[Pat Braden]

Wanted: Your Thoughts on Conventions (Past & Future) / Racing

In a word: RACE!
There has been a lot of discussion of getting left and right coasties together with the inlanders for a massive ALFA Vintage race meet. Next year's convention might just be the ticket. The race would have to be a full weekend of practice, qualifying and race, not just an add on to a time trial event if you are to get people to do the long tows required.
Rick Clemente

Are you suggesting a "mini" or "full-blown" replay of Laguna Seca, except in the Mid-west, circa 1984 or 1985 whichever year is correct, I can never keep them straight?

Would certainly be interesting and bring some out of the woodwork that we have not seen for ages....are you talking about a 7 day convention to do that plus regular convention venues?

Just asking about the timeframe, not a complaint --- Detroit had no problem or complaints with adding the additional day which moved the board meeting to Wednesday as well as added the pre-convention Lake Huron Tour, which made the convention well over a week for those who did everything including driving to Michigan.

 

[Chi Si Dici]

In a word: RACE!
There has been a lot of discussion of getting left and right coasties together with the inlanders for a massive ALFA Vintage race meet. Next year's convention might just be the ticket. The race would have to be a full weekend of practice, qualifying and race, not just an add on to a time trial event if you are to get people to do the long tows required.
Rick Clemente

Rick:

We are working on moving the Convention date up one day. If that happens, we will have a full track day on Friday. Our goal is to create a "GTA Reunion". Roman from Auto Prep had more than a six-pack, we have a verbal commitment from three others. We are also in the process of contacting Joe Anastasi who owns the 33 Stradale and 33/3's race cars. We will have more nasty racing GTV's then ever. If Anthony Rimicci and a bunch of other Cal guys decide on making the road trip, we will definitely have a massive Alfa Vintage race meet. Two years ago, we had 16 GTV's and a GTA at our local track event alone. We can do some damage if we create an early "buzz". Besides, we have aton of local racers who would love nothing more than have some fun with the west-coast guys.

 

[jrclem]

Potential So Cal attendees would include Jake Grubb, David (and Bill) Kohl, Anthony Rimicci, Fabrizio Rimicci, Bob Wass, Dr. John Sampson, Gianfranco Masdea, Will Painter, Brian Mertz, and me... this is just from VARA. There are racers in AROSC as well, and a bunch in Northern CA and the Northwest as well. Perhaps a big transporter could be organized?

 

[Pat Braden]

Your Thoughts on Conventions (Past & Future) / Racing

Rick:

We are working on moving the Convention date up one day. If that happens, we will have a full track day on Friday. Our goal is to create a "GTA Reunion". Roman from Auto Prep had more than a six-pack, we have a verbal commitment from three others. We are also in the process of contacting Joe Anastasi who owns the 33 Stradale and 33/3's race cars. We will have more nasty racing GTV's then ever. If Anthony Rimicci and a bunch of other Cal guys decide on making the road trip, we will definitely have a massive Alfa Vintage race meet. Two years ago, we had 16 GTV's and a GTA at our local track event alone. We can do some damage if we create an early "buzz". Besides, we have aton of local racers who would love nothing more than have some fun with the west-coast guys.

Carm:

The bold, italicized line above almost sounds like the MidWest guys have some kind of score to settle with the west coast guys or at minimum "jerk their chain." Whatever it takes to make the numbers turn out and make it a run for the prize of who is best....west or midwest. That kind of leaves out the other coast, though, where some might be offended. I can think of a couple off hand.

Maybe we can even get some of the local Alfa racers who belong to AROC to show up, but haven't come to a convention since the 1981 Detroit one because it's not hard core racing.

Looking forward to another excellent, possibly extended time-frame, and fun convention in Chicago.

Potential So Cal attendees would include Jake Grubb, David (and Bill) Kohl, Anthony Rimicci, Fabrizio Rimicci, Bob Wass, Dr. John Sampson, Gianfranco Masdea, Will Painter, Brian Mertz, and me... this is just from VARA. There are racers in AROSC as well, and a bunch in Northern CA and the Northwest as well. Perhaps a big transporter could be organized?

The good doctor is who I was making reference to -- but I was not going to post his name. I saw him last week and we discussed what a good convention Detroit was and he indicated that his focus was now racing. How about a John and Will rematch next year in Chicago. Although, you may have to promise that his car will not come home on a trailer as it did many years ago -- will never forget that one, my children were quite young at the time. There were few of us who knew how or why the car was damaged that was sitting in the lot, but Pat and he had a very definite connection that had nothing to with medicine.

 

[jrclem]

Not to mention Dirk... who could fill a few transporters full of cool race cars!

 

[Chi Si Dici]

I believe I said that Joe Anastasi is from the east coast. I also should have mentioned David Rivkin who I spoke to in Detroit and had a most beautiful GTA. David said he would make the trip to Chicago. There are also two AUSCA Alfas in the Chicago land area; the Boat-tail AUSCA owned by Larry Ogle and an AUSCA (very rare) Giulia Spider owned by Gordon Raymond. I believe that Levy also co-owned an AUSCA boat-tail w/ Joe Marchetti.

 

[jrclem]

Here's a snap of a recent West Coast get together...

 

[turbolarespider]

I almost hate to point this out, but we are NOT allowed to wheel-wheel race. At least with AROC as the sanctioning body, as our insurance does not cover that at all.

If you can get a vintage body to sanction a one day event, that's ok. Outside of that, we are kind of stuck.

The GTA reunion we had this year was a big success- I think all of the people really loved to see the old cars going around the track reasonably quickly, and very loudly. Waterford has noise restrictions, so we got a one hour waiver.

But we were hoping to not just have GTA's.

As it turned out, the timing was pretty tight, so I would recommend sticking to the one session of touring plus the one session of demo.

BTW, if you want to buy Motor City shirts, contact Off Course Racewear.

At one point we were hoping for 700 people, once the hotel filled, it settled at 560.

Eric

 

[jrclem]

AROSC has been wheel to wheel racing for many many years. Bruce, what's the ins deal? Perhaps with this much lead time an "ALFA CUP" race could be added to a vintage race weekend sanctioned by some existing org the weekend before or after the Chig. Convention at a nearby venue?

 

[turbolarespider]

AROSC has been wheel to wheel racing for many many years. Bruce, what's the ins deal? Perhaps with this much lead time an "ALFA CUP" race could be added to a vintage race weekend sanctioned by some existing org the weekend before or after the Chig. Convention at a nearby venue?

Not on the main club insurance. As far as I know, SoCal buys their own coverage.

Eric

 

[jrclem]

How about the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet? Looks very cool and is close to Chicago.
>> http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/index.html

 

[bshorey]

How about the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet? Looks very cool ans is close th Chicago.
>> http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/index.html

That's where the track event is scheduled to happen!

bs

 

[conedriver]

...The dates are June 19-22. We had planned to have the traditional Thursday-Sunday arrangement, but if people really would prefer to move things forward, we might be able to do something like that. But I'd like a LOT of feedback before doing that... So if you have opinions, let us know!

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for getting this thread started. Here's some more feedback:

AN ADDITIONAL DAY for the convention would spread things out somewhat. We now tend not to cram in every activity since the resulting frenzy can spoil our overall experience. Having the concours on Saturday seemed to be received very well in Detroit and, I'm sure the judges and scorers liked this.

ALFA RACE: I'm not familiar with AROC insurance but why not explore getting a rider for the proposed Alfa race? Assuming the activity is conducted under rules of a recognized Vintage Race organization, the AROC insurance carrier might like the additional business. Otherwise, consider affiliating with such a sanctioning body for their insurance coverage. Also, consider making track time available on race day for Time Trial participants. Their fee could help defray track rental costs. TT cars would likely be restricted to "practice only" and segregated from true race cars on the track for insurance purposes.

AUTOCROSS: There are always elements that can make an autocross better. Here's my personal suggestion that will hopefully bring response from others: Just because the traditional (and SCCA) minimum autocross course width is 15 ft. it does not have to be at this specific dimension. I suggest you mandate the autocross course be sufficiently wide to accommodate race cars. A 20 or 25 ft. width will not spoil the course design, and I think quite a few racers might enter if they knew in advance that the course would be wider and didn't have excruciatingly tight turns. Further, the event will run more smoothly if fewer pylons are hit (narrow tight 1970's style courses tend to have a high pylon count). Also, beg, borrow or rent some 18 in. pylons. This size is traditional for the 1200 SCCA events run each year in the U.S. rather than the 12 in. size used in Detroit (I might be able to bring some pylons, depending on our local event schedule). Finally, don't depend on volunteers for autocross work positions. In Detroit, this resulted in over two hours working a corner station while relief workers were solicited (and the surface deteriorated). Consider getting workers in advance; either from CAROC, or the local SCCA.

While I don't like the "random running" scheme used by Detroit, it is probably popular with a majority of casual autocross entrants. The downside is when there is a rapidly deteriorating surface and your time results from when you run instead of a test of driving skill (grumble grumble...sour grapes...). I accept there should be a balance between fairness and fun, so the scheme should be continued in the name of fun.

PAST ALFA ROMEO OWNERS CLUB NATION COVENTIONS

x = Our attendance
1959 CHICAGO, IL
1960 CHICAGO, IL
1961 CHICAGO, IL
1962 HINSDALE, IL
1963 CHICAGO, IL
1964 CHICAGO, IL
1965 CHICAGO, IL
1966 CHICAGO, IL
1967 LAKE FOREST, IL x
1968 LAKE FOREST, IL
1969 ELGIN, IL
1970 WISCONSIN
1971 ONTARIO, CA
1972 SADDLE BROOK, NJ
1973 ASPEN, CO x
1974 DETROIT, MI x
1975 LONG BEACH, CO
1976 SOUTHBURY, CONN x
1977 ASPEN, CO x
1978 RESTON, VA x
1979 SAN DIEGO, CO1980
1980 DANVERS, CONN x
1981 DETROIT x
1982 RIVERSIDE, CA
1983 CINCINATTI, OH x
1984 SEATTLE
1985 MILWAUKEE, WI x
1986 NEW JERSY / LONG ISLAND
1987 PORTLAND, OR
1988 TULSA, OK x
1989 WATERBURY, CONN x
1990 DETROIT, MI x
1991 SAN DIEGO, CO
1992 ST. LOUIS, MO x
1993 BALTIMORE x
1994 COPPER MOUNTAIN, CO x
1995 ATLANTA x
1996 PHOENIX, AZ
1997 COLUMBUS, OH x
1998 SANTA FE, NM
1999 KANSAS CITY x
2000 PORTLAND, OR did not attend

2001 NASHVILLE, TN x
OVERALL: One of the best to date, with lots of new elements. Double sided name tags with owner's car pictures. Great parking lot activities with a bar and live music. Unfortunately, the local AROC disintegrated after conducting this event
CONCOURS: Very good. Great remote site with a brass quintet providing music
TIME TRIALS: Nashville Speedway. Did not compete
AUTOCROSS: Very small site, medium course, driver's school by local SCCA. Good organization

2002 COSTA MESA, CA Did not attend

2003 FT. LAUDERDALE
OVERALL: Very good. Low attendance
CONCOURS: Good, held in City Park. Remote location.
TIME TRIALS at Moroso. Great track, good organization
AUTOCROSS: Very good site, good course by Detroit AROC. Good organization

2004 MANCHESTER, NH
OVERALL: Excellent. High attendance. Chairman, Brian Shorey allowed me access to their website and it was revealing to view the volume of work that went into the event.
CONCOURS: Good back-up plan. Held in parking garage due to rain. Close proximity to hotel
TIME TRIALS at NHIS: Good track, good organization
AUTOCROSS at NHIS. Excellent site, good course by Detroit AROC Chapter. Good organization

2005 SEATTLE
OVERALL: Outstanding. High attendance. Great attention to details. Even an organized wash area with beer and helpers with cleaning supplies. The visit to John Shirley's car museum was almost beyond words.
CONCOURS: Outstanding, remote location on nearby College campus. PA commentary by Alfa celebrities, an Opera singer, and food vendors.
TIME TRIALS at Pacific Raceways. Great track, good organization
AUTOCROSS: Very good site, medium course design. Good organization

2006 TULSA
OVERALL: Generally excellent. Low attendance. I think of this as a great "boutique" convention; small but very high quality
CONCOURS: Good, remote location, very scenic
TIME TRIALS at Hallet race course. Great track, good organization
AUTOCROSS: Street event by local SCCA. Very good course for what they had to work with, but high potential danger from solid objects. Good organization (Street autocross no longer allowed by AROC).

2007 DETROIT
OVERALL: Generally excellent. High attendance. Lots of activities, and the extra day was a good idea. The Lake Huron Tour was said to be very good. No shirts for sale, no dash plaques
CONCOURS; Very good. Outstanding remote location at Meadowbrook
TIME TRIALS at Waterford Hills. Great track, somewhat limited time, good organization in spite of sound restrictions
AUTOCROSS: poor site, poor course design, good organization