National F-Body Motorsports Event, dead? Options

[Shortcutsleeping]

I see the webpage is not updated from last year.

Is there going to be one in 06?


Costas

[Wayno]

Yes.You need to check out the mailing list.

[trackbird]

I don't know Wayne, unless something changed, the mailing list seems to have no information either (unless it came in late last night).

Did I miss it?

[ws6transam]

I'm thinking that it is looking bleak for NFME '06.

Dave T. has assured us that the dates of May 18 through 20 are 100% confirmed for Indy raceway park, and that the Holiday Inn has agreed to host the participants.

However there has been NO marketing, NO preregistration, NO website update, and the NFME forums have only ONE post in 2006, and that was ME complaining about NO information.

I want to get a group of Michigan guys together to head down there but I haven't been handed anything that I can use to show them that a real event exists for this year. Thus they are all making other plans for the summer now (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Therefore, it seems to me that NFME may have a venue but I expect that there will not be enough participants to actually make the event work, much less pay for itself.

I've got to make plans, probably in the next ten days. At this point, I think for me anyway, NFME is out. I have to secure a nanny at $100 a day to cover my child care, and for an event that might or might not happen, I am not going to invest that kind of money.

So, I guess I will plan alternate events this year such as the Trans Am Nationals, a couple of Gingerman or Gratten open track nights, and (I know you all will cringe at this) Hot Rod Magazine's Drag Week. I will probably also participate in the Woodward dream cruise, the M11 event at Stanton, some of the Saturday morning Royal Pontiac dragstrip rental events, and a Mid-Michigan SCCA autocross event or two. That should pretty much fill up the year.

I'm bummed, because NFME 2005 was very fun.

[Shortcutsleeping]

Well crap.

Thanks for the info guys. I didn't know it was at IRP (I figured Memphis again) and that is a pretty good haul.

If more information comes out, will someone please post it here?


Thanks,
Costas

[trackbird]

If more information comes out, will someone please post it here?

I'll try to keep this updated (I'm sure others will as well).

Yea, it is/was to be IRP this year.

[trackbird]

Ok, here's the latest exchange from the e-mail list. (I'll remove e-mail addresses from this post).

It looks like things might be on track after all. There have been other messages, but this covers the bulk of the important stuff.

sorry for all the misspellings, i suck and need tons of help in that department Mr Hooser (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)   and Bock.

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Dave--comcast.net

> hmmm quite the flurry of activity past few days, good to see there is interest
> in having an event this year)
>
> ok here we go
>
> First Brock, you haven't heard back from the track because Mike is a busy dude
> and I doubt he will ever get back to you BUT regardless there has been some
> delay with the contract for the track due to the NHRA redoing all contracts Mike
> from Indy called me last week to let me know it was in the pipeline and should
> be in hand shortly. We are on IRP's calender of events and do have the track
> assuming everything is in order with the contract. So please lets not call Mike
> and piss him off or make him wonder what the hell is going on. I posted dates
> and confirmation of getting the track a long time ago. As David Hooser so kindly
> reposted for me in my 3 day absence from the list. Maybe you were not on the
> list or missed this info.
>
> As for the hotel contract, I have it in hand,
>
> From: "Brittany Torrence"
> [Add to Address Book]
> To:
> Subject: F-Body contract
> Date: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 12:40:14 PM [View Source]
>
>
> Mr. Tittermary:
>
> Attached is the definite contract for your event on May 16th, 2006. Please
> sign and return by February 10th, 2006, so we may hold the space on a definite
> basis. Our fax number is xxx-xxx-xxxx. If you have any questions please give us
> a call. We look forward to working with you
>
>
>
> as you can see it was sent on the 8th which is today, now I could have just gone
> ahead and got this quicker but then hotel rooms might have cost 159.00 instead
> of the 99 that they will be costing.
>
> The web site reg and payment system is a concern I have and what I am trying to
> get straight currently, I have asked Wayne to get ahold of Thunder racing and
> work out some of these details since they had agreed to sponser and help manage
> the drag racing and web stuff at the last event (ken pretty much had this
> already worked out thanks ken) I am waiting to here back from Wayne but I am
> sure its progressing just fine, if not then will need to drop back and punt so
> if help is needed here I will ask. Not a big deal we can work this out I am
> sure.
>
> I asked Jason to put togeather his plan for the road racing event back in Dec
> and I see he has emailed this to me this week, all good here, not to sure about
> his idea of allowing bikes on the course though)(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
>
> I had asked Paula to help out as they have done in years past with the car show
> and she agreed since they have done this many times in the past I feel this is
> well taken car of and will be asking for this info and her plan of attack well I
> guess I can ask her now:) Paula would you be so kinda as to send me your
> thoughts/changes you would like for Indy 2006.
>
>
> Brock you could have asked for my email and addressed your concerns to me
> personally I am about the easiest person to get along with but this whole the
> sky is falling the sky is falling really does no good at all and makes us as a
> group look unprofessional, and can cause concerns with the people I have to deal
> with to make this happen such as Mike at IRP. The biggest concern I have is
> getting enough people to go to the event to make it happen lets work on that, I
> do understant that having the web site looking pretty and being able to reg
> right now would be nice it just can't be until contrats are all in hand and at
> this point its up to Mke at Indy. I started this process back in August and we
> have had the dates since in Mikes defenses I don't believe this last hold up is
> his fault but rather the NHRA.
>
>
> In summery most of the behind the scene stuff is a wrap Any other questions
> please send my way. My Target date to set back and chill (everything done) is
> Feb 28th, am I a little behind YES (freaking NHRA) , am I worried? Hell no we
> got a great group of people here and if I need some help I know I can ask and it
> will be taken care of. Lets work on getting some new people to INDY 2006!!!!!!!!
>
>
> Dave T
>
>
>
>
>
> > Oops, I do have another update.
> >
> > Paula B informs me she and Doug are likely to be available to help with the
> > car show.
> >
> > This is Good news!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Updating everyone:
> >
> > I did not receive a call from the track today as I had hoped. I also did not
> > hear from a couple people (former organizers) but I thnk their input will be
> > similar to what I have already heard.
>
> >
> > More later.
> >
> > bock
> >
> >
> > Bock,
> >
> > Again, if you need help with anything, let me know. I've felt the way you
> > describe for some time, I was just HOPING things would work out. I think
> > the decisions need to be made this week which direction we're going and with
> > who. If that means Dave needing some help, awesome, let's do it...if that
> > means someone else entirely having to get the information from him/whomever
> > and start from there, fine, let's do that then.
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: lists.f-body.org 
> > On Behalf Of bock folken
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 12:42 PM
> > To: The National F-Body Motorsports Event (NFME) Mailing List
> > Subject: Re: [event] Event Status - Centralizing Communication
> >
> > Thanks for the update Dave. Whew, thought we'd lost him.
> >
> > Im reading about 97% support for me getting as much into this as possible
> > so here goes.
> >
> > I mean no disrespect to David T, but it is time to get off the pot as they
> > say. If David is busy working on the road, then he needs the rest of us to
> > help him pull it together. We need David to communicate exactly where we
> > are and request some help if he needs it. Usually the track is looking for
> > some money pretty soon. A lot of us are spending $1000s of dollars to
> > prepare for and attend the event so we need timely information.
> >
> > We still have a LOT LOT LOT of work to do to pull this thing off.
> >
> > 1. According to the information I have and as posted on the event list,
> > although we have indicated we want to use the hotel we used 2 years ago, the
> > hotel contract is just now being sent to Dave so I would not characterize it
> > as a done deal at all.
> > 2. To the best of my knowledge and the knowledge of ALL the former
> > organizers I have contacted, there is no current provision for website,
> > registration, or payments. All of them have expressed concerns to me about
> > our ability to pull off the event unless we put in a concerted effort right
> > away.
> > 3. I have a call in to the track to be certain we are on their schedule.
> > According to Dave's email below we DO NOT have a signed contract with the
> > track at this time.
> > 4. Regarding our previous sponsors, all of whom are happy to see the
> > recent activity on the list, each has indicated to me they are interested,
> > but none have been contacted to discuss terms or details.
> > 5. Some of our attendees are deciding to attend other events in lieu of
> > NFME due to unreliable and/or lack of timely information regarding our
> > event.
> > 6. We have no known Drag race organizer(s) that I can find.(which is the
> > meat of the event). Perhaps one exists and we havent been told about it.
> > McCall stepped up for Road race (thank you). What about Car Show? ETC. Today
> > I have received a verbal offer from someone to be Drag organizer, but it is
> > not my job to fill these responsibilities.
> >
> > This stuff doesnt even come close to the 1000's of details needed. These
> > are the big ticket items that need to be resolved right away and should have
> > been resolved in the fall. Since it appears no one except David T. knows
> > anything about anything, we are in a very precarious position. If Dave slips
> > on a banana, our event goes down the tube.
> >
> > I will continue to ferret out whatever I can until David T updates
> > everyone. Hopefully he will be announcing how everything is gonna get done.
> > Gosh I sure hope Im just being a nervous nellie and there is nothing to
> > worry about....
> >
> > Bock
> >
>
> > "dave" wrote:
> > Hey guys,
> >
> > I spoke to DaveT on the phone.
> >
> > He has been traveling a lot for work and is currently on the road. He
> > hasn't been able to check his mail for a couple days.
> >
> > He secured the date for the track but is waiting to have the contract
> > in hand which he should have shortly.
> > Per the previous email, the hotel has been arranged.
> >
> > He will be able to post information to the list in the next couple days.
> >
> > DaveH
> >

[Shortcutsleeping]

Thanks for the effort and legwork Kevin!

Hmmmmm....

Costas

[McCall]

It's on like Donkey Kong! Seriously, things had been moving pretty slowly mostly due to track negotiations but it's really starting to pick up now. Here's the scope:

It will be taking place May 18th, 19th, and 20th, in Indianapolis. This will be the 11th year of the event. I've been to all but the first one (both Indy, Memphis, and one year in St. Louis), and they've all been an absolute blast. Three day events let you race a lot and yet have time to meet people. Actually there is sooooo much track time you are tired of being on the track after Saturday.

This is not a car show, though there are some well done cars that show up. This is more geared for the racers - Drag racers, autoxers, and road racers. Many of the cars that show are driven in, flogged on hard, and (most of the time) driven home again. There's no "prize money" for winning, but trophies are handed out and there's usually a little something fun for the winners.

http://www.fbody-event.org is the official web site but the message board http://fbody-event.org/forums/index.php? where most of the info is posted. For you old timers, there is a mailing list as well (at http://www.f-body.org under Mailing Lists, sub to the Event mailing list).

Typically, registration closes about 6 weeks before the event. There are never registrations or payments taken "at the gate". So it's a fairly closed event, and not open to the general public after the registration due date. This makes it a MUCH more relaxed and friendly environment for the participants.

I'll post back when they start taking registrations. Right now they are taking names in this post: http://www.fbody-event.org/forums/showthread.php?t=140(Note that on the Event board, you must register with either firstname-last initial or inital-lastname. Kinda funky, but that's their rules.) as kind of a pre-registration. Post up if you plan on coming.

Anyhow, Thunder Racing is the primary sponsor for the event (and will be there in full force, I'm sure - as I've seen Paul, Angie, David, Geoff, and others there in years past). Carolina Auto Masters (CAM, Jeff "The Milkman" Creech) is a sponsor as well a few more t.b.a.

If you Autocrosser, Road Racer, or Drag Racer (or all three)... this is the event to go to. Three days of racing during the day, and hanging out with fellow enthusiasts in the evening (which can go pretty late!).

I'm the offical Road Course Organizer so if you have any road course related questions, please let me know.

This post has been edited by McCall: Feb 18 2006, 12:10 AM

[trackbird]

Thanks McCall!

It was great meeting you and Mrs. McCall last year. Unfortunately, I'm going to miss this year since I'm not racing and won't be buying tires. I was planning to come, but sadly, I'm just not going to make it. I'll probably make #12 though. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Shortcutsleeping]

Ok, I've read thru the info on the webpage and have two questions:

1) The schedule listed was for last year so I am guessing that this year will be similar. Any idea when a 'fairly firm' schedule will be posted? With IRP using the drag track for the roadcourse, I understand there won't be any dragracing/roadcourse overlap...but will the ax event overlap the roadcourse or drag events?

2) Any additional charge for bringing two cars? (ex: 1 to drag and 1 to ax, or 1 to ax and 1 to rr)

Thanks,

Costas
cars and such...

[McCall]

Thanks McCall!

It was great meeting you and Mrs. McCall last year. Unfortunately, I'm going to miss this year since I'm not racing and won't be buying tires. I was planning to come, but sadly, I'm just not going to make it. I'll probably make #12 though. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Bummer Kevin. Well, you know you could just drive out to hang. Heck, I know they could use a hand setting up/taking down the autox as well as I know I could you use you as a Pit Marshal or PA announcer. In the past years, we have had a bunch of folks fly in just to hang out and they still have a blast.

[McCall]

Ok, I've read thru the info on the webpage and have two questions:

1) The schedule listed was for last year so I am guessing that this year will be similar. Any idea when a 'fairly firm' schedule will be posted? With IRP using the drag track for the roadcourse, I understand there won't be any dragracing/roadcourse overlap...but will the ax event overlap the roadcourse or drag events?

2) Any additional charge for bringing two cars? (ex: 1 to drag and 1 to ax, or 1 to ax and 1 to rr)

Thanks,

Costas
cars and such...

1. The official schedule should be posted sometime this next week as I know they are firming things up. I believe they are trying to have autox on both Friday and Saturday with set-up/walk-thrus Thursday afternoon. It will coincide with Drag racing since the autox course at IRP will be using a turn or two on the road course.

2. You know Paul, in my 10 years of going to events, I don't think that question has even been asked. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/thumbup.gif) I'll post it to the orgainers and see what response I get.

[trackbird]

Bummer Kevin. Well, you know you could just drive out to hang. Heck, I know they could use a hand setting up/taking down the autox as well as I know I could you use you as a Pit Marshal or PA announcer. In the past years, we have had a bunch of folks fly in just to hang out and they still have a blast.

It's tempting, but I'm going to be woefully short on vacation this year with our planned trips. I'll see how it looks as we get closer (it's not like it's a long drive for me).

[McCall]

2) Any additional charge for bringing two cars? (ex: 1 to drag and 1 to ax, or 1 to ax and 1 to rr)

Thanks,

Costas
cars and such...

Here's your answer Costas:

"Damn, good question, we've always in the past said that we charged per driver and not per car, so I'd say the more the merrier, bring it on."

and

"the only charge is which ever car he is not using I get to use since I will not have a car. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) " haha!

[McCall]

Registration is open! Go here- http://fbody-event.org/register.cgi

From the overall organzier:

"Heads up people!!!

We are doing everything that can be done to get Registration open for Indy 2006. I am sure Wayne and James will have things up and running soon. I got all the info over to Wayne this afternoon. I hate to give a time that it will be open in case there is a problem but I would think Mon or Tue would be reasonable.

OK that being said, due to the challenges (contract issues) faced this year there will be a very narrow window for go no go. I am begging everyone to go ahead and register as soon as you possibly can (once it opens up) WE MUST HAVE AT A VERY MINIMUM 100 PEOPLE REGISTERED AND PAID TO EVEN THINK ABOUT GOING!!! Also if at all possible take advantage of the pay pal method its so much faster and easier for the organizers, thanks.

Now I have had many people email me telling me that even though only 68 people have voted there are more people that will go but are just waiting for registration to open. I hope this is true.

Ask, beg, blackmail, force friends and new people to go!! We have to get some new people to the event to see how great a time is to be had. The truth is if we can't get enough people to this years event and it has to be canceled due to lack of attendance then imho there will not be a next time. To some this may not be a big deal but for me its upsetting. This event has always been about the people, so what if you no longer drive an f-body? Come anyway and have a good time with your vette or gto or cts-v (can I take it for spin pretty please?) and BRING SOMEONE ELSE NEW!!!!

David Tittermary
__________________
Overall Organizer"

This post has been edited by McCall: Mar 13 2006, 06:39 PM

[robz71lm7]

I'm in. I'm only going to be there Saturday though (autocross).

[35th_Anniversary...]

Registration is open! Go here- http://fbody-event.org/register.cgi
This event has always been about the people, so what if you no longer drive an f-body? Come anyway and have a good time with your vette or gto or cts-v

David Tittermary
__________________
Overall Organizer"

OOh OOh I might go now lol =)

[ws6transam]

[quote name='McCall' date='Mar 13 2006, 01:36 PM' post='75485']
Registration is open! Go here- http://fbody-event.org/register.cgi

Too bad for me! I had to make a decision by February so NFME is a "no-go" for me. The money is now committed to other projects like family vacation, and to help set up a sister in-law's wedding. I delayed as long as I could. Next time this event needs to be set up by the end of the year. Otherwise it'll always be a mad scramble to find people.

[EastLa]

I'm in a similar boat, I'm hoping I can find the fundage to go, but it's starting to not look good. I wish I could have already been paid like previous years..

I'm registered though, and trying like hell to get some side job to pay my way there.. Anyone need any Network Engineering done after hours or on weekends? I'm pretty good at what I do, Cisco, Linux, MS, Novell.. I say after hours, because my main job is Network Engineer for a bank here in B'ham.