Cougarfest Date Vote

[AtomicInternet]

OK guys We've narrowed the dates down to three. Please alter your signatures to point to this poll so we can get as much involvement as possible. Also keep in mind it's not just times you're voting on, but also what level of an event you want. I know just making this vote means alot of people will be upset, and this will probably come back to bite me in the ***, but I want everyone to be aware of our options.

July 7th Weekend, 2006 - "The Grassroots"
Track Rental Fees: $0
Group Rate at Hotel: $75 / night
Estimated Registration Fee: < $25 (less if food not included)

There will be an SCCA event (Nationals?) held at IRP on July 6th that Jaged/EricF are researching. The event will be $75 for a half day, $150 for a full day. We will most likely get a discount on this rate.
Drag will NOT be availble at IRP during this time, but we have a good lead on a travelling/local dyno for those looking to find out their HP. Alternate drag strips may also be found. Usually $30-50 for dyno runs and/or drag runs.
The hotel will be fairly vacant during this time as no other major events are going on (may be busy from the SCCA event)

June 16th Weekend, 2006 - "The Deluxe"
Event Track Rental Fees: $5,280
Group Rate at Hotel: $90 / night
Estimated Registration Fee: > $40 + extra for track (less if food not included)
We'll also need alot of raffle contribution to help out with this option

Just like the previous years, we will have the drag strip and "try" to get an AutoX going. Haven't confirmed we can for sure but the drag insurance will already have us covered so really we'll just need to pay for a safety steweard and timing equipment for the AutoX to happen. After we rent the track, "Midnight Madness" will occur at 5:30 which we will be allowed to attend for free (since we rent the track 8am - 5am in this scenario). Midnight madness is burnouts, glowoffs, etc.
I'm not 100% sure on hotel availability for this date, so this option *may* be dropped, or we would have to find another hotel. Also not sure if people will be off school this early.

July 14th Weekend, 2006 - "The Crossover"
Event Track Rental Fees: probably zero, track will most likely be booked
Group Rate at Hotel: $90 / night
Estimated Registration Fee: < $25 if no track (less if food not included)
This will be the same weekend as Indy Truck Bash, so I'm sure there will be lots going on. Unfortunately that also means the hotel/parking lot will probably be more full but hopefully with like-minded people.
I currently have NO idea what will be going on at IRP, but we probably will not be able to rent anything, and might possibly not be allowed into IRP. The advantage of this scenario is we are there for Indy Truck bash and can show off our Cougars (or get them egged) when alot of tuners are in town. Downside is that no AutoX or Drag is likely.

For those wondering about the usual 28th date the IRP is open for a "Deluxe" event then, but the hotel will be hosting a "Church of God" event and I don't believe we would mix well with them. The alternative is to leave the safety of our hotel for that weekend but I'm not sure we could convince a hotel to give us a decent rate, or put up with us so happily.

[ND4SPD]

yeah! bring on the Church of God people :evil:

Well, I definitely don't like the idea of sharing it with truckbash...
and #2 would be my second choice, but I voted number 1 - but I would change my vote to whatever is convienient for most people so there is a good turn out :)


seriously though - would the Chruch people cause that much of a conflict? what if the hotel sticks us all at the BACK, and them at the front?

[LadyX]

I don't think school will be out in mid June.

[jaged]

last day where is teach is june 7 it varies about a week either way around here

[Crispy]

The Deluxe Deal above is for JULY... Brad did a typ-o...

I hear that Indy truck bash is pretty cool -- some of those who would be interested could show our vehicles.. although I believe that it does go for 3 days.

I haven't voted yet.. I'm still weighing decisions based on conversations posted in the CF committee section.

[BigBalledOX]

The Deluxe Deal above is for JULY... Brad did a typ-o...

I hear that Indy truck bash is pretty cool -- some of those who would be interested could show our vehicles.. although I believe that it does go for 3 days.

I haven't voted yet.. I'm still weighing decisions based on conversations posted in the CF committee section.

Wait, when in July?

[LadyX]

Wouldn't that make the delux and the crossover on the same weekend? The 16th of July is a Sunday. Or, is it a different date in July all together?

[J-Man]

would the portable dyno (logan motorsports) only be available with the first choice?

[Crispy]

ok, I am retarted... I guess that Brad is correct.. I just assumed that we would not be talking about any date in June.. just July..

scratch that comment..

Deluxe is June.. :(

[Crispy]

would the portable dyno (logan motorsports) only be available with the first choice?

we were talking about that last night.. if we cannot do the drag then we thought perhaps this would be an acceptable offer.

Can you get us all the information/pricing that we need?

[J-Man]

Can you get us all the information/pricing that we need?

i can't get it myself, but i can direct DeWayne's attention to this thread.

[J-Man]

i can't get it myself, but i can direct DeWayne's attention to this thread if thats needed.

here is DeWayne's profile which includes his email address. (http://www.newcougar.org/forums/member.php?u=10028)

[B3NN3TT]

Ugh. Anything but trucks.

[Crispy]

its pretty huge and you see everything.. not just trucks and lowriders.

check it out.. http://www.importandtruckbash.com/

[Crispy]

hahaha.. check out the date on that site... who's wrong.. the site or the information we got from the hotel?

[AtomicInternet]

Nope, not a typo guys, sorry Crispy I misposted in the planning forum. June 16th is the midnight madness deal.

[BigBalledOX]

hahaha.. check out the date on that site... who's wrong.. the site or the information we got from the hotel?

My head now hurts. Crispy, I will talk to DeWayne tonight and see about getting Logan there. I'd really like to pull for them to be included regardless of the other activities. DeWayne has taken a GREAT interest in the Cougar/Contour community in less than a month's time. If we could get other shops to take the same kind of interest in our cars as Logan Motorsports, we would have parts out the ying-yang.

EDIT: Lets REALLY hope the hotel got the date wrong and that website is right, because to me it is then a no-brainer. I know me and Justin would be all bout a Fest birfday. :biggrin:

[Crispy]

we definately need more information and definately need pricing so we can talk to the hotel to see if we can set something up like this in the parking lot..

Also does it require any insurance or waivers? I've never been at a travelling dyno but I've heard stories of cars blowing up on it in the past

[AtomicInternet]

Personally I'm pulling for the July 7th event and if we get a dyno then I'm also hoping most people will be happy. AutoX'ers have a dream come true with Nationals, and with a dyno there's less wear and tear on your car than launching at a strip. Most importantly we'll be relatively alone at the hotel and they will be able to tolerate more with less complaints (more complaints = possibly kickout). So if Logan is all about us, we're all about him.

There will be loads of other events aside from the track which will be planned after we lockdown on our date. These are the time critical decisions that must be made soon. Even though I'm pulling for the 7th I'm watching the poll. I'm with most people on this board, I just want to hang with Cougar owners.

[BigBalledOX]

we definately need more information and definately need pricing so we can talk to the hotel to see if we can set something up like this in the parking lot..

Also does it require any insurance or waivers? I've never been at a travelling dyno but I've heard stories of cars blowing up on it in the past

I'll talk to DeWayne tonight. I'm sure it will require a waiver . . . you're putting your car in a stressed condition by the very nature of getting it dyno tuned. Could a car blow up? Sure, the same way you could blow up under WOT at 85 MPH in fourth gear.

I do not believe insurance will be required though.

EDIT: My only problem with July 7 is its so close to the Fourth of July weekend that it could pose travel conflicts for members.

[LadyX]

I'm for the July 7th weekend. Ron has that week of for shutdown at Ford, so we can go even eariler.

[ND4SPD]

Thats cool... you could maybe head over with me and John :)

[LadyX]

That could be fun! maybe we talk a few others into coming early too

[J-Man]

im holding out on my vote until we know the right date for the truck bash, because that will sway my decision on which days i prefer.

[LadyX]

I'd like to avoid the trucks. What were the conflicting dates?

[J-Man]

the dates ;listed on the truck website, and when the hotel says they will be there.

[Smitty2430]

Puma, KurtsKougar, and I all plan on going down early too!

Looks like MC-NECO will be the welcoming crew!

[BigBalledOX]

Just cuz I'm curious, is there any real reason why some people seem so hell-bent on "avoiding the trucks"? We're a car club. They're a car club. Now, aren't we supposed to be open and welcome to anyone? Don't we get tired of hearing how the older Cougar clubs turn their noses up at us?

We all have one thing in common: A love for our cars. Even here on NECO there is a broad spectrum of interests and interpretation of that love. The Cougar is our common bond. But I don't feel like we should not choose a date because we won't be able to climb safely in to our little invitation-only world and pretend we are the only game in town.

I hear people complain about a lack of activities in Indy. Well, I don't know what all is going on, but if the Truck Bash is the same weekend as our Fest, it could potentially provide endless opportunities to entertain ourselves and meet some new people. We need to be less xenophobic when it comes to other car clubs. Just think, the people in the truck bash might be sitting there going "CougarFest? Ugh, I don't wanna deal with that!" for no good reason.

We are an awesome club, in my opinion. I don't need to tell anyone here that. But there's a lot of people who do not know how awesome we are. I think this could be a great opportunity to demonstrate to them how much we truly do rule.

[LadyX]

:bowdown: MC-NECO rocks!! :grouphug:

[Excelcier]

July 7th idea rocks as many people ( including myself ) have a mandatory shutdown and are off that whole first week in July making it so easy to come early and have even more fun!! It gets 2 thumbs up from me. Not to mention it's much cheaper at $15 / night saving a pile on the hotel for a bunch of nights is primo.

[Excelcier]

Yup, if all of MC-NECO shows up early, I say we steal a "Welcome to Michigan" sign and prop it in the parking lot for when the others start showing! hehehehe

[Moraki]

I voted July 7th also... just looked like less conflicts. One thing though....thats my birthday. So youll all have to have a drink with me.

[Smitty2430]

Yup, if all of MC-NECO shows up early, I say we steal a "Welcome to Michigan" sign and prop it in the parking lot for when the others start showing! hehehehe


:rofl: That would be hilarious! It would be like a mini-meet before the rest of the gang shows up.

[imgeorge78]

Voted 16th I have to go to Carlisle for the All Chrysler Nationals for work!!! on the weekend of the 7th :(

[Crispy]

3000+ sport compact cars in the same area if we pick it for the same weekend as Truck Bash... I'm holding out as well.. and will vote after that..

it sounds like a GREAT time and a GREAT way to steal FREE PUBLICITY!! Indy Truck bash is covered by all major magazines I believe and its a great way to potentially grab an interested Sponsor!!

[jaged]

hmmmmm crispers has a point there...

[Crispy]

I have some contacts at Prime Media that I could talk to as well.. they should have coverage there fo sure -- also perhaps if enough people were interested in showing their car we could get the show to make us a class prior and that could also be our trophies for all those who are normally show only and hope to snag a trophy at Fest yearly?

regardless... I'm pretty open but the whole Indy Truck Bash thing is sorta making me excited over here - regardless if my car is complete and even ready for a show at that time.

maybe BFG or some other large tire vendor will be there -- alot of times they sponsor drives and whatnot with cars they bring and tires they want you to try.

[topjoe]

I voted for truck bash cause that site looks awesome and I always wanted to go to something like that... but My second would be July 7 , because then Ill stay the extra 7 days and go to truck bash . But June is to early I will have my second set of exam sometime in that date and will either be studing or writing . But Im coming down for sure this year

[sonza68]

I voted for the 16th, but that might have been premature as the 7th sounds like it might have actually been more of my choice (depends on SCCA event info).

[LadyX]

The hotel will be a zoo, if we go during truck bash....

[EternalOne]

Indy truck bash is HUGE, meaning that 99% of the hotels in the city will be booked, and stuff will be crazy all weekend long (at every restaurant, every gas station, everywhere). I've been to ITB for the past 3 years running now with my mini-truck friends, and while there are plenty of tuners in attendance, there are also a lot of problems after-hours. (Fights in parking lots, street racing, stuff we generally don't want to be associated with.)

E1

[Excelcier]

Indy truck bash is HUGE, meaning that 99% of the hotels in the city will be booked, and stuff will be crazy all weekend long (at every restaurant, every gas station, everywhere). I've been to ITB for the past 3 years running now with my mini-truck friends, and while there are plenty of tuners in attendance, there are also a lot of problems after-hours. (Fights in parking lots, street racing, stuff we generally don't want to be associated with.)

E1

Agreed, there are good reasons to both be exposed to the extra scenes for club gains and potential sponsorships as Crispy mentioned, however, personally, I prefer to keep it in the family and not have it as hectic with others that we could have toe stepping contests with. I vote to keep it separate on the 7th and just hang together as our own group like normal.

[KurtsKougar]

I voted for July 7, cause i dont wanna go in June, and i dont wanna be there for truck bash

[frenchblueC2]

I realize CF is traditionally a July event, but were any August dates also considered and researched?

[Phantom]

I voted for the July 7th, Grassroots, option.

I'm with those people that say we should avoid the trucks. Even if it was a huge car show... we'd be better off avoiding the crowds. Not to mention we'd probably save ourselves a lot of trouble by not being on the streets with tuners everywhere. I'd imagine the cops wouldn't be so friendly.

I like the idea of the hotel being quieter and cheaper. I just go to catch up with friends, and see the latest and greatest modification to someones *cougar*. I couldn't care less about a truck... or civic...

I do have to say, the 7th will mess with my vacation schedule though being the same week as the 4th... but I'll make do. Either way, I'll be there no matter what weekend it is.

[wadespencer99]

So did anyone ever find out the correct date for the truck show?

[MetallicaCougs]

It would not be CougarFest if we hold it during Indy Truck and Import Bash. It would just be us at THEIR event. I've been to the Bash and its a pretty cool event. The thing of it is, we would not be able to stand out there and more likely, we would be overran.

I think it's the worst choice we could make.

Maybe it would be better to check out other cities if this year in Indy is not working out.

[BigBalledOX]

So did anyone ever find out the correct date for the truck show?

BUMP.

[azbobbybooshay10]

It would not be CougarFest if we hold it during Indy Truck and Import Bash. It would just be us at THEIR event. I've been to the Bash and its a pretty cool event. The thing of it is, we would not be able to stand out there and more likely, we would be overran.

I think it's the worst choice we could make.

Maybe it would be better to check out other cities if this year in Indy is not working out.

I agree 100% here.

Someone from Gateway jump and check St. Louis really quick (like in the next day or so). Someone said that there are numberous hotels that hold National car club events much larger than ours, and Gateway Int'l is just across the river. I'm also gonna check out GIR's schedule and see whats there.

I obviously can't make the phone calls, but I'll check everything I can online and get back to you guys (possible track dates, hotel rates, etc.). I'm seriously thinking given the squeeze going on in Indy, if we find somewhere else FAST, we can still make it happen. If we're gonna go somewhere else, we cant screw around. I really think if things fall in place well, we can still change locations without too much hassle.

I personally voted for the June date, because I really wanna see some track action. But I'm willing to make concessions if things change. i don't like the idea of trying to get into the Truck Bash. When you start mixing different "types" of car clubs (sport compact, mini-truck, lowrider, domestic, etc.), you start running into problems.

I'll do some St. Louis research, and if I can get some help from local Gateway chapter folks, we might still be able to make it work!

[Crispy]

we are currently about 5 months away right now.. I'm afraid that changing locations will bite us in the a55.

[sonza68]

That was my feeling. I'll help if the committee wants to consider St. Louis for '06, but I'm waiting to hear from them first before just charging off.

[Crispy]

We haven't offically announced it but you all can most likely expect an event in St Louis or Ohio next year.

[ClaymoreWW]

oooh...Ohio :D the only place better would be michigan!

--george

[COOGAH]

ya, why not august?

ya i don't want to wait any longer, but.......

[jaged]

cause school starts back up for a lot of people college and normal school for kids, or work in my case

[BigBalledOX]

I emailed the Truck Bash group to check on when they are actually having the date. I will follow up in the morning with a phone call.

[azbobbybooshay10]

I personally voted for the June date, because its all the same to me for getting days off, June or July. I checked IRP's site to see if they have any kind of drag racing the weekend of the 7th of July, and they don't. :( I wouldnt mind nearly as much if there was just some sort of "Friday Night Drags" thing going on that would give us draggers at least an option to go to the strip. Even though I'm gonna try and go either way, it would be sort of a bummer to not have a drag event of any sort available to us at all.

[LostRacer]

Another FYI..HIN is on June 16th in Indy..

[BigBalledOX]

Ok, gonna be obnoxious here.

INDY TRUCK BASH IS NOTTHE WEEKEND OF JULY 14.

The date listed on their website IS the correct date. This was confirmed via email to me this morning.

[sonza68]

So are the trucks going to be there on the 14th or not?

[BigBalledOX]

So are the trucks going to be there on the 14th or not?

:disgust:

Anyways, someone on the committee may want to reevaluate options for that weekend. To me, if that weekend is clear and we can get the track, it's a no-brainer.

[MetallicaCougs]

The website says Aug 18th

If the trucks won't be there July 14th, then I want to change my vote to then

[BigBalledOX]

My thoughts exactly Mary (though I hadn't voted yet). If that weekend gives us the ability to get the track and all that fun stuff, I say DO IT!

[Crispy]

Well who is there then the 14th... didn't the Hotel confirm that it was something going on? My thoughts is that perhaps it is the SUPER CHEVY weekend that was mentioned before?

[BigBalledOX]

Well who is there then the 14th... didn't the Hotel confirm that it was something going on? My thoughts is that perhaps it is the SUPER CHEVY weekend that was mentioned before?

What hotel do we stay at? I would be more than happy to contact them if I know which one to dial.

I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes, but I really think I could be of some kind of assistance to getting this set up. The nature of my job leaves me relatively free to make phone calls and contact people from work, and I also tend not to work until the early afternoons, which leaves me all morning to make phone calls and the like.

[sonza68]

Clarion Waterfront (http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/hotel/in117)

Assuming it hasn't changed.

[BigBalledOX]

Thank you Tom.

[BigBalledOX]

Well who is there then the 14th... didn't the Hotel confirm that it was something going on? My thoughts is that perhaps it is the SUPER CHEVY weekend that was mentioned before?

We have a winner. So, that weekend means no track AND sharing with a bunch of peeps. I don't like it.

[LadyX]

hmm...I guess the 7th of July, is still the best option then.

[XplosivePlushToy]

Wow, thats a pretty nice hotel from the pictures! I voted the 7th, as well, due to cheaper costs and it just seems to make more sense, based on the information you are all giving out.

[ND4SPD]

the hotel is awesome :)


and yes... call me a greedy hermit... but I want the whole city to ourselves :tongue:

[LadyX]

I agree with Matt...he is my leader after all

[BigBalledOX]

I checked in to alternate drag strips as well, the nearest one I can find is in Muncie, IN, which is 60 miles away.

I would not be opposed to sharing the hotel, IF we can get the dragstrip, but its not looking very likely we will.

[Moraki]

I checked in to alternate drag strips as well, the nearest one I can find is in Muncie, IN, which is 60 miles away.

I would not be opposed to sharing the hotel, IF we can get the dragstrip, but its not looking very likely we will.


Wow all this work would make some one think your good at the drag strip....

[BigBalledOX]

Wow all this work would make some one think your good at the drag strip....
:flushed: :bs: Just trying to provide options.

[azbobbybooshay10]

As I said in the other thread, I'm down for cruising up to Muncie for the strip. Consider my vote changed to the 7th, aka the "Grassroots" package.

[ND4SPD]

you guys are crazy for that drag strip eh?? do you know how boring it is though! heh... it gets pretty routine after 6 or 7 runs... then your car over heats and your day is done :cover:

[BigBalledOX]

Everyone's got their thing Matt.

Honestly, I think this may offer the best option anyways. This will keep registration costs lower and allow people to go to the dragstrip who want to go instead of sort of forcing everyone to. Obviously I would like to see everyone show up and at least watch, but its definitely not gonna hurt my feelings if only a handful go.

And there's never been anything boring about dragging to me . . .

[Moraki]

No drag for me... it was ok but at CF i got burnt up just sitting and watching (since my car didnt make it there) and when i did drag at HF it might have added to the fact i didnt make it home on time :)

[BigBalledOX]

Yeah, but this drag starts at six in the evening.

[Moraki]

Ok so i wont get a sun burn but i might still blow up an alt? hehe great... no thanks (not that i really think it would blow an alt, that one was half dead) But i only draged once to find out how fast it would go... i havent changed anything except the CAI ... i doubt that changed it more than a few tenths.

[BigBalledOX]

You could still show up and spectate.

[azbobbybooshay10]

Everyone's got their thing Matt.

Honestly, I think this may offer the best option anyways. This will keep registration costs lower and allow people to go to the dragstrip who want to go instead of sort of forcing everyone to. Obviously I would like to see everyone show up and at least watch, but its definitely not gonna hurt my feelings if only a handful go.

And there's never been anything boring about dragging to me . . .

Amen to that. This, IMO, is a great way to keep registration costs down, hotel costs down (since thats a cheaper weekend), and let those who want to drag, go drag!

About the Muncie track, could someone call and ask if they have "club" discounts for the entry fee's? I know Firebird here in Phoenix does, not sure about this trakc or not.

[BigBalledOX]

Good idea bobby, I will contact them Monday.

[jaged]

the muncie track is over an hours drive from the hotel. more like 1.5 hrs and its in the middle of a corn field

[ND4SPD]

well heck... theres a giant field behind the hotel.... we should just ask if they could pave that and have the drags right there! :rofl:


And I appologise for my last comment Ryan... You are right, everyone does have their own favourite things :)

[BigBalledOX]

No need to apologize Matt. I'm just saying, what some people find exciting, I find boring, and vice-versa. Like a good donkeypunch for example. ;)

Jason, Mapquest lies, or at least assumes you drive like Ethyl and Calpernia the two old hags who live below me and cry about my "loud car". And I guess I don't really get what the point of your post is . . . I realize not everyone is going to want to drive all the way there to race or even to watch, but I wanted to provide those of us who do really want a chance to hit the strip an option. I'm honestly not expecting many 2.5L guys to go unless they have a LOT of bolt ons or something, but I would like to see a lot of the 3L and F/I guys there to see what we can see. ;)

[fordrule]

I am just happy its not my anniversary weekend. Now i just got to let the army let me have my leave in July......

[jaged]

dont care what mapquest says. Ive been by the track. I went to school at ball state which is in muncie:tongue:

[BigBalledOX]

I'm still failing to see your point . . .

All I said is it was the nearest track we could run at. No, its neither close nor convenient. But its the best option at this point in time. I'm not saying we should move the whole Fest to Muncie, I don't doubt its a dull town. I'm just saying that if there's enough interest in going to the strip (and it looks like there is) it would be a decent compromise.

[AtomicInternet]

Well the 7th is looking popular, and while I'm tempted to up and move it somewhere else you're right it's nice to know we have a good discount weekend at a hotel that for some strange reason thinks we're good kids that never cause any problems :)

We could stil get the dyno, the AutoX is looking more like a hardcore roadcourse so my dream of introducing more Cougars to AutoX might not be met, but it's good to know the drag strip is a feasable option for those die-hard enough. If we go with the 7th it will probably be the die-hards autox'ing and dragging while everyone else just hangs out around the hotel. I know two days of socializing is always better than one, so that's not necessarily a bad thing anyways. Plus I'm sure GMK will have his midnight CAI install going along with the variuos other fixit jobs to keep people immersed in Cougarisim.

[BigBalledOX]

Hey Brad, would we still have roll-in Thursday or would that not be until Friday? I only ask because we've had a LOT of people VERY interested in full-blown dyno tuning of their vehicles and the sooner a start could be had on that the better.

[sonza68]

People will be showing up on Thurs whether CF starts on Fri or not. It seems like every year people start showing up earlier.

[Moraki]

Think some will show up by mid week... depending on my schedule and money i might consider that also.

[BigBalledOX]

We should just camp in the parking lot. :biggrin:

[EternalOne]

Matt and I went last year on Tuesday, and I assume we'll be doing it again. ;) The Cali people showed up later that night, and we all got drunk in the hotel bar together. :P

So, you can safely assume people will be showing up early.

E1

[ND4SPD]

Heck, I know me and John are showing up on Tuesday! :biggrin:


Brad - stick with Indy, its a great place, we all know the area and are comfortable with it :) one more year!

[ND4SPD]

Matt and I went last year on Tuesday, and I assume we'll be doing it again. ;) The Cali people showed up later that night, and we all got drunk in the hotel bar together. :P

So, you can safely assume people will be showing up early.

E1
ah! you beat me to the reply! :rofl:

and yes! - Hopefully we will have better weather though! lol!

[GrandMasterKhan]

I am definilty looking forward to a autox event.

You can bet i'll be doing more midnight cai installs lol.

[Crispy]

The committee always arrives early... we are usually there in full force by Wednesday morning or afternoon.