NG08 Needs Your Advice

[Lori]

As you probably know by now, Memphis is the top choice for NG08. However, after reviewing contracts, we're looking at a HUGE track bill. Given this year's numbers were down, I'm sure everyone can understand why we're a little nervous signing.

Here's what we've proposed. This is NOT saying it's set in stone - no contracts have been signed, and the schedule can certainly change at ANY TIME. Same with the dates.

The dates would be June 17-22. That means starting a day early. That part is still dependent on a possible go-kart track rental. Let's just assume it happens. Drag races would be run at night to help with the heat in Memphis. Road course would be run earlier that day. Both are on Friday. Thursday would be AutoCross. We've changed the schedule for numerous reasons, but mostly because of the number of people that break their cars during the drag races then can't run anything else. Thursday night is open drag races at the track if anyone is interested, so we're leaving that part of the schedule open. Also allows for last-minute tuning after a long drive.

Car show would be Saturday if at all possible, banquet still on Saturday night. Wednesday is reserved for go-karts, if we can find a track that rents the karts out within an hour of our hotel. This has been extensively researched, we're just waiting for call-backs.

Here are a few facts about distance for people, as pulled from MapQuest. All distances and times are as compared to this year's NG in Stevensville, MI.

New York - Drove 730 miles this year, 1096 for Memphis
Atlanta - Drove 739 miles this year, 389 for Memphis
Tampa - Drove 1196 miles this year, 786 for Memphis
Dallas - Drove 1022 miles this year, 452 for Memhis
Chicago - Basically NO DRIVE this year (90 miles), 534 for Memphis
Dynamic Racing - Would've driven 1460 miles this year, 1069 for Memphis
I drove 190 miles this year, and will drive 785 for Memphis at least 3 times.

I included my own mileage just so you guys know that I'm not choosing the most convenient spot for where I am. It'll be far from that... As you can see, some will have to drive further, some wouldn't drive as far.

So here's what I need from you. I need to know if you would SERIOUSLY consider attending the event, as planned right now. Would you be willing to make plans to attend it? Please vote honestly. These contracts are a HUGE financial commitment, and one I can't make without the numbers to back it up. As was stated in another thread, an NG that loses a considerable amount of money is going to be the last. I don't want that to happen. Please follow up your vote with comments and explanations. We need to know your thoughts.

Also... Another question that you can answer in your responses... Would you agree to raising the drag race fee by $10 to accomodate night drags? We're doing everything possible to keep everything else at the same prices as this year. There may be a SLIGHT raise, depending on the results of this poll.

Thanks in advance for answering, and for doing so honestly. We'll announce decisions as they're made, just to keep everyone posted.

Lori

[IndyStealth]

I'm there.

[Maximal]

I'm there.

However do track schedules not allow for the drags and road course to be on separate days? How much time is between the road course and drags when you factor in driving?

Terry

[PezCore]

I'll be there. I've got taco bell commitments I have to fulfill. $10 more is no big deal IMO.

[TooFast4Radar]

Originally Posted by PezCore

I'll be there. I've got taco bell commitments I have to fulfill. $10 more is no big deal IMO.

Wow we didn't go to Taco Bell this year!

I'll be there for sure. I haven't missed one yet

[Lori]

Originally Posted by Maximal

I'm there.

However do track schedules not allow for the drags and road course to be on separate days? How much time is between the road course and drags when you factor in driving?

Terry

Good questions, Terry. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to clarify.

It would be difficult to do them on separate days, although it's something we can look into further. The biggest problem is that the drag strip is actually part of the road course, so to rent them both for the same day is easier for the track's schedule. There is two hours in between, and all race events (except the go-karts) would be held at the same facility. The hotels I've been looking at (so far) are all within 10 miles of the race events. Not bad, huh?

[Maximal]

Well that works out fine then. Just go to the track and stay there all day.

I always wanted to go to the road course but it's right after a long day at the drag strip and an hour away which i'd have to take the trailer too making it more of a pain. With them being at the same place I think it'll work out well and it would make sense not to have them on separate days.

Terry

[jeffery_leo]

Im gonna be there for sure, my car will definately be in shape by then and mempho is only 2hrs away. What are the expenses to members besides the usual travel expenses, food, chewing tobacco, broke driveshaft ect hehe. just wondering how much cash to have on hand.

[Lori]

Originally Posted by jeffery_leo

Im gonna be there for sure, my car will definately be in shape by then and mempho is only 2hrs away. What are the expenses to members besides the usual travel expenses, food, chewing tobacco, broke driveshaft ect hehe. just wondering how much cash to have on hand.

This year's registration package was $100 for basic sign-up, $32 for drag races, $32 for AutoCross. Subtract 20% of you sign up early. $80 for road course, not eligible for early registration discount. Road course was WAY down this year (price-wise), and may need to be raised a little bit for next year. We'll see how that goes. Go-karts are TBD.

[drmbldr]

Im in + 2, brother, dad, all have VR's we'll convoy from Denver.