Fling suggestion...

[Jamo]

OK...it's been talked out.

Each year it has gotten better, and each year it gets bigger.

We wanted a venue allowing some "drag" starts...we got it.

We wanted some autocrossing...we got it.

CobraU got some track time set up at the last minute (or at least it was publicized rather late in the game) at Beaver Run, which was a bit far away, and conflicted scheduling-wise with the SCCA autoX and other activites. So it just didn't fit with this year's Fling.

DV, I think we ought to move to the next step early on in the planning for IV and see what we can do about getting Mid-Ohio or some other NEARBY facility to provide a proper venue for open track, autoX, and drag starts (yes Cranky--people do like burnouts--so let's find a safe way to do them). I'm not suggesting anything so involved as another Run & Gun--just a proper controlled environment. I would suggest it be available on a single day. I believe the rest of the time ought to be devoted to London, where it all started, and the parking lots, where some of the best times can be found.

Despite his single-minded, stubborn, mule-tempered, thoroughly undiplomatic, anally-explosive expressiveness, I think Cranky, deep down in the bowels of his middle-fingered expression of good will towards his fellow man, has an approach that can work. Whether it be delegated or communicated through the ever-entertaining Roscoe or the cuteness of JohnnyBoy, if not the throbbing Crankoid himself--somebody get these knuckleheads to get involved NOW and use their connections trackwise and see if it can be done in a cost-effective manner.

We can still give CONTROLLED rides to the public in London. We (including me) do not have to do burnouts in London--a nice cruise on a predetermined route will do just fine. So long as we can do the fun stuff at a track venue.

Fling III is over. Seems to me that the subject now is Fling IV!!!

[CobraDan]

Jamo,
I have been standing out in front of my house all morning getting peoples opinions of the Fling and was just about to post their thoughts. They also have never been to a Spring Fling, now it seems as all my efforts were in vane.
Dan

[klayfish]

Jamo,
You 'da man!! I think it would be a great idea.

Turk made an excellent post on the Street Racing/Open Track/Fling thread. If people tried to turn the Fling into one big open track weekend, the faces would just change. There are many who are not interested in it. But there are many who are, too.

I think DV did a fantastic job of mixing things up, so that there is something for everyone. People who want to shine and show the cars, people who want to run them, and people who want to do both.

If there was a way to put an open track event in the mix, without splitting up the group badly, why not? I think it would be a great fundraiser. I'm sure it would draw a crowd. Even those who don't want to drive may come out to watch the cars on the track. Could set up vendors and such in a spectating area.

And let's not forget that it is all up to DV. This is his baby, and whatever he decided it should be, I am in 100% support of it. As has been said, the Fling is about friends, food, cookies, and first and foremost....Jenny . The rest is just debate fodder.

Steve

[speed220mph]

Very diplomatic, Jamo. Good suggestions, too.

[terry lee]

HOW ABOUT THIS?
EXTEND THE TIME OF THE ENTIRE FLING. HAVING ALL THE TRACK EVENTS SCHEDULED EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE VENUE AS IT NOW STANDS. THIS COULD BE DONE ON A THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, OR ON A MONDAY AND TUESDAY FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE TYPE OF EVENTS.
MY $.02
TL

[rdorman]

We have talked about Mid-Ohio. Seems to me it is $11,000 for the day. They usually have the Vintage GP the same weekend we do so it would have to be on a Thursday or Monday. I don't recall any area really big enough for AutoX but there are areas where you could do a drag start. My concern is having multiple cars on the track at the same time, different driving skills etc. We could set up some shicanes(sp) to keep speeds down.

Now here is a cool place if we could get it! TRC, Transportation Research Center in East Liberty Ohio. I am still trying to find their home page but here is an arial picture:

http://www.ott.doe.gov/otu/field_ops...ial_photo.html

This 8100 acre facility has it ALL. A 7.5 mile oval (two drag strips, parades, what else) a smaller oval, a skip pad, room for autoX, a road course, you name it.

All 43 miles from the hotels AND Jay, DV's partner has connections!

Rick

[PatBuckley]

Where do I find information on Run and Gun?

[BT SNAKE]

Hey guys,
We don't need to go to mid Ohio. I think the fling should stay right where it is. The first day can still be an autocross. This was fun and I'm sure it could be held at another place with the help of SCCA. The second day can be modified as to where you can get up to speed then down without a burnout. I still think that plenty of people will pay to ride down that road without doing burmouts. On the third day the airport is a great place for the last day. I would only add safety personnel and an ambulance to stand by just for safety sake. If set up properly this would be just as much fun as the first time. Really, the only place where there is a high percentage of danger is on the burnouts. It could be set up where people couldn't get behind or along side that area.
I think Ed and all the others that helped did a fantastic job of giving us what we want. He came damn close to pleasing everyone. the discussions on this event should be on a positive slant as to how to improve and not point a finger. If you were not there I simply believe you should refrain from comment and only add constuctive critisizm that helps to improve the events. "I TOLD YOU SO" is not a positive input. If you're interested enough to comment then get involved by coming out and help. I want this to become bigger and safer for one reason, the kids and CF. We're all a family here so lets work together and make suggestions that will help make the event safer, more enjoyable, and earn more funds for Jenny.
I drive over 4,000 miles round trip to be there so something about this event is worth it. I know what it is in my heart and I want that feeling to stay there. I can't wait for DVSF IV.
Ed, you don't get enough credit for all the hours you put in for this event. I personally don't know how you do it. I'm just glad you do it.

Hersh

[66cobraboy]

Rick

www.trcpg.com


I think that this is the site.
It looks great.


Eric

[JKleiner]

Thank you Hersh,
I agree totally. While Jamo and others suggestions of adding some open track are interesting, there is only so much that can be packed into such a short time. For myself I would attend 4 days or even 5 but I think there are many who simply can't extend the trip any longer. I know there were alot of folks who couldn't make it till late in the day Friday this year and unfortunately had to miss the auto-x. Hopefuly those people will be able to stretch their time out for next year.
I think the format DV and company hit on this year is a winner, offering something for just about everyone. I've been involved with other automotive events in the past that grew TOO much. They are still entertaining and run professionaly without a hitch, but somewhere in that growth the soul and personality of the original get lost. I would sure hate to see that happen to DVSF and have confidence that Ed will continue to keep the spirit of a giant picnic for an extended "family" a priority.

$100,000! Can you believe it?! Thanks to all who made it possible.

Jeff

[Jamo]

Please READ the suggestion.

One day--same amount of time as the autoX. Folks could do a little of each, just like on Sunday: hot start, a little autoX and maybe a lap around a road course or oval. Less waiting time for each event.

I suggested the other two days go BACK to the original Fling functions--instead of hot driving events EVERY day!

The concept is one of venue...NOT adding any time away from the traditional Fling stuff. In fact, it would cut down the hot driving periods.

The airport WAS ok, but what's wrong with seeing what else is out there so that EVERYONE has a taste of what they like? 300 Cobras=300 desires.

Personally, I'm happy to sit in the doggone parking lot and revving the motor a few times each hour.

Just my opinion, like everyone else's...but please do me the courtesy of reading before opining.

If the folks that push for a track don't want to step up--it's their choice. Waiting until schedules are set is too late. I'm happy with each Fling I've attended.

[rdorman]

Check it out guys! There is even a water hazard to negotiate

Keep the format, make the fling longer, and the evening events are the hotels.

Rick

[mikiec]

I think the burnouts on the street could be made safer by shortning the distance. The local officers could and should be more attentive and those caught not obeying the rules or not being able to control their cars should be asked to just be spectators.

Last year when the rider program was started, it was going very slow, until a couple of drivers asked the officer if they could do a burnout. the officer said yes. As others got permission to do this the lines for rides, therefore the money raised, increased.

Yes, Ed asked us to do just a first gear burn out shift to second then back off. Shorten the course and lengthen the return to give the riders a good experience.

This years fling, at least for me, was great.

Hersh has a good idea with having an ambulance standing by just incase.

My omly other recommendations is to have additional food and drink vendors at the auto-cross and airport. And more shade.

Mike

I'll be there next year.

[xlr8or]

Jamo if your going to start offering level headed, well thought out, ideas and proposals you might be running the risk of losing your gashole status as well as your license to practice law.

Now go do a burnout in that awsum car of yours then have some raki.




PS: I kinda like your idea though.

[JKleiner]

Originally posted by Jamo


Please READ the suggestion.

One day--same amount of time as the autoX. Folks could do a little of each, just like on Sunday: hot start, a little autoX and maybe a lap around a road course or oval. Less waiting time for each event.

Sorry Jamo. Clearly my comprehension of your original post was out to lunch when I replied. I mistakenly read your idea as an additional day for open track.

See ya next year, and it'll be a blast even if it is just "sitting in the doggone parking lot and revving the motor a few times each hour"!
Jeff

[Jamo]

ass-ok

I am normally out to lunch--just ask Scott.

[a427sc]

Jamo

I already had an open track event set up for Friday at Nelson Ledges, back in March. Cobra U came in and set up an event at Beaver Run for Thursday, with no conflict with DVSF. DV asked we not try to connect our efforts to his event. I also had about 75% of an event set up for Mid-Ohio on Monday including insurance, cornerworkers, track facilities and especially experienced instructors. Since lead time is several months and support from Flingers was non-existant, I gave up rather than taking a financial bath. Your suggestions about using Mid Ohio next year have already been brought to the organizers again (at least to Jay) and were not met with open arms. There is some support for low speed excercises such as figure 8, skid pad, slalom and slippery surface manuevers at TRC, but no consensus has been reached with the organizers.

My suggestion, you stand out front and shout at people and get them to come, I'll get the place ready for the party.

McFEz

[Jamo]

Those low speed exercises can be fun!

Maybe we can have a demo on the effects on driving by raki vs. taquilla vs. RacerAl's shine...

A bunch of folks turned out for the autoX on Friday...the line got a bit long. If there are several "stations" (the skidpad, slalom, etc.), the wait would be shorter. Thanks for the info SirFez.