and non vendors.

In any case, Bill has come up with a solution now, which means we can stop debating rules and start figuring out how we're going to get to the next event and have some fun!

Matt
Thanks for the clarification... I was not aware of any controversy. :hammer:

[JEFFTATE]

Well said Payton.
That's what I was trying to say in the other thread .

[BonzoHansen]

#1 Bill rules
#2 spend the trophy money on post-event beer & wings. Problem solved.

See you in Jersey. :)

[dropit69]

Well said Payton..i go to hang out with car guys and have fun...im not a pro racer..

[Matt@BOS]

#1 Bill rules
#2 spend the trophy money on post-event beer & wings. Problem solved.

See you in Jersey. :)

If all you're expecting is beer, then you're in for a surprise. Just ask anyone from Cali. We weren't acquainted with the apple pie, or grape juice that those Tennessee boys love, until just recently.

Matt

[RS_Customs]

Well said Payton! Bill is a great guy helping to make a fun hobby even better!

Robert

[Van B]

I actually sent a PM to Bill after he closed the thread as a thank you and an apology. I had posted my opinions in Danny's thread because that is what he asked for. He got plenty of opinions.

Bill really is a pioneer and I wanted him to know how much I appreciated his time and efforts.

Let's go have some fun.

[Tucks69]

Well said Payton! Bill and the crew do a great job with the events! I just enjoy coming out and having a great time.

[6'9"Witha69]

As a recent participant of RTTC2, and a Spectator last year, I can say this is all about comraderie and having fun. Hell, I was way toward the back in my little SS, Giving up hundreds of HP to many people.

It has motivated me to get my '69 done.
It has motivated me to do a lot more AX and track days.
I feel I am a really good driver, but I want to get more tips, pointers, ride alongs, etc so I can get better.

This is what these events do. Build relationships and memories.

And I'll tell you what, I spent hardly any time really oooglking cars. The fun was all to be had watching your peers fly around the track, talking to the guys next to you, and BSing. Seeing a spin, busting someones b@lls for it, and enjoying some refreshemts later. There couldn't be a better atmosphere.

I will echo the thanks to Bill, Yancy and Danny, and to all the others who are commited to helping.

[BonzoHansen]

If all you're expecting is beer, then you're in for a surprise. Just ask anyone from Cali. We weren't acquainted with the apple pie, or grape juice that those Tennessee boys love, until just recently.

Matt

I know. It was more of a figurative comment, lol. I'm planning on RTTH too, I'll 'experience' more then. Hee hee

[Flash68]

That other thread I posted in a couple times really did start to scare me for the direction it seemed to be heading, even though everyone was debating in a reasonable manner and sharing opinions. I was afraid of exactly what Bill ended up saying in his closing post -- "it's getting to be no fun anymore" or something to that effect. That is something we cannot let happen for anyone -- the organizers especially who make this all happen.

So, again, thanks to Bill, Yancy & Danny for their hard work and giving us the opportunities and venues to do all this. Please keep it going!

[tazzz25906112]

#1 Bill rules
#2 spend the trophy money on post-event beer & wings. Problem solved.

See you in Jersey. :)

LOL Scott,,,, Now he's gonna have a head as big as a balloon buddy...... You you know it'll be my job (dam it sucks to be me ^ 5 LOL) to host one of our event famous "Birthday parties" and put that lug to bed in order to get his feet back on the ground LOL...

What do say gang,,,,,, IS IT high time for BILLY's B-day at RTTS???????

[BonzoHansen]

LOL Scott,,,, Now he's gonna have a head as big as a balloon buddy...... You you know it'll be my job (dam it sucks to be me ^ 5 LOL) to host one of our event famous "Birthday parties" and put that lug to bed in order to get his feet back on the ground LOL...

What do say gang,,,,,, IS IT high time for BILLY's B-day at RTTS???????


Hell yeah, I'm in! Pick a night!

[BuzzKillian]

can I get a "Hell Yeah!"?

unfortunatlly I can't be there... but I think Bill deserves some love....

[Yelcamino]

You know, as much fun as I've had driving my car at Bill's events, last year when I finally got my wife behind the wheel for her first autocross, it made all of my experiences pale in comparison! Seeing the smile on her face when she finished her first two laps was worth every penny and busted knuckle! Thanks Bill and crew, I don't think she would have ever given it a try anywhere else! :cheers:

[Bill Howell]

Come on guys, it really isn't necessary! Somehow i seem to be the front man, but it is the behind the scenes people like Yancy, Danny, my loving wife Melinda, Charise, Jenny, and all the sponsors that you need to thank. I may be the idea man, but it takes all the detail folks to make it happen. Just so everyone knows, after all was said and done, RTTCII was a success, not counting the 200 or so hours that went into planning, etc, add in the cost of the six cases of mason jars we were only $600 in the hole..haha
We are certainly not doing this for the money, but more for comments like the one below.

Someone else has already said it, there are 100s of venues to race if you like, SCCA, NASA, vettc club days, Porsche club days, mustang club days, and on and on. If you want to race cheap, buy a MIATA and go to it. The original idea for the first RTTHs was for several friends to get together at my place for a fun weekend. That vision has never changed, I just needed a reason to make it happen with other friends so the other events were created. Trust me though, I can not do it alone and there are sponsors to make happy, and a lot of big companies paying attention to what we are doing now. This is certainly not my day job so it does get hectic this time of year, but once the first car takes off at the next event, the headaches seem to vanish. My post in the other thread was just that I don't want the fun to get lost worried about who ran what or who had the biggest motor, or who has a pro driver or........
Going back to run what you brung solves all that. There is always that 5% that are really there to win, and that is cool, they set the standard for the rest of us, but that isn't what this is all about and if it becomes the focus, we will just be another series with thick rulebooks so we can't let it go there. I would much rather remember who wore the pink hat than who had the quickest time. There are several other events on the drawing board right now, with another one almost ready to announce for August and I promise it will be bigger and better than anything you have seen or even thought of yet so stay tuned, all is alive and well.
thanks Nick for your comments, that pretty much sums up my goal here with what we are doing. As long as people "get" it like you and Payton and so many more, I can deal with the monday morning quarterbacks. Thanks for the pm(s) too guys, no I am not mad at anyone or even upset, just did not see the need for letting the other thread continue, issue was solved.



As a recent participant of RTTC2, and a Spectator last year, I can say this is all about comraderie and having fun. Hell, I was way toward the back in my little SS, Giving up hundreds of HP to many people.

It has motivated me to get my '69 done.
It has motivated me to do a lot more AX and track days.
I feel I am a really good driver, but I want to get more tips, pointers, ride alongs, etc so I can get better.

This is what these events do. Build relationships and memories.

And I'll tell you what, I spent hardly any time really oooglking cars. The fun was all to be had watching your peers fly around the track, talking to the guys next to you, and BSing. Seeing a spin, busting someones b@lls for it, and enjoying some refreshemts later. There couldn't be a better atmosphere.

[shmoov69]

I've said several times before... Bill you are the man!! I know you are not alone, but thanks again for all you do for the hobby/lifestyle!!

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Come on guys, it really isn't necessary! Somehow i seem to be the front man, but it is the behind the scenes people like Yancy, Danny, my loving wife Melinda, Charise, Jenny, and all the sponsors that you need to thank. I may be the idea man, but it takes all the detail folks to make it happen. Just so everyone knows, after all was said and done, RTTCII was a success, not counting the 200 or so hours that went into planning, etc, add in the cost of the six cases of mason jars we were only $600 in the hole..haha
We are certainly not doing this for the money, but more for comments like the one below.

Someone else has already said it, there are 100s of venues to race if you like, SCCA, NASA, vettc club days, Porsche club days, mustang club days, and on and on. If you want to race cheap, buy a MIATA and go to it. The original idea for the first RTTHs was for several friends to get together at my place for a fun weekend. That vision has never changed, I just needed a reason to make it happen with other friends so the other events were created. Trust me though, I can not do it alone and there are sponsors to make happy, and a lot of big companies paying attention to what we are doing now. This is certainly not my day job so it does get hectic this time of year, but once the first car takes off at the next event, the headaches seem to vanish. My post in the other thread was just that I don't want the fun to get lost worried about who ran what or who had the biggest motor, or who has a pro driver or........
Going back to run what you brung solves all that. There is always that 5% that are really there to win, and that is cool, they set the standard for the rest of us, but that isn't what this is all about and if it becomes the focus, we will just be another series with thick rulebooks so we can't let it go there. I would much rather remember who wore the pink hat than who had the quickest time. There are several other events on the drawing board right now, with another one almost ready to announce for August and I promise it will be bigger and better than anything you have seen or even thought of yet so stay tuned, all is alive and well.
thanks Nick for your comments, that pretty much sums up my goal here with what we are doing. As long as people "get" it like you and Payton and so many more, I can deal with the monday morning quarterbacks. Thanks for the pm(s) too guys, no I am not mad at anyone or even upset, just did not see the need for letting the other thread continue, issue was solved.

Having met you a few times now Bill, I can say you've got some broad shoulders, a pretty good approach and good ole' southern common sense. i'm sure you take this approach with everything you do in life. Thanks for all the hard work and 'reality checks' when needed.

Maybe you can start ordering parts for some people?

(I'm just kidding guys! Compliments are sincere; just trying to inject a little humor in this love fest :))

See you in August...

[tellyv]

I only have one thing to complian about, that I can't make more events! Thanks guys for putting on these awesome events!

[TonyHuntimer]

Save the drama for you're mama...hahaha I had to say it.

I willl come in last at RTTS and I can't wait!!!

Douglass,

You'll come in next to last place. I'll be the one enjoying the last place slot!

I started reading the first couple of posts in that thread and gave up. It wasn't worth commenting on. I was imagining how the guys and gals giving their blood sweat and tears to give us these events was reading this and essentially getting beat down for trying to do something nice for us. Apparently it picked up even more steam. Bill and the gang are giving us great events. Go to them. Enjoy yourself. If you win, Great! If you lose, Great!

THANKS BILL!!!!!!

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[JEFFTATE]

August ??
What's happening in August ??

[Jim Nilsen]

Rock , Paper or Sissors , Bill has you covered for fun with great people and great cars at the events I go to.

Thanks to everyone who helps out so we can go out and play hard with our cars and enjoy it all so well.

Cheers

[Nessumsar]

My Piggy Bank isn't fat enough, I need to feed it more; August is coming quick! That is, if August entails what I think August entails.

[Yelcamino]

Ok, ok, what's going on in August? I need to know!

[Bill Howell]

Actually two possibles in August Herb. One is in California, announcement coming very soon. The other is just in the planning stages, but would be MUCH closer to you! More on it if I can get my stuff together.

[jjump59]

I agree with everyone here. I didn't post on the other thread because I didn't feel like I had anything usefull to say. Ive been to both CA events and hope to be at every one held in CA from now on. keep it like it is, run what ya brung and have fun!

[rogue]

whats ironic is, a guy with enough track time and a spec miata would have won the event.

go drive your cars.

[79-TA]

^nah. The road course really favored outright power in some sections. As someone who has given my fair share of point-by's to spec Miatas in my run groups, I have no doubts about what they're capable of, but still, no. The straightline challenge and road course favored power. The autox wasn't super tight either.

But yes, drive our cars indeed! I hope I finally get to see your Camaro at whatever next SoCal event.

[vanzuuk1]

There was a great class for bikes years ago called formula usa,in response to rampant cheating organisers had an open class,no rules. Just safety prep,run what you brung. small two strokes,big four strokes,turbos and nitrous..it was cool.

[trapin]

This was just a message board until Bill came along. Now it's much more that that.

I personally love the guy. I wouldn't have one of his quotes in my signature if I didn't.

:)

[Off Duty]

I'm brand new here, and never attended one of the events.
For the moment, unless I can find a way to run my 89 landcruiser through the course, I'm not even eligible.

But from one who simply wants to build a car, make it the best "it" can be, and be the best "I" can be, without all the rules (SCCA, etc), I'm all for anything that promotes comaradarie and driving!

Safety first, then hit the course! :)
Let's see what it and you can do?

[DFRESH]

You guys bring it West again in August and the Taco Cart is gonna have to get pulled back out------But I will not give into the peer pressure this time and the chanting that went something like "Go Doug, Go Doug, Go Doug" and then things got interesting.

Bill, Yancy, Danny, Albert, Sponsors---I really started the party at my place to say thanks to all of you guys for putting on an event like this---it's a way of saying thank you and being able to hang out with you guys when you are in town. It sounds like the events are a great amount of work, and I wouldn't want to do it--but want to let you know I appreciate it and consider it the one event I never want to miss. I'm in it for the friendly competition---but really for the friends and hanging out. The cruise was really fun and the two day venue was great. Thanks again for starting these events---I am hoping to get back to your neck of the woods sometime to attend another--would love the road trip.

Doug

[tazzz25906112]

August ??
What's happening in August ??


We're going on that cross country tour you missed again buddy LOL ^5 Jeff