Thanks to the idea of ProToolKid, Jeff Haas Mazda is willing to host the first RX8 Houston Meet. This is the first thing of this type that I have ever organized so any input would be helpful to me. I will have many more details to follow, please let me know if you are willing to come, the more the better of course, and I would like to do a meet of not only owners but people that are thinking of purchasing, or have already ordered so that we can all look and ask questions, if this is not normal for a meet, let me know that too. Like I say, I have never done this before. I am looking very forward to doing this. Also, I had mentioned to the powers that be here, that we hold it here, another thing I'd like input on, is that an ok place? Anyways, please throw me ideas, and yes, we will be giving stuff away!!!

Richard (RX8 Seller)

I would guess the main things are a place to park the cars where there's plenty of room, somewhere where the owners and other people might want to get out of the heat and sit down and shoot the breeze. I can't think of a whole lot else, anybody else have ideas?

great thanks, keep the ideas rolling my direction!!

I'm in. Just set the date. Look forward to meeting other owners out there.

Richard - you might want to limit it to owners and perhaps pre-orders. I would hate to have the general public (interested in the car but not committed) traipsing through my vehicle.

If I do invite the general public, I will have at least one if not two vehicles for them to get in and out of, I would not subject an owner to that. If there is an owner that has done something extra to thier RX8 that they would like to show off, I wouldn't stop that but I'd probably prefer as well that owners not allow people inside thier personal cars. I don't know if I'd have a liability issue with that, especially if it's hosted here, but it's starting to sound like somewhere with a large parking lot is better?

Please someone else let me know that you are interested :0)

I might be tempted to drive down if it was on a weekend. Not until after Nationals, though.

Originally posted by RX8 Seller
Please someone else let me know that you are interested :0)

I'm in.

Originally posted by eccles
I might be tempted to drive down if it was on a weekend. Not until after Nationals, though.

When are the Nationals? Is that the Vegas event that is planned?

Originally posted by RX8 Seller
When are the Nationals? Is that the Vegas event that is planned? No, I was referring to the SCCA Solo II National Championships (http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/nationals/2003/index.html) in Topeka on September 9th-12th.

ok thanks, I'll keep it away from that weekend :0)

Well I'd be down with it if my RX-8 comes in when it's supposed to (beginning of September)..

Til then my beige Camry just ain't gonna cut it :D

I'm in. I have to see tpryors's Zaino job - no pressure Tim. My car has the simplton Mcguires job. ees preeeety shiney though.

Memorial park can offer some shade and parking. I have a few ez-up tents with chairs, coolers, & stuff to make it more pleasant.

At least let all rotary owners attend. You don't have to put up billboards advertising it to the whole world. I would hate to see the rest of the rotary community look at the RX-8 owners as a group of stuck-ups. The many RX-7 meets I have attended pretty much just had rows of RX-7s lined up in a parking lot somewhere. The modded ones had open hoods, doors, or whatever they wanted to show off. Everyone is pretty respectful of other peoples cars. If you don't want someone in your car, leave the door shut. Simple. Just give them a polite yes or no if they ask and make sure to be there with them. Act like a salesman. Its a little different if someone tried to drive your car. Just use common sense. Your car isn't a play ground so don't let any little kids crawl on it. I've never seen anything bad happen at any of the meets I have been to. If you don't want anyone to look at your nice new car, don't take it out.

rotarygod...

At least let all rotary owners attend.

Of course. I planned on bringing pictures of my GSL-SE and looking at all levels of rotary fun.

"RotorFest Houston" bands, food, fun. All day pass only $20. Just kidding.

Originally posted by 1stRX8
rotarygod...



Of course. I planned on bringing pictures of my GSL-SE and looking at all levels of rotary fun.

"RotorFest Houston" bands, food, fun. All day pass only $20. Just kidding.


LOL wont be any bands... good idea though :0)

I think A good lot where we can park in a group would be necessary.

Shade and chairs maybe tables

Maybe We can get some food sponsorship or if not peeps can bring a little something.

Don't Limit to just RX-8 get the RX-7s and other rotary cars there too I'm up for the history Lesson.

Bring your Significant others don't leave them at home.

The Free Stuff is cool Thanks RX8 Seller (any hints on what is being given away :D )

A weekend date will be good but I've gotta have notice as I need to get the day off so I can attend.

Doesn't have to be much more than that I mean Jeff Haas Will get a good rep when people buying cars at the time see a group of Mazda owners out in the parking lot unless it's moved somewhere else.
You gotta bring those mazdaspeed cars you have down there I gotta see what is special about them.

Originally posted by pelucidor
I'm in. Just set the date. Look forward to meeting other owners out there.

Richard - you might want to limit it to owners and perhaps pre-orders. I would hate to have the general public (interested in the car but not committed) traipsing through my vehicle.

this is a bit of an elitest attitude is it not? The miata club events are open to any who wants to come. It might get them interested in the car. I know a friend of mine that has a P5 goes regularly.

And i am always welcomed at the Rx-7 and supra (well by some of the people) meets, as well as i have been to houston Z-club, etc meets.

I understand your concerns as I do not go out to "Street" meets as i hate the crowds that show up and only try to go to organized professional marque car club meets. But Closing it off would not provide you guys with a good image.


My suggestion is to have a dinner meet. Find a resturant that will fit you and maybe schedule it for once a month. (thats what the miata club does). I know mazda reps show up at our meets every now and then. Feel free to glance though our stuff www.houstonmiataclub.com

here is a shot that was suppose to be in a SCC article thta never was printed
http://www.houstonmiataclub.com/newweb/albums/album31/DDV013.jpg

RX8 Seller....LOL wont be any bands... good idea though :0)


I actually BABES not Bands. I stand corrected.

I actually meant BABES not Bands. I stand corrected.

(Learning to write and getting better every day)

Originally posted by Pitlab77


this is a bit of an elitest attitude is it not? The miata club events are open to any who wants to come. It might get them interested in the car. I know a friend of mine that has a P5 goes regularly.
Sorry - I wrote that when I though we would hold the meet at the Mazda dealership, hence general car-buying public traipsing through my vehicle comment. If the meeting was off-site somewhere (restaurant etc) then obviously we don't have that problem.

I'm in.. Richard.. PM me when you get a chance... or call me at 281-989-1738 <leave a message< I will get with you this week sometime.


btw.. it was niceto meetcha guys the other day :)

If at all possible can we have the meet after 6PM if we meet on the weekends? I don't like to ask for days off at work and things are about to get crazy at work as I have to help get the network up in the new building in 1 week and it's not gonna be fun.

I saw a Titanium with temp tags from Gillman at Sears Hardware in First Colony. Had a Canyon Gate sticker which is my hood.

Ring a bell anyone?

Are you coming to the meet.

im in.....ill be there with my 8, just say a date......im only 17! so im thinking ill be the youngest there! but just name a place and a time!



andrew

......im only 17! so im thinking ill be the youngest there!

Nice parents.

So far, this is what we got! It will most likely be held on a Sunday in the early afternoon timeframe here at the dealership. We are closed, there will be no salesmen (other than myself) so it won't be a pressure type of ordeal. We are planning on moving out enough vehicles as to have ample parking so that there are no door ding issues (can't have damage on our lot!! LOL). Still working on details but what I am shooting for is some give away stuff (no idea yet, sorry no answer here for ya ProToolsKid) and I'm trying to get some sort of snack type food catered and I'm sure we'll have iced bottled water available as we do every Saturday anyways. If you are a non owner and want to come for an information day thats great, please note, we can not talk price or close a deal on Sunday (laws of Houston??). But I will be here with other owners to answer as many questions as you can throw at us. It will be sometime after nationals and even though it's a Houston meet, it would be great to have attendees from elsewhere as well. Please keep suggestions coming. Thank you for all that I have gotten so far.

Richard

:( I won't be able to make it on a Sunday afternoon till after 6pm

i will be able to make it on a sunday....it sounds like fun! keep us posted!!


andrew

Hmm, sounds like a fun road trip...

Sunday afternoon is perfect for me - after dim sum at Ocean Palace.

OK so far it looks like this, please let me know if anything changes of course I know that dates may change things as well and I don't have that yet.

Pelucidor
Eccles - If you want to make the drive
Tpryor
Visa - you can bring your Camry if need be, but please still come
ProToolKid
Rotarygod - You're invited of course, can you come?
Pitlab77 - You're invited as well, can you make it?
DrKillJoy - Mr President, thank you for coming
Panda
MaRX8 - we'll try and make the roadtrip worth it, but the 8 might do that without my help :-0)

anymore?

I'm in. Just not on Labor Day weekend....

Hmm which Sunday is this and time/place?

At that time ill be working 3rd shift so day is open but unfortunately I called Joe Myers last night and my car hasn't gotten to port yet so they don't have a specific date fer me :/

Though my brother bought his off the lot so ill let him know the info...

I haven't seen a titanium grey one in person (even though I ordered mine that color) so hopefully someone has one of those?

And also, about how long after it hits port should I expect it?

I can make it on a Sunday. Just tell me which one so long it isn't THIS Sunday. I'll bring the RX-8's great-grandpa along with me. The good old 1st gen RX-7!

My 8 is expected in next week and I would like to participate. Pretty much any Sunday afternoon is fine with the exception of September 14th.

Looks like it's going to be Sunday September 21st (after Nationals etc). Anyone disagree?

I'm down for it. 21st is fine.

Originally posted by pelucidor
Looks like it's going to be Sunday September 21st (after Nationals etc). Anyone disagree?

I'll be there. I assume "details to follow"?

Originally posted by pelucidor
Looks like it's going to be Sunday September 21st (after Nationals etc). Anyone disagree? Works for me, assuming I can get another leave pass from She Who Must Be Obeyed. :)

OK The 21st then, yes details to follow. I have already been given a budget and have started spending money :0)... thats fun spending other peoples money.

i will be there....looking forward to it!

andrew

Damn I might have mine by then...

The build date was July 25th... anyone have a reasonable ETA for it? Apparently it hasn't reached port yet :(

My build date was July 7th and it delivered to port on August 8th. Still have not received it due to the port options. The CD Changer and spoiler have been installed, waiting on the appearance package. Delivery is expected next week, approximately 4 weeks after it arrived at port.

Some vehicles move through the Houston port much faster, it all depends on the options you have.

JV are you going to be able to make it also?

Assuming my car is here, I won't miss it.

Not needed to attend, but I understand if you must wait..lol

If Haas ever gets my car in, I will be glad to go.

;)

-Mr. Wigggles

Bah I just got the sports package with Nav system...

Hopefully not too long :(

Mr Wiggles

Which car? What salesperson?

I'll check on it for you.

Question for you Seller...

If I got the sports package, NAV system, and alarm upgrade as my only options how long do you think that badboy will be in port?

I'm gettin' pretty friggin ancy... build date was July 25th and they still don't have a date for me because it hasn't made it to port :(

Alarm is port installed I believe, so once it hits the port in Dallas, it should be there i'll estimate 2-3 weeks. This is just a guess as I don't know the details on your vehicle, ship date, etc..

bump so it doesn't get forgotten

Where do all the Houston RX-8 guys live? I'm in the 1960/champions area and have only seen a black one and a blue one.

I'm in the Kingwood/Atascocita area.

I was just informed by Mazda that my car finally finished having the appearance package installed at port (all other items were installed a couple of weeks ago). For others that are waiting, my build date was July 7th, arrived at port August 8th and is scheduled for delivery on September 8th.

I got my blue RX-8 last Friday and I've just been enjoying it as much as possible. I'm in the Clear Lake area, but I think I might drive up for the meet.

btw -- my roommates and I are having a house-warming party tomorrow night. DJs, cocktails, and well, an RX-8 :) PM me for details.

Originally posted by rotarygod
Where do all the Houston RX-8 guys live? I'm in the 1960/champions area and have only seen a black one and a blue one.

Northwest, off of Jones Road. I have only seen a silver one (WEEKS ago) "out and about", but I have seen several around work (I work in the Williams Tower, in the Galleria area).

I can't believe I haven't seen your car - I work in the 3000 Post Oak building right next door. If you happen to see a red 8 around 7, 11, or 5 - it's probably me.

We need to set a time for the meet....

Eradicator: Where are you at in Clear Lake? I am down there all the time off of Bay Area about a mile from UH Clear Lake. Where is DJ's? I know where BJ's is.

Well, I live over near UHCL, but I work for USA (west of JSC). Of course I'm all over the place as I am developing a habit of driving just for the fun of driving an RX-8 :D

When I said "DJs", I meant disc jockeys. My buddy and I are learning to mix techno, house, and lounge vinyl. I've been at it for about a year now.

Originally posted by Boozehound
I can't believe I haven't seen your car - I work in the 3000 Post Oak building right next door. If you happen to see a red 8 around 7, 11, or 5 - it's probably me.

I usually arrive at 5:25am, don't leave for lunch, and leave to head home around 3:00.

That would explain it...........

I live in Cypress area near N. Eldridge and Grant Rd I work in a temporary building off of Northwest Central and 290

There is another Red RX-8 that just appeared in the parking lot just last week is that anyone on here? It has no wing no kit and no rotary accents.

Ok, I need feedback on this pretty quick, sorry for the delay but it's been a busy week for me. I am thinking of 11-2 on the 21st of the month. I am also going to try and compile a list of people attending again in the next day or two, so if you have not let me know if you are coming and you know you can, please send me a pm or post it here so that I can add you to the list. If you are not sure, don't worry, you don't need to be on the list to attend.

Originally posted by RX8 Seller
I am thinking of 11-2 on the 21st of the month.

Fine by me...............

there is an autocross that day.... this may (or may not) affect turnout.

Originally posted by DrKillJoY
there is an autocross that day.... this may (or may not) affect turnout.

The only local event that day is the BMW event. Shouldn't affect local RX-8 turnout. There are Autocrosses scheduled for San Antonio (SASCA), Austin (Spokes), Dallas (SCCA), and Beaumont (Sowela) that day though - might affect turnout from those areas........

I'm out now :( I have to work that weekend my company is moving buildings and I have to work from Friday Night thru to monday W/ very little sleep to get the Phone System moved over and the network up and running for a metric Fuk-ton of peeps as well as all the network connections and computers going. It's a must I can't skip if I value my job. and Since my job is paying for my RX-8 I gotta keep the Job. So while you all are having fun I will be busting my ass!! I might show up for a second all dirty and sweaty.

i will attend, im thinking i am going to be the youngest owner there, 17?? anyone younger or the same age?!

btw im in the woodlands

andrew

What ever happened to the evening meet? That works infinitly better for me - I have to be out of town the rest of the weekend...

Sorry Richard - my mother is visiting from England and her return flight is on this day (originally supposed to be on Saturday 20th). I need to drop her off at the airport at 1pm, so looks like I cannot make it unless it was 5pm or later.

I couldn't go much later because of the catering and times that I can get people here at the dealership to open the lot and move cars when we are all done. A 5-8 meet would be 10-11 for those of us that have to move all the cars back in place. If we do another one, I'll try and do an offsite location, just at this time I'm trying to make this one as good as possible. I'll have a list out today of people that are coming and please let me know if you're on the list that your a go, or not on the list that you might be a go.

Thank You,

Richard

Richard, can I join the meeting? I'll bring my RX8, I've just pick it up from Jeff Haas last week. Please confirm the location, date and time. Thanks

:)

I'm afraid I'm going to bail. With my impending lack of employment, and the accompanying probability that I'll be returning the car, I've decided to run a local autocross here in Austin before I have to part with it.

Have fun!

Originally posted by RX8 Seller
I'll have a list out today of people that are coming ....


So are you contacting people by means other than this thread? I'm interested in going, but so far I only know that it's sometime/somewhere on 9/21.

hey Richard.. also be sure to let me know if the Houston RX-7 club is invited en masse' typically you might see 10-20 people at a given event..

:)

Thanks

Keith

Keith,

Yes, please invite all that you want from the rx7 club, we'd love to have them out, there might even be some questions for them about thier rotary engines :) . I look forward to seeing all of them here.

Once again, everyone is welcome to come to the meet. Please bring all the friends and family that you would like to. Also, I think that it has been brought up that I have not been very clear as to time and place, my appologies. The meet is Sunday the 21st (this Sunday) at Jeff Haas Mazda from 11am-2pm. Sorry about the times, but I had to get help and catering arranged and this is the only time that it seemed to work out. I have not been able to put together a list although that doesn't really matter. I look forward to seeing everyone that can attend. Please remember we will be giving stuff away (prizes!!!!) and I'll have some door type give away stuff as well as food. :p

When: Sunday September 21st 11am - 2pm
Where: Jeff Haas Mazda on I-10 just West of the Sam Houston Parkway.

\\\
Richard is there any specific schedule of events?

\\\
I will be bringing out some Sevenstock 5 posters for the RX-8 owners. They feature one of the final post-prod RX-8s in motion.

They look great framed.


See everyone there!!!
Keith

Honestly, no there isn't, I have never done this before so I don't have a planned schedual. We'll just have a good time the whole time :0).

Richard

note: it looks like SCCA www.houscca.com officails will be onhand at the event to answer questions as well!

awesome, this event is really looking good Richard, thanks for all the hard work.

I might show up :-)

Yes, SCCA will be here. And please come on over, we'd love to have you!

What's your thoughts if it's raining? Do we go ahead and have a show and not much shine?

from Weather.com

Sunday, Sep 21 Temp °F Feels Like Dew Point Precip. Humid. Wind

9 AM Scattered T-Storms 73° N/A° 72° 50% 94% From the East Northeast at 7 mph
10 AM Scattered T-Storms 75° N/A° 72° 50% 90% From the East Northeast at 8 mph
11 AM Scattered T-Storms 76° 80° 71° 50% 86% From the East Northeast at 8 mph
12 PM T-Storms 77° 81° 70° 60% 80% From the East Northeast at 8 mph
1 PM T-Storms 78° 82° 69° 60% 75% From the East Northeast at 9 mph
2 PM T-Storms 79° 82° 69° 60% 70% From the East Northeast at 10 mph
3 PM T-Storms 80° 83° 69° 60% 68% From the East at 10 mph
4 PM T-Storms 80° 83° 69° 60% 69% From the East at 11 mph

so what's up... anyone still gonna be there?

I would prefer to postpone, but understand if we cannot due to all the preparations that have been made. If the event still happens, I will be there. It would be helpful if Richard could confirm and also advise if there is someplace there (or a nearby car wash) that we can rinse our cars off from the drive over.

hmmm..by virtue of the fact Richard hasn't posted.. I suppose that means he is at Haas.. setting up.. or trying to stay dry..anyone live close enough to go find out?

yeah anyone know?

i have to go take a test can someone email me the results..
email my pager @ dontspamme@archwireless.net


thanks

Just spoke to Richard, everyhting is already set up so the meet is on.

I'm here, sorry been setting up! It is still on. I do have an onsite carwash, we'll see if we cant figure out how to turn it on and people can drive through. You can call for directions at 713-932-6004.

Car wash is up and running, we can also do free car washes today :0)

Hope y'all had fun. I was having a blast at a wet autocross here. Unfortunately it dried out enough during our fourth runs that I got pipped at the post for the win in street tire class.

I sure could use a car wash though! :)

Doh. I was at a wedding in SA yesterday and couldn't get back in time today. I did see a silver 8 going to Austin on my way back though. I guess I'll have to catch the next time.

To all the people who showed, THANKS. There were not that many people there, but it was a good group of people.

Some thoughts from one who does not own one....

I do like that red!! However, the blue stands out very well also if you do not like red.

Having the windows tinted makes the car look better.

Putting the 'clear' bra on seems to be an excellent idea. You could not see if from 3 feet away and I bet it will stop a lot of paint chips.

Was disappointed the SCCA did not show. I would like to find out about thier club.

Overall, a great time.

Hey guys, i showed up late with my friend (I was in the red turbo miata, and my friend was in the black P5). Didnt get to meet and of the rx8 guys but got to see keith (move the rx7 club meeting away frome tuesday's so i can start going again keith ;) lol). And did meet one other guy with an RX7.

Was fun

Originally posted by 350 Formula
I would like to find out about thier club.

Overall, a great time.

www.houscca.com

Thanks to Richard for hosting. It may have been a small turnout, but that meant more free swag and food to go around :)

Hopefully we can do this again. It's interesting to see how everyone personalizes (pimps out) their cars.

Thanks Richard for your hard work. I had fun there, it was a good group of people....good prizes and food too :p
Can we have another meeting like this soon :D
Nice to meet you all :cool:

Thanks Richard, My family and I enjoyed it.

Thanks all for showing up. I will be testing the waters here to host another one. But this time we are going to try to add a couple of things. I'm glad everyone that came down had a good time, it was a blast for me as well.

Richard

I had a good time even tho I had to get back to work... :) I hope we can do this again and thistime I Will try to get the day off if necessary.

I wanted to go but work has gotten very stressful. Did I say very? I meant VERY STRESSFUL!!!

Anyone need to buy a house? I need to sell one!