NWARC track schedule

[argtv7]

We din't even HAVE a Laguna Seca date this year. they wouldn't give us one. We got a call from Laguna about a cancellation, and they asked if we wanted the date. We had to move quickly, and got the applications out ASAP.

You know, if we didn't get a Laguna date, nobody would be crying. Remember we LOSE money at Laguna, and it's a ton of work. Maybe at next year's Competition Board meeting, I might suggest that we don't even try to get a Laguna date. Then, there would be no crying, and we wouldn't lose money.

[75evo]

Brad,

With all due respect, its not about whining or crying. I was just suggesting that for future Laguna or other "Hot events", that cutoff dates be changed a little. Like for this coming event, we were told around February that Laguna would be a possibility. So maybe AROSC would consider reprioritizing. I mean, we are 45 days away, this can hardly be considered "last minute" applicants. Funnily enough I didn't get the warning email, but that's totally fine. Terry is working on this for free and we are consuming his time. I'm not suggesting cancelling whomever is in now, but for future Laguna events, this would be something that could possibly be considered.

Besides I have for one, volunteered to help AROSC and have emailed Doug Bender and Paul Blankenship about it many moons ago and I'm still willing to do so.

I got in because I sent in my mail the day I got the form (around the 1st week of March). Any Alfa owner with some common sense should know that Laguna is always a sell out, so you are right, be prepared. People (Alfa owners) who purposely send in the forms 2-days before the event deserve not to get in.

For Last November's Laguna event I emailed Doug Bender offering to pre-pay ( I think that was in September or something) but he told me to wait for the forms.

Again, I am not anti-other cars in an AROSC event, like some other car clubs out there. Since it looks like this suggestions are not viewed as constructive I will keep quiet for now.

[argtv7]

In this thread, I see comments like "So do you guys agree on some kind of priority based on cutoff period", so I guess that would be a vote of "no confidence" from this chat forum. Last time I checked, this forum doesn't set any policy. I don't even see it mentioned in our competition code. I also see comments about how our club "sucks". It makes me feel really ****ty about all of the work I have put into our organization for the last 13 years.

I'll have Terry contact you. Perhaps you would like to be the Registration Director for the 2004 season?

[Slaysman]

I find all this discussion about how AROSC runs our events very interesting. So much energy! How about showing up at our monthly Board meetings and making your suggestions there? The Board runs the club, based on a lot of experience. We are always looking for new Board members, but you have to be willing to work.

As the Registration Director, I have spent 4-5 hours every night for the last couple of weeks, and all day Saturday working the upcoming events, and I am about half-way done. We have tried all kinds of ways to be fair, and it always comes back to "first come, first served". Yeah, it would be nice to give Alfas first shot at Laguna Seca, and if we had more advance notice we might have sent flyers out to AROSC MEMBERS first. However, since we are in the midst of getting 3 events together we opted to send out one flyer for all three events. We really didn't get everything done for Buttonwillow as it was. And I plan to race a Willow in 2 weeks my engine is still apart...

Do I enjoy turning people away? Of course not! Problem is, we have limits. The Director of Classification only got Race group & not TT too, as he was late with his entry. He probably doesn't think I am fair either. Intro Group is still available at Laguna. We make things happen, and happen very well. You can participate, or you can come and help make things even better, or you can moan & groan. Choice is yours.

Terry Watson

[nizam]

Terry, Brad -

You guys (all of you AROSC folk) do a great job. I've been running with you guys since 1992, and joined up in 1996 to get my preferential membership discount.

For all of you who haven't run with AROSC much, there are three consistent sellout events these guys put on; the two Drivers' Schools and Laguna Seca. Ever since my first run at Laguna in the mid-90's with these guys, it was a sold-out event. Nothing has changed. In fact, the number of Alfas per event rarely changes too. Even in 1992 when there were new Alfas to be had, the Alfa turnout was about the same as they are today, give or take a few.

The first-come first-served method doesn't bother me at all. I get the mailer in plenty of time to reply. I already know I'm going to Willow Springs, or Buttonwillow, or Laguna in any given year so I don't delay in replying.

I also belong to the ARA which holds less enthusiastic driving events. The track tours at Sears Point, for example, is open to any car as long as it belongs to and is driven by an ARA member. It sells out too. Those wanting to attend have to call (not e-mail or mail-in) the organizing member of the ARA and verbally get a confirmation that he/she is on the list. When I get to the track on the track tour day, I see some people show up and saying the same thing; "I brought my Alfa and they're letting that Datsun 510 run instead. That's not right!"

Simple lesson: (cheap, well organized, fun) track events are hard to come by. When you get the entry form, send it in. Don't let Terry or anyone in his shoes scramble deep into the Friday night before the event to ensure YOU enjoy your weekend.

Another insight: I've never been disappointed when running with the AROSC. In my 11 years of running with them, they've always been on time (or close to), fair - given the restrictions the track places on them (noise requirements and time to occupy and vacate Laguna comes to mind) and fun. Admittedly, most of my fun comes with the cameraderie I get with the other folk in attendance, Alfa drivin' or not.

Those who peruse this thread this far now know to send in their forms early next time! Don't wait!

Nizam

[Sniady]

OK. Let's set this straight. I don't think anyone who's posted in this thread hate's or think's AROSC track competition event's suck. I started the first post (my fault) which created some fire. I was going to Lock up this whole thread so it was no longer accessible. But then again, that's what this board's here for. People helping each other with technical issues, voiceing out there opinion's, etc etc.

I know the competition board put's in hour's of work to make the events happen. I did not say the event's are terrible and you guy's do everything wrong. I just voiced my opinion on a particular rule I think should take place, and then a few other's felt the same. As I said before, I don't expect for any of this to happen (still not counting on it after all this ). I'm happy there is such a wonderful club out. My buddy told me about AROSC 2 years ago when he did a driver's school, and he drives a Audi.

I hope when we see each other out on the track, we hold no grudges. We just shared some opinions, I don't see anything here to be fired up on. Cause I'm like whatever about all this, I'm just over this thread.

[CarPoor]

I'll wade in here, though you guys have different issues than we do, and we're pretty small-time by comparison... I act as preregistrar, for NWARC track events. Our Bremerton days do not usually fill up, so we are looking for more cars to fill in and help out with event expenses-as a matter of fact, I have only 1 car registered for the April 11th lapping day, and it's less than 2 weeks away! Now our Pacific Raceways dates DO fill up, so there we are somewhat more similar to your quandary, but our policy, as I understand it, is first come, first served. Regulars and club folks know it'll sell out, and we publicize the fact, as well as offering a slight discount for preregistering. Personally, I think it's good to have other marques to run against at our events. (Though a full field of Alfas would be a thing of beauty, to be sure...) Again, a whole different set of issues. BTW, I volunteer at our track events as tech, reg, turn worker, clean up and bill-payer, so I can really relate to how much WORK it is to put on a well-organized, safe and fun event. These guys WORK THEIR BUTTS OFF! and deserve all the props there are.

[argtv7]

At Laguna Seca, we do have a FULL FIELD of Alfas for the Alfa Cup race. That's 25 cars, the most that Laguna Seca will allow out at once. Where else in the world can you see an Alfa only race comprised of 25 Alfas?

It would be cool if someone could produce a decent video of the race.

BTW, there will be an Alfa Cup race both days (Saturday qualifying race and Sunday main race).

In addition, there will be about 40 Alfas time trialing, and another handful in Intro Group.

If THAT is'nt enough.........Sheesh. 70 Alfas at one track event.

[argtv7]

Nizam,

This was actually the first year that we have actually had a sellout at the drivers school.

I think it was for a few reasons:

1. John Morton was instructing
2. We are requiring a race license for the June enduro (hence 25 in race group - we usually get 8).
3. Alfa Cup gaining momentum, and cars.
4. Quality instruction
5. Price.

As a result of the full race group, that left less spce for the time trial/street performance schools.

It was just a couple of years ago that we CANCELLED a school in the last hour because of low turn out. I am pleased that we are healthier in that department, now.

BTW, how was the Sears Point track tour last weekend? I assume you went, right?

[75evo]

I volunteer as a camera man for one of the turns.

Is it possible to sign a waiver and be with one of the corner workers?

That way I could stay in the box with my camcroder. Maybe 2-3 people in some strategic turns and one on the straight away. Should be a good movie. Will be done for the Alfa Cup races only.

What do you all think? But we need confirmation and permission from the club and track authorities. There could be a problem with liabilities if you are going on the corner worker station.

[smestas]

Quote:

Originally posted by 75evo Is it possible to sign a waiver and be with one of the corner workers?

[nizam]

Brad - you have to help us out here.

I can volunteer two or three video cameras, not including the one Simon or 75Evo has offered.

If you can get permission from track officials to put our people out there at:

a) Turn 2
b) Turn 4
c) Turn 6
d) in the camera booth on the exit of the corkscrew
and (e) Turn 11

we can grab some good footage. In addition to this, I'll volunteer my wife's time to edit/splice up the footage into a movie of the race; she's pretty good at it. As an added bonus, I'll have my (Alfa) friend who used to be a radio announcer overlay his voice on the race. It would be a cool - albeit amateur - race video.

But you have to get us the trackside permission from the powers that be.

Nizam

[argtv7]

Nizam,

I don't really know about the turn worker stations. I can try to look into it. I think that there are better places, however (I went to every spectator race at Laguna Seca between 1971 and 1986, and then typically 2 a year since then).

On the hill on the outside of turn 1 (just beyond the flagstand - regular spectating area), you can see all the way from turn 9/10/11 all the way around to turn 6. It really is the best place to shoot turn 1/2/3. My favorite spot to watch a race.

From the OUTSIDE of turn 6 (you have to follow the trail by the bridge) you can see the cars coming under the bridge, thru 6 and up the hill toward the corkscrew. If you are nice to the turn worker, you can probably get even closer to the track.

The corkscrew. The best place to shoot it is from under the oak trees on the inside of the track at 8A. I doubt that you will be able to get across the track. Especially since we will be on a very tight schedule.

11: I think from the top of the grandstand would be perfect.

The start/finish tower would be an interesting perspective, too. I am sure that is no problem.

As far as turn worker stations, I think you are going to have to scout around and ask each turn worker individually. I am sure (for insurance reasons) that Laguna won't give us permission to get closer without a bunch of red tape.

I just watched a video of a Can Am race at Laguna. It belongs to one of our "regular" instructors. If it is OK with him, I will send it to you. They shot the whole race form 4 locations.

Once you guys have mastered Laguna Seca, then you can tackle the Enduro.

So, Nizam......where is this "race" Milano we keep hearing about???

Brad

[nizam]

Brad, the reason I picked those corners is because we - the people - only have lowly camcorders from Circuit City or The Good Guys, or those who can afford it -- eBay.

This means that their zoom capabilities aren't that great. Plus, even equipped with consumer grade tripods we'll be hard pressed to get good footage once we've zoomed out to the camera's max.

Why we need your help is because I did try at previous events at Willow Springs, Buttonwillow and Laguna to sweet talk my way into a corner worker's station. They usually referred me to the track marshall who's usually at start/finish too busy to cater to a request for a guy with a camera.

p/s the race Milano has been stripped out, awaiting greatness

[Slaysman]

A movie from Laguna would be great. I used to shoot stuff professionally, & would be glad to share some tips with you guys. I have a fluid head tripod still around somewhere, but don't persoanlly want to lug it to the track. Cheap tripods are fine. For the most part, you don't want the camera panning. The shots are much better usually with a fixed camera. Typical mistake people make is "pan & zoom" repeatedly. Will make the viewer want to vomit. If you do want to pan, do it at a fixed focal length (set the zoom and leave there while you pan). RARELY, RARELY, RARELY zoom during a shot. Watch Speedvision and pay attention to the camera work, not the cars & you'll see what I am saying.

Not too difficult, but you need to figure out what story you want to tell BEFORE you start shooting. You have a plan, then you get what you shot, which ends up never going per the plan, then you redo the whole thing in editing so it works. you'll need track sign shots, pit shots, gridding up, spectator reaction shots, workers, etc. if you want to make it really interesting. It also gives you stuff to insert between car shots for smoother editing.