East Coast Gathering 2008: the official thread

[93RTTurbo]

Originally Posted by Hannibalzero

Robyn, maybe if you retermed the classes people might have been able to more properly identify their category.

I was trying to keep it short and sweet, so it would fit on the trophies as well.

Show cars and race cars
Performance mods
Stock and costmetic mods

I don't know...wouldn't that make it even more confusing? Most people who have show cars, have cosmetic mods and performance mods....and race cars will have performance mods, right? We included a brief description, but to no avail. We will definitely do the classification ourselves next year rather than leaving it to the owners.

Also, it would be more work, but an online registration site would help clarify classes too. People can submit their mods in advance.

We were supposed to have one. But the person who was going to do the online site, evidently became too busy, and it didn't happen. Next year...there will be online registration.

Another nice benefit is that you can print out everyone's info so that there is no need to handwrite name tags.

That's what I used to do. I ran out of time to make real dash cards like we used to have. The only problem with having individualized registration folders, is it is a lot of time, and the cost adds up when people register but don't show up.

I was considering, make a template, and upon registration, the owner types in their own info onto the pre-formatted dash card and spec sheet as you mentioned, and prints it out themself and brings it, maybe?

If we do it, then it's a matter of printing 70 or more of them, then 20% don't even show up, and printer ink isn't cheap, not to mention the folders, copying and so on.

I truly hate having ANY kind of registration fee just to come to ECG, and am trying to come up with creative ways to avoid it. But we may have to implement a pre-paid registration, some nominal amount to cover the costs of producing the registration packets and so on, so that even if they don't show up, it's covered. That is the only way I can realistically think of doing individualized packets for everyone again.

If you want to go all out, you can put spec sheets for every car in each persons' registration packet. (Pictures would be cool to. ) That may be going overboard, but hey, now is the time for suggestions, right?

I think that's a really cool idea, actually. But again, when you figure having to print out 700+ full color sheets (one for everyone that signs up, regardless of how many actually show up) it can be expensive. If we have 70 signups, and there are 7 cars on each page, that is 10 pages just for the "catalog" of registrant's vehicles. So we are looking at producing 700 pages more or less, with decent paper to print it on, and multiple cartridges of printer ink...which is not cheap.

Maybe make that optional, to be ordered beforehand at registration, so we can have it printed up to pick up in your packet on arrival?

Or just pack everyone's car info onto maybe 3 pages total, black/white text, no pictures....?

[jba3]

Originally Posted by AL3k

What in the world was I going to do with a WoW strategy guide, besides give it to someone who wanted it?

I just found it ironic as I was asking Nav back at the hotel what he was donating and he mentioned a WoW strat guide... and I thought to myself, hope I dont get that door prize..... doh!

LOL, that's karma for you. I have friends who play WoW.

Originally Posted by HardCorps325

Possible categories:

3kgt Stock
3kgt Mild
3kgt Wild
Stealth Stock
Stealth Mild
Stealth Wild
Best Engine Bay
Best Interior
Best Audio/Visual

...

Thoughts?

Sounds like good categories, other than I wouldn't separate stealth/3000gt because it skews things unless there's a 50/50 attendance on stealth and 3000gts.

I'd add "Best of Show", "Best NA", and "Best Twin Turbo" to round that out to 9 awards still. One thing a friend of mine who is hardcore into show competition does when they host/sponsor an event, is try to spread things around, i.e. the car getting best of show shouldn't get best audio/visual, best interior, etc as well. That happened last show I went to with him, and it had an antique muscle car guy literally crying on stage in happiness when he won best of show; he was so distraught he didn't get any other trophies prior to that that he broke down and said it was the most fun he's had at a show, ever. Oh yeah, and the trophy was 6 foot tall haha.

Originally Posted by OLDFART

How about a catagory for RED CONVERTIBLES? LOL
We had a very nice time and we'll be back next year for sure.

I'm down for the red convertible category. I've got one. Makes the odds like 50/50, right?

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

We were supposed to have one. But the person who was going to do the online site, evidently became too busy, and it didn't happen. Next year...there will be online registration.

I do web stuff for a living and used to work for a registration company. I could build and host the sign-up for next year, if it's not exceedingly complex. I host the photos for evo club events that I go to, and I built a website specifically for stuff for my cars and car events so it's no big deal.

PM me and let me know if you want me to do it, but if I can have a heads up on how to design it, all the better.

[93RTTurbo]

Originally Posted by jba3

LOL, that's karma for you. I have friends who play WoW.

I think Al would look good toting around a WoW strategy guide, actually. Shows he's got dedication, and an attention span exceeding that of the average gerbil. It's a sexy kind of manly accessory like, in a nerdy sort of way.

Sounds like good categories, other than I wouldn't separate stealth/3000gt because it skews things unless there's a 50/50 attendance on stealth and 3000gts.

We thought about that....but...you have those who absolutely prefer the Stealth, and those who prefer the 3000GT, and if it's all included, it would tend to favor the car which is more heavily represented...which is going to be the 3000GT nowadays.

I'd like to have something just for base/ES models...but where do you put the R/T? It looks much more like a TT than the base or ES..should all NA cars be together in a class, and where do the NA's with a turbo conversion fit in?

Next year, most overall points will get the Best of Show trophy, and that car will not be also eligible for "Best ....." as well. If it's "best of show" then that's what it is!

I agree that too many categories is confusing and not necessary, so if we can keep it to a rough guideline of, say, no more than one category for every eight cars in projected attendance, that should be enough.

I don't think we need a separate "People's Choice" category, above and beyond our Best in Show. Let locals vote, sure! But give them the same voting ballot sheet we use, and toss their votes in with ours. Half the time at least, the same person gets both trophies, so it's kind of redundant.

Our "DelMarVa 3S Chapter Favorite" was kind of a wild card, more or less.

I'd add "Best of Show", "Best NA", and "Best Twin Turbo" to round that out to 9 awards still.

But then, what do we do about the NA single and twin conversions?

I'm down for the red convertible category. I've got one. Makes the odds like 50/50, right?

I've considered a separate class for Spyders. There have been years the Spyders walked away with just about everything, and not that they weren't excellent cars, there were notably better "regular" 3000GT's that didn't win a thing. Just something about that open top, you know? But if we have more than a couple, I think we need to give them their own class.

Good thing I am not competing, because I'd be in quite a dilemma, trying to figure out whether to put the Straman in with the Spyders as a "roadster", or amongst the bone stock NA's...

I could build and host the sign-up for next year

Awesome! We'll definitely be needing it, and I am glad you offered. After the first of the year, the "active" planning will go into effect, and I'll let you know what's needed. Thanks!

[Adollarwodbnice]

I really like the idea of best NA or best turbo..., for any conversions to turbos they'll just be in the turbo class.

Although I feel it's a little unfair to group the spyders with the regs I feel it'd be unfair to through them in a group of their own. BTW if your car was in the show Robyn I think spyder vs. soft top stealth I'd go with the stealth... I mean a 1 of 12 car you NEVER see anywhere not to mention yours looks awesome minus the wheels you'd win.

[93RTTurbo]

Originally Posted by Adollarwodbnice

Although I feel it's a little unfair to group the spyders with the regs I feel it'd be unfair to through them in a group of their own.

Flip a coin, then!

If we have three or more Spyders, then perhaps a single "Best Spyder" should do it...if we have two or less, then they go into the general 3000GT class. Sound fair enough as a compromise?

not to mention yours looks awesome minus the wheels you'd win.

Haha! If I didn't suspect the wheels were part of the original Straman package, I would consider changing them. They definitely give it a very different look..."elegant" rather than "sporty", I think. Sort of like a "grand touring car" vs. the pure sportscar that the R/T is designed to be.

Amazing how "luxury type" wheels + wheel gap + "regular" tires can make even a pure sportscar look...almost sedate. A very unusual "flavor" or "personality" for what we typically think of as a performance car.

I took a picture at FECG '07 of Vitali's amazing red 1st gen VR-4, by the Straman. The differences in what are essentially the same car, by way of paint, wheels, body panels and trim, not to mention the convertible conversion, are striking. One is hardcore sportscar in stance and "demeanor", the other, conveys a more genteel image. Yet under the skin, more or less identical.

[jba3]

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

We thought about that....but...you have those who absolutely prefer the Stealth, and those who prefer the 3000GT, and if it's all included, it would tend to favor the car which is more heavily represented...which is going to be the 3000GT nowadays.

Ah, very true. I'm partial to one side myself too.

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

I'd like to have something just for base/ES models...but where do you put the R/T? It looks much more like a TT than the base or ES..should all NA cars be together in a class, and where do the NA's with a turbo conversion fit in?

Originally Posted by Adollarwodbnice

I really like the idea of best NA or best turbo..., for any conversions to turbos they'll just be in the turbo class.

Although I feel it's a little unfair to group the spyders with the regs I feel it'd be unfair to through them in a group of their own. BTW if your car was in the show Robyn I think spyder vs. soft top stealth I'd go with the stealth... I mean a 1 of 12 car you NEVER see anywhere not to mention yours looks awesome minus the wheels you'd win.

Yep, that's what I should have said, NA, and turbo. VR4, converted NA, singles ... turbo is turbo. I forgot the converts.

I've yet to see a soft top convertible 3S. I've only seen 3 spyders in my lifetime too, but I've never been to an official 3S meet.

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

I've considered a separate class for Spyders. There have been years the Spyders walked away with just about everything, and not that they weren't excellent cars, there were notably better "regular" 3000GT's that didn't win a thing. Just something about that open top, you know? But if we have more than a couple, I think we need to give them their own class.

A separate class would be nice if there are enough to justify it. It's nice to have the top down, but with the hard top taking the entire trunk it gives up a lot of show potential in that the coupe can have a full-blown hatch setup that should make for a better vote in audio/video, or possibly show as well. Personally, I'm still stuck between showing a spyder or a coupe.

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

Good thing I am not competing, because I'd be in quite a dilemma, trying to figure out whether to put the Straman in with the Spyders as a "roadster", or amongst the bone stock NA's...

Why not both?

Originally Posted by 93RTTurbo

Awesome! We'll definitely be needing it, and I am glad you offered. After the first of the year, the "active" planning will go into effect, and I'll let you know what's needed. Thanks!

If you can PM me the basics on what was asked for registration this year, it will help me get a base set up so I can just tweak it later. Thanks again for organizing this year. I'll make it out next year for sure!

[jedi3000gt]

i have a track rental coming up on May 9th from 11am-5pm. its at Capital Raceway in Crofton MD registration is $100 at the gate and you can race all day without waiting on all the other cars. you can also stick around for an additional $20 for test and tune from 5pm-11pm. pm me if you need directions or an address. Registration is collected by track officials at 11:30am when the lights go green. their will be a couple of cars there that you have seen on pinks and nopi

[VR-4ever]

Will there be any other 3000GT's or Stealths with you at the track rental in Crofton, Maryland? It would be nice to see all these fast cars get a timeslip.

[jedi3000gt]

working on it i have myself and 2 others already. there will be a few camaros and trans-ams. the hurricane mustang and some ops class cars. some pro-drag railcars and 2 pro-outlaw 10.5's. i am shooting for a 12.5 1/4 mile at 110-115mph

[Adollarwodbnice]

Originally Posted by jedi3000gt

working on it i have myself and 2 others already. there will be a few camaros and trans-ams. the hurricane mustang and some ops class cars. some pro-drag railcars and 2 pro-outlaw 10.5's. i am shooting for a 12.5 1/4 mile at 110-115mph

WOW, mid 12's! Good luck man; I can't wait to get my car into high 14's. With a few more mods I should be able to get it into 14's with good driving.