New event - Midwest Musclecar Challenge

[bret]

I agree that the price seems steep at first glance. Remember that this is for 2 full days of racing, PLUS an organized cruise AND a rib feast on Saturday night, AND the opportunity to participate in a TV show for Fox Sports Network.
If you have never been to Putnam Park, it is a beautiful 200 acre facility with a VERY safe and novice friendly track. Its actually very technically challenging, but the layout and runoff areas make it easy to feel comfortable to go fast there, even if you've never gone fast before.
The autocross track at Lawrenceville is an old airport. The concrete is old and grippy. You'll see third gear there with speeds in the 60-70mph range. FUN!
As such things go, humans tend to wait until the last minute to commit to anything [in case something better comes along!]. That is why we tried to encourage early signup with the discounted early registration price.
There are a couple of things more in the works that we havent finalized yet, but be assured it will be a good time for all!

[Finch]

The ridetech ribs alone are worth the entry price.

This will be a layed back event where you can relax more than you can at others. Just plain old good people to hang with.

[tazzz25906112]

Brian is spot on, these Ribs are all I've heard about since the Pigeon Forge Run Through The Hills event and I for one am "really looking" forward to chowing down on these beauties LOL...

Watch out you got a crazy Canadian with a big appetite heading in your direction LOL....

[Bill Howell]

How have I missed this? I am in now.

[GRNOVA]

Me too I'm in also! Can't learn without trying!

[bret]

Seems like more people are starting to thaw out from the miserable winter! We have 12 people entered right now and we are still 70 days away from the event. I know a lot of people are still unsure if there care will be ready by that time, but look at it as motivation to get the darn thing done! I know if I don't have a deadline I can't seem to get anything done. Who can honestly tell me that the last 2 weeks before a major event wasn't late nights and a bunch of red label shipping to get the car ready?
We have offered a $50 discount for signing up before April 1 [$250 before April 1, $300 after]. We did that because it helps us plan for T shirts, food, and all the other bazillion details that are dependant on how many people will be there. Don't loose the opportunity to save some money...sign up today. Remember, we are doing TV filming at this event as well. I am assuming that no one is allergic to being on TV, right?

[justimagine]

Here's additional incentive from Bret:

"Hi guys…just now getting a chance to write a few thoughts. As we discussed briefly on Sunday, I would like to set up an offer to store up to 6 participants cars at our facility between the Face Off event on May 1 and the MMC event on May 30 for those who would enter both events. We could even extend that a bit further if they wanted to stay for the Power Tour and/or the Motorstate event in June. Here is a schedule of events in the area that might be of interest for this type vehicle/owner:

April 30-May 2 – Face Off at Road America – 7 hours from Jasper
May 8-9 – 10/10ths track day at Putnam Park – 2 hours from Jasper http://www.1010thsmotorsports.com/page/page/5236308.htm
May 21-23 GoodGuys Nashville – 3 hours from Jasper
May 29-30 Midwest Musclecar Challenge – 1 hour from Jasper
June 5-12 HotRod Power Tour – Iowa to Alabama
June 18-20 Motorstate Challenge – 5 hours from Jasper
July 9-11 Goodguys Columbus – 5 hours from Jasper

We are 75 miles from the Louisville airport. If the flights are coordinated I can even arrange a group ride from the airport to our shop."

A way generous offer guys - don't miss out, no excuses about storage now!! Thanks for the offer Bret.

[shmoov69]

Ok, a few questions.
First, are people driving from home or trailering from home?
B, if my car breaks on the first day, do I go home or hitch a ride thru the cruise or what?
C, my car don't have a cage or belts better than factory, ok or not?
Four, I know 100 miles isn't that far, but if something isn't right after the first day, what happens?
Five, are the ribs pork or beef?!?!!

I'm VERY intrigued to say the least, now that Brett has called us faux-tourers out! Lol

[bret]

Ok, a few questions.
First, are people driving from home or trailering from home?
B, if my car breaks on the first day, do I go home or hitch a ride thru the cruise or what?
C, my car don't have a cage or belts better than factory, ok or not?
Four, I know 100 miles isn't that far, but if something isn't right after the first day, what happens?
Five, are the ribs pork or beef?!?!!

I'm VERY intrigued to say the least, now that Brett has called us faux-tourers out! Lol

A. I would imagine that there will be about an even split
B. Most of time people will pitch in to help fix anything short of complete engine failure.
C. I'll talk to Jimi about that one.
D. Not sure I understand the question...
E. Pork baby...dead pig all the way!

[dropit69]

sucks that i work that weekend..and its not far from home..and my vacations are saved for other events..win some lose some..

[shmoov69]

A. I would imagine that there will be about an even split
B. Most of time people will pitch in to help fix anything short of complete engine failure.
C. I'll talk to Jimi about that one.
D. Not sure I understand the question...
E. Pork baby...dead pig all the way!

Well, #4 was pretty much the same Q as #2. About failure of the car and getting to the next venue somehow.
Also, I got a 1 and a 4 year old, what kind of atmosphere and facility for them?

I'm actually getting kind of stoked. I have never had the car on a track other than the dragstrip (a bunch!) and am kind of scared to see how bad me and the car are! And what will come from together on it!
Which hotel is everyone staying at?
Thanks

[shmoov69]

Hey Brett, did you see about the belts and no cage for the event?
Thanks!

[GRNOVA]

Well, #4 was pretty much the same Q as #2. About failure of the car and getting to the next venue somehow.
Also, I got a 1 and a 4 year old, what kind of atmosphere and facility for them?

I am bringing my 4 yr old and 6 year old. I am also trailering it to the hotel the first day and I think my wife will bring the trailer the second day still a little confused about the exact schedule of events and how they will play out... but I am also stoked about pushing my car and I to the limit!

[perple76]

I'm trailering to Putnam Park, then plan on driving the rest of the trip. My old man is coming with and will follow down to Lawrencville/Vincennes in the truck/trailer. I'm a big fan of driving as much as possible, but the trailer is a nice insurance policy should the unspeakable happen. No matter how well you prep your car, sometimes parts just break. I like driving my car hard with no regrets or fears that I'll be stranded at the track, and I'd rather not limp it home. If you have access to a trailer, I'd recommend it.

I'm not sure if I would describe Putnam Park as "kid friendly", but there are lots of grassy areas, some picnic tables, and a small set of grandstands. I don't remember seeing a playground. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to bring the kids, but I would seriously think about bringing them something to do because they might get bored if they're not hardcore into cars.

I don't know about the airport/autocross site. Never been there. Sounds like it's mostly runways and pavement.

Don't know what everyone else is doing, but the rules appear to be pretty flexible regarding belts/cages. For my part, I do not run a cage but do have five point harnesses installed. I would think your factory belts would be satisfactory - most open track events I have been to are much more concerned about your helmet than they are your belts. . . .

J

[justimagine]

Hey Brett, did you see about the belts and no cage for the event?
Thanks!

Hey Jimmy, factory belts will be OK for this event, but I would suggest upgrading soon because after this event, you're going to be hooked!!

[bret]

Kid freindly? Well, its not kid UNfriendly...lots of grass and open area, some shade at both venues. I think there will be a fair amount of other kids there. I know my 10 year old and my 7 year old will be as well as several others from our shop.

Cage and belts...I have to get the final word from Jimi tomorrow but in my opinion [at this point]...Convertibles must have rollover protection, hardtops do not. Factory seatbelts will be suffecient.

Also...Jimi will be posting a detailed schedule of events in the next few days.

Thanks for the interest!

[DLinson]

I was considering on going to this event. How many have signed up so far? If all goes well at the Faceoff then I may sign up for this one. It looks like we'll get more driving time in.

If my wife joins me again, will there be a place for trailer parking for the weekend or will that be at our hotels?

Dennis

[shmoov69]

Thanks guys, and I'm afraid that it may bite me after this.....then I'll be infected without cure with the racing bug! I am now REALLY considering this event!!

What hotel is everyone staying at? I'd hate to be at one by myself! Lol.

[justimagine]

I was considering on going to this event. How many have signed up so far? If all goes well at the Faceoff then I may sign up for this one. It looks like we'll get more driving time in.

If my wife joins me again, will there be a place for trailer parking for the weekend or will that be at our hotels?

Dennis

Hey Dennis, there is a lot of open space in the midwest - trailer parking abounds at the Midwest Musclecar Challenge!! Really hoping to see you there.

[justimagine]

Thanks guys, and I'm afraid that it may bite me after this.....then I'll be infected without cure with the racing bug! I am now REALLY considering this event!!

What hotel is everyone staying at? I'd hate to be at one by myself! Lol.

Check out www.midwestmusclecarchallenge.com for hotel information.