Official CougarFest 2004 Announcement Thread

[ignernt]

Well, i wanted to wait until all contracts were signed to make the announcement, but i am confident that we are "locked in" to both the facility and the hotel. So, to appease the masses...

CougarFest 2004

Host City - Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dates - Thursday July 22nd - Sunday July 25th 2004

Hotel - Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 2930 Waterfront Parkway, West Drive , Indianapolis, IN, US, 46214 (http://www.clarionhotel.com/ires/hotel/in117) DO NOT contact the hotel to reserve rooms Hotel Registration instructions will follow very soon. James has blocked 75 rooms for CougarFest. This means that the problems we had last year with people being turned away WILL NOT happen this coming year. The rooms will be less than $300 for the weekend. To reiterate what was said in another thread, the hotel was not chosen purely on price, but also on location, amount of rooms, lot size, and use of extra rooms for events that will be announced later.

The show - Saturday July 24th 2004 - The show will take place at the hotel. The show is in its preliminary stages in planning, but so far we have over $1200 in donated product to raffled off. This is even before i have picked up a phone to start contacting companies, which i will start on Monday now that the final puzzle piece is in place in terms of "When & Where?" Organized how-to's will return, as will trophies. Pizza and pop will not make a return.

And now, for the first time...

TRACK - Indianapolis Raceway Park, Friday July 23rd 2004
For the first time CougarFest will have a track day. We have rented the IRP all to ourselves for 8 hours of Drag Strip (http://www.nhra.com/media/2003/irp/IRPPhase2Rending.jpg) use and AutoCross. This is the event that will help us set the bar for all CougarFests to come. Obviously with this event comes huge responsibility and liability. We will have to adhere to all NHRA rules for the drag strip and all SCCA rules for the AutoCross, rules which i will compile and post shortly.

The full itinerary will be posted when the CougarFest committee finalizes everything. If you don't see it listed above then it's not finalized yet, i.e. food, registration fees, etc.

Now you can see what the raffles are going towards. The weekend is easily a $6000 venture. There are some that may think this is excessive, but i think NECO and TeamNECO are very deserving of a show such as this. There are some that may think this schedule will be too hectic, but it won't. We will be in one location on Friday and one on Saturday, with plenty of leisure time, especially at night. The CougarFest committee is dedicated to making this event great. How can you help? Buy more raffle tickets. The raffles are paying for the majority of CougarFest. The more tickets sold = the less we'll have to ask for registration. And just so you know, i know exactly how many raffle tickets have been bought by each person. ;)

[CBG]

KICKASS!!!

[Aries]

Holy Isht! 8 hours of Drag and Autocross time! Our cars are gonna be beat to hell and back! That rocks!

[CGburns]

niceness :biggrin: see you all there :wave:

[Iceotron]

out-freakin-standing

:applause:


I know what I'm doing for summer vacation!!

[rista]

yeah, i'll definately make it there. prolly thursday night though as i'll just have to use a 'sick day' for friday :)

is anything planned for thursday??

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: rista
is anything planned for thursday??
Nothing yet... but overall it's going to be "Meet and Greet." Like i said... PLENTY of hang-out time. :)

[JScullin]

Originally posted by: rista
yeah, i'll definately make it there. prolly thursday night though as i'll just have to use a 'sick day' for friday :)

is anything planned for thursday??

Probably a lot of standing & walking around. Lots of us will have 10+ hour drives. That's how the past CF's have started when everyone trickles in. Just one big hang-out in the parking lot.

[rista]

hmmmm...... i may have to take thursday off as well since i've not met too many of you guys in person. plus you guys have to get to know the man known as the 'joe dirt' look-alike:disgust: (aka ME)

[LostRacer]

We won't be there till friday

[Mike]

Depending on what time we leave, i'll be there Thursday afternoon/night. :biggrin:

[Crispy]

I just wanted to state very quickly that TeamNECO.com decided to forego a separate event (HCKC 2K4) to combine with CougarFest to make this event Spectacular and MUCH larger...

[MetallicaCougs]

sweet dates! :thumbsup:

[ND4SPD]

eek...July... heeeeeeeeeat!
hopefully its not too bad... :cover: and i will most likely be there for the Thrusday night festivites :biggrin:



one thing that wasn't mentioned there Don... did James just reserve 75 rooms? or 75 rooms TOGETHER...

one major thing at Virginia as you remember, is that we were scattered all over the hotel.
I think the plan for "the next event" was that we all get put in our own "wing" of the hotel... is that still on the list of things to do?

[sonza68]

WooHoo. Autocross!!! Now I have to bring my sticky tires with me.

[PuckPuck]

We bought 75 rooms... i sure hope they are all on the same floor...


OH AND THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS

more to come... but we are planning something VERY VERY LARGE!!! (this is just very large)

[yakko69]

Very well done guys and girls. I cant wait for my 3rd Cougarfest. Looks like this one will blow all the other ones out of the water, and not everything has been revealed yet! Like I said before......WELL DONE!!!!

[ND4SPD]

Originally posted by: PuckPuck
We bought 75 rooms... i sure hope they are all on the same floor...


OH AND THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS

more to come... but we are planning something VERY VERY LARGE!!! (this is just very large)

Free hot wimmenz for all??? :biggrin:

[ZEXCougar]

It sounds like it will be a great time! You have done a fantastic job of planning so far! Keep up the good work! One question about following the rules at the track... Will I not be allowed to run since I do not have a blow down valve for the nitrous, and also have the battery in the trunk with no cutoff switch? The blowdown can be done, but I am not gonna mount a switch on the outside of my car! I second the notion of grouping the rooms together too... I would hate to have a curfew instilled upon us due to someone trying to get some sleep in the room next door!

[ZEXCougar]

Originally posted by: ND4SPD
[quote]
[i]

Free hot wimmenz for all??? :biggrin:

No ND4SPD... Only for you. Congratulations! You won the drawing.

[ignernt]

Once i get all the rules i'll post them. The good thing is that since we have slow cars we don't have to worry about the flame retardant clothing! ;) :thumbsup:

[Crispy]

James was in charge of rooms at the same hotel for TeamNECO's HardCore Kitty Fest.. he had rooms basically all together for us.. we all had rooms that were around the pool and then there were a few areas that were off on their own for the nasty smokers..

YES - the pool is in the middle of the hotel under an atrium and all the rooms face it.. it was a party and the staff was amazing.. this will be a larger event and I must state that we are not there to babysit.. this location was picked and accepted based on the great impression that HCKC left this hotel with - so if anyone is going to ruin future events at this hotel for either TeamNECO or FastCougar you will be removed from the premises without prevail. I was unable to really enjoy myself with with being the main organizer at HCKC - this year with me combining as an organizer for CougarFest I have every intention of partying my ass off and enjoying this event to its fullest.. http://www.teamneco.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/rockon.gif

[Xerxeese]

mmmmmm autocross.. Oh I SOO want to play... will be nice to see how I do VS more cougars. There is one other who races (in the mass/conn area) .. and we are close in times... :)

[Zman]

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! The best CF and I have to miss is. :(

[HugNSmile1]

yippie! COUGARFEST IS HERE! I am so happy! Do we get t shirts too? LA LA lA LA LA LA

This is a AWESOME ending to a horrible week I have had! :)

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: Zman
Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! The best CF and I have to miss is. :(

What? No CF for Ken?

No fearless leader to lead? :(

[ignernt]

i thought this was the weekend you said you couldn't go Ken. :(

It was the only one i could get... i tried getting the week before and the week after because the way my work schedule is i'm going to end up taking at least 3 days off and i'll need a doctor's excuse for that. This won't be a one-year deal though man... this is the first of many huge CougarFests.

[frenchblueC2]

:applause;

thanks very much all.

gotta start getting the work time off, saving money and getting prepped for that autocross!
my bish is itching to get out on one.
:thumbsup:

[JennaJ]

sweet - now i just need to wait and see what state ill be living in

i may be moving someplace.... between Dec and April

i know i want to go



KEN - why cant you go?

[Estiem]

*insert smiley doin the cabbage patch here*
:banana: :banana: :banana: <-- this'll do for now.

[Pyro81]

Sweet deal! I can't wait to go. This'll be my first 'fest and i'm eager to meet everybody.

[GGRACER]

Well I will be there again!! I know that JennaJ will be rooming with me either way no matter where she is living!!! I am sooo excited. Can't wait to see everyone there!!

[Brandon]

IRP sticks pretty well to the regulations. So if there is a chance you need to run with a helmet bring one, make sure you have a battery tie down and have jeans to wear since they usually won’t let you run if you are wearing shorts. Also there may be a new rule next year that requires a helmet for any car with a sunroof or opening in the roof so prepare for that as well.

[ignernt]

IIRC helmets are required if your car runs the 1/4 in less than 14 seconds flat. Most of us won't have that problem. :biggrin:

There may be loaners... i'll have to check into that, but if you have one please bring it.

[Zman]

Well, I'm going to consider attending Thrusday and Friday. I have to be back here in Buffalo on Saturday by about 3:00pm since one of my really good friends of about 10 years is getting married to one of my other friends of about 5 years.

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: Zman
Well, I'm going to consider attending Thrusday and Friday. I have to be back here in Buffalo on Saturday by about 3:00pm since one of my really good friends of about 10 years is getting married to one of my other friends of about 5 years.

Excuses, excuses... :biggrin:

[ND4SPD]

Originally posted by: ZEXCougar

Originally posted by: ND4SPD
[quote]

Free hot wimmenz for all??? :biggrin:

No ND4SPD... Only for you. Congratulations! You won the drawing.
kiiiiiiiiiick ass! :wiggle:

[Bexcat]

NICE! THis is sounding awesome, can't wait.

[Aries]

I'm getting excited! Can't we have an Pre-Cougarfest in December! I can't wait til July for Cougarfest!

[Aries]

Is it just me, or in that link to the hotel, does that first pic look like a KFC or a Chinese Restaraunt entrance?

[ignernt]

It's just you... :tongue:

[Madcat]

Just read the info. Myself and friends are already planning. His SCed focuz will be done with the body work and ready for everything ;) My baby will be about the same as lack of cash, but who knows from now til then....

[Excelcier]

This does sound truly exciting. I can't wait!

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: Excelcier
This does sound truly exciting. I can't wait!

Glad to hear that Ron... i know you wanted a Fest modeled after the Spring Zing in Dallas and this is as close as it's going to get for the money.

BTW... i know your car will show well in the Glow-off. ;)

[Crispy]

Originally posted by: Aries
Is it just me, or in that link to the hotel, does that first pic look like a KFC or a Chinese Restaraunt entrance?
Brian, its the same hotel that you were at for HCKC last year... were you that drunk that you don't remember it at all?

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: ignernt

Originally posted by: Excelcier
This does sound truly exciting. I can't wait!
BTW... i know your car will show well in the Glow-off. ;)

He may have some serious competition :biggrin:

[hamill]

Can I have special permission to call ahead and get the same room I had last year?? Please Please Please....I REALLY want that room (a select few know why).

I'm glad it's at the same place. I wonder if Bobbie Jo will be there, and that cute 20 year old that is a waitress at the bar (not the bartender).

Can't wait. I allready sent my boss my RTO (request time off) form.

[hamill]

OH.....one other thing (disclaimer)





ON YOUR WAY TO INDY.......IF YOU ARE DRIVING DURING THE NIGHT WATCH OUT FOR DEER.

IF YOU DO HIT ONE, I KNOW AN EXCELLENT CAR WASH TO GET UNDERNEATH YOUR CAR THAT IS LESS THAN 10 MINUTES FROM THE HOTEL.




Just had to add that :)

[ignernt]

Originally posted by: hamill
Can I have special permission to call ahead and get the same room I had last year?? Please Please Please....I REALLY want that room (a select few know why).

If you don't want to get the group rate... by all means, go ahead and reserve your room. ;)

Edit - in other words NOBODY will call the hotel... all rooms will be reserved and paid through the CougarFest Committee.

[Tigg]

:thumbsup: Excellent news... Can't wait. :biggrin:

[hooven]

excellent im so there- see you all in INDY- yaah i've never been there... maybe i will make a week out of it! :biggrin:

[Nemesis]

im definatly gonna be showing up. Im going to make this a vacation so ill probably be staying a week also. :)

[nadthomas]

I will be maxing out all my credit cards this summer, because I will be damned if I go to my first CF stock. :biggrin:

[JennaJ]

hey heather - if things go well - maybe we'll only need to find 1 more roommate:wiggle:

that means you'll have to find someone you are willing to sleep with :cover:

[Aries]

Originally posted by: JennaJ
hey heather - if things go well - maybe we'll only need to find 1 more roommate:wiggle: that means you'll have to find someone you are willing to sleep with :cover:

:wave:

[ND4SPD]

*pushes Aries out of the way*

:wave: :wave:




:biggrin:

[ND4SPD]

Originally posted by: 01blkcat

Originally posted by: ignernt

Originally posted by: Excelcier
This does sound truly exciting. I can't wait!
BTW... i know your car will show well in the Glow-off. ;)

He may have some serious competition :biggrin:
I dunno man... being inside Rons car at night is like... you can't even tell its night time. :tongue:


how about you and i team up and enter BOTH our cars as "one car"
heh, i'm going to have a bunch of stuff... maybe combined, we can beat him :biggrin:

[frenchblueC2]

Originally posted by: ignernt
Glad to hear that Ron... i know you wanted a Fest modeled after the Spring Zing in Dallas and this is as close as it's going to get for the money.

Just some clarification: the National Meet was held in Dallas - assuming you're referring to the CEG meet.
Spring Zing, was and is a Michigan only event (but definitely feel free to model against some past Spring Zings - those were the hawtness - autox, road rallies, HUGE filmed caravans, car show, bbq, museum tours, banquet with videos shown and guest speakers, dynos, Terry frickin Haines, race track, etc).

[sonza68]

Originally posted by: ignernt
IIRC helmets are required if your car runs the 1/4 in less than 14 seconds flat. Most of us won't have that problem. :biggrin:

There may be loaners... i'll have to check into that, but if you have one please bring it.
SCCA rules require autocrossers (and any passengers) to wear a helmet. I'll be bringing mine and let it be a loaner when I'm not using it.

[frenchblueC2]

I'll be bringing my helmet. it matches my car :flushed:
my passenger will be bringing his too.

[Kooter]

This is gonnna be BADASS!! i better get my mods going!!

[Zalec]

i mapquested it


Total Estimated Time: Total Distance: 289.71 miles
4 hours, 38 minutes


thats longer then i thought i would be

[Crispy]

4 hours is nothing.... there will be people at this event that have drove over 20 hours... thats dedication!!! it's 5.5 for me and I am not going to blink twice about it.. Indy rocks...

Hopefully my car will not show up stripped or in many colors of gelcoating...

[01blkcat]

Originally posted by: ND4SPD

how about you and i team up and enter BOTH our cars as "one car"
heh, i'm going to have a bunch of stuff... maybe combined, we can beat him :biggrin:

Deal! :thumbsup:

[Magoo]

My body work will be completed by then with all sorts of goodies. HOpefully I'll still have a crazy tint job as well to make it too this event. Can't waite to meet everyone. However, my car does not like road trips as I found out on the way to Nopi.

[OJE]

Only about 10 hours for me, not that great but its not too bad at all considering i know some will be doing double that. Im glad you posted some info about this but at the same time it sucks cause it only makes me wish it was next week. I just hope to make it this year without any tickets on the way, but what a great avatar it made.

[Mike]

Total Distance: 903.69KM
Total Estimated Time: 9 hours, 2 minutes

I can handle that. :thumbsup:

[Xerxeese]

14 hours for me... ouch.. last year was supposed to be 9 and it took 19, I hope the same "formula" doesnt apply to this years !

[ignernt]

For anybody that is coming through my area i will post a full description of all construction and hiding spots that you might want to drive the speed limit through. ;)

[rastaman]

Originally posted by: Mike
Total Distance: 903.69KM
Total Estimated Time: 9 hours, 2 minutes

I can handle that. :thumbsup:

i guarantee we'll be able to do it in about 7 hours mike ;)

[Aries]

3 hours for me and the Illinois Crew!

[JennaJ]

Total Distance: 811.98 miles
Total Estimated Time: 12 hours, 52 minutes

from current address

that sucks..... 3 hours longer than going to VA - but ill still be there again!!

[hamill]

Originally posted by: rastaman

Originally posted by: Mike
Total Distance: 903.69KM
Total Estimated Time: 9 hours, 2 minutes

I can handle that. :thumbsup:

i guarantee we'll be able to do it in about 7 hours mike ;)

it took me 7 hrs going there from my house Ajay, it took 6 to get home. it's because its on the OTHER side of Indy so you hit trafific. It takes longer to get there because of the border, driving through Detroit, etc.

[Rikenbomb]

Looks like a vacation planned. I'll be going to Chicago for family visiting.

Chilling with NECO and family. Awesome!! :thumbsup:

[FastCat2002]

Sounds like my first will be the best. Cool and its a straight shot right up 65N. Gonna try and hook up with the guys around here that are going and see if we can get a convoy going. Thanks guys for all your hard work. :banana::banana::banana:

[HugNSmile1]

Ok. I am confused. What day should I show up to Cougar Fest? Thursday or Wednesday? When is everyone else showing up? The confusion is the last four years, we have showed up to CougarFest on a Thursday to begin the cougar fiestas on FRIDAY. The thread says cougarfest starts on a Thursday... so does that mean I need to get there on Wednesday so I am there for every moment of the Cougar Fiestas on Thursday? This will help me clarify the HUGE arguement IL NECO is having currently (which I think is crazy... CougarFest is 8 months away!)

[JScullin]

Most people show up on Thursday because the events are planned for Friday & Saturdays. Reason people do this is that a good amount of us are driving well over 8hrs and will want to relax and most of all, walk around after sitting in a car for so long. Those have significantly shorter drives sometimes leave late Thursday or early Friday to show up in time for the events.

What Ignernt is trying to say is that if you show up before the dates set for Fest you probably won't be able to check into your room, or get the discount, since now your arriving before the group rate period was designated. From what I've experienced & heard is that of the 3 day event Fest revolves around, the first day is the "hang around" day when people trickle in.

[Salmonchow]

Not to be a downer but what kind of insurance do you have for people driving on the tracks?

[Iceotron]

insurance?

is it ust my area, or does every track not make you sign a release?

[ov3n]

youll likely have to sign a waiver that says the track is in no way responsible if you wreck your car. furthermore, your insurance won't cover it either if you wreck it on a racetrack.. its race at your own risk

[CougarXR02]

Jay, it will be alright. we'll make it either way.
:thumbsup:

[ignernt]

Alright... to clarify...

The two fests i've been to have been billed as Friday-Sunday, with a lot of people showing up on Thursday, Friday everybody hung out, Saturday was the actual show and everybody went home on Sunday.

THIS YEAR everybody is being billed as Thursday-Sunday, with everybody showing up Thursday, Friday is track day for 8 hours and the rest is hang out time, Saturday is the actual show and Sunday everybody's going home. Sure, we have an extra day of activities but there will still be hang out time.

As for insurance we ARE getting insurance, and in fact this has been the most involved part of my dealings with the Indianapolis Raceway Park thus far, so everybody will be covered in regards to collision, bodily injury, etc.

HOWEVER, there will have to be waivers signed for another reason for those that will be participating in the drag or AutoX that will be along these lines : "ignernt, FastCougar, ProjectCougar, FastCougar.com, CustomCougars, the Indianapolis Raceway Park and CougarFest are not liable to damage to vehicles including but not limited to engine failure, suspension problems, damaged wheels or blown tires due to participating in the Drag Strip and/or AutoCross activities held for CougarFest 2004 at the Indianapolis Raceway Park this day, Friday July 23rd 2004. Signed X_______________"

[Salmonchow]

That's cool you're getting insurance...I figured someone had checked into it but I will tell everyone that if your insurance company ever finds out you raced even at a track they have the right to cancel your insurance...My father has been in insurance over 30 years and everytime I talk about racing at the track I remember what he told me...I also had a good friend just recently lose his insurance for this same thing...It's all fun and games until some hits someone.

[RioredCoug]

yea how long of a drive do you think it is from Philly to indy

[sonza68]

About 650 miles and 10 hours according to mapquest.

[mercurycougar]

Oh man I can't wait! A room to me and my girl!!! and the whole NECO FAMILY!!!!

Well once Delaware Neco finally gets together, we will make a convoy to indy. Hopefully we will meet up with ppl from Philly

[CougarKat]

I cant believe people are driving 10+ hours and over 600miles thats some dedication
but how about the Cougars - getting covered in bugs and what not

I hope there are some nice car washes nearby and also gotta bring all my cleaning utilities

that should be a fun activity - a car wash full of Cougars
Kitty needs a bath

[frenchblueC2]

Originally posted by: CougarKat
I cant believe people are driving 10+ hours and over 600miles thats some dedication
but how about the Cougars - getting covered in bugs and what not
car bra fixes that right nicely, then a little quick detailer when you get there. :)

I don't think 10+ hours is excessive. I think 18+ hours STRAIGHT is excessive!
I've attended 3 of these car related meets and all of them were a minimum of 800 miles.
It's not bad at all (except when the farmers are tossing poo all over their farmlands. gawd that stinks!)

[Xerxeese]

Originally posted by: frenchblueC2

Originally posted by: CougarKat
I cant believe people are driving 10+ hours and over 600miles thats some dedication
but how about the Cougars - getting covered in bugs and what not
car bra fixes that right nicely, then a little quick detailer when you get there. :)

I don't think 10+ hours is excessive. I think 18+ hours STRAIGHT is excessive!
I've attended 3 of these car related meets and all of them were a minimum of 800 miles.
It's not bad at all (except when the farmers are tossing poo all over their farmlands. gawd that stinks!)

bah....19 last year

[sonza68]

Last year it was about 1000 miles and 18 hours for those of us from St. Louis. Long drive, but worth it in the end.

[frenchblueC2]

Originally posted by: Xerxeese
bah....19 last year
too many weewee breaks huh?
I drove to VA beach after I graduated from college and it only took me 13 hours.

[Xerxeese]

Originally posted by: frenchblueC2

Originally posted by: Xerxeese
bah....19 last year
too many weewee breaks huh?
I drove to VA beach after I graduated from college and it only took me 13 hours.

nope, traffic... and a breakdown (not my cougar)

[Madcat]

There are several NICE car washes verrry close to the hotel. I drove in at 10pm lastyear for HCKC and was able to wash my car successfully and fully. There was 6 bays and 2 autowashes at the one I went to and it was really nice.

[rastaman]

at cf2k2 i thought my drive was long at around 14-15 hours, but there were people from texas that drove over 30 hours straight....if anyone complains about 10, i'm gonna kick em in the nuts...

[ignernt]

:rofl:

[Crispy]

we actually brought a Hose for people to wash their car.. there is a sweet little outlet behind the hotel but if there are this many people we probably do not want to do that again for fear of getting in trouble..

[cougirllp]

My first Cougarfest...I am so excited...estimated time 8 hours 58 minutes...total distance 565.99 miles. It will be the longest trip that my car has been on that I know of! Bringing two of my friends with me hopefully. Can't wait to see you all there! It will be awesome!

[RichieRich1023]

Great finnaly glad to get some details. Damn and for the sake of beauty and that ultra clean look i have no door handles thus no racing for me, so the rest need to put on a good show for me to watch LoL.

[2kBlackCatGurl]

i can't wait!! this yr is gonna b awesome (since i'm gonna b there ;) ) hehe

[ZUM]

Originally posted by: 2kBlackCatGurl
i can't wait!! this yr is gonna b awesome (since i'm gonna b there ;) ) hehe


And I as well. YAY for T and A! :)