Cougarfest Location Vote

[AtomicInternet]

Just getting this out there, since there have been a few comments. The planning is still going forward with Indy, and I'm of the opinion that Indy knows us well, and we know the area well. However I know it's a bit of a drive for some. I definately feel bad for the CA people who make the trek and I think they deserve recognition for it.

The purpose of the vote is to see how many people don't want it in Indy. If it's a significant amount we can discuss it further. If not let's put the discussion to rest. I know alot of people want it closer because driving more than 8 hrs just plain sucks (despite the awesome caravans), but the fact that it generally occurs in the eastern half of the US means the following has grown up in this area. As organizers we obviously want maximum attendance (equals maximum fun).

So make your voice heard. If you truely believe Indy is the wrong place then make your vote accordingly. We can have a later discussion about where else we *might* have it. Otherwise if Indy is acceptable to you pull the other lever.

IF YOU HAVE A LOCATION IDEA READ BELOW
If you are suggesting a possible location, you must include the following in your post.
1. Specific hotel / track / dyno / etc with ADDRESS (direct google map link a plus)
2. WEBSITE of the location. This is great for other people to click on and check it out.
3. REASON you are suggesting it (personal experience, news article, etc)
4. WHY we would like it (as Cougar owners)
5. WHERE you live. If have enough courage to post a place in your own backyard back it up with lots of details.

EXAMPLE
Indianapolis, IN
Hotel: http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?sid=sAA0g.dVQ9igY0jg.4&hotel=IN117&sarea=85421&sname=Indianapolis&sstate=IN&scountry=US&sradius=40.23&slat=39.7668&slon=-86.1585&schain=R&exp=&scity=Indianapolis&sort=&nadult=1&nchild=0
Track: http://www.irponline.com/
Reason: Worked for the last two events, area well known, hotel loves us.
Why Cougars like it: great drag, great AutoX, great memories, hotel won't kick us out
My Location: Michigan (not in my state) I'll drive anywhere.

[BigBalledOX]

I'm abstaining. Why, might you ask? Well, if Fest was in Gnome, Alaska, I would be there. Obviously it won't be there, but I would make it if it were.

I want Fest to be wherever is going to maximize attendance. If finding a new location is needed to make that happen, then so be it. I have no problem with Indy . . . I can't, I've never been to one there. But I'm down for whatever.

[fordrule]

i missed fest in indy last year. but 6 months out is pushing it to locate a new location. I personally like to see fest as a rotating location. so all the chapters share it

[Nemesis]

You know my vote is no for Indy man. Ive been there twice for two fests already. Its not about the drive per say, its more about Indy becoming really boring and not worth being there. Its pretty dull. Im probably not alone in saying this, but it requires a lot of money, time off work, and energy to travel a long distance like that ( + 6 hours). I just want somewhere different.

[EternalOne]

I could care less myself, as I would go no matter where its held.

I do think you are selling Indy short by saying its boring. There were plenty of people that went go-kart'ing, to the zoo, to the strip clubs, etc. There is plenty to do there, we just never really look for anything to do as a group. It usually ends up small groups of people heading off in various directions doing various things.

I'm open to ideas however, especially if we can get dates for a track at a better price.

E1

[KurtsKougar]

We could make the go carting trip an all day thing if we wanted.. it was soo much fun, but no1 wanted to go.

I will go to fest no matter where its at.. but if its not in indy, id like to see it sumwhere down the east coast. By the beach. Virgina or sumthing

[ND4SPD]

I believe it should be in Indy at least once more...

why?

#1, 2 & 3 - short notice... theres 6 months to go, and with the committee M.I.A., we should stick with what we know works, then after CF2K6, we can spend the whole year looking for a new suitable location.
From the sounds of it, there will be enough scrambling around for things to setup this event - I don't believe the stress of searching around for a new city is a good idea at this time.



in response to Kurt - we had it in V.Beach for 2003, it was a nightmare... and in the triple digits for heat. I couldn't imagine trying to race in that, and no one could stay outside for more than an hour without feeling ill, plus - the cops are notoriously bad. Several modified cougars (not even as modded as yours) were told to "go home, your car isn't legal" lol.


and Mr.George! - you really can't complain about a 6hr drive... I drive 15 / 16 hrs, and even stay at a hotel half way down, and even cross a boarder! heh.
Norcal and his crew drive 40+ hours... there are probably people even from Texas / AZ who come up... Florida people too. As I said in the previous thread - Bring your fiancee :) - i'd like to meet her, and besides, you seemed a little sad last fest because she wasn't there. Guarenteed - if you bring her, you'll have more fun :)
And if not - as John said - there IS all that stuff to 'do'

[KurtsKougar]

Ok so scratch my VA beach idea.. and now that u mention it.. the cops there are really bad.. my bro was in the navy there and cops are dicks..

I agree with matt, lets just do indy this year. it works. everyone has fun. and CF07 we will move sumwhere new. there is a lot to do in indy. i wouldnt mind doing the go carts again anyways. i didnt get to see much of indy anyways cause there was so much going on! So thats why i think im going down early this year..

Leave it at indy. its the easy way out this year

[Vampieralla]

Closer to CA would be SUPER. :biggrin:

[ND4SPD]

Closer to CA would be SUPER. :biggrin:
you are soooo comming regardless... I will tell Norcal and you certainly dont want a big angry Chinaman kidnapping you in the middle of the night! ;)

[azbobbybooshay10]

I wholeheartedly second Matt's comments. We're on such short notice right now that trying to find a new location now I think would be a bit much. I'd say go with Indy for this year, and make it clear that we will explore new venues for next year.

I've always said that I think St. Louis would be awesome. Its really not that much farther for you east coast guys, and its just that much shorter for us west coast guys. St. Louis is a great city, and Gateway Int'l is right across the river in Illinois for the track. Not to mention a phooshoot of Cougar's under or in front of the Gateway Arch would be sweet. Perhaps we should look into that for next year, but I think its too late now for 2006 and we need to focus on making sure this is gonna happen right.

We've got a couple hurdles with fundraising now that we've lost Raffle's, I think we should use our resources to get fundraising done right this year so we make fundraising for a new venue in 2007 that much easier. But I think trying to come up with new fundraising WHILE switching venues at the same time is too much to do with only 6 months to go.

[Phantom]

I still say Indy. Out of the 5 Cougarfests, Indianapolis is the only place we weren't harrassed by the cops, threatened to be thrown out of the hotel, etc. Virginia was the worst, Pigeon Forge was a little better (remember the undercover cop in the crowd rumor?). The hotel in Indy never gives us any problems, and the Cops will give you an escort through a red light while you've got neons shining if you ask. If we try and find a new hotel/city on such short notice, who knows what problems we may have.

And besides, who goes to Fest for the city? I go to fest to party with the people I only get to see once a year; and those I get to see every couple months.

[MagicHallucinations]

i say Indy......i went in 04 and had a great time. we have a great hotel and a good relationship with them and the track.

I still say Indy. Out of the 5 Cougarfests, Indianapolis is the only place we weren't harrassed by the cops

yeah, the cops actually helped us out by stopping traffic so we could all get out:rofl:





M

[ov3n]

I got to fest so I can ride to BW3's in Reagan's car.

[Zman]

I'd like it to be in Indy again this year, but just because of the timeframe. Indy has been the closest CF drive for me but that doesn't really matter.

Personally, I'd like to see a change for next year. I like to go to different places and do different things. I know a lot of it is about the friends, but in VA we got to go down to the beach, in Pigeon Forge we went to that huge go-cart place. Different cities can offer different attractions, to me it gets kind of old going to the same place, same track each year. Also, by switching locations, you can also give some other members a chance to attend that weren't previously able to because of the drive time.

[EternalOne]

Switching locations means we lose a lot more than people realize, as well.

We have a solid relationship built with the track. They have hosted us now for a few events, and they know how we work, we know how they work, and we know what flys and what doesn't. We also have all of the leg-work completed as to what is required to run at the track (insurance, track costs, etc). This would all have to be re-researched if we were to switch to a new venue. This year I just don't see the time available to switch, although I do agree it would be nice to see a new location next year.

We're down to the wire here on getting everything planned in time, even with keeping the same location. There are hundreds of minor items that need to be worked out that we never had to deal with before. (Ie, we have no money because there were no raffles held.) Remember the complaints last year before fest on how the fund was super-low in money because no-one was buying raffle tickets? Well its worse this year, because there were NO raffles. So now I'm scurring around calling everyone in the industry I know to try and get this event funded so we can still HAVE a Cougarfest.

If funding isn't sorted out then CF could be moved anyplace, because the track wouldn't matter without cash. (Can't rent a track for $10k+ if you have no loot...)

Still throwing things around here, but Brad and I are going to be meeting this weekend for quite awhile to discuss the details and try and get SOMETHING solidified for everyone. (Yes, even I have to ask for time off from work...)

E1

[tnkgurl]

I voted no because you asked my opinion. :) I can empathize with all of the reasons TO have it in Indy, I just wanted to see someplace different.

I thought, though, that our membership 'dues' and the proceeds from the calendar sales were supposed to help out with the costs associated with Cougarfest?

[Tigg]

I voted no because you asked my opinion. :) I can empathize with all of the reasons TO have it in Indy, I just wanted to see someplace different.

Couldn't have said it better myself. :thumbsup: Indy this year sounds like the best plan, but it would be awesome to see something different next year. :)

[racerx]

Maybe for this year, Indy is the way to go just for short notice and such. But I would vote for somewhere near here. The hotel could be in Youngstown, right off the turnpike, easy access. The track day could be worked out with Beaverun Motorsports Complex, www.beaverun.com. They have rental karts, a 1.5 mile roadcourse as well as a skidpad area for auto-x and such. Thae karting website is www.beaverunkarting.com. The drag strip is Quaker City Dragway in Salem , http://www.quakercityraceway.com. Both venues are within 30 mins of the hotel. The town, Youngstown, OH 44512, has a decent amount of things to do. Small bars, small club type places, a shopping mall and enough restaurants for everyones tastes.....

Pittsburgh is also within an hours drive of Youngstown, and 30 Mins of Beaverun..



One more plus, my brothers shop is in youngstown and is fully equipped for all your road related incidents....

[Frosty]

I voted for Indy of course, just because everything worked out good last year. I wouldn't mind going to Ohio like racerx just said, also because I'd be able to pay someone a little visit while I'm there :evil:

[EternalOne]

I thought, though, that our membership 'dues' and the proceeds from the calendar sales were supposed to help out with the costs associated with Cougarfest?

I was under this impression initially as well. I, however, have to assume we are going off from a zero balance, since I have yet to be told if there is actual money in a "Cougarfest Fund" someplace.

E1

[BigBalledOX]

Pretty sure the Gold Member (haha, Goldmember) cash goes to pay for hosting newcougar.org first, THEN to Fest. I don't know how many Gold Members we have or how much hosting this website is, but I'd imagine its not all that much left over to play with.

[wadespencer99]

The proceeds of the calender were intended for Cougarfest. I have no idea how much was left after the shipping and printing bill...that would be something to ask Trevor.

[J-Man]

i find it odd that Trevor has yet to comment on fest or any of its plannings...

oh, and i voted for indy.

[EternalOne]

As far as I know, Trevor has stated that he will not be involved in any planning or running of fest this year, and the majority of the group that planned it last year is either MIA or they don't want to help this year.

The only returning members from last years committee that will be helping this year are Brad, Christina (that's an assumption, since I haven't received an email back from her in weeks), and EricF (the AutoX planning god). :D If anyone talks to Crispy, have her email me or Brad and at least gimme a yes or no.

E1

[wadespencer99]

I think it's time to elect a new committee then.

[BigBalledOX]

I think it's time to elect a new committee then.

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[J-Man]

As far as I know, Trevor has stated that he will not be involved in any planning or running of fest this year, and the majority of the group that planned it last year is either MIA or they don't want to help this year.

The only returning members from last years committee that will be helping this year are Brad, Christina (that's an assumption, since I haven't received an email back from her in weeks), and EricF (the AutoX planning god). :D If anyone talks to Crispy, have her email me or Brad and at least gimme a yes or no.

E1

well, it sure would be nice of him to let us know how much money is in the cougarfest fund.

and i ask you this: if he doesnt want to be involved with any of the planning or anything, then why does he hold the money? doesnt add up to me.

[EternalOne]

Well, Brad and I are taking on the primary planning roles, which works nicely because we live so close together now, and see each other at least a few times a week. Eric has said he'll help like last year, including planning and setup of the AutoX event with the SCCA. I am hoping that Crispy will continue to help, as she's planned many of these events and has contacts with some of the previous years sponsors that I do not.

Other than that, I think we'll be ok in the planning, but we might need to pull a few people to help us once we're at the hotel for various things. We can always use the help. ;)

E1

[LadyX]

You know you can count on Ron and I

[jaged]

you know ill be there to help, just like the last 2 years cause its close for me and i dont work in the summer anyway:wiggle:

[J-Man]

i can help out in anyway possible. from grunt work to whatever, i'll help out because this fest needs to happen.

[ND4SPD]

I'm already sponsored by E1 Industries ;) so you know i'm willing to lend a hand with stuff.

[BigBalledOX]

You already know where I stand on pitching in Eternal.

[azbobbybooshay10]

Same here, if there's anything I can help with from down here in Phoenix, that would be awesome. Hell, I could possibly try to get some help from AZDC since its right across town from me.

[Ronrazz]

Being that I am really pretty new and have only attended last years fest I dont really have much to offer. But we arent the only automotive forum Im sure many other groups have meets and could provide us with help.

Focaljet had something in Southbend last year didnt they? Maybe they could help with info on other places. Magic does your group do anything big?

[frenchblueC2]

Being that I am really pretty new and have only attended last years fest I dont really have much to offer. But we arent the only automotive forum Im sure many other groups have meets and could provide us with help.

Focaljet had something in Southbend last year didnt they? Maybe they could help with info on other places. Magic does your group do anything big?
contour.org has SpringZing.
If nothing can be put together in time for CF's usual July date, I would think the option to hop on board with the SZ crew shouldn't be too far out of the question.
links posted in Car Show and Events forum.

[monogodo]

I personally like to see fest as a rotating location. so all the chapters share itI've been suggesting this since last year. I know of another organization that has it rotate among the chapters. They way they do it, the chapter has 2 years to organize their event. Selection of the next chapter to host occurs at the event, so we'd pick the chapter for CF'08 at CF'06. They never have a problem with attendance, but then they're not a car-based club, so almost everyone flies.

I have no problem with it being at Indy this year, because I know I'm not going. Next year will be the first CF I might be able to attend. My reason for not attending is that I have no vacation time left until the end of August, so if I take time off, I don't get paid. My 20-year HS reunion is this summer/fall, and if it happens before I get my vacation time again, I'll have to take unpaid time off, and I can't afford to do that twice. My only argument against Indy, or anywhere east of the Mississippi, is that it favors the East Coast at the expense of the West and Mountain areas.

Since I'm not attending, I'll abstain from the vote.

[EricF]

Hey have it in my town...yeah I got the courage to say so.

The MAP! (http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=Durango,+CO)
Durango.ORG (http://www.durango.org/)

Why1... cause if 20 or more cougars show up, I'll buy all the beer(for one night)

Why2... its scenic colorado, although those guys from Denver don't consider it part of Colorado... ;) (I mean the weathermen)

Why3: We have a cool train too! but driving is better and cheaper. (http://www.photosbystevenjbrown.com/steam/dsngrr/3367_ds478_0493_rockwood.jpg)
Additional Why *see track

Track, NOPE, but hundreds of miles of mountain roads to carve up.

I may even put you all up in my home if you clean up after yourselves... ;)

[NorCalCoug]

While I can understand the desire to move CF, because for some people pulling hardcore driving time just isn't worth it to them, I think it's best to leave it alone for this year. The timeframe is really short.

For anyone out west, you should realize that if CF moves anywhere, it will most likely move further east or possibly further south, but doubtful for it to move further west. We have less active members, and far less members willing to go to a CougarFest, and thus we get the short end of the stick. But I've long come to accept that.

As far as Indy as a location- it's awesome. Sure, it may not be a super-exciting city (In my opinion), but you know what?

Cougarfest is about NECO- the cars and the people. I come to hang out with people I would otherwise never see, to have a good time, to party it up, to drive around at the track, to take pictures, to converse.. I don't come to CF so I can go out and enjoy clubbing, or go to a museum.

Indy has the advantages of:

NEVER any trouble with the cops. In fact, they're sometimes helpful.

NEVER any trouble with the hotel. In fact, they smile and laugh at all of the fun you're having, staying up until 5am in the morning out in the parking lot hanging out with people. If they could, I think they'd come out and have a few beers with us. Honestly.

NEVER any trouble with the track, because we've been there several times now.

It's rare to find a venue that accomodates such a large group of people quite so well. There's plenty of food nearby, there are "other things" for people who get bored to easily.

I don't care if CF is in Jamaica. I'll still find a way to get there, and I'll do it in one straight trip. 40+ hours of driving from CA to Indy was rough, but it was fun.

We drove:
http://www.newcougar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22376&stc=1&d=1137658611

And you know what? I'd still drive even if CF was in:
http://www.newcougar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22377&stc=1&d=1137658611

[NorCalCoug]

Closer to CA would be SUPER. :biggrin:
Don't worry, we'll pick you up and drag you along.

We'll need a 2nd shift driver anyway. ;)

[Crispy]

As far as I know, Trevor has stated that he will not be involved in any planning or running of fest this year, and the majority of the group that planned it last year is either MIA or they don't want to help this year.

The only returning members from last years committee that will be helping this year are Brad, Christina (that's an assumption, since I haven't received an email back from her in weeks), and EricF (the AutoX planning god). :D If anyone talks to Crispy, have her email me or Brad and at least gimme a yes or no.

E1

Brad should have told you that I am very much alive and on board with the commitee... As soon as someone gives you access to the private CF commitee section you can see for yourself :P

Got your email -- forwarded it to my gmail account as I am way too busy to email long emails at work.. just ask Kel, she gets a few words or sentances a day and thats about it.. Work is unbelievably busy now.. we are going to be open 7 days a week now and they are hiring an entire night shift crew.. Anyways.. you emailed me a freakin book and expected a book back - had you just emailed me a quick little sentance you would have gotten a response back ASAP LOL.. you one silly dude.:rofl:

[EternalOne]

Heh, sorry Chris, it'd just been awhile since we talked. ;) I had missed our daily car-chats, lol. Glad yer still in tho, although I did assume you were. ;)

And NorCal's group are the ultimate road-warriors -- they are guarenteed a longest drive award again this year. :p (It just wouldn't be the same w/o them, tho!)

E1

[ND4SPD]

yah man... if nothing else, Norcal and crew should get a special "road warriors" award ;) longest drive' just doesn't quite cut it... driving 40 hours non stop is incredible.

[Moraki]

I wholeheartedly second Matt's comments. We're on such short notice right now that trying to find a new location now I think would be a bit much. I'd say go with Indy for this year, and make it clear that we will explore new venues for next year.

I've always said that I think St. Louis would be awesome. Its really not that much farther for you east coast guys, and its just that much shorter for us west coast guys. St. Louis is a great city, and Gateway Int'l is right across the river in Illinois for the track. Not to mention a phooshoot of Cougar's under or in front of the Gateway Arch would be sweet. Perhaps we should look into that for next year, but I think its too late now for 2006 and we need to focus on making sure this is gonna happen right.

We've got a couple hurdles with fundraising now that we've lost Raffle's, I think we should use our resources to get fundraising done right this year so we make fundraising for a new venue in 2007 that much easier. But I think trying to come up with new fundraising WHILE switching venues at the same time is too much to do with only 6 months to go.


God this is killing me inside to agree with Bobby... I think were short on notice to move it at this time. St Louis could be alot of fun and provide a different setting and a few other things to do. But the one short coming that sticks out in my mind is lack of hotels. Theres pleanty in St Louis but i cant think of one that would suit our needs as well as the hotel we have in Indy. I would have to do alot of scouting for a good one that would work. Anyway it could work... maybe for 2007...

[fordrule]

God this is killing me inside to agree with Bobby... I think were short on notice to move it at this time. St Louis could be alot of fun and provide a different setting and a few other things to do. But the one short coming that sticks out in my mind is lack of hotels. Theres pleanty in St Louis but i cant think of one that would suit our needs as well as the hotel we have in Indy. I would have to do alot of scouting for a good one that would work. Anyway it could work... maybe for 2007...


he might be thinking something good there.

[Insurgent]

Wow i only have 6 months to get my car ready for cougarfest. Im gonna get a second job to speed up funding. Its bone stock right now.:cry:

[Rikenbomb]

It doesn't matter if it's bone stock or hooked the hell up. Just be there and enjoy yourself. :)

[Pyro81]

It doesn't matter if it's bone stock or hooked the hell up. Just be there and enjoy yourself. :)
I had to drive my truck to fest last year because my car wasn't finished and wasn't driveable. And i still had fun. I even drag raced my truck...which was sad...

[EricF]

... I even drag raced my truck...which was sad...

Yea that was sad... but it made it to 60mph at least ;)

Fest is more about the friends than anything else. I flew in last year.
and may fly in again this year.

[Moraki]

My alt went out jsut before my 1st CF last year... rode shotgun with Sonza. I should make it there with my own cougar this year but even if it doesnt make it i will.

[Pyro81]

Yea that was sad... but it made it to 60mph at least ;)
Hey, i got it to 66 mph!:rofl:

[EternalOne]

The truck going down the strip last year was some good stuff... ;) Multiple runs trying to see max speed, lol. On the way back from CF Marucs was driving Brad's truck (since he wasn't towing his car again, heh) -- anyways he had to radio up to the group and tell us to slow down, because the Ranger was maxxed out at ~90mph, pedal to the floor, and bouncing off the speed limiter. That's was great...

E1

[ND4SPD]

lol, yeah, we did hit some slightly illegal speeds on the way home :rofl:

playing around with that crazy driver in that old beater car was fun though... we boxed him in pretty good!
HE was freaking out... his passenger however, thought it was a riot that all these nice cars were on the road.

[NorCalCoug]

God this is killing me inside to agree with Bobby... I think were short on notice to move it at this time. St Louis could be alot of fun and provide a different setting and a few other things to do. But the one short coming that sticks out in my mind is lack of hotels. Theres pleanty in St Louis but i cant think of one that would suit our needs as well as the hotel we have in Indy. I would have to do alot of scouting for a good one that would work. Anyway it could work... maybe for 2007...

St. Louis would never work because everyone from the east/north/south would complain about having to make an OMG EXTRA few hours drive. Don't count on it. ;)

[Pyro81]

St. Louis would never work because everyone from the east/north/south would complain about having to make an OMG EXTRA few hours drive. Don't count on it. ;)
Not everyone would...:disgust:

[BigBalledOX]

St. Louis would never work because everyone from the east/north/south would complain about having to make an OMG EXTRA few hours drive. Don't count on it. ;)

I say bring it to the ESS TEE ELL in '07. :biggrin: It wouldn't bother me, its about the same, maybe a little closer for me.

[Ronrazz]

St. Louis would never work because everyone from the east/north/south would complain about having to make an OMG EXTRA few hours drive. Don't count on it. ;)
Takes just as long for me.

The problem is that it is the geographical center of the states but its not the center of the people that attend fest.

I dont care either way being like about its the same distance pretty much.

[ND4SPD]

I would be flying that trip... unless i get some new fancy cougar parts :)

[EternalOne]

The problem is that it is the geographical center of the states but its not the center of the people that attend fest.

I believe this was gone over last year, and the year before, as well. If I recall correctly, when you figure in where most people live, Indy IS the middle.

E1

[Moraki]

Ya ill agree indy or some where close by is more to the center of the NECO universe ...http://www.frappr.com/newcougar... this map clearly shows that.
But people sounded bored with Indy and wanted a change in pace. Im willing to dive anywhere :) I had the farthest drive for HamillFest and that didnt bother me at all. Was actually fun talked alot to Jaged and Slurpee. well that and Slurpee's movies n porn playing on the DVD player... :rofl:

[sonza68]

If people are serious about having a future CF in STL, I could check in with the Lotus guys since their national meet was here last year. Their event was more formal (and upscale) than CF, but it can give people an idea of what's been done in STL for major car meets.

They stayed at the Sheraton Westport (http://www.sheratonwestport.com/) and reserved the top two floors of the parking gararge for parking. The hotel also provided a car wash area (nothing fancy, kind of like the one in Indy). The show was held in Forest Park at the Muny (http://www.slfp.com/ForestParkOP.htm). They lost their autocross site last minute and ended up joining the STL region SCCA autocross that weekend (just like we ended up doing) at GIR (http://www.gatewayraceway.com/). They also rented GIR for their Monday road course day. GIR also has a drag strip available, but hte Lotus guys don't care about drag racing.

The PT Cruiser guys have also had a major event at the Holiday Inn (now Doubletree) near Westport, and the 3000GT guys have had an event at Riverport so if anyone has connections with those groups they potentially provide some guidance.

[fordrule]

If people are serious about having a future CF in STL, I could check in with the Lotus guys since their national meet was here last year. Their event was more formal (and upscale) than CF, but it can give people an idea of what's been done in STL for major car meets.

They stayed at the Sheraton Westport (http://www.sheratonwestport.com/) and reserved the top two floors of the parking gararge for parking. The hotel also provided a car wash area (nothing fancy, kind of like the one in Indy). The show was held in Forest Park at the Muny (http://www.slfp.com/ForestParkOP.htm). They lost their autocross site last minute and ended up joining the STL region SCCA autocross that weekend (just like we ended up doing) at GIR (http://www.gatewayraceway.com/). They also rented GIR for their Monday road course day. GIR also has a drag strip available, but hte Lotus guys don't care about drag racing.

The PT Cruiser guys have also had a major event at the Holiday Inn (now Doubletree) near Westport, and the 3000GT guys have had an event at Riverport so if anyone has connections with those groups they potentially provide some guidance.


thats a lot of good info for fest 07 at least. that would be awesome . too bad its such short notice to get that for fest. that would be so P.I.M.P

[MaverickFlyer]

If people are serious about having a future CF in STL, I could check in with the Lotus guys since their national meet was here last year. Their event was more formal (and upscale) than CF, but it can give people an idea of what's been done in STL for major car meets.

They stayed at the Sheraton Westport (http://www.sheratonwestport.com/) and reserved the top two floors of the parking gararge for parking. The hotel also provided a car wash area (nothing fancy, kind of like the one in Indy). The show was held in Forest Park at the Muny (http://www.slfp.com/ForestParkOP.htm). They lost their autocross site last minute and ended up joining the STL region SCCA autocross that weekend (just like we ended up doing) at GIR (http://www.gatewayraceway.com/). They also rented GIR for their Monday road course day. GIR also has a drag strip available, but hte Lotus guys don't care about drag racing.

The PT Cruiser guys have also had a major event at the Holiday Inn (now Doubletree) near Westport, and the 3000GT guys have had an event at Riverport so if anyone has connections with those groups they potentially provide some guidance.

One problem I see with that is, People who drive a lotus are in a different income bracket than most Cougar drivers. Which would explain why "the event was more formal (and upscale) than CF" I think you have to consider the people you awant to market this event too. ;)

[sonza68]

I'm well aware that most Lotus guys are willing to spend more money (registration was a couple hundred dollars if you signed up for all the events). But, at Westport there are other hotels which we could look into (Lotus Ltd. required covered parking). The big plus for the Westport area is that several bars/retaurants are walking distance from the hotel. We also wouldn't need to have the show at Forest Park, but it would make a great place for a group picture as long as it was arranged ahead of time.

[Moraki]

If we tried reallly hard theres a CHANCE i could get Dad in a chopper over the river and line up the cougars on the river in front of the arch.... would have to call in some favors...

[BigBalledOX]

If we tried reallly hard theres a CHANCE i could get Dad in a chopper over the river and line up the cougars on the river in front of the arch.... would have to call in some favors...
:eek: That would be BEYOND pimp.

[Moraki]

Well it wouldnt be the 1st time hes been straped to the side of a chopper or shooting out from one.... wont be the last either.

[02AlaskanCougar]

I would absolutly LOVE to make it to Indy this year or next or wherever its at. I just got my Cougar and oh ya Gnome or NOME how we's say it up here would be tight to have it if you like to camp, have your car shipped in and have 3.2 miles of road to drive on... all dirt with potholes. LOL. Someplace in WA for CF 07 would be sweet but like I said I'll be there next year all the way from AK.

[azbobbybooshay10]

Ha, Washington ain't happening. Hell, we have a hard enough time for them to even consider St. Louis because its "too far west", let alone Washington state! That reminds me though, we should try to do another "West Coast Prowl" event. The last one was 2004 and I would really like to get another chance to fix the screwups that happened on that one (scheduling conflicts, etc..)

[CincyZetec]

i like the rotating idea stated earlier in the thread, with it being in a different neco chapter's jurisdiction each year. to me that seems more fair to everyone so that it's not in one group's backyard every time while others would drive a crazy distance to get there.

[shadowfox28]

I completly agree with a rotating fest!!