Did they announce the SAAC 45 location at the banquet?
No not yet
Comment was made by Ron (Richards) "...east of the Mississippi would be likely but a specific location and date has not yet been determined..."
::)Let's have it at JD's house
If only I had the space...
Good to see the McDonald's and their touring '66 GT350.
We're still in Pittsburgh. Spent yesterday afternoon driving around Schenley Park checking out the race course
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 15, 2019, 11:33:38 AM
We’re still in Pittsburgh. Spent yesterday afternoon driving around Schenley Park checking out the race course
Steve, like the stone short-walls and the switchbacks down hill?
Some of the roads were closed for what we assumed were "race Prep", turns out a truck was working on the roads and the road collapsed and the truck rolled down a hill. Couldn't confirm it, but it was the talk on Walnut Street at the Car Show on Monday night, but you are right, narrow twisty roads with not much protection
VIR would be great or perhaps reestablish ties with Charlotte and their new road course.
Henry//
VIR, Road Atlanta or Barber Motorsports Park would be good options. Charlottes ROVAL has some very unforgiving wall areas in the infield with very small runoff areas that might not be the best.
Atlanta would be great!
Ah yes, I must point out its time for the annual, "I think it would be great to have the convention closest to my house" thread.....
;D
While there are so many great venues back east and north east areas, something west of the Mississippi would be nice. Kansas, Nevada, Texas or Utah maybe. Of course, anything in California is okay for me. 8)
Quote from: 67GT350-0078 on July 17, 2019, 12:08:14 PM
VIR would be great or perhaps reestablish ties with Charlotte and their new road course.
Henry//
The Roval?, it looked neat when I was there, never got a chance to drive on it
Circuit of the Americas. Austin, Texas. Great track. Great location. And you won't believe the facility. But the track is about $50k / day.
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 17, 2019, 09:14:15 PM
Quote from: 67GT350-0078 on July 17, 2019, 12:08:14 PM
VIR would be great or perhaps reestablish ties with Charlotte and their new road course.
Henry//
The Roval?, it looked neat when I was there, never got a chance to drive on it
Drove it a few months ago, Loved it. Walls are unforgiving at every track, best to avoid them ;)
Mike
Quote from: Coralsnake on July 17, 2019, 01:44:51 PM
Ah yes, I must point out its time for the annual, "I think it would be great to have the convention closest to my house" thread.....
;D
So this is the Road America vote? The mosquitoes clog my radiator. Let's go some place where we need to wear asbestos shoes.
Marlboro Speedway, all it needs is a little cleaning up, you know the the usual, move trees, repave track, clean up the millions of broken beer bottles, rebuild grandstands, etc.
I'm sure it's available.
On the positive, there are no good hotels near by, no good restaurants, no parking and as a plus it floods when we get a lot of rain, did I mention it has no restrooms
But it's available
Looks like a good location for a "barn finds" car show.
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 18, 2019, 04:11:49 PM
Marlboro Speedway, all it needs is a little cleaning up, you know the the usual, move trees, repave track, clean up the millions of broken beer bottles, rebuild grandstands, etc.
I'm sure it's available.
On the positive, there are no good hotels near by, no good restaurants, no parking and as a plus it floods when we get a lot of rain, did I mention it has no restrooms
But it's available
Bridehampton is more practical but I'd say it's time to go back to Lime Rock.
VIR, Pocono or WGI would be great.
Thought I would look up the master list of Road Courses in the United States. If you scroll down there is quite a list. I found it interesting to look through, so I thought I'd post it-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_auto_racing_tracks_in_the_United_States
The truthful answer is always where and who the board chooses to team up with next year, and the locations for events, but I like this dream list idea more. I prefer the smaller venues. Easier to get around.
Let's go back to NJMP, hotel on the Beach, sand races!!!
Personally, I vote for Chicago and the Autobahn facility, and dinner at Buddy Guy's blues club!
Summit Point? Near the Charlestown Casino
I'll second the vote fore the Autobahn in Joliet IL. It's close to me
Quote from: Dan353 on July 18, 2019, 07:57:04 PM
I'll second the vote fore the Autobahn in Joliet IL. It's close to me
+1 for Autobahn in Joliet, IL.
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
Quote from: Rickmustang on July 17, 2019, 09:38:50 PM
Circuit of the Americas. Austin, Texas. Great track. Great location. And you won't believe the facility. But the track is about $50k / day.
Texas Motor Speedway. I'd be a lot cheaper and SAAC hasn't been there yet. But may be too close date/distance to Mid-America Ford Meet in OK to get the needed crowd.
Quote from: CF-105 on July 21, 2019, 06:27:18 PM
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
Heck ya!!
QSS
Take off, eh! you bunch of hosers-
Someone horked our clothes
Quote from: CF-105 on July 21, 2019, 06:27:18 PM
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
+1
Quote from: Stillakid54 on July 22, 2019, 01:22:08 PM
Quote from: CF-105 on July 21, 2019, 06:27:18 PM
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
+1
Canada will let us in but unless you have an enhanced US Drivers license or Passport, the US won't let you back in.
Quote from: shelbydoug on July 22, 2019, 04:42:26 PM
Quote from: Stillakid54 on July 22, 2019, 01:22:08 PM
Quote from: CF-105 on July 21, 2019, 06:27:18 PM
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
+1
Canada will let us in but unless you have an enhanced US Drivers license or Passport, the US won't let you back in.
Can you imagine that? you need proper paperwork to get in!
Quote from: acman63 on July 22, 2019, 04:51:10 PM
Quote from: shelbydoug on July 22, 2019, 04:42:26 PM
Quote from: Stillakid54 on July 22, 2019, 01:22:08 PM
Quote from: CF-105 on July 21, 2019, 06:27:18 PM
I was pushing for Mosport. About time we had a Canadian location!
+1
Canada will let us in but unless you have an enhanced US Drivers license or Passport, the US won't let you back in.
Can you imagine that? you need proper paperwork to get in!
Sure everyone wants to come here to go on welfare. Some people look more suspicious then others. I know what you look like. You're maybe 50/50. ;)
It could be worse? Remember "Born in East LA"? Cheech lost his drivers license so they thought he was a wetback.
You could do what Bruce Willis did in the remake of "The Jackel". Buy a boat in Canada and dock in a US marina but you'd have to leave the car in Canada? ;D
Charlotte Roval 8)
It's been a while since we did WGI....
They had just paved the rock "pasture" ,...secondary lot near paddock. And repaved right up to the garages. That was cool. I was the first to pull up on it. The guy said " don't go back and forth to get straight with ur garage number,...the asphalt was just done."
They didn't want us to tear it up with the Trailers.
Not the track repaving but the lot.
That was 7-8 years ago.
Another Convention there would be epic.
Quote from: Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas on July 18, 2019, 04:11:49 PM
Marlboro Speedway, all it needs is a little cleaning up, you know the the usual, move trees, repave track, clean up the millions of broken beer bottles, rebuild grandstands, etc.
I'm sure it's available.
On the positive, there are no good hotels near by, no good restaurants, no parking and as a plus it floods when we get a lot of rain, did I mention it has no restrooms
But it's available
Well, if we are going in that direction, what about resurrecting Vineland Speedway
(http://www.barcboys.com/Images/Vineland/vineland%20aerial.jpg)
Of course if you don't want to do a little clean up work on a closed track, there is always Carolina Motorsport Park
(https://www.carolinamotorsportspark.com/uploads/1/8/1/0/18101653/136874.png)
Don't we need to wait for our new partner, Team Shelby to weigh in?
As long as we throwing out "ideas" the powers that be could consider Savannah Raceway (Hutchison Island)Ga. The Westin Hotel has a huge facility within 300 yards of the track (most people use golf carts between facilities.) There is a wide variety of things to see and do, Savannah and Hilton Head for shopping, sightseeing, beaches and great seafood.
And SAAC 45 could piggyback onto the existing SVRA vintage race at the same facilities, but this occurs in October, if that is an issue.
What if you did something totally outside of the box and rented a smaller facility that we would have total control of. In a location that doesn't demand top dollar. So then the club could dictate what it wanted to do. From the vintage races, to open track for the less skilled drivers and tours or destination drives. Then the car show on concourse could be held without distraction and evening presentations would be easy to find accommodations as this would be the only thing happening at the time.
Just a thought. Might be like the early conventions when we didn't have to piggy back anything. More time to talk to your fellow enthusiast. More ability to have centralized activities. More of a grass roots convention.
I get it, not in a prime location with other things to do, however we are there to see and drive the cars. You could pick something smack dab in the middle of the US like....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorsport_Park_Hastings
And it doesn't have to be in the middle of no where either. You just need to pick a smaller track that doesn't demand a lot of money or attention-
Quote from: CSX 4133 on July 23, 2019, 11:03:25 AM
As long as we throwing out "ideas" the powers that be could consider Savannah Raceway (Hutchison Island)Ga. The Westin Hotel has a huge facility within 300 yards of the track (most people use golf carts between facilities.) There is a wide variety of things to see and do, Savannah and Hilton Head for shopping, sightseeing, beaches and great seafood.
And SAAC 45 could piggyback onto the existing SVRA vintage race at the same facilities, but this occurs in October, if that is an issue.
+1, Venue & Hotel are excellent. Indoor Convention space was used for judging during the last MCA National held there. Track is great, Free Ferries to Savannah (across the river) run often.
Mike
http://www.dominionraceway.com/
Brand new facility in 2016-17 great facilities...nice track(s)
Always looking to team up with car clubs like ours...
Terlingua, I have been asking the board that for years. We don't need a "Name" facility. Or lavish digs. There are many smaller locations, and as you say, get back in control of our conventions. Another area is to do a serious look at the finances, and I am sure areas of spending could be curtailed. My ideas of NJMP Beach Party and Chicago at Autobahn are both much lower cost, and could be a blast, but fell on deaf ears.
Grass Roots time. Just the Shelby Clubs. More local group involvement. It can and needs to be done.
The people and the cars will make the event good. A fun track will make speedy folks happy. Places for a fun tour, good eats, and another killer car show will seal the deal. Even just one day at the track, make the hotel the center of the convention. Make it social. Fun. Warm. Basic.
Quote from: terlingua11 on July 23, 2019, 11:33:28 AM
What if you did something totally outside of the box and rented a smaller facility that we would have total control of.
I'm in lets go back to Willow Springs. Make your own Shelby goes racing with Ford video. We were last there when SAAC was in Pasadena. Downside is no large hotel for an HQ in the area.
+1^
Mike
How about Texas Motor Speedway? I'd show for that one. Austin is too full of tree huggers and the dredges of society. I left Commiefornia for a reason.
The protesters would probably key our cars. I would also be willing to drop a bug in a couple ears to see if American Airlines might be willing to sponsor the event in some manner.
-Keith
Hotel right at Texas Motor Speedway. I agree about Austin. Place is going downhill fast. Homelessness is the talk of the town right now. But COTA is still an awesome track and facility.
Rick: Chances of rain aren't likely and there are plenty of places to stay in the area, and reasonably. Not to mention the best BBQ anywhere. You forget most of the people in the North East still think this place is a dust bowl with swinging door saloons and everyone says " Howdy". Yes, most are more polite here but it's more metropolitan here than many places in the NE without the crime.
-Keith
Yep. And the tollway besides the track has the highest speed limit in the country. I'd even plan and organize a Texas hill country drive! 😁
Quote from: terlingua11 on July 23, 2019, 11:33:28 AM
What if you did something totally outside of the box and rented a smaller facility that we would have total control of. In a location that doesn't demand top dollar. So then the club could dictate what it wanted to do. From the vintage races, to open track for the less skilled drivers and tours or destination drives. Then the car show on concourse could be held without distraction and evening presentations would be easy to find accommodations as this would be the only thing happening at the time.
Just a thought. Might be like the early conventions when we didn't have to piggy back anything. More time to talk to your fellow enthusiast. More ability to have centralized activities. More of a grass roots convention.
I get it, not in a prime location with other things to do, however we are there to see and drive the cars. You could pick something smack dab in the middle of the US like....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorsport_Park_Hastings
And it doesn't have to be in the middle of no where either. You just need to pick a smaller track that doesn't demand a lot of money or attention-
I wonder what that track costs to rent?
BTW,....a few years ago a brand spankin new track opening was in MASSACHUSETTS.
Palmer mass. Can't possibly costs even donuts to rent.
It's very near Sturbridge, MA which is a family oriented "pilgrim" themed area with tons of parking at the hotels to make up for whatever lacks at the track.
Kinda like the Kalahari sized place and then the drive to Pocono
We need to break away from The East and the West. I am not coming to Commiefornia, EVER. I am a native and they shit on me post forcing my retirement at the hands of a drunk illegal with two prior convictions. I won't put one dime into their pockets.
I also don't want to go where it has a high probability of rain, cold or over-priced high crime areas.
Not to be a wet blanket Biggie, but NO to Palmer. Small, very small pits, all hills with granite rocks instead of guardrail. I was there once, will never go back.
Forget about SAAC 45, I want to know where SAAC 50 is going to be held.
Just saying ;)
Quote from: Bill on July 29, 2019, 09:46:09 PM
Forget about SAAC 45, I want to know where SAAC 50 is going to be held.
Just saying ;)
thinking 'bout Hawaii 8)
Quote from: computerworks on July 29, 2019, 10:11:28 PM
Quote from: Bill on July 29, 2019, 09:46:09 PM
Forget about SAAC 45, I want to know where SAAC 50 is going to be held.
Just saying ;)
thinking 'bout Hawaii 8)
You guys are gonna love shipping cars and buying airline tickets! Looking forward to it. I will not have to lug all those macadamia nuts. ;D
Quote from: Don Johnston on July 29, 2019, 10:29:50 PM
You guys are gonna love shipping cars and buying airline tickets! Looking forward to it. I will not have to lug all those macadamia nuts. ;D
I had you specifically in mind.... ;D
We can do a special tour to CS' favorite surf spots! 8)
Quote from: 1967 eight barrel on July 27, 2019, 06:29:11 AM
Rick: Chances of rain aren't likely
Who cares about rain??? We had it on the way to SAAC1. Our little caravan just picked up the speed because Lynn Park's Cobra had no top (or hardware for one). between 75-80 the rain just blew over the passengers and everyone stayed dry.
If we do 50 in Hawaii, I'm open-tracking a Jeep!
Hawaii? Where? On the beach? Tie it to the surf board world competition at the Banzai Pipeline? Lots of bikini tops wash up there. I'm always willing to help with recovering them for the ladies. With sun screen too.
SAAC 50 Location just announced
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-300719085428.png)
Quote from: Coralsnake on July 30, 2019, 08:55:21 AM
SAAC 50 Location just announced
(http://www.saacforum.com/gallery/8-300719085428.png)
Sad to say I'm probably closer to that than I'd like to admit :'(
That looks like the place that Burt Reynolds wakes up in after an attempted suicide in "The End". That's where he runs into Dom Delouse who killed his father because he was a "sweaty Pollack", by strangling him.
Hey. Unsuccessful "attempted suicide" has it's consequences? Make sure you plan correctly? Do it right the first time. ;D
Nice lawn out front for the popular vote car show!
Oxygen bar and wheelchair vintage races.
what do the nurses look like there?
Quote from: CSX 4133 on July 23, 2019, 11:03:25 AM
As long as we throwing out "ideas" the powers that be could consider Savannah Raceway (Hutchison Island)Ga. The Westin Hotel has a huge facility within 300 yards of the track (most people use golf carts between facilities.) There is a wide variety of things to see and do, Savannah and Hilton Head for shopping, sightseeing, beaches and great seafood.
And SAAC 45 could piggyback onto the existing SVRA vintage race at the same facilities, but this occurs in October, if that is an issue.
+1 on the Atlanta area AND October !
Limerock CT
Quote from: terlingua11 on July 30, 2019, 11:20:27 AM
Nice lawn out front for the popular vote car show!
LOL - awesome! ;D
I have read up on the Paperwork for the SAAC 44 Event, the three classes for the Track, How many cars are on the Track at the same time for each of the Classes? I read 100, is that true?
Quote from: tesgt350 on August 06, 2019, 10:45:09 AM
How many cars are on the Track at the same time for each of the Classes? I read 100, is that true?
No, that's way too many.
Howard uses an algorithm based on the length of the circuit, etc. to determine capacity.
Usually it's about 25 per session...There was about 15-20 per session at SAAC-44.
Quote from: computerworks on August 06, 2019, 01:13:28 PM
Quote from: tesgt350 on August 06, 2019, 10:45:09 AM
How many cars are on the Track at the same time for each of the Classes? I read 100, is that true?
No, that's way too many.
Howard uses an algorithm based on the length of the circuit, etc. to determine capacity.
Usually it's about 25 per session...There was about 15-20 per session at SAAC-44.
Thanks for the Info. How many times did each Car get to go on the Track for each Day? Is it safe to assume that each session was 20 Minutes?
Quote from: tesgt350 on August 06, 2019, 02:44:15 PM
Thanks for the Info. How many times did each Car get to go on the Track for each Day? Is it safe to assume that each session was 20 Minutes?
Correct.. 20 minute sessions.... 3 per day
SAAC-44 TRACK SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 11
DRIVER'S MEETING at 7:15 am
8:30 YELLOW GROUP
8:55 RED GROUP
9:20 GREEN GROUP
11:00 YELLOW GROUP
11:25 RED GROUP
11:50 GREEN GROUP
12:15 1:15 Lunch/Parade Laps
2:30 YELLOW GROUP
2:55 RED GROUP
3:20 GREEN GROUP
5:30 Track closed –
Friday, July 12
DRIVER'S MEETING at 7:15 am
8:30 YELLOW GROUP
8:50 RED GROUP
9:10 GREEN GROUP
11:10 YELLOW GROUP
11:30 RED GROUP
11:50 GREEN GROUP
12:10 - 1:00 Lunch/Parade laps
1:50 – 2:15 pm – SAAC Vintage Practice
2:40 YELLOW GROUP
3:05 RED GROUP
3:30 GREEN GROUP
5:30 Track closed
Thanks this helps a LOT.
I would give up name tracks to have more track time and reduced cost of track time. The Shelbys, their owners and the track time is why I go. Not to see the SVRA vintage cars.
How about Indy, it was a great venue and is centrally located. :)
Oh yes Indy was great, a very nice location. But I also must say Road of America in Wisconsin was also very good and my favourite.
Indy is centrally located to whom exactly? Those in the North East?
Quote from: 68GT350roadracer on August 10, 2019, 11:10:26 AM
I would give up name tracks to have more track time and reduced cost of track time. The Shelbys, their owners and the track time is why I go. Not to see the SVRA vintage cars.
Best post on this thread.
I vote for the Autobahn club in Chicago. Just Shelby Clubs.
Since when did even SAAC Members get to vote on a location? Who cares what non-members think?
Doug, you should know better.
This is annual event on the forum.
"The convention should be close to my house" posts always litter this thread that starts the day after the annual convention.
I am a bit disappointed we haven't seen a "when are the trophies getting sent out" thread. Oh wait, thats usually in October.
I come from germany to SAAC so how far is that from my home? But for me as a Shelby enthusiast its a trip that its really worth. Chicago also sounds nice. I only must say that I dont like hot weather events so if its a bit colder I´m fine ;D
What we really need are more threads on this exact topic.
Quote from: Coralsnake on August 23, 2019, 07:41:14 AM
Doug, you should know better.
This is annual event on the forum.
"The convention should be close to my house" posts always litter this thread that starts the day after the annual convention.
I am a bit disappointed we haven't seen a "when are the trophies getting sent out" thread. Oh wait, thats usually in October.
We already did one next to your house and the only thing good about the snow was that it killed most of the mosquitoes. Did you send out the trophies or do you still have them hoarded in your garage?
2 great Texas locations... 1) Harris Hill Raceway (road course) with nearby hotel and conference center at Embassy Suites in San Marcos, and River City Raceway (drag strip) in Marion. Texas Cobra Club meets there every year. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is about 30 minutes from this hotel if you want a best-in-U.S. road course for more money; 2) Motor Sport Ranch in Cresson (road course) with Granbury Conference Cntr (Tammy Dooley 254-897-9533) about 20 minutes from the track, and Granbury Hilton next door.
Consider a cooler time of year if you're coming to Texas.
Quote from: FR500Racer on September 09, 2019, 05:47:12 PM
2 great Texas locations... 1) Harris Hill Raceway (road course) with nearby hotel and conference center at Embassy Suites in San Marcos, and River City Raceway (drag strip) in Marion. Texas Cobra Club meets there every year. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is about 30 minutes from this hotel if you want a best-in-U.S. road course for more money; 2) Motor Sport Ranch in Cresson (road course) with Granbury Conference Cntr (Tammy Dooley 254-897-9533) about 20 minutes from the track, and Granbury Hilton next door.
Consider a cooler time of year if you're coming to Texas.
+++++++++++++++++1!
One point that is relevant here is that the Host Hotel should be 10-15 minutes MAX from the track.
Worked perfectly at WGI, Pocono, Fontana etc.
Incidentally,..the host hotel was a hike from Road America but the real scoop was to stay at the MacDaddy hotel down the block (walking distance) from the Track. So that counts in my book.
Or VIR for those of us lucky enough to stay "on the pad."
Anything farther than 15 minutes is a pain in the azz.
Lots of large hotels close to COTA, including the Hilton at the airport. It's probably 15 minutes max to COTA. I've run it. Beautiful facility and would class track.
^^
Wurd
The cost for COTA for a weekend is 50K, not including safety crew, marshals, etc. This alone makes that venue hard to justify. Plus July in Texas is brutal during the day and barely tolerable at night, 28 years in central Texas taught me well.
Here's a breakdown on rental fees (assuming availability for SAAC 45) for major facilities.
http://blog.motorsportreg.com/global-race-track-rental-fees#.XXbtny2ZNQY
JD's House is looking better all the time
Wow. Expensive.
Not listed are Sonoma, Laguna Seca and those crazy price NASCAR tracks with road courses like Fontana, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Kansas and others. There are staggering numbers that obviously sober a lot of thoughts about the planning and decision making by the SAAC board when it comes to convention costs. 8)
I really loved the saac meet at road of america in wisconsin, nice weather, good cars, good guys.
Is Lime Rock forever out of the question? Beautiful track and surrounding area. Mike G.
What about Gingerman? Low key, cute town nearby. Not enough accommodation?
There is always Carolina Motorsport Park ;)
Quote from: Bill on September 10, 2019, 09:28:59 AM
There is always Carolina Motorsport Park ;)
That's actually a nice track and probably not expensive like some of the others. Raced there a few times. Heard they paved some of the paddock parking area recently.
Quote from: Kent on September 10, 2019, 02:03:58 AM
I really loved the saac meet at road of america in wisconsin, nice weather, good cars, good guys.
Plus one on that.
Now you are seeing some of the factors in planning a convention.
If SAAC does on it's own, they look at:
Track rental costs (everything)
Nearby Hotels large enough with banquet facilities
Population of SAAC members in regional area
Have they been in that region recently?
Locations for car shows
Feasability
The last many years, SAAC has partnered with various groups, so they become enslaved to a pre-determined site, dates, room.
Future partners will have a major bearing and impact on convention location.
And, an opinion by myself, will SAAC's board of directors ever want to try again on their own? I know the board wants to use a marquee/famous facility to get exposure, but many of us just flat do not care. A great convention can be put together at a reduced cost by using a non-major facility. Regardless, as you can see from the link, renting a track is a MAJOR cost.
So, find a great area with a killer hotel, and only rent the track for a day or two. Make the hotel the focal point. Do other things on other days?
Just some food for thought...
Dan
Has SAAC considered one of the private country clubs, like Autobahn in Joliet, and in New York?
QuoteSo, find a great area with a killer hotel, and only rent the track for a day or two. Make the hotel the focal point. Do other things on other days?
Just some food for thought...
+1
TOB