I don't want to put a damper on anyone's enthusiasm, but let me bring up
a couple of points. In my opinion, the two biggest factors that need to
be considered are the cost of the event (to the participants) and the
distance they have to drive. A lot of folks, particularly roadster and
510 types, are not going to actually drive their cars 1200 to 1500 miles
one way nor can they afford to trailer their cars. And while I'd have to
look through my back issues of the Z-Club of Texas newsletter to confirm
it, I remember the cost of doing everything at the ZCCA event in Tulsa a
couple of years ago was well over $500. Terry or one of the other folks
who've attended can clarify that if I'm way off.
The level of participation the two Shasta events is due in no small part
to the fact that the cost is extremely low. Even with the Thunderhill
track day thrown in, the Hales have managed to keep the total "E Ticket"
price under $150 for the All Datsun and that includes a number of
substantial meals.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it can't be done, just that I
think we need to be realistic about what it'll take to pull it off, at
what level. I'd suggest deciding what we'd like to see happen at such an
event, then find out the costs and other logistics of pulling it off, and
then taking a look at how practical it'll be to pull it off. For a first
time try, I'd rather set modest goals and exceed them. The event could be
expanded from there. If the first try crashes and burns, nobody benefits.
Remember, too, before I get pounded, that we've driven out to Shasta
twice in the past three years, without a Datsun! What the heck, I'm
crazy. I'll go anyway. :>) Of course the BOSS asked me a couple of days
ago when I was gonna get started on at least one of the cars. She said
there's no way in hell she's going back out without a car and be stuck on
the sidelines watching everyone else.
FWIW,
Ron
Ronnie Day
ronday@home.com
ronnie_day@acd.org
_____________
The ACL Group
Arlington, Texas
(817) 572-0873
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