Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

Hey everyone, Steve and I have been talking about trying to get a track for the Texas 8 for awhile. I've been in talks with a track (Eagles Canyon Raceway: http://www.eaglescanyon.com/2008/home.php) about this.

We are currently tentatively scheduled for April 7th, 2012.
We must have a minimum of 20 participants.
There will be no instructors (unless you bring someone along that will do a ride along with you)
There will be track workers and emergency services provided.
The cost will be 200 a person.

Depending on numbers, this could potentially mean that for 200 you have full use of long track for literally the whole day. (i.e there will be no one there but us)

So the question is, how many of you would be interested? (You would pay the track directly to secure your spot.)

1. Riley Craven
2. Seatownracer
3. Lord ET
4. 9krpmrx8
5. 987HYS
6. 40w8
7. Creto
8. QTdude
9. '05Shinka999
10. WTBRotary!
11. DSEA
12. JantzenRX-8

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

So is Kerrville still not an option?

Lord ET

iTrader: (1)

I'm down.

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

Kerrville is still possible.

Grungepup

iTrader: (2)

i would be interested but the dates are bad for me.... i will be at a school for work from apr 2nd to the 27th

200 for a track day is not bad at all

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

Does this mean we're only going to meet for that day, then just split when the day ends?...If that's the case, it sounds a little boring...I think having an all weekend event would be more fun.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I'm down.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

I just don't know what our chances are of getting enough people for this...I believe it will eliminate alot of involvement from members down south, and it would be great if we could all get together.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I agree, it would kill what we know as the Texas8 but it would still be fun.

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

If we can't get enough 8's it will be opened to other Mazda's like Speed 3's and Miata's.

As far as the people down south, they've never really traveled well (talking about the entire southern portion of Texas, not just one area). While it would be awesome to see them up here, if they don't want to travel, then that is their prerogative.

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

No, the plan is to have a weekend event just like the state meet in Kerrville. What exactly that will entail, I'm not sure at this point, and probably wont likely try to plan anything extra until I know we can secure the track (ie have enough interest)

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

The track idea isn't to be a replacement meet. The very first year we held the Texas 8 it was actually around Oct 20th, if I recall correctly. Seatown has been wanting to do another meet for awhile now and I'm trying to make that happen.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

Oh ok...Got it.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Two Events in a year is the way to go IMO. Let me know if you need anything.

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

If you could spread the word around SARX that would be awesome.

Highspeed

iTrader: (2)

I am sorry but the Texas 8 last year was my first one ever and was awesome! The roads we drove and being out in the open like that was what made half the excitement. A track day to me takes ALL the intensity of the Texas 8 away and makes it just what it is...a track meet. I can drive an hour from Tulsa here and be at a track...heck anyone pretty much can. Kerrville and the mountains is what makes the Texas 8 drive so much fun. The people that come make it a lot more fun as well! But to drive to Texas just to go to a track and hang out a bit, I think I would rather save the money and make another meet somewhere else like the Dragon or Seven Stock. In my opinion, why wouldn't we just keep the Texas 8 like it has been, in Kerrville and do the Texas track day at another time...instead of pushing the Texas 8 to another time in the year and doing the track day during the Texas 8 time. I am not trying to come off rude or inconsiderate...I am just saying there are tracks everywhere around people...but Kerrville is worth the drive for the people, the fun and the roads. Just my .02 cents...

If the Texas 8 ends up being a track day, I do not think I will be coming...too much money to spend for just a track day. We would be spending the money to drive down, hotel food and then 200 minimum for the track...thats a lot for just a track day. Plus, tracks usually inspect the cars and your car has to pass inspection...and there is no way of knowing if your car will past for sure until they do. Also, most tracks require helmets to be wore and some of us cannot fit into our cars with helmets on. Just saying...this idea for the actual Texas 8 sounds like it would be taking the fun out of the actual Texas 8...the mountain, the people, the hotel and hanging out...last years when I came to the Texas 8 for the first time...it was the best car meet and get together since I have been involved in cars in the last 15 years. Please don't flame me for my opinion.

Thank you,

Brannon

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

^^Very well said

987HYS

iTrader: (1)

im down for a track day as long as we still have the texas8 meet

QTdude

iTrader: (2)

I'm going to agree with Highspeed. It is highly unlikely that I will take the time off of work to drive down to Texas for a track meet when I can do the same here for much less. But I'm not the one who plans these events, I just show up and have a good time. So if this is an easier and more stress free way to host an event, have at it.

40w8

I'm definitely in!

I've been to ECR once, and the only complaint was that I look slow with all the bimmers and Porches.

Its a safe way to compare 8's , also.

Track days need to be run on cool days like might happen in april, and the Texas 8 needs to be run when the bikers aren't there in mass.

They also have Sunoco gas without ethanol.

Even costing 10% more than the street, I'd fill up before I leave to clean out my tank.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Good, you can be my instructor Darrel

40w8

Sure! Anything to get a ride in the new 8!

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

First, I'd like to address your last sentence before the rest of your post, and I'll start with a story. A while back (even before the Texas 8 and my membership on these boards) there was a meet called the Quad State Meet (you might still be able to find the threads about it) It was a pretty big meet of 8 owners and they had no real activities. Just tons of people coming down to enjoy other people's cars and hang out in Arlington in a park. (IMO a car show is not an activity, but I digress). One year they even held it in OK on a Sheriffs track. Then the meet suddenly died. There was a lot of drama in the planning group etc and the meet just died. No one planned anything. My point being is that making posts like that and then asking me not to flame you at the end make me not want to plan anything at all. If you want to offer constructive critism, please feel free to PM me or send me an email. I try to be good at addressing people's concerns by either giving them more information or trying to make some small modifications if possible.

Second, I think you've completely missed the point of this event and events in general. Yes driving is large part of any of our meet component, but its not what I would call the main draw. To make my point, would you travel down to Kerrville and the awesome "mountain" as you call it alone? (If you say yes then props to you) But my guess is that if you were being honest, the answer is no. The people is what makes the event, hanging out with others like yourself that share your passion. Yes, you and QT and anyone else for that matter can drive less than an hour and be at a track for less. But neither of you do so (at least that's not what I hear anyway) You can't however do that and be with a group of 8's on a track for a day. Its impossible. It doesn't exist anywhere, let alone a few extra hours drive away. I told Sheena earlier that driving on the track was not going to be the whole event. I meant that.

Third, I'm sorry, but the mountains in Kerrville do not compare to a track in any way shape or form. Yes the views are nice, but the Texas 8 is incredibly dangerous, for us and others on the road. Traffic is a major hazard, not only for our safety, but our fun as well. Don't EVEN get me started about the bikers (or for that matter feeling like I need to be carrying on a car cruise) You don't drive for the views, you drive for the road, and Kerrville does not compare to any road track. If you want views go to the Ozarks and take an actual cruise (ie 10 below the speed limit and stop at every tourist spot)

Fourth, if you want to complain about the cost issue, then I think you are being a bit misguided there as well. The fuel cost alone to go just from DFW to Kerrville and back is going to be pretty close to 200 (especially with the price of gas being so bad last year). And you are going to have the same expenses with hotels etc in Kerrville. Your costs are a wash either way. The only people that could rightly complain about that is the southerners.

Fifth, I'm pretty sure ALL tracks require helmets, its a liability issue. If you don't have one, you can rent one (usually 10 bucks and sometimes free depending on the track etc). If you can't fit in your car with a helmet than I'm not sure you should be in an 8 to begin with. (I'm 6ft, and have a moon roof, and still fit in the car with my helmet) I'm not saying its not close etc, but it is entirely possible.

Sixth, I've been to several tracks and I've never had one inspect my car (not even the "****'s" at Apex) You fill out an inspection sheet and sign it, and its done. Since this is my event that's how I plan to run it.

Anyway, I think your opinions are for all the wrong reasons. As the planner you can not expect me not to respond to them especially when you post them in such a public manner because I need to reassure people that what you are saying is not the case.

(As to the date issue, I'm beholden to when I can get track time. I'm the one that has to be flexible, not them.)

Angels8

Just to let you know, It is Easter weekend.

Riley Craven

iTrader: (1)

If you are going to post something please make sure its accurate. DGRR is not the weekend of the 7th, its the 20th to the 22nd.

https://www.rx8club.com/deals-gap-rotary-rally-111/dgrr-2012-year-dragon-%2A%2Aevent-banner%2A%2A-226442/