Im in I live in West Michigan anyone needs a ride thats on my way or not crazy out of the way Ill pickup think u all know how many the 8 can hold

 

^lol

 

198 days and 19 hours left!!!

 

When/ if you pick a hotel try to make sure it is walking distance from the red line train. The red line train runs 24hrs a day and services both the loop and wrigleyville. I have been following this thread for a while and it seems as though you guys are serious about getting together. If you decide to stay at a hotel near O'hare because of price, that may also be fine. The blue line also runs 24hrs and crosses the red line in the loop. For those who are flying, Midway may be a cheaper alternative to O'hare. Southwest and ATA both own alot of gates at Midway. I personaly flew round trip from Midway to JFK (New York) for $120. For those who are worried about transportation from Midway the Orange line goes directly to the airport.

 

i wonder if i could take a train..that would be SO cool...do you think there is a train that goes from here to there? *hmmmm* i bet it would be a lot cheaper too!!

 

Morgan, it'll take you like 2 days to get here and 2 days to go back!! On top of that I think it'll cost you more than $200. Not worth it.... SouthWest will get you some really good deals... you might even get a round trip for like $180. That's what I paid when I flew out to Ft. Lauderdale from Midway last year. :D

 

I took a train from Chicago to....somewhere in Colorado (I can't remember) for a skiing trip. The train SUCKED and it was not much cheaper than flying. I think it took us a day and a half if not 2 days to get there. Soooo much flat land. Going through the mountains was cool but only lasted an hour or two. I definitely would not do it again.

 

yea.i looked it up..it's like 75 bucks cheaper and 2 days longer...how stupid..oh well..looks like i'll still need to be picked up from an airport..

 

I can pick you up from O'hare if you want. I think I made it there in about 20 minutes last time because my brother forgot his wallet at home and I had to drive there and drop it off. Of all the things to forget he forgets his wallet. Before going to Vegas no less!

 

lol, thanks...i'll probably take you up on that offer!!!

 

Ok cool. I'll be looking forward to it.

 

Maybe something to add to the agenda for the meet!

https://www.rx8club.com/mw-rx-8-forum-31/chicago-area-1st-annual-meet-2005-a-44017/


Could happen around the same time and maybe usefull.

 

Seems like this thread has lost all steam. I know I hardly ever contributed, but it was fun following everyone else's comments. Come back everyone!

 

eh, the meet is still awhile away...as it gets about a month or two before hand--things will pick up on here a lot.

 

OK, don't know if anyone else was looking into this, but I looked into renting a track for our meet in May. I called up Chris McMahon who's the Operations Director of Route 66 Speedway. Here are a few details about our conversation:

Track: Route 66 has a drag strip and a huge parking lot space. I think we would be better off with the parking lot, he mentioned that we can come in earlier and set up a track. I am thinking it'll be a single timed run lap but I have zero experience in track set up, so maybe I'm getting in way over my head. However, we can also rent an oval track with banks. For that I'll have to get in touch with the folks down at Chicagoland Speedway.

Price: It'll be anywhere between $4500 and $6500 for the dragstrip or asphalt. Hope we have a turnout big enough to justify the rental expense. Furthermore, he needs to know what kind of insurance we'll be bringing to the table. I acted like I knew what he was talking about, but I actually don't. Does anyone?

Timing: Chris was almost sure that the place would be closed down for memorial day weekend. Our best bet, according to him, would be to do it on a weekday. He'll get the detailed schedule for '05 after thanksgiving, so I'll call him later to find out which dates seem the most agreeable.

Bottomline: I don't think we'll be able to fit the track rental into the itinerary. I'll still follow up on this but it seems like there are too many things that aren't jiving too well.

Alternative: I dont' know if any of you have seen the post about ChicagoIndoorRacing. They are a go-carting outfit out in the burbs (about 30 miles out of chicago). From what I've read and heard, they are super professional and very serious about racing. If there's enough interest I can look into group rates and/or sponsorship deals.

On a side note, a friend of mine mentioned that the Days Inn in Lincoln Park has parking for renters. This might be a good option if we are planning to cut cost a bit to make room for fun events.

Let me know if you want more details on anything. Peace Out.

 

Yup! Things will be picking up! And some of us are having a planning meeting soon! :D

 

Insurance will cost you another $3000 to $6000 for the event depending on how much coverage you want, etc... Also, there are only one or two insurance companies in the US that will insure automotive racing events these days and they are very picky on whom/what they insure. They will probably require you to show valid proof of having educated/experienced racing people at each portion of your event. Obviously the owner of Route 66 would be able to cover the drag racing, but then you would need someone for the autocross (usually a SCCA official you have to pay) and someone for the road course (this is the tough one).

And yes, all this insurance is necessary. I pity someone if they ran an event and just setup some cones without autocross insurance you are risking a major lawsuit should someone hurt their car, or god forbid hurt themselves.

Obviously safety is the largest concern for everyone who run's a driving event, and it's also why the insurance company has specific requirements (and get tougher every year on these requirements). If you add sponsor's to your event they will usually need to be covered under your insurance policy and should be listed.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

I'm down for Chicago Indoor Racing. Its a minute away from my house.

 

wow...ok...dead thread...

 

I'll quote you back Morgan.... "eh, the meet is still awhile away...as it gets about a month or two before hand--things will pick up on here a lot."

 

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

 

There's going to be a meet in Chicago? Man, I've fallen off the play list...

 

Autocross offer is good here too. (Posted in a few places)

I know you (event planners) have spoken to Mike a few times...but I have the equipment :D

 

wish i could bring my car...prolly flying in actually definitely flying in

 

I disapear for while, and yet, i'm still quoted on this page. I love it! haha :D