There are already a lot of local meets and a couple of larger meets, but in class today, instead of paying attention to the lecture on how we humans ruin our environment, I thought up a couple of ideas for new events, and I want to gauge interest and see if it would be worth it for me to set up.

The first idea is a rally of sorts, similar to the Gumball Rally, only shorter, because I know not many people can take off work/school. I was thinking maybe a weekend event, sometime next summer. I have one possible scenerio: We could meet someplace centrally located, perhaps Gainsville or maybe Orlando (might be too south for some though) on a Friday evening and drive to Miami. We'll probably get there around the times that the clubs/bars will be open, and there should be plenty of activites on a Friday night. Then the next morning we could hit the beach, then in the afternoon head to the Keys. Just an idea. May have to shorten it however depending on time. The whole purpose is to drive and party, or that's at least that's how it's done over in Europe.

The second idea might get a little pricey. I was thinking of a Track Attack of sorts, where the first day would be drag racing, and the second would be auto-cross or possibly a full track such as Moroso. There are two ways to go with the full road coarse....open test days, and private rentals. The private rentals would be nice, however it is very expensive (at least at Moroso), and we would need upwards of probably 40 or so people to make the costs affordable to all. The open test days would work, if possible. Auto-cross would probably be a more affordable and relaxed event, but it really is up to whoever wants to go.

Those are just a couple of ideas, I would love to hear more. I was planning something like this for perhaps next year around May or June, if possible. Again, this is all just ideas, and I need to know how much interest there is before I go and make plans.

Also, this in no way replaces any current meets and events that others are planning.

Sean McCoy wrote:There are already a lot of local meets and a couple of larger meets, but in class today, instead of paying attention to the lecture on how we humans ruin our environment, I thought up a couple of ideas for new events, and I want to gauge interest and see if it would be worth it for me to set up.

The first idea is a rally of sorts, similar to the Gumball Rally, only shorter, because I know not many people can take off work/school. I was thinking maybe a weekend event, sometime next summer. I have one possible scenerio: We could meet someplace centrally located, perhaps Gainsville or maybe Orlando (might be too south for some though) on a Friday evening and drive to Miami. We'll probably get there around the times that the clubs/bars will be open, and there should be plenty of activites on a Friday night. Then the next morning we could hit the beach, then in the afternoon head to the Keys. Just an idea. May have to shorten it however depending on time. The whole purpose is to drive and party, or that's at least that's how it's done over in Europe.

The second idea might get a little pricey. I was thinking of a Track Attack of sorts, where the first day would be drag racing, and the second would be auto-cross or possibly a full track such as Moroso. There are two ways to go with the full road coarse....open test days, and private rentals. The private rentals would be nice, however it is very expensive (at least at Moroso), and we would need upwards of probably 40 or so people to make the costs affordable to all. The open test days would work, if possible. Auto-cross would probably be a more affordable and relaxed event, but it really is up to whoever wants to go.

Those are just a couple of ideas, I would love to hear more. I was planning something like this for perhaps next year around May or June, if possible. Again, this is all just ideas, and I need to know how much interest there is before I go and make plans.

I will say I like the idea of the gumble run thing (I will say that might not be the best name for it). Maybe more of a game. I can not think of the name I'm looking for, but were you drive to certain places and get something on a list. First to have most on the list wins.

A year or so ago I went with my friend to a NSX meet. there was S2000's and one Lambo. This was in Orlando, and we had a really nice lunch at a country club. Then they sent us off in groups. Each group had a lead car, and a tail car (both of which had radio's) The groups were sent out in intervals. We had I think 2 or 3 stops places that was set-up. This was very fun. We took a 80 miles trip on back roads. Lots of fun had by all. We ended up at a Winery for a walk through and pictures. This is just a idea as well.

I like the track attack as well. I love to drag race, and have been wanting to try my hand at auto-X/ track racing. As stated open test and tune days are the best bet. Gainesville has both 1/4 and roadcourse. Gainesvulle has worked with us in the past for the first every FL meet to have 1/4 racing.. For the road course I think someone on here posted for $100 a car x 20 cars you can have the course for a day.

With saying all that. Problem is people aren't going to want to spend the money. People are going to worry, about how people drive/act. It will never happen.

The Gumball Rally is the name of an actual 3000 mile rally in Europe. It's run by rich people in Ferrari's, Lambos, etc. We won't be using that name, for obvious reasons (it's stupid).

My goal is to do something fun, and cheap. I think a day of Test and Tune in Gainsville followed by an auto-cross the next day shouldn't run anyone more than the cost of a hotel (with possible group discounts) and $40-50 for the track and auto-x session. The only difficult part there is finding a parking lot or small airport to let us use the space for the day. I'll check with some of the local clubs in my area and see what they say.

I also like the idea of adding specific stops to the rally.

Also in addition, I may be able to get a photographer to take professional shots of cars at whatever event we plan. That way if there we decide on a car show people can get great shots of their cars looking their best.

There is this thing called a poker run, here in daytona, where a bunch of bikers, one day start out in one place, and there are several bars they go to, at each bar they pick up a card, and there is also stuff like raffles, and other things. But at the end of he poker run, everyone meets up at a certain bar, and sees who got the highest hand.... and wins... something like cash, and other goodies, from sposors of the event....
The only bad thing about that is, that everyone drives seperatly.........

The thing to do is, have a bunch of stops, and at each stop something hapens, so in other words everone drives together, and not specifically have to race to each stop. Just to keep people from getting pulled over unnecesarily, and also to keep it safe for others, Could also set a standard, for non J's, that you can still have fun, W/O being stupid on the road.......

Heres another thing, you could also get this sponsored, letsay this starts in one city on friday night, maybe Jax, and then sat. morn, drive to G-ville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa. stay, and party in Tampa. Next morning, to Mimi, and then up north on I-95 back to Jax, stopping in at certain spots. The people that wouldn't be able to do the drive the whole trip, could meet everyone else, in those certain spots.....

Ohh yeah, 1 more thing regarding sponsorship, heres the idea that i'm thnking of, letsay we have a sponsor, ( just out of my head Crane Cams) not necesarily in everycar, but letsay they sponored, and gave everyone who takes the whole trip, a set of cams. The only catch would be to put their sticker on your window, or soemthing like that, maybe having soemthing like a 12" by 12" logo included the race name, the year, the J-org, and the sponsor (crane cams)

The course itslef would have to be figured out correctly, to only be fair to everyone, but have it more like a tour of somesort.... as oposed to a race... and just do it as recognition thing to where more and more people see that there is a great following in the J's .......
If none of what i said made any sense, slap me next time you see me !!!!





wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

Sean McCoy ----> seems like you've got great ideas, and i'm glad that youree taking the initiative, if youre gonna want some help, in anyway, let me know.
I'd be willing to do a dry run also ......to plan everything just to see whats where, and what not........
heres another thing, involve all the FL J-clubs maybe to arange something in their area....... that would be fun and intresting........

Crap.... this could turn out to a week long thing....... well anywayz....





wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

Haha, if you want to help you're more than welcome, makes life easier for me. If you'd like, you can work on the sponsorship, since that was your idea (and a good one at that). I'm not sure if Crane will give away free cams, however maybe a good price break if we advertise for them.

The Rally isn't meant to be a race, it sounds like you and I are on the same page as far as that. Jax to Miami to Jax sounds awesome, but it will be hard to get that many people to take off work. I'll probably do a few dry runs to see just how much can be done in one weekend, that way people wouldn't have to miss work.

I'm thinking a good route would start in Daytona, then from Daytona head towards Tampa going through Deland to Leesburg, then south either on the intersate to save time, or if time is good taking 301 through a bunch of little towns. I know the area pretty well as I live in Leesburg and go to school in Tampa so I drive those routes frequently. Then from Tampa to Miami is pretty fun if you take route 60. Or from Leesburg just go South to Orlando then over, it only adds about an hour to the trip.

Sounds like the rally idea is more popular, so I'm going to focus on this.

Thanks for all of the ideas!

Grr, I'm gonna go premium so I can get an edit button

After reading your post again, I saw that you were just using Crane as an example, so in my post just assume I was referring to anyone interested in sponsorship.

i have premium, and still no edit button, but i love being premium...
Its, OK, that was a lot to read anywayz.....

BTW..... i live in daytona... so i can find a place to start, and go out on friday night.

DRY run, I would be more that glad to do that with you, if you want company, (i love driving)




wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

Sean McCoy wrote:The Gumball Rally is the name of an actual 3000 mile rally in Europe. It's run by rich people in Ferrari's, Lambos, etc. We won't be using that name, for obvious reasons (it's stupid).

My goal is to do something fun, and cheap. I think a day of Test and Tune in Gainsville followed by an auto-cross the next day shouldn't run anyone more than the cost of a hotel (with possible group discounts) and $40-50 for the track and auto-x session. The only difficult part there is finding a parking lot or small airport to let us use the space for the day. I'll check with some of the local clubs in my area and see what they say.

I also like the idea of adding specific stops to the rally.

Also in addition, I may be able to get a photographer to take professional shots of cars at whatever event we plan. That way if there we decide on a car show people can get great shots of their cars looking their best.

Actually the Gumball Rally is run in the US. It start over sea's. Keep in mind this would be a big event. This should probably be worked with/arou d the annual meet.

that is true, since lately there have been a feww things that have coincided with other non-postponable things...........

someone setr a date, and obviously we will have plenty of notice......

then we couls check some places out, and be more specific about getting them involved..........

Sean McCoy <------ seriously........... do ya want me to help ya out?
if not plzzzzz tell me now.........




wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

In one of my threads above (somewhere in that wall of text) I said that if you wanted to help you are more than welcome. Also, I don't plan on interfering with other events, so it will be scheduled accordingly.

sean < ---- just pick an aproximate date.....
This is granted you want to do the rally thing?
What about making it an annual event, maybe? that would be easier to sell geting sponsorships....
So far, my two chioces for sponsorship are, actually talking to Crane Cams, and Metra.... i believe Crane Cams main office is right here in daytona, and Metra, since i personally know the president, and the vice, AND their main office is right here in daytona too.........
Plus Metra has a few individual lines, ie. their installer institute, tsunami, installer bay..... etc....
What do you think?





wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

I'm looking at a calander right now, and I would like to do it around the month of May. How about the weekend of May 20th? That should be after finals for any college students. The rally can be an annual event, actually I plan it to be.

Buzz122 - I'm gonna let you handle the sponsorships, since you seem to have some good connections, just let me know what you can come up with.

OK...... letme see what i can do on that............

Hey........
You mind if i just email ya?, that might be quicker........ and have the post for new ideas.....



wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

buzz122 wrote:sean < ---- just pick an aproximate date.....
This is granted you want to do the rally thing?
What about making it an annual event, maybe? that would be easier to sell geting sponsorships....
So far, my two chioces for sponsorship are, actually talking to Crane Cams, and Metra.... i believe Crane Cams main office is right here in daytona, and Metra, since i personally know the president, and the vice, AND their main office is right here in daytona too.........
Plus Metra has a few individual lines, ie. their installer institute, tsunami, installer bay..... etc....
What do you think?

Let me remind you guys. We have a annual Florida J meet. It is usually around May. To let you know you are very unlikely to get people to do both when they are close to each other. There is no reason to have these 2 events fight each other either. I think doing the Rally/ Poker run thing at the same time as the annual meet, as one of the things to do is a good idea. If you hold off a little and wait. there will be post about the Annual Fl J meet.

Yes,definatly have to avoid the fight for meets...... as lately seen, between the NOPI, Super Chevy, Winter FL and the local......... it seemes a little much all at 1 time.... (mind you i love meets)
So the post will announce the date for the annual FL J meet.....
I don't suppose you know when that post will show up?



wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

buzz122 wrote:Yes,definatly have to avoid the fight for meets...... as lately seen, between the NOPI, Super Chevy, Winter FL and the local......... it seemes a little much all at 1 time.... (mind you i love meets)
So the post will announce the date for the annual FL J meet.....
I don't suppose you know when that post will show up?

No I do not. First we bring it up, normally around Oct, Nov. We see what cities are interested in hosting the meet. Then vote on it. Thendates etc..

I'd be game for anything really. I dont care.

Auto-X sounds good always wanted to do that and I would pay 100 for a road course run.





____________________________________________________________________

Madjack wrote:Like I said before, building an engine like ours (2.2 or 2200) is a painstaking chore , since there is so few custom made parts. It's frustrating to me too, but that's what I like about doing this engine, it's the challenge.

I only said May because I was looking at the current threads and it seems like everything is going on now, which is the fall. I'm flexible on when it's going to be, however I would like to avoid it being really hot, so maybe next fall.

So far, my plan is to have everyone meet in Daytona on a Saturday morning, eat breakfast if you want, maps will be given out with routes highlighted as well as directions. Then we will drive a scenic route to Tampa, get more people there (I'm sure not everyone will want to drive to Daytona when they live in Tampa), eat/hang out for a bit, maybe a little go-kart racing, then head to Miami, we'll probably be getting there later in the evening, so people can either go to clubs, bars, or sleep.

I'm going to try to get a group discount on a hotel, however in the meets I've been too previously (with other car clubs) splitting a room is a good way to keep costs down. A lot of people already know each other here. I'm not sure if it would be better to get the rooms in advance, and split the cost among everyone, or just let everyone get together and decide what they want to do. Either way I'm pretty sure I'll be able to work something out with a hotel down there.

I would love to do a road coarse as well, however not everyone will want to spend that much money, and the price really rises because not only do you have to rent the track (which is about $4k at Moroso) you must also pay to have emergency personnel and insurance and so forth. I'm currently planning an autocross and car show for Sunday. There will also be a raffle, and a ticket will be given out at various stops. The people who will join later, say in Tampa, will get less tickets than the people who start in Daytona. Also, I want to have an award for any specific car club that has the best representation. For the autocross all you would really need is an approved helmet and like $20-30 to cover the insurance and rental, which is pretty standard for every autocross event.

I'm open to ideas of when people would like to do this. The only thing that will take a little time is the sponsorships and the hotel accomodations. Other than that, the planning of the routes and whatnot are pretty easy to put together.

Sean, your only thinking 3 cities?.. start daytona, then to tampa, and then miami?
you think soething like JAx could get involved too? I could go to JAx, and meet people up there on friday night........
The idea for giving out tickets is awsome, and the award for a club, would be cool too....
Have you talked to any clubs yet, on who wopuld like to participate, and put something up?.......
For having to pay for hotels and stuff....... thats gonna be alittle tricky.......... you know theres gonna be people that will join, and want to chill, and then there might be a couple that will say they will come and wont!!!
Also on the hotel thing........ what do you think would be a good aproximate # of rooms?
i can chek with some hotels here too...



wait for it... wait for it... NOW GO!! ---> '02 LS Sport <---
Yahoo IM : buzz122 AIM : buzz122cav

I'm only thinking about three major cities with stops in between, mainly because I don't want to take more than a weekend, because people have work and school. Jax isn't so far away that they couldnt meet up in Daytona. The way it works out now we will be covering a lot of miles, but the drive should only take one full day, then we can party in Miami at night, and have a car meet on the 2nd day, with autocross and possibly drag. I'm trying to make this as accessible to as many people as possible, and if it takes too many days people won't take off work or school, and if there's too much driving people wont want to spend a lot on gas. In the future if everything works out it will grow, of course, but for the first time I don't want to make it too big. We could meet people in Jax on friday night, but the official rally wouldn't start until Saturday morning.

If you do a rally/poker run. It should be a one day thing. I can tell you now not many people are going to drive from city to city. Not a lot are going to put 300 miles on there car just for driving. Me I would. A poker run can be done in one city, or somewhat small area. Like Daytona/St augstine, Jax/St Augstine. Not many people are goig to want and be assoiciated with a Gumble Ball stlye run. People are going to be too worried about how others are going to drive etc... Track days will probably be better. No laws being broke etc.. Just the hard park getting people to pay the money.

Everyone does track days, what's the point in doing something that's already been done to death? We'll see how interested people are, I know my friend are, and most of them don't drive J-Bodies, they can drive along, however they won't be eligible for the raffle or any prizes. Most people will be responsible drivers, those that aren't will be asked to leave and will no longer be able to take part in anything, therefore they may drive along but they will be on their own and will not be allowed to participate in any events.

I don't see cost being too much of an issue, nothing will really be expensive. Autocross is cheap enough, the average rates I've seen is like $20 for the rental of the lot and the hotel can be as cheap as $20 per person if worked out correctly. It's not really hard to set aside a few dollars here and there, considering it's going to be a year off. I mean, people are willing to drive to Atlanta and back for the Nopi meet, so they probably won't have too much of an issue with something like this. Like I said though, we'll see how the interest is in the next couple of months.

There's something like this going on with TampaRacing.com, from Clearwater to Miami (no car shows, just a big party at the end) and it's very popular from what I've seen.

Sean McCoy wrote:Everyone does track days, what's the point in doing something that's already been done to death? We'll see how interested people are, I know my friend are, and most of them don't drive J-Bodies, they can drive along, however they won't be eligible for the raffle or any prizes. Most people will be responsible drivers, those that aren't will be asked to leave and will no longer be able to take part in anything, therefore they may drive along but they will be on their own and will not be allowed to participate in any events.

I don't see cost being too much of an issue, nothing will really be expensive. Autocross is cheap enough, the average rates I've seen is like $20 for the rental of the lot and the hotel can be as cheap as $20 per person if worked out correctly. It's not really hard to set aside a few dollars here and there, considering it's going to be a year off. I mean, people are willing to drive to Atlanta and back for the Nopi meet, so they probably won't have too much of an issue with something like this. Like I said though, we'll see how the interest is in the next couple of months.

There's something like this going on with TampaRacing.com, from Clearwater to Miami (no car shows, just a big party at the end) and it's very popular from what I've seen.

Well see what you just said there, makes this sound totally different than what you made this sound to be. At first it sounded like a Florida J thing. Now it sounds like all cars etc.... You are right $20 in a parking lot is nothing. Still after gas, hotel not many J owners are going to spend it. Just a fact. Yes people drive to Atlanta. Why because it is a proven event. Plenty of free crap, and top notch cars!! Just the fact the only 2 other people (ME and Buzz) are the only ones that have posted in it. That tells you how interested people are. If you are doing it more for yourself and your friends/people who want to do it fine. Probably better. I would not put the FLorida J name with it.