East Coast Series

#1

There was some discussion last year about potentially having an east coast series across regions to determine an east coast champion or whatever you want to call it. This would not be to defer people from going to MMP, as I’m currently planning on trying to make it out there one way or the other. I think it’ll be a lot of fun to try new tracks out with a big group of people and try to mimic the level of competition that is at nationals as that is most enticing factor. How would a 3-5 weekend series across the east coast sound? This should reduce the ‘home field’ advantage while at the same time giving people and excuse to tow further than the normal distance for a bigger than normal race and try new tracks out.

I want to gauge if there is a decent amount of interest before trying to pursue something of a mini series.

I do see on draw back for people who want to concentrate on their local region championships but for me I’d rather do a series like this.

#2

Sebring, Road Atlanta, VIR, MidOhio and Watkins Glen. That could be enough to make me dust off the old E30 and strap that b*tch to a dyno to get her running right again.

#3

[quote=“Steve D” post=68490]Sebring, Road Atlanta, VIR, MidOhio and Watkins Glen. That could be enough to make me dust off the old E30 and strap that b*tch to a dyno to get her running right again.[/quote

^ The best tracks. That would be awesome.

#4

We talked about this 4yrs ago before the first Miller Nats. IIRC the idea made NASA pretty unhappy because they saw it as a threat to the attendance #'s at Miller. It doesn’t matter if you agree with that, it only matters that it was their perception. They will have the same objection next year too.

The way to make this work is to do it so informally and quietly that it stays off of their radar. We talk about it here or we go ask questions of Carter (forcing him to acknowledge it), and we’ll be putting it on the skyline. We quietly let night fall and then make it happen thru back channel communications and it could happen.

Alternately we could publicly brand this the “East Coast Tour” or “Tour de Bucket” and prevent conflict with NASA by simply going to great lengths to keep it from being compared to Nats. Don’t formally keep any kind of score so there’s no formal tour winner.

#5

+2 (Pissant & I)

I have driven all of those tracks and would pay the tow bill in an instant to do them all again.

#6

+2 (Pissant & I)

I have driven all of those tracks and would pay the tow bill in an instant to do them all again.[/quote]

+1. I call first dibs (2 cars) on the WHR hauler for the MidO and Glen races.

#7

Looks like we have support from at least one NASA “big deal”. I propose we name the series “Grand Dame Amurrican Lamaze” as a nod to JP, Jones, Geegar and other former racers who have been felled by procreation.

#8

Thinking of Miller myself, mostly because the schedule is close to Bonneville and I can take a weird Italian POS and run both events…

I really like the idea of the five tracks…dont know if I can swing the tow with my 5 series though…Anyone who races should run those tracks listed.

Al

#9

I mean, I like the idea (sounds great). Problem is you are talking about some serious towing bills. If I was going to start something, i’d want to finish it and 5 race weekends just isn’t in it for me. Toyo won’t be paying any extra cash.

I do enjoy the racing with large fields, but there’s just no way I’m coming out for a “east coast championship,” which will likely mean more body damage for something that isn’t going to pay out.

#10

Let me get this straight. You are judging the Lamaze series based on:

  • cost versus perceived fun
  • hassle of towing
  • risk of car damage
  • lack of sponsorship money

How do you ever convince yourself to race? :lol:

#11

So apparently what is required for lasting racing success is celibacy?

Those under 50: OMIGOD ARE YOU INSANE?

Those over 50: Waiting on that success.

Seriously tho.

Add Reznikov to the list IIRC.

Doesn’t have to be that way tho. When I went to comp school we had 3 kids, the oldest of whom was 3. And wife works more hours than I. It’s just gotta be a priority.

#12

So apparently what is required for lasting racing success is celibacy? [/quote]
Celibacy and pregnancy are not the only two options. I’d explain further but I’ve been chastised for straying into that territory. I’ll send you a PM. :lol:

#13

It’s actually difficult. All the roundy round guys think I’m slightly retarded, since they have weekly purses that eclipse our yearly winnings. I honestly don’t blame them for thinking that, as I typically have a hard time justifying the astronimical costs. I love racing to death, and I’m addicted.

I wish circle track racing did it for me. If it did, I’d be there instead of here. Even the guys at the back are breaking even on a weekend.

#14

[quote=“Foglght” post=68509]

I wish circle track racing did it for me. If it did, I’d be there instead of here. Even the guys at the back are breaking even on a weekend.[/quote]

Been there, done that. You think we tear up some sh!t?

#15

[quote=“Foglght” post=68509]It’s actually difficult. All the roundy round guys think I’m slightly retarded, since they have weekly purses that eclipse our yearly winnings. I honestly don’t blame them for thinking that, as I typically have a hard time justifying the astronimical costs. I love racing to death, and I’m addicted.

I wish circle track racing did it for me. If it did, I’d be there instead of here. Even the guys at the back are breaking even on a weekend.[/quote]
tell me about it, i have an “in” with a local team that does ucar and i’m trying to wrangle a ride for a weekend to see how it is behind the wheel.

#16

[quote=“jtower” post=68518]
tell me about it, i have an “in” with a local team that does ucar and i’m trying to wrangle a ride for a weekend to see how it is behind the wheel.[/quote]

6 wins in 2005, 2nd in points
1 win in 1 start in 2006.

UCAR’s are fun.

#17

So apparently what is required for lasting racing success is celibacy?

Those under 50: OMIGOD ARE YOU INSANE?

Those over 50: Waiting on that success.

Seriously tho.

Add Reznikov to the list IIRC.

Doesn’t have to be that way tho. When I went to comp school we had 3 kids, the oldest of whom was 3. And wife works more hours than I. It’s just gotta be a priority.[/quote]

Whoa, slow down there Ranger. I think I’ve gotten more races in for the last 24 months than you buddy, cause I tend to leave my cars alone and just drive them…

I’d actually be game for this, except I don’t have a Spec car any more. I did Daytona this year and it was totally worth the haul. Been considering Sebring or the Glen for next year.

Maybe if DeVinney doesn’t get the dust sweeper out I can rent his car and come run…or another option, are there any good cars for sale at a reasonable price? I still have one unused bay in my garage at home.

#18

I agree, i started racing in 2000 when my wife was pregnat with my first child…now we have 3 ages 11, 10, 7.

Raced everyyear since 2000 doing at leats 6 weekend each year…

So apparently what is required for lasting racing success is celibacy?

Those under 50: OMIGOD ARE YOU INSANE?

Those over 50: Waiting on that success.

Seriously tho.

Add Reznikov to the list IIRC.

Doesn’t have to be that way tho. When I went to comp school we had 3 kids, the oldest of whom was 3. And wife works more hours than I. It’s just gotta be a priority.[/quote]

#19

If we claim an east coast champion, that doesn’t mean everyone MUST do all these events. It means they MAY. Just like not every west coaster came to Mid-Ohio and how I’m not going to Miller. For those that choose to commit to the expense, it is something to shoot for. Choose not to do it and you are in exactly the same position you sit in right now. Nothing lost.

#20

Correct. Here is how I pulled it off with the blessing of NASA.

The problem for anyone that lives a large distance from a championship event is they simply cant afford the huge cost of towing to and from the event. Every region has their own hotshoes and I believe that they should represent each region, when possible.

I went to NASA asking if we could do a West Coast Championship. The idea was to bring sponsors in to help fund the top 3 finishers in this one race to represent the west coast at Mid-Ohio. I was told no, for all the obvious reasons.

I was allowed to rename the event, “California Crown” and accomplished the same thing. We were able to bring in quite a few sponsors and the west coast was represented at Mid-Ohio.

This was a “one off” event that brought 35 cars out and above all, we had a great time as a SE30 community.

It just takes one person to get the ball rolling, and the help of those who want the same things to make it happen. There is no reason that you couldn’t do, what would essentially be a crossover event for how ever many regions that wish to participate. You just need to go to your leadership and the leadership of the other regions to make it happen. I know I sure as John didnt do this even on my own. It might of been my idea to begin with, but it evolved to the event it turned out to be with the help of many people.

These events, they dont happen on their own. Sometimes you have to step up and physically get that ball rolling on your own.

Shawn