I have no idea what youre talking about

Its going to be one hell of a drive for the victorians!

I suggest driving halfway, finding accommodation and then taking it the rest of the way.

Perhaps meet up with the NSW guys and going up in a large group?

 

I'm all for Morgan Park!!!

 

Count me in for next year, keen as!!
My car is finally ready to be picked up on Monday.
I am willing to help with some of the organising if it is needed.

Cheers Col.

 

Suggest that those who are keen to help get themselves organised into an informal committee now and sort the 'club' formalities later.

Straights on Lakeside look too long to me, whereas Morgan Park looks like great fun...

 

OK knowing the issues involved (as a club we book our track days 12 months in advance) and to save the possible dramas later I have tentatively booked the same weekend next year as they are filling up fast.

There is no commitment at this point in time but they are pretty much booked out for all weekends towards the end of the year except bathurst and indy weekend. Once a committee is arrange let me know and I can give you the details so you can take over the booking.

Cheers

Andrew

 

Thanks Andrew...you called up just before me! Bill quoted me $3,300 track hire for the day...and he said to allow another 10% on costs in the event theres a price rise in the next 12 months.

TRACK FEES ONLY
Based on 30 track drivers = $110 each (we'll easily reach that)
Based on 35 track drivers = $94 each
Based on 40 track drivers = $83 each (more realistic)
Based on 45 track drivers = $73 each
Based on 50 track drivers = $66 each (we can do it!)

Add accomodation for the night, ($100) T-shirt, licence fees, food and incidentals...heres a link to Warwick accomodation. http://www.wotif.com/hotels/australi...ck-hotels.html

When you consider there will be a nominal spectator fee, the above figures would be a little lower. (I suspect there will other on costs)

This is an estimate, but I reckon we should get change out of $300 - $350* (*not including Michaels Gold Coast before/after party).

Do those figures stack up?....and do we need to consider other options?

 

Trevor, sorry if I caused hassles but knowing how fast the days can go I just wanted to be safe.

One point to keep in mind, The last 2 years have cost around the same price of $450 per full track participant and $150 for guests. Wakefield and Winton cost around the same price to hire but that is almost $3000 more than morgan park.

Next, its much easier to give people a refund than it is to fall short.

Lastly, I think your estimate of 30 is the one you should plan on. Remember that while you may have 20-30 active people up there you have a number of factors like willingness to track, if they will have the car in 12 months, work commitments etc. So I think figures of 15 QLD, 8 NSW, 5 VIC and 2 elsewhere are what you should plan on.

Also, get in touch with as many vendors as possible. If you want a hand getting in touch with Mazda I will pass on their details.

 

Thanks Andrew (and Timbo)...I feel like I've jumped the gun a bit here a bit because I'm in unchartered territory, and I haven't discussed this with other Queenslanders yet.

Whilst it looks like a good option, if would be good to get a consensus from everyone if they are happy with Morgan Park, or if we should consider other options. For the purpose of the exercise, I'm happy to do more some more research if asked.

I'd also feel a lot more comfortable if us Queenslanders could meet together for a cuppa to work on a plan. Next cruise?...

I'm sure theres going to be some challenges along the way, but we are blessed to have some great experience in our colleagues from Vic and NSW, who have offered us some good guidance and advice.

I'd like to put my 2c worth in on the costs. Whilst I've done an estimate, it might be a smart option if we budgeted around the $400 (or $450) mark because its a lot easier to organise a refund for everyone than to be caught out and drag extra cash out one's wallet on the day. I'm sure there will be other 'hidden' costs I haven't factored in yet.

Well guys and girls, one that point you can count on my 100% commitment, and I'm prepared to take a back seat and let someone else take the steering wheel if someone else wants to.

The Nats is going to a great road trip and opportunity for some real fun....and the organisation is going to be even more interesting, but also a fun ride!!!!

 

Consensus and committees make people feel comfortable and cosy but it is benelovent dictators that get these things happening, so don't be shy Trev.

I suggest you secure the track and start advising people when it will be and where, etc. That way people can stick it in their diaries and start planning to get there next year. Really, although tedious, the rest will follow.

 

Go for it Trevor, You have my full support. The key thing is to book the track. I am sure the details can be worked out as we go along.

skc

 

Now, I have to go up to Morgan park to sample the track.

skc

 

I hope we could get more Victorians than just 5 to make the roadtrip.

All travelling up together with a couple stops sounds like it could be fun!

Morgan Park Looks like a good enjoyable circuit without excessive speed which is not a bad thing for the novice guys!

 

I would too but its just not that feasible, time or cost wise, for that many people. Hence only 2 QLDers came to Vic this year.

 

Yep understand. Just have to see what happens!

 

NOOOooooo! Don't just wait to see what happens. Plan now -- organise a trip to take kids/wives/SO's to the Gold Coast via, eg, Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo. Make it happen!

 

Don't worry Timbo!

'See what happens' was only in regards to the final numbers of VIC's heading up there only.

Certainly is in no way to do with the underhanded tactics and dirty tricks that will be employed to get some numbers heading up there!

As we are now in the planning stages, will we be picking you up along the way Timbo?

 

Timbo,Rod and I are already packed........

 

Well no one tell me when it is ... yet

 

Wouldn't miss it for quids...provided us little dubs are ok with the organisers. Or perhaps I should consider further my plan to acquire an Evo X (I know Stuart, I bucketed the Evo VIII wa-a-y back, but the Evo X could grow on me )

 

Ahem, book the track!!!!

Then we can start planning a Wanderers cruise with steadily increasing numbers as it heads north.

 

Well true... All this excitement and I do not even know if the invitation will be made to us old timers. Hopefully they will decide they need a couple attendee's to keep the 8's honest!

I'm not sold on the EVO 10 yet. Maybe need to see one in the flesh! Will be blooy fast though

 

I appreciate everyones input...especially the PMs that were sent. (Thanks for the heads up Taka, Andrew, Kall and Timbo)

Now that we've costed Morgan Park, we'll examine backup and support services such as tyres, general repairs, Ambulance, Tow truck availability, accomodation, catering and overall logistics.

We'll have a look at Lakeside. They say its open for business but no-one is 100%sure....so for the purpose of this exercise we'll check it out.

Hymee and I have made contact, and we hope to get together soon to discuss further. (Don't worry Dave...we'll be ramping this up by the time you get back from Fiji!)

I can also offer some reassurence that this will be a transparent exercise, and everyone will be kept in the loop, because 99% of all problems come back to communication!

Anyhow...theres a lot more follow up to be done, but I'm already confident this will be one of our best Nats yet!!!!

 

Well done Trev. sounds like you have it udner control and with Hymee on board (who has organised one of these already) you'll be fine. One last suggestion, while we all love democracy, everyone here I believe trusts your judgement so dont have a vote on everything, infact unless is major, dont bother...you'll not get anything done.

Cheers

Andrew

 

Wow! it sounds like you have it all under control sarge! I am already looking forward to the next nats! Keep us posted!

 

This will be an interesting one I gather ... it'll be a fair trek to get up there too!