The Super Southern Cobra Fest

[Aussie Mike]

Hi Guys,

After some discussion with a few people at the nationals there was the idea of a national event down south.

This could be done in late summer to space it 5 or 6 months out from the nationals. The weather would still be nice without the blistering heat of mid summer. It would also be good to have an extra national event since one a year just isn't enough.

It could be run at Winton race way which would make it a more reasonable drive for the South Aus folks and only about 6 hours or so for NSW buddies.

We could also do something a Heathcote park drag strip. Perhaps run Drag racing on the Saturday followed by a super cruise through to a park somewhere for a big BBQ using the Vics new BBQ trailer.

Personally I would prefer an informal dinner like an outdoor BBQ where everyone can mingle and chat or a counter meal at a pub.

Anyway I thought I'd start this thread up to get peoples ideas and opinions and seee if we can organize something.

We need a name for the event, a format for the competition ie sprints, go to whoa, drags, motorkhana etc. What would you like to see the event being?

Cheers

[pneall]

Mike,

Count me in. Wintons fine,thats six hours more driving I get. BBQ sounds like the way to go , nothing like a BBQ and a coldie after a day at the track

Probably need a three day weekend. That means Easter (when ever it is) or ANZAC long weekend.

Winton may be too short for drags so maybe its a sprint only event.

Phil

[Aussie Mike]

We've got Labour day on Monday 14th March or ANZAC day on Monday 25th April.

Easter is Friday 25th March till monday 28th March.

Booking the circuit on one of those long week ends may also be more expensive. I guess it would depend on the numbers of people who would attend and what is reasonable for an entry fee to cover the cost.

Cheers

[Aussie Mike]

Heatcote Drag way has Easter Sunday available. It would cost $40 each to enter and $10 for spectators. If there's more than 50 cars they refund $10 for each car back to the club.

It's a full 1/4 mile with all the timing gear, track marshals etc.

Racing starts at about 11AM and finishes about 4PM.

If we could Get Winton for the Saturday to run the sprints all day and then a big BBQ in the evening at the track. There's still plenty of daylight in the evening. With daylight savings still in place it won't get dark till about 8PM.

We could then do a big cruise from Benella over to Heathcote on Sunday morning for the drag racing. Assemble in the middle of Benella in the morning and then go via a nice windy back road. Bring the BBQ trailer along with us and have a BBQ lunch at Heathcote.

I'll ring Winton raceway and get an idea what the costs are and if there is anything available.

Cheers

[boxhead]

Hmmmmm March or April is gunna be a tight squeeze to be finished in time, but I will try

[Aussie Mike]

If your's aint ready David you can have a drive of mine.

Cheers

[boxhead]

You better get your car going in time there Mike, or we are all gunna push it around the track.

[justbetter]

Gaud, i can see more spit on the bonnet mike...

[stiffy]

Count me in.
I go to the annual Jaguar race day at Winton in July (bloody cold)
they have different sprints depending upon make/model/modifications.It is a great weekend.
The practice on Friday (optional) and the timed event is on the
Saturday (they cannot call it racing as the premium increases)
They then go into Wangaratta (where we all stay) for a combined
sit down dinner/presentation (no Mike not Macca's).
You could do the sprints,Go to Whoa,I think they have a hill climb available,and a short drag.

[NASSTY]

"If you build it, they will come"



Mike for VCC President!

[Aussie Mike]

Good thinking Stiffy.

I was chatting with Garrett and he suggested Calder since they have the Drag strip, thunder dome and the circuit. There's plenty of accomidation and possible venues near by for presentation dinners etc as well.

A thought for the Saturday night, how about a cruise to the Coburg Drive in theatre? 60+ Cobras rumbling up to the gate would be an impressive site. We may even be able to arrange with the operators to set aside some space for us or to screen a particular film? It could also double as the venue for the show and shine (Since mine will probably be in black primer I might have a chance at best paint in the dark)

We need to put our thinking caps on and table this for discussion at the next Club meeting.

Cheers

[pneall]

Now Iam looking at 10 hr drive and I'll have to stop for fuel, 6th gears not that good.

Drive in sounds like a hoot. reminds me of the Herbie movies when a couple hundred VW.s turned up a local drive in then left like they were all Herbie. The combined HP of those couple hundred VeeDubs would just about equal mikes 60 odd Cobras

Mike , looks like we might have the start of a convoy.

Phil

[Mando]

Sounds great guys!
Tell me where, tell me when and I will be there.

Regards.

[BMK]

Mike thats sound good.

Please not a sit down dinner at Maccas - I agree witrh you Stiffy.

Bernie

[BMK]

Mike

I just read the points on the other 'Thread"

I think a cruise type event/s would be great.

Again I like the idea of an event up at Winton.

Bernie

[Mrs flatchat]

'Ere in Qld some of the racer boys and girl do a sprint series at morgan park and at our state AGM some thanks giving (trophys) is awarded in order of achievement. So why not each state do something similar and then the champs from each state have a shoot out at the national event for a national grand champ??
Great idea ??

[Leeroy]

Mike, count me in. I should be definately finished by then! Winton sounds great and that time of the year the weather is awsesome up that way. Track work all day,warm nights, BBQ, beer MMMMMMmmmmmm!!!!!!

[Aussie Mike]

OK Folks, how does this sound:

Easter Saturday 26th March 2005
Sprints at Winton Raceway
Scrutineering from 8AM and racing from 9AM till 5PM.

BBQ dinner at the track or perhaps at a suitable venue back in Benella or Wangaratta.


Easter Sunday 27th March 2005
Drag Racing at Heathcote Raceway
Early morning Cruise from an assembly point in Downtown Wangaratta or Benella through to Heatcote Raceway for a Drag racing on the propper full 1/4 mile with timeslips etc.
Racing from 11AM till 4PM

BBQ dinner at the track or perhaps another cruise to dinner and trophy presentations at a suitable venue somewhere.

I've spoken to Winton Raceway and the Saturday is available to us as is the Sunday at Heathcote.

The cost of hiring Winton for the day isn't too bad and it includes Public liability insurance etc. It doesn't have to be CAMS affiliated since the insurance is under Australian Auto Sport Aliance. This allows upto 16 cars on the circuit at once so the event could be run as a sprint event or a proper race if people are keen. Personally I think the sprint style event is a little less intimidating for most drivers.

At that time of year there is still plenty of daylight well into the evening so there is the opertunity to have a cruise or other activities after the racings finished. There are plenty of wineries and other establishments around that area if we want to organise something.

Northern Victora has good weather that time of the year as most the rain never gets over the great dividing range.

If we are going to organise something we need to get the support from the other clubs arround the country as well. We really need to get the number to make it worth while. I'm thinking a minimum of 40 cars.

Cheers

[BMK]

Sounds ok Mike.

Bernie

[REPTYL]

Sounds great.
What would the cost per entrant be at say 50 cars?

John Evens lives in Wang' he would be able to help with accommodation.

I'm sure we could get another Melbourne based car club to cover any short fall in numbers (if any).

Let me know if you need help with organising or promoting the event. I'm only an email away.