As some of you might have read, I have to bring Matthew up to Boston for the next round of the Red Bull Driver Search the first week of August. Obviously, this wasn't in my budget. I've been checking on places to stay near the Boston F1 Outdoor track near East Bridgewater. Damn hotels up in that area are EXPENSIVE, somewhere between $130-150 a night.

Is there anyone on this board that might live fairly close to there that might have a room for Matthew and I to lay our heads for 3-4 nights??? I feel like a bum asking but it's really going to put a crimp in the budget (credit card) that I really can't afford to make right now. Of course, I can't afford to not let him go for this chance of a lifetime either. Either way I'm heading up there even if I have to bite the bullet but I just thought I'd ask anyway.

OR....

If you know of a reasonable hotel fairly close to there, that would help too. Anything to save me a little money would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hopefully Steve someone bucks up and helps you out.

If not consider that for barely more than the cost of 1 night at a hotel you could buy camping equipment, find a camp ground, and have a hell of alot of fun. And he would probably have even more fun.

I can't wait until I can take my son camping. I don't think my father realizes how great that was to us.

I think we as a group should in a way sponsor this young hopeful. I'm willing to make a donation to this worthy cause although I know that's not what you were looking for. I mean no disrespect in this offer Steve just an jesture of help for an obviously talented young driver. This is just a thought and if I'm off base with this then I'm sorry but I look forward to everyones responses.

hell yeah ill donate something. good idea Jeff. let me know how i can help steve, youve helped me so much. let us know please

Trust me, I don't take that wrong at all!!!

Hey, it's tough being a single dad!!! I'll be the first to admit it. Now I can honestly say I know what it must be like being a single mom with kids.

I thought about the camping part, we've camped out before... and it's still being considered. I just figured it would be helpfull for him to get a good nights rest so he could be fresh for 9-5 for three days. I've never driven a Rotax kart but I can imagine what it must be like. I took a karting school with Matthew for 4 or 5 hours and it will flat wear you out.

I appreciate you help. I've already decided to NOT rent a car and drive my own. That will save $200. I've found a friend in Virginia to stay with going up and hopefully have a place lined up coming back... not too sure about that one yet. Red Bull pays us $250 once we get there.

Well, Steve, I may be able to help. After all, I work for the Ritz-Carlton, which is owned by Marriott. I can (and will) be glad to see what we have in the area for you. Typically, if the hotel is not overly busy, I can get a Friends Rate at a Marriott for between $39 and $79. I will see what I can do for you and Matthew (after all, he and I have the same name - I gotta help if I can!). I'll PM or e-mail you with what I find..

I forgot to ask, what nights do you need? Also, where is the venue so I can try to find something close?

One of our members does live in Boston. I remember he worked at a restaurant and had gone to Boston F1 at least a few times. I can't remember his screen name though.

I did a search on expedia.com for East Bridgewater, MA and it didn't find the city. Perhaps if you give an address for Boston F1 some people can help you do a search. If you can find a Motel 6 or Super 8 I usually find they are decent and cheap places to stay. Of course Marriott's are a good step up.

Jeff97FST/A is from Boston:
http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act=Pro...&CODE=03&MID=32

We should be arriving on Monday evening, August 2 and we stay through Thursday night.

I forgot to tell you all...
Matthew drove his second autocross on Sunday and PAX'D first again out of 215 drivers!!!! He also had FTD...
These are the PAX times...look who he beat:

1. 71/FJ4 MATTHEW BRUECK 97 MARG KART (0.834) 38.783
2. 129/ESP TOM PULLIAM 00 CHEV CAMARO (0.824) 39.002
3. 40/BS ROB FALKNER 04 MAZD MS (0.826) 39.049
4. 29/ESP STEVE WATERS 00 CHEV camaro (0.824) 39.218
5. 67/CSP C. HEATH MCMILLAN 85 HOND CRX (0.837) 39.337
6. 7/SS PAUL BARROS 01 CORV Z06 (0.836) 39.431
7. 99/GS ROBERT CARPENTER 01 TOYO CELICA (0.781) 39.458
8. 110/STS RYAN THOMPSON 89 HOND CIVIC SI (0.791) 39.509
9. 74/ESP STEVE BRUECK 94 CHEV CAMARO Z28 (0.824) 39.598
10. 53/ES MICHAEL PLUMER 93 MAZD MIATA (0.804) 39.628
11. 66/SM2 BEN THATCHER 86 CHEV CORVETTE (0.849) 39.634
12. 10/STS CASEY HANNAN 89 HOND CIVIC (0.791) 39.635
13. 34/HS KENNETH ST.PIERRE 84 HOND CRX (0.776) 39.913
14. 99/DS AL ABERSON 01 LEXU IS300 (0.794) 40.027
15. 53/SM2 RUSSELL MONKS 94 CHEV CORVETTE (0.849) 40.090
16. 21/ST2 JONATHAN ROBERTS 90 MAZD MIATA (0.810) 40.123
17. 114/SM MARC OSGOOD 90 HOND CIVIC (0.838) 40.270
18. 18/DP DUANE DUNHAM 64 TRIU SPITFIRE (0.844) 40.455
19. 34/FJ2 AARON WATERS 96 GO K GO KART (0.792) 40.479
20. 154/ES JAY PARCON 93 TOYO MR2 (0.804) 40.485

All the guys in bold are either national champions and/or Evolution instructors. Ryan is a two time finalist in the Mazda Rev It Up. There are others in that group that have placed VERY high at the nationals. Michael Plumer was the National Solo Rookie of the Year a few years back, Ben Thatcher has come close, Al Aberson, Steve Waters, Duane Dunham and Jay Paron, all EXCELLENT drivers have ended up in or near the trophies at the Nationals.

Unbelievable...

I've PM'd Steve on it...

F1 outdoors is 31 miles from me. Good thing the event is after the Democratic National Convention - that's shaping up to be a traffic nightmare with major road closures...

F1 Directions

I'm in Belmont, just outside Boston.

We don't have the best accomodations, plus two cats and a dog to contend with. Gotta talk it over with the wife. With our conflicting schedules, I'll get a chance to talk with her tonight.

Steve, PM me with your phone number, I'll give you a call today or tomorrow...

This is great stuff ...

Steve,

Sent you a PM.

-John

I have one or two friends in Boston that we can tap into if needed. Not as good as staying directly w/a FRRAXer, but better than paying

How cool!

Got a room!!!!! Thanks to 00 Trans Am!!!!!! It's only 22 miles from the F1 Outdoor track too!!

You guys are great!!

Very cool!

Anytime, Steve! I really hope that your son does well.

In fact, we should get a group of us together to go heckle the others! Maybe slip some sugar in their gas tanks!

Seriously, if anyone else is going to be travelling, let me know. I can usually find something in or near most locations, for around $50-$75. Not always, but more often than not.

Great to hear, Steve. You're probably better off staying down on the South Shore - traffic in and around the city can be a bear...

All you Boston area folk - maybe we can all get together with Steve and Matt when they come up for a little story telling....

We'll be staying at the Fairfield Inn in Dedham. Here's the link:

http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage/BOSDH

So if anyone is going to be around in the evenings, let us know or if you can make it out to watch, come out for that too. It's August 3-5 from 9-5 each day at the F1 Outdoor Track .

I'm taking my laptop with me and there is high speed internet access in the rooms so I'll try to post pictures etc. every evening. I think I'm as excited about it as he is!!!

I tell you all how great everyone has been! It's been great knowing that when you need some help, there are people out there that care. After it's all said and done, I'll be sending out many thanks and acknowledgements for everyone that's helped.

Thanks again!!!

I just found out that Matthew was turning between 13,700 to 14,500 rpm in the kart the other day. That equates to 65-70 mph!! That's what you call flyin'!!!!

I just read this whole post, and it made me feel really good! In fact, it made my day! I hope he kicks some ass!

glad to see things coming together nicely steve.

Congratulations on your son's performance, Steve!