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?

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.

*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?

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).

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.

Ah, I see.

Well maybe I'll finally get to put my '03 HD to work. Too bad it'll have to be with a rented trailer.

Any ballpark estimate on entry costs for the event?

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

you can soon sign up HERE for the 2005 event.

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.

Yup, had a good time discussing one of my favorite subjects: F-body Motorsports .

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 ).

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 .

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... ). 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?)

Thanks for the kind words Mike !

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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 . 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).

Eugenio,

You will be driving right through Columbus, OH. I may have a place for you to get some rest and then we (and possibly others) can head out in the morning (depending on how the caravans form).

I would definately be in!!!! May also have a group from Upstate NY that would make it also. Helluva drive from NY, but hey maybe meet up with E SS?

Gary :drive:

From Dallas it's not a bad drive. Done it a few times.

Being on a new track would be worth the drive also.

:drive:

Would love to.

W/o a trailer....Have to figure out to get 4 large tires plus tools in the car.

hmmm....

I had a blast in Indy in '03. I definately will go to Memphis, being only three hours away.

I'll cross my fingers that our SCCA region has that weekend off.

DO I have to bring my Camaro or can I bring my C5?

It seems I can only have one reliable race car at a time and it doesn't appear that that is Barney's time...

We'd have to ask Ken.

3 flat for me. Hopefully will have the 6 speed in by then and could come out for the weekend.

Barney,

You've still got a good half year to get your f-body ready .

Nevertheless, the NFME is an f-body only event. We do allow some exceptions which you can read about in the NFME FAQ here:

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

If your f-body won't be ready by next May, send me a private message and we can discuss. Thanks for understanding.

I was planning to make the trip, now it will be sweeter.
Those that road trip together, we could rent a moving van to carry tires and tools.

great.
thanks... I might take on your word

I'd be up for doing that. I was already planning on attending the national f-body event next year anyway.

One thing I would point out, the Memphis roadcourse is ok, but it's definitely not something those of us that have driven several different tracks are going to be impressed by. It's a nice beginners track, but is nowhere near as challenging as many of the dedicated roadcourses around the country. Not saying it isn't fun, especially with that 1/2 mile plus front straight, but it's nowhere close to a Hallett, Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, etc.

I heard that as well.

My thinking is this, I can learn from Ken (so we can possibly "go it alone" in the future if we decide to), we can all meet up and put names with faces, hang out, etc. And, we can see what kind of turnout we might expect for a future event. Not perfect, but possibly an excellent start.

I'd be interested in coming too. It would be just in time for my vacation! I hope this works out.

Agreed Evan. This ain't no Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta or Spa-Francochamps (I've run 'em all ), but then again, pushing yourself is just as much of a challenge at any given track. And as Kevin said, this is as much a social event as anything else. Nevertheless, the big sweeper at the end of Memphis' monster front straight is a hoot. The esses are pretty challenging and Grant's Tomb ain't no piece of cake either .

Of course it could be worse... the NFME could be held at Nelson Ledges .

I've been to this track before but as a spectator. Like others have said its not very technical. But track time is track time. But seeing nothing but F-body on the track is a sight!!! To anybody that hasnt driven there car across a traction compond equipped drag strip, it might be another thing to throw into the mix. Especally if there's a little rain around

Seeing that Im not going racing in the 05 OLOA I might have some more time to play.
If I can get the time off I will try to make it. looks like 1200 miles for me aprox. But after driving 7600 + miles in 10 days its just a quick trip John

It appears that I can get the time off to go, so the plan is for me to be there. I hope you guys can make it too.

The event will be May 5-7, 2005. I'll be there.

What is the cost for this event? Did I miss that somewhere in the thread?

I'm waiting for Ken to get it finalized (I've not been out to the fbody motorsports event site in a while to check). I'll have to find the link again and go look (I have it at home, I'm just not at home now).

Larry, Everyone Else,

I'm sorry I haven't followed up on this lately. I'm a bit behind my usual early planning curve because my father had a heart attack about 2 weeks ago so I had to rush back home to help with his recuperation. He ended up having triple bypass surgery. Things are improving slowly but surely but I haven't had a whole lot of time to work on the NFME during the past 2 weeks (when I had planned to begin preparations). I hope by early next week I'll be able to start on planning again. You can check last year's prices for an idea of costs. They won't be any higher than that and likely will be lower (but no promises until I go over the venue contract with a fine tooth comb).

Anyway, I appreciate your patience and understanding with this delay.

Ken,

I'm glad to hear that your father is recovering. I saw your post on CC.com and figured you would have your hands full for a while. Send him my best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Thanks for the well wishes Kevin. I finally got back home just before New Years and then I was off again travelling. I've been back in my house for more than 3 days in a row (which seems almost strange) and have begun the planning again .

Anyway, the latest is that we've finally started up a message board for the NFME. You can check it out here:

http://fbody-event.org/forums/

One of the two requirements to attend the NFME used to be that you had to be on our mailing list (the other requirement was owning an f-body). There were a lot of message board folks that didn't like mailing lists (personally, I don't care which medium is used) so it was a problem for some folks who wanted to attend the NFME but didn't want to subscribe to a mailing list. Now, with our new forum, you have the choice of the mailing list or the forum but you have to be subscribed or registered to one, the other or both in order to sign up and attend the event.

On another note, just like you guys have rules for your board, we have some rules for ours:

http://fbody-event.org/forums/announcement.php?f=11

When registering, pay special attention to rule #3. Coming from a mailing list background, many of our folks are a bit paranoid about what we've seen in some forums (not this one) in terms of punks and internet tough guys ruining a chummy group. Since we'll all eventually meet face to face anyway, we do not allow anonymous userids. Some variation of your name (firstname lastname/firstname only/firstname last initial/firstname "nickname" lastname or initial) is required.

Anyway, I noticed a few of the FRRAX requlars have already subscribed. Glad to see you guys over there. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm always more than happy to help.

I got on the forum today. Bryan on mtfba had just posted about the forum, and it reminded me...

Maybe we should post something in the Events category here, that's where I went looking for this info at first.

Good point. It started as a secondary discussion and grew. Maybe we should move this thread there instead.

Our tentative Solo II schedule came out and we're off that weekend! :D Now, do I bring the Firehawk or the Formula....

I'm registered. I see Karen is already on the list as well. Who else?

Here's the link.

http://www.fbody-event.org/register.cgi

I was signed up last year and had to cancel out. It's tough for me tying to get out of here for a couple of days. Dan Baber, a friend of mine here locally, ran Indy last year and had a great time. I think he finished second in the autocross running drag radials and street tires. How he pulled that one off I'll never know.