Street Car Event attendance

[Jimi-FM3]

Hey team, there's several events going on this year designed specifically for street cars, namely Run to the Coast, Faceoff at Road America, Midwest Musclecar Challenge, and a few others. Although there has been many a few requests for more events throughout the country, none of us are seeing an overwhelming response on entries.

In order to make sure we're delivering what everyone in asking for, I'd like to get your opinions on what, if anything, you'd like to see that would make you run out and sign up. Let's be reasonable on the thoughts - please don't offer up things like make them free, or pay out thousands of dollars in prize money - we all know there's an expense to make these things happen (we do already have a cash paying contingency program).

We're interested in hearing your thoughts. Please no PM's, we want to keep this an open forum for all to discuss so we can continue to produce these events and provide a fun, safe environment for you to come out and play. Thanks for your time!

[ironworks]

What about pony rides and big swinging pirate ship. I would sign up right away if you had those.

[Payton King]

Location and time of the year influence which events I attend. As much fun as RTTC sounded, I am not prepared to travel that far. I had to think long and hard on the Motor State event as it will be 12 hours up and 12 hours back...but I am way excited about going.

I thnk most of the responses you will get will say the same thing. Everyone wants more events as long as they are in the town they live. Charlotte would be a great place to have an event. LOL

I also believe how close the events are to each other time wise has an impact.

I would love to go to each event listed this year but I have to pick and choose...Motor State and RTTH6 will be my events.

[JKnight]

RTTC is the only one I have a reasonable shot of traveling to, but I do plan to attend if there is a fall event or next spring. This year's RTTC was a first year event that was a bit short on notice so I think you guys did alright considering. RTTH didn't have nearly that many cars even in its second year (I believe....)

Hardcore guys like Albert, Finch, and Howell are to be genuinely commended and respected for their efforts, but most of us don't have the time or money to cross the country for any event, regardless of how well it's run or how awesome it would be.

That's not bad Payton, if I could attend Motorstate AND RTTH in one year, I'm sure I would consider that year to have been a blast and a car hobby success.

[tazzz2_ca]

Originally Posted by JKnight

RTTC is the only one I have a reasonable shot of traveling to, but I do plan to attend if there is a fall event or next spring. This year's RTTC was a first year event that was a bit short on notice so I think you guys did alright considering. RTTH didn't have nearly that many cars even in its second year (I believe....)

Hardcore guys like Albert, Finch, and Howell are to be genuinely commended and respected for their efforts, but most of us don't have the time or money to cross the country for any event, regardless of how well it's run or how awesome it would be.

That's not bad Payton, if I could attend Motorstate AND RTTH in one year, I'm sure I would consider that year to have been a blast and a car hobby success.

Thanks Jeff, and yes we've been very blessed to afford that option to which I think I can say for all the gang "thank God for our combined good fortune"

If all the members could attend one (maybe even two) events a year this Pro-touring movement would grow expediently and the events would be absolutely awesome..... they are great now,,,, and the drive (especially a longer one) is one of the best parts of the events...... I mean hey guys,,,, remember the spring break road trips as teenagers,,, well guess what we just piled on 30LBS (I only wish ROFLMAO) and grew a little (OK a lot of) gray hair but beat never changes LOL.....

The organizers continue to work hard to keep cost down to a point where we can go to one of the events, enjoy ourselves and come home without gutting the bank. Among other efforts hotels are also selected with an effort to keep things reasonable too and the weekend (or extended weekend) is something that truly can be stated as a "Life To do" list type deal..... Jump on board where possible, you'll be "So" glad you did

[GregWeld]

Jimi --

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION....

IMHO these events have to be in locations where you have an abundance of like minded car owners. Doubtful you could put one on up here in the Pacific NorthWET and get enough cars to make it an "event".

Tracy wants one in Nebraska -- but doubtful that would get many takers either.

[rogue]

You'll find a small percentage of people in the community that are actually willing to track their car on a regular basis but that number is growing. Bottom line is, a lot of people feel their cars aren't ready, are too nice, or are too scared to ball em up. I've invited every lat-g and pro-touring member to every event I've gone to for 2 years. Not a single person has ever shown.

I'm glad run to the coast and all these events are happening is, but bottom line is, they are tied to car show events, hence attendance.

[XcYZ]

Originally Posted by rogue

You'll find a small percentage of people in the community that are actually willing to track their car on a regular basis but that number is growing. Bottom line is, a lot of people feel their cars aren't ready, are too nice, or are too scared to ball em up. I've invited every lat-g and pro-touring member to every event I've gone to for 2 years. Not a single person has ever shown.

I'm glad run to the coast and all these events are happening is, but bottom line is, they are tied to car show events, hence attendance.

There you go putting words in other people's mouths again. Slow learner?

It takes a big committment to attend an event that's a day's drive each way. Personally, I have a job with major responsibilties with a required on-call schedule covering 24/7/365 that I share with 2 other guys. Getting significant time off (measured in days) takes planning months, if not a year, in advance. I have 2 kids. They have plenty of activities and sports that they are involved with outside of school. (I won't even get into all my web development work that I do at night)

When you have responsibilty, you can't just up and leave for 2 or 3 days without major planning. I also have to balance my available time off with family activities.

I KNOW there are countless members on this site that are in the same boat - trying to balance all the activities in their lives. Since I have to explain this to you, obviously you don't understand responsibilty. You just sit behind your keyboard and belittle members from your narrow view of the world.

Do I want to attend all these events? Hell yeah, of course I do. I promote them as much as I can. That's why I built, maintain, and host the Optima Invitational site. I want it, and all the other events, to succeed. I think it's fantastic that HPDE events are popping up all over the country.

So please think before you start running your mouth.

[mike343sharpstk]

New to this site, hay all.

This street car competition stuff has really gotten my attention. My buddy and I will be going to the Road America event to check it out. We're also hatching a plan on what needs to happen to get out there. These first couple years will be tough as far as building popularity.

Might it be that guys see the high dollar cars out there and don't realize that it doesn't need to be a SEMA show winner to have fun with this stuff? Hell, any early comaro with a few suspension and brake tweaks would be great fun, Not unlike taking your car to a drag strip for a few runs.

I think for the fisrt few years running a street car event in conjuction with another event, race SCCA/NASA/etc. or car show would get the attention of the car comunity that may not be aware of these events.

In the past I have spent many miles and dollars road racing motorcycles. One thing that's great about these events is that it's one or two events, not a season long grind of racing. That makes it do-able for a family guy who can do a weekend of fun but not an entire race season.

I will be giving it a go as soon as I get a few more things done on the car.

[Bow Tie 67]

If I can get one of the rat pack to hire me as a side kick I would have no excuse.