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Bill Howell
06-20-2011, 01:11 PM
Thats right, before I forget all the fun and drama, I thought I would jot them down here. Feel free to comment and add your thoughts about the event.

First and foremost, a huge thanks to Scott and the gang at Motorstate and to the local SCCA guys for a huge, wonderful event. I am a father and can't think of a better way to enjoy Father's Day! The weather was wonderful all weekend, no rain and not too hot, welcomed for sure.

We had 84 cars register and participate, with about 65 cars doing the cruise on Friday. The destination was the same park as last year, but much better weather and no sand storms this time. I think everyone had a blast, cool police escort made it easy to keep the group together. I think all but one car made it to the destination, then we lost one more on the way home to clutch failure.

Saturday everyone got a practice session and two qualifying sessions at Gingerman before the rain came. I think for the most part, everyone was ready to go get some rest by then anyway. Awesome BBQ provided by Motorstate for those that stuck around the track, thanks guys!

Sunday was autocrossing at the local college parking lot. If my math is right, I think everyone ended up with about 8 laps if you wanted them.

Not too much carnage this time, one blown motor and one ripped up tranny pretty much covers the serious problems.

One thing going henceforth, we are going to start requiring a fire extinguisher in every car, and next year, all events will require driver to have a fire jacket at the minimum. Another thing that is coming, so go ahead and start prep now, we are going to have to have at least a hoop in these cars that are going to do track time. Like it or not, we are getting to the point on track days that we simply must require these minimum safety items.

I did hear rumblings about something else that I want to address. Realize here that we are certainly open to suggestions, but without answers or fixes, don't create problems.
Some seem to get confused about car age, contingency program and qualifiers.
While each event is different, and organizers have their own rules, here is the best way I know how to explain the current state of affairs.
1. The Team T/A Contingency program is 1981 and older, or 30 year old cars only at ALL events.
2. Unless stated in the event rules, at OUSCI qualifier events, all cars are eligible to win the event and the invite. Some organizers separate years, some separate vendors out, some do both and some do neither. You have to READ the rules to every event to see if you agree with their rules and how they run their event and if it suits your interest and fun factor.
Personally, I tell organizers my thoughts are to open any event to all cars, especially American cars as I am well aware of how much it costs to produce an event and I would rather have 1/2 protouring cars there than not have enough to have an event at all.
Unfortunately, we are not a big enough market yet, in most areas of the country that we can demand a protouring only event, sorry but that is just the way it is.
Another benefit of newer cars competing is that it gives us a mark to know where we are at with our cars. I know when OUSCI started, I was worried about running against Bentleys and Porsches. However, this community has proven at OUSCI that we perform as well and usually better than any of the new stuff and as of now, the newest car to win OUSCI is a 1969 model.
Of course, anyone that wants to do such a show, and foot the bill, feel free to jump in the water and do it. I will be glad to help anyone that wants help, up to the point that you want me to write a check to cover cost.

Congratulations to Danny Popp for his win in both the road course and autocross portion and overall win of the event. He will certainly be an asset to the OUSCI in November.

Overall I feel this was a huge successs, and look foward to next year.

trapin
06-20-2011, 03:44 PM
Hated to miss it, but then I did drive by the water park and saw all the trailers as I was humming down I-94 on our way to Chicago on Friday.

Yelcamino
06-20-2011, 04:07 PM
All I can say is Carol and I had a BLAST!!!

On top of a first class event, we celebrated our 19th anniversary on Sunday autocrossing in our El Camino (that we've owned since '97) and became members of the Rat Pack! I can't think of a better way to spend an anniversary!

Thanks Scott, Motorstate and the SCCA guys for a great time! We'll be back next year!

MIGOAT
06-20-2011, 04:27 PM
I agree with the Fire Extinguisher in the vehicle as you really never know what can happen. I'd rather have it and never need it then to need and never have it. We all know about what can go wrong will go wrong.

wiedemab
06-20-2011, 04:35 PM
Great event! I had a blast. I guess I will have to figure out how to get a roll-bar in the C5?????.... We'll figure something out.

Happy anniversary Herb and Carol. Our's is next weekend - 7 years. I loved the ear to ear grin on Carol's face after spinning around at the finish - - CLASSIC. She's starting to get rally comfortable in that car.

I will reiterate the thanks to everyone. If you aren't attending these events, you are really missing out on a fantastic time.

69lt4
06-20-2011, 04:43 PM
Yes, thanks to everyone involved. I did get a chance to thank Scott and the Motorstate crew along with a couple of the SCAA folks.
I came last year and watched. This yeat I was able to get the car in driving condition to participate. I had a blast. I met some great people that help answer my questions. That goes a long way in make a great event.
Thanks again and I look forward to next year.

Kevin
69 Camaro LT4 T56 DSE suspension Budnik Wheels Baer Brakes....................

Bad94
06-20-2011, 04:49 PM
i missed this event, but hey cant make them all.

But as for the safety stuff that bill posted, i fully understand them. I have seen to many local street cars wreck at the track and the driver not walk away.


Now everyone start posting up pics.

Bill Howell
06-20-2011, 04:52 PM
All I can say is Carol and I had a BLAST!!!

On top of a first class event, we celebrated our 19th anniversary on Sunday autocrossing in our El Camino (that we've owned since '97) and became members of the Rat Pack! I can't think of a better way to spend an anniversary!

Thanks Scott, Motorstate and the SCCA guys for a great time! We'll be back next year!

Welcome to the pack Herb and Carol. That group is growing quickly, which is a good thing for us and the hobby as it is testament to the quality of our cars and the fact we don't mind and enjoy driving them.

alnoe
06-20-2011, 05:26 PM
Bill

Great suggestions on how to improve a great event. I also wanted to say thanks to Ray, John, Manny, Brett Jarvis, and the DSE crew-especially Kyle and Stacy-for helping get my '67 power steering pump replaced during the track day event. A couple of busted knuckles, and with the new pump the car was back on the road-thanks!

I made it home with the car not needing a trailer due to everyone's help. One of the best parts of the event were the people-it was great finally putting faces and names with their cars and seeing them in action.

Scott and his crew did an excellent job-the tech at Gingerman went amazingly well for such a large group, and the autocross group also did a great job.

Congrats Danny-the Z06 is just stupid fast. I still can't wipe the grin off my face after my stomach recovered. Great meeting Todd as well.

Al

Ron S
06-20-2011, 05:35 PM
As always a first class event, thanks Scott, Bill, and everyone else involved in putting it on. Gingerman was much faster this year, had a ball, autocrossing even seemed faster this time around.

After the Vette fire, can't agree more about the saftey equiptment. Hope the car gets back together without too much expense or trouble. That stuff can happen in an instant.

andrewb70
06-20-2011, 05:45 PM
My son and I enjoyed the event tremendously. I didn't plan on racing but it was hard to resist track time on a killer road course. I am so glad that I ended up doing the Saturday sessions at Gingerman.

It was great catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. I will definitely be back next year.

Andrew

wmhjr
06-20-2011, 06:41 PM
As a new participant, I enjoyed everything more than I can put in words. Everything except a certain situation involving a belly button......

SLO_Z28
06-20-2011, 08:03 PM
Moved post to more appropriate thread.

Vegas69
06-20-2011, 08:09 PM
EVERY car should have a fire extinguisher.

Zanie
06-20-2011, 08:18 PM
As a new participant, I enjoyed everything more than I can put in words. Everything except a certain situation involving a belly button......
I actually LOL!!

Zanie
06-20-2011, 08:33 PM
My third time at this event, I wouldn't miss it. I had to jump thru hoops to get my car back together to make the event & missed the cruise because I was still working on it.
I have had an incrementally better time every year, this being the most fun yet.
I had a ton of fun and learned allot!
Missed some of the regulars that couldn't make it this year, but liked seeing new faces and always great to reconnect with the regulars.
Blazing Saddles drive-in style was awesome!
A big thanks to Scott and everybody else at Motor State, Bill and everybody else that had a hand putting together this great event.
Next year I'll have to bring a car with a roof, or at least a cage.

"This one goes to Eleven!"
......well 7/10ths anyway.

GNon18s
06-20-2011, 09:11 PM
I agree with the fire extinguisher rule, but I DON'T agree with a rollbar/hoop rule. If the fire jacket/rollbar rules are implemented, that would mean rules are actually getting more strict for these events than an average NASA track day on the same tracks. The people who should have roll bars know who they are, but there are a lot of people who aren't getting crazy.

RomsMotors
06-21-2011, 02:09 AM
I would like to thanks Lane Automotive, Scott, SCCA, and all the vendor that help to put on a great event. My dad and I had a blast. For the fire extinguisher I agree to that my dad and I were talking about adding a second one that is in reach of myself in the car to go along with the one in the trunk I have now.

Vinz68
06-21-2011, 03:37 AM
We had a great time!!! Congrats to Herb and Carol!!!! Had a great time with you guy's!! Thanks to Motorstate the SCCA and Bill for another GREAT event!! I agree with with rules we are going fast!!! Maybe have paced laps for the guy's who don't want to compete....

fastrash
06-21-2011, 09:11 AM
Hey all,

Had a great weekend at the Motor State Challenge. Thanks to all who put it together...Not an easy task I'm sure.

This is my third event with the Pro- Touring crowd and just let me say you guys are first - class and a blast to spend the weekend with. Make new friends every time. Defintely will be back for more....and see if Al has built up any more tolerance....

dontlifttoshift
06-21-2011, 09:46 AM
Am I the only one that wants to see the results? Really?

Steve Chryssos
06-21-2011, 10:29 AM
When you consider how little hype the event gets, it's all the more amazing that the Motor State Challenge is the largest and most competitive Pro Touring driving event on the planet. This year we had hot shoe Danny Popp on hand to serve as a base line for our cars to compete against. Danny was always eager to show other drivers the fast way around, as well. The Cat and Mouse between Danny Popp and Kyle Tucker was a thrill to watch. Our community needs more instructor types like Danny and Randy Bell. Sorry we didn't get to meet face to face, Danny. See you at Pirelli Ultimate Track Car Challenge.

My observations are a little less gloomy.

The number of fast, competitive cars and drivers is growing. The cars just don't look tight, they ARE tight.
Novice drivers NEED NOT be intimidated. You can still enjoy a fast, fun, high-performance driving experience without fear of 10/10th competition, fire, or brimstone.
As a group, drivers are doing a much better job of respecting flags and other track guidelines. Very little time was lost to ignored flags or yahoo-type mistakes.
The Motor State Challenge WILL exceed 100 cars next year, so the schedule and guidelines will evolve to accommodate that growth. If your car will not be complete, be sure to attend anyway.


Since my car is undergoing engine updates, I worked timing and scoring up in the tower. That means I had the best seat in the house. I'm totally blown away by the people, the cars, and the rare opportunity to be involved.

lotarust
06-21-2011, 11:43 AM
I could'nt have had a better time. Thanks to Scott, his staff and the SCCA guys who I thought made both days run extremely well. This was my first time at gingerman but it won't be my last! My only regret is that Jake and Kenny could'nt make this trip. In reference to the fire extinguisher, I think a car should have two. On saturday we used mine and three others. I hope nobody ever needs one but stuff happens,and probably at the most inconvienient time and location. I still say the best part of these events is the people!!! A well deserved congrats to Sam! I did my best to give him a couple of good rides,but I'm concerned after riding with Kyle and Stacey he might think I should have had my flashers on!


Kenny Sr.

Beat it like a rental car!


31 Ford Sedan
32 Ford highboy roadster
47 Chevy good humor truck
66 Mustang














'

Ron S
06-21-2011, 11:44 AM
Good seeing you again Steve, thanks for running blocker for me on the run back to the hotel. Still picking the glass out of my knuckles. LOL

Its a shame the boys had school Kenny, but we don't want them to be as dumb as we are.LOL Good seeing you again, probably see you at RTTH in Sept.

wmhjr
06-21-2011, 12:11 PM
I could'nt have had a better time.


Except for the drive home, right? I honked at you someplace in Ohio as I passed enroute home. You must have gotten home LATE!

Good meeting you, Ken. That mustang of yours has a beautiful sound!

wmhjr
06-21-2011, 12:13 PM
Ron, BTW I brought a pic of your ride (after the windshield modification) back for a buddy of mine who is still drooling. I think he'd be willing to take care of the glass if you wanted to get rid of the car.

Debington
06-22-2011, 04:05 PM
Each event we attend and every time I get behind the wheel I have more fun than the time before. This year we had a lot of family attend with us to see what it is we do with all of our time and money....needless to say they all had huge smiles on their faces when they left the passenger seat of either one of our cars! We don't have to explain anymore, I love that!

This was another great event and I have to give my thanks again to everyone that made it possible. From where I was in the pecking order everyting went off without a hitch.

Congratulations again to Herb and Carol. I can't wait until there is an event that we actually link up with you guys and cruise to together.....OUSCI 2011?

Bow Tie 67
06-22-2011, 05:33 PM
I spent the last three days working on daily drivers. Fun, fun, had a great time as always. Instructing an 11 car with a 7/10's driver pushing 10/10's priceless. Belly buttons and Blazing Saddles in one night priceless. Getting my a** handed to me by a better driver humbling. Good times, good memories.

68sixspeed
06-22-2011, 05:51 PM
Some very impressive results by all. I'm mad I couldn't make it, maybe next year depending on how the new rules shake out. Also very cool that you guys had Danny Popp running with you, that sets the bar as high as it gets. (for those who don't know his record, 7x national scca champ - a few of those in the pro class, nasa national champ 4x, etc etc.) Just curious on the results- is everyone scored together or are the vendors and the "pro" driver scored in their own group/points? I take it by Bill's first post that all year cars were allowed for points? -Dan

Jim Nilsen
07-03-2011, 02:47 PM
Thankyou to everyone who put in the hard work to make it the best one yet.

Meeting all the new faces was the best part next to going well over 100 mph and no tickets !! The walk through at the autocross with Danny Pop was one of the best walk thru instruction I have ever had, he pointed out the line really well and gave some tips on what cones to look for and it really helped because I didn't have any power steering to assist me and the lines he pointed out were really wide and smooth.

I hope to be there next year !

Yelcamino
07-03-2011, 07:01 PM
Congratulations again to Herb and Carol. I can't wait until there is an event that we actually link up with you guys and cruise to together.....OUSCI 2011?

Thanks Deb! We're looking forward to the next time as well!

796spdbu
07-04-2011, 12:15 PM
All I can say is Carol and I had a BLAST!!!

On top of a first class event, we celebrated our 19th anniversary on Sunday autocrossing in our El Camino (that we've owned since '97) and became members of the Rat Pack! I can't think of a better way to spend an anniversary!

Thanks Scott, Motorstate and the SCCA guys for a great time! We'll be back next year!

Congrats Carol and Herb! As a fellow Rat Pack memeber(since the motor state last year) Im sorry I missed the fun! Hope to catch up with my fellow Rat Packers at the next event!