Who would come to Memphis?, Possible Track Event Idea..... Options

[trackbird]

I just spent an hour or so on the phone with Ken Rahaim (in Belgium?) getting a crash course in "F-body Events". We had suggestions to "piggyback" onto a NASA or similar event. Ken and I thought it might be a good idea (for the first year at least) to set up an FRRAX section within the National F-Body Motorsports Event that he runs every year. This would give us a chance to get together, meet other owners, enthuiasts, and have a little fun. This will also give me a chance to "follow Ken around" and learn how to pull this off as a seperate event in the future. At this point, it seems like it could be an excellent idea to get started and we can see where it leads in the future. This event has road course, autocross, and drag racing, so there is something for everyone.

So, how many people would road trip to Memphis in May or June for an event?

Discussion?

[PF Flyer]

I know that last year the event was right after my yearly trek to Watkins Glen in May and I couldn't have made it. This year was the G-kids in June.

So depending on just when, I'd be up for it.

Ken's a great guy, too. We instruct at the same NASA events on occassion.

[Racer X]

*scratches head* I thought that event was run at Indy?

Maybe I'm thinking of something different?


Personally, I really like the idea of this "triathlon" type of event. That may make the 6 hour drive to Memphis worthwhile (as opposed to the shorter 2 1/2 hour trip to Hallett).

How much is a 4 day U-Haul trailer rental anyway? (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[trackbird]

It was, but (as I just hung up the phone with Ken), I am informed that it is going back to Memphis for the 10 year anniversary. So, it's Memphis this year (it has been in Indy).

[Jeff94TA]

I've read about this event before but don't really know anything about how it is structured. Do you have any information about how the track event portion is run and how much seat time we're talking about. Sounds interesting and I might be up for a road trip to Memphis. I wonder how long of a drive that is from Orlando. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Racer X]

It was, but (as I just hung up the phone with Ken), I am informed that it is going back to Memphis for the 10 year anniversary. So, it's Memphis this year (it has been in Indy).

Ah, I see.

Well maybe I'll finally get to put my '03 HD to work. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Too bad it'll have to be with a rented trailer. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Any ballpark estimate on entry costs for the event?

[PF Flyer]

here's info on the event in Memphis back in 2000

you can soon sign up HERE for the 2005 event.

[trackbird]

Thanks Mike. I guess I should have listed that. I believe it runs 3 days (I didn't make this year). I will have to verify costs with Ken (he may drop in here, I told him I'd post this) for events, but as I remember, they were reasonable.

[Ken Rahaim]

just spent an hour or so on the phone with Ken Rahaim (in Belgium?) getting a crash course in "F-body Events".

Yup, had a good time discussing one of my favorite subjects: F-body Motorsports (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

Anyway, as I mentioned to Kevin, I'm more than happy to help out either way: with a standalone frrax event or inviting you guys (I'm pretty sure some of you have already been) to stake out your own frrax claim in the NFME paddock. As I mentioned to Kevin, we want f-body clubs to use us for the very thing you guys are after. We'll do the logistics, etc. You guys come and enjoy the motorsports. Just to be clear for those that haven't heard of us before, we're not in it for profit and never have been. We turn every penny back into the event itself.

As far as when and where, we alternate between May (for the relatively cooler weather) and June (for the folks who have to wait till schools out). Last year we did June so this year it'll be May, probably early to mid May. We've predominantly held our events over the years in Memphis, but have also been to Gateway Intl Raceway in St Louis and, as Racer X mentioned, we've been in Indy the past two years. This year, our 10th annual NFME, we'll be heading back to Memphis where it all started. For future events we'll likely alternate back and forth between Memphis and Indy. We'd love to go back to St. Louis eventually, but their prices are much too high for now.

Memphis is about a 7-8 hour drive for our TX contingent and about a 14 hour drive for our Mid-Atlantic contingent. Indy is vice versa; hence another reason why we alternate venues. Either way, we usually get a healthy group of folks from either of those regions, the northeast, the midwest, the upper midwest, the south, the southeast and a few other regions (including Canada).

Jeff94ta, you can see details of how the road course portion of the event is structured here:

http://www.fbody-event.org/bin/roadcourse.cgi

Be aware though that the above link and all the rest of the website still shows info for 2004's event as the info has not been updated for 2005 yet (we're just in the beginning phase of planning for 2005). Nevertheless, the above page should give you the general idea of how we structure the road course portion of the event. Basically you get six 20 minute sessions over the course of 2 days. Its not non-stop track time, but then again this is as much a social event as a motorsports event. And remember, we fill the 3 days of the NFME with autox and drag racing also.

In terms of cost, it depends on what you register to do. Depending on the venue, the cost for the road course portion of the event is anywhere from $130 to $160 plus misc costs. For details on last years costs you can go here:

http://www.fbody-event.org/bin/faq.cgi#5

In terms of signing up today, registration is closed right now as we've only just begun contract negotiation with the venue. Our aim is to have registration open before Christmas though (that way you can push the event as a Christmas gift (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ).

P.S. Racer X, we call those lunatics who attempt all three events Ironmen. There are a few each year who try it. My hats are defintely off to them. I tried it once several years ago. It was brutal but I did it (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

[trackbird]

Ken, glad you stopped by. Thanks for the info, I fear we could have talked F-bodies for quite a while longer (and I may have been divorced by then... (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif) ). I appreciate your call and the vast knowledge you willingly shared.

If enough people can make it, I think this may be a good way to start and FRRAX event (and if we like it, Ken seemed to indicate that we would be welcome to stay).

Maybe in the future, we'll do this and a stand alone event. Who knows what the future will hold.

Who's in? (or will try their best to be?)

[Ken Rahaim]

So depending on just when, I'd be up for it.

Ken's a great guy, too. We instruct at the same NASA events on occassion.

Thanks for the kind words Mike (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) !

As mentioned above we're looking at early to mid May. I'm talking with Paul Cartwright, the general manager of Memphis Motorsports Park, right now to nail down a date. Hopefully that doesn't clash with your schedule next year and you'll be able to make it out!

A couple of other things I forgot to mention in my last post:

First, I'm more than happy to answer any questions any of you have about the NFME. Second, you can check out the NFME "Come Out and Play" video (*wmv, 27MB):

NFME Video Source 1 (right click, save target as)
NFME Video Source 2 (right click, save target as)

I threw this compilation of clips from '96 (some of the older clips quality weren't the greatest) to '02 togehter to give folks an idea of what the NFME is all about.

And finally, you can check out some writeups we've received in various magazines over the years by clicking on the magazine thumbnails located at this link:

http://www.fbody-event.org/bin/sponsor.cgi#1

Again, let me know if you have any questions. We'd love to see the FRRAX gang setup in their own corner of the paddock!

[John_D.]

It's 3 1/2 hours for me. I'd do it.

Wherever we go, I'll be driving to and from, no trailering...

[trackbird]

Wherever we go, I'll be driving to and from, no trailering...

Me too. I may be pulling my tires behind me, but I'm driving there.

[Crazy Canuck]

just spent an hour or so on the phone with Ken Rahaim (in Belgium?) getting a crash course in "F-body Events".

Yup, had a good time discussing one of my favorite subjects: F-body Motorsports (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

Anyway, as I mentioned to Kevin, I'm more than happy to help out either way: with a standalone frrax event or inviting you guys (I'm pretty sure some of you have already been) to stake out your own frrax claim in the NFME paddock. As I mentioned to Kevin, we want f-body clubs to use us for the very thing you guys are after. We'll do the logistics, etc. You guys come and enjoy the motorsports. Just to be clear for those that haven't heard of us before, we're not in it for profit and never have been. We turn every penny back into the event itself.

As far as when and where, we alternate between May (for the relatively cooler weather) and June (for the folks who have to wait till schools out). Last year we did June so this year it'll be May, probably early to mid May. We've predominantly held our events over the years in Memphis, but have also been to Gateway Intl Raceway in St Louis and, as Racer X mentioned, we've been in Indy the past two years. This year, our 10th annual NFME, we'll be heading back to Memphis where it all started. For future events we'll likely alternate back and forth between Memphis and Indy. We'd love to go back to St. Louis eventually, but their prices are much too high for now.

Memphis is about a 7-8 hour drive for our TX contingent and about a 14 hour drive for our Mid-Atlantic contingent. Indy is vice versa; hence another reason why we alternate venues. Either way, we usually get a healthy group of folks from either of those regions, the northeast, the midwest, the upper midwest, the south, the southeast and a few other regions (including Canada).

Jeff94ta, you can see details of how the road course portion of the event is structured here:

http://www.fbody-event.org/bin/roadcourse.cgi

Be aware though that the above link and all the rest of the website still shows info for 2004's event as the info has not been updated for 2005 yet (we're just in the beginning phase of planning for 2005). Nevertheless, the above page should give you the general idea of how we structure the road course portion of the event. Basically you get six 20 minute sessions over the course of 2 days. Its not non-stop track time, but then again this is as much a social event as a motorsports event. And remember, we fill the 3 days of the NFME with autox and drag racing also.

In terms of cost, it depends on what you register to do. Depending on the venue, the cost for the road course portion of the event is anywhere from $130 to $160 plus misc costs. For details on last years costs you can go here:

http://www.fbody-event.org/bin/faq.cgi#5

In terms of signing up today, registration is closed right now as we've only just begun contract negotiation with the venue. Our aim is to have registration open before Christmas though (that way you can push the event as a Christmas gift (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) ).

P.S. Racer X, we call those lunatics who attempt all three events Ironmen. There are a few each year who try it. My hats are defintely off to them. I tried it once several years ago. It was brutal but I did it (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) .

It looks like I will be attending then... since from your description, should be around 20-24hrs drive to reach there... heck I would've gone to the National this year, and that was a 20hr drive.
can't wait till spring (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[racerns]

I am not sure why I did not bring up this event earlier since I have been doing it for the past 8 years and I was Lead Instructor at last years event. Just been busy lately I guess. This is a great event with great people and if a few of you want to do some autocross or drag racing we have that too. I plan to be there again, though it is like a 14 hour drive for me.

[PF Flyer]

Same here, with a 14-15 hr drive trailering the T/A.

I hope to be able to make this event next season.

[trackbird]

I am not sure why I did not bring up this event earlier since I have been doing it for the past 8 years and I was Lead Instructor at last years event. Just been busy lately I guess. This is a great event with great people and if a few of you want to do some autocross or drag racing we have that too. I plan to be there again, though it is like a 14 hour drive for me.

I had been planning to make it to Ken's event. I had even considered going this year (for sure). And, Ken was generous enough to ask if we'd like to attend his event as a group (at least to get us started). And, if we can get enough members to attend, it is probably an excellent idea. I may still look into renting a track somewhere for a day (I know Gingerman is inexpensive) as well. But, this sounds like great fun for the first event at least.

[trackbird]

Mapquest says 580 miles from Columbus, OH. 450 from Dallas. 783 from Detroit. 772 from Pittsburgh. 1121 from New York, NY. 824 from Richmond, VA. 915 from Hanover, PA.

That may be fairly "reachable" by everyone (ok, not the California crew, though we'd love to see you guys and those from Washington state).

It's only 2413 from Seattle. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif)

[Ken Rahaim]

It looks like I will be attending then... since from your description, should be around 20-24hrs drive to reach there...

Eugenio,

We had about a dozen Canadians registered & paid for the NFME last year. You can check 'em out here:

http://fbody-event.org/2004/bin/who.cgi?state=0&event=

You can filter the attendees by state if you want to see if anybody else you knew attended last year.

[Ken Rahaim]

Same here, with a 14-15 hr drive trailering the T/A.

One tradition that has developed over the years are the huge f-body caravans to and from the NFME. They are sometimes half the fun (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) . Some folks have turned them into road trips with many stops at sights along the way. Others (from the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic area) have coordinated Corvette factory tours on the return trip.

Once we get planning underway and start updating the website for 2005, you'll find there is a place on the website for folks to coordinate caravans (includes schedules, maps, routes, etc).