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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#1643858
07/08/14 02:56 AM
07/08/14 02:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,466
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,466
So Cal
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Spring Fling has hosted a Mopar themed track day for the last 9 years. We invite all Mopars. Lots of Moparts members attend. The track is allready rented, cornerwokers paid for, etc. We even have track instuctors for novices or to get newcomers to the track up to speed quickly.
We'd gladly welcome any others that wish to attend. There's lots of comaderie and helpfulness with people with a common goal.
The event is held on Thursday before the Spring Fling Mopar event that offers many other activities. On Friday morning we have a free Malibu driving cruise through the mountains and a free kick off party Friday night. There is a free all-mopar cruise-in Saturday night.
I realize So Cal is not in the center of the country, but no location is perfect. Remember, a location halfway between two people is close for no one.
Last edited by autoxcuda; 07/08/14 03:40 AM.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: ScottSmith_Harms]
#1643860
07/08/14 10:42 AM
07/08/14 10:42 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
Uhcoog1
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
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Quote:
I'm in, anywhere within 2,000 miles of Spokane. Road Race, 1/4 mile and standing mile, parking lot slalom, maybe a combo of all, sort of like the One Lap events?
List of those lined up on my end:
Wade Koehl (me) in 3G Hemi Duster (Houston, TX)
Rick Ehrenberg in Green Brick (NY) (after spring of 2015)
Peter Bergman in Dart (NY)
Rick said he's on board if not too far. SoCal is too far. Personally, if we line ALL the top cars up, I'll go just about anywhere.
The 'main event' for me is the road course portion. It's what my car was built for. I'm on board for anything else that gets lined up, though. Let's just do the road course first 
Rick suggested piggybacking the event on an open track day or driving school.
As far as tracks go- less walls and more runoff is good.
Steve's event in SoCal is a good one, as all levels of drivers could attend. But it may not work unless someone can get the NY cars down and Kevin's Dart from Michigan (?).
-'02 Dodge Viper Ex-World Challenge racecar
-'73 Duster, 6.1 based 392 hilborn hemi, tko600, full floater rear 9", Hellwig custom bars, viper brakes, built for road course
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1643861
07/08/14 01:00 PM
07/08/14 01:00 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 256
USA
Consulier
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 256
USA
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I am definitely in on an A Body Shootout. I would bring out my Dart and the Brick will get there one way or another.
I see a few different scenarios...
1) Have an East and West coast event. Winner from either event travels to the other. Travel fund generated by all participants to fund the fuel bill for the traveler. If it costs me an extra $100-$200 to support somebody traveling cross country, fine with me.
2) An event for all Mopars to decide each body line. Competition broken into classes by body (A,B,E) and that's it... no other rules on the car, maybe a tire rule to eliminate slicks or something. I think this is the most feasible and could even be similar to #1 with an East/West event. You could draw decent sponsor funding since it opens it up to lot's of vendors. I'm sure we could get MA involved and have something similar to their Drag Race Series. Lot's of options with this one... Open it up to LX stuff and the car count would go even higher.
3) Single event, A Body only, would have to be centrally located. Hallet, Kansas and that general area is the middle ground. Just under the 2k mark from the Northwest and about 1400+ from the East Coast. We could piggyback on an open track day, or probably easier to just get in on a NASA Time Trial event. Might not all be in the same group, but simple to organize. Rocky Mountain Region has events all over Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma.
4) As much as I want to get a car to CA, I'm not footing the bill to just have an open track day... sorry. If we got one truck to haul 6-8 cars, that might be an option. There would have to be multiple pick up points starting on the East Coast. Bill would still be minimum $1.5 - $2k per car. Again, that's a lot for a track day. There would have to be more in it for me.
5) A USCA event is fine with me, but there really aren't any centrally located. You could do the East/West thing again and have a travel fund. They do have a group rate to get an entry discount of $100/per. That could be set aside for the travel fund. This is probably the easiest since the event will be organized and we would simply be running an event within an event. Since it would be 2015, we'll have to see if the series is still alive next year.
After all that, the scenario I would like to see is a East/West dedicated Mopar event for all body lines. Travel Fund for each body line to send the winner to the other side of the country. Minimum travel fund would be $1,500 and max $2k. Have some kind of graduated scale based on car count and/or sponsor funding. This would have a primary focus on the "major" lines... A, B, E and LX. The others are more than welcome to participate, just get the count up enough to fund the travel for the winner, or bring a sponsor to fund it.
This scenario would allow a fairly central point for each coast to have their event. Yes, it would be a dedicated track day(s) and I would plan on a budget similar to USCA of around $500 including the contribution to the travel fund. I would use the Motorstate Challenge as an example of a good event...
Day 1 - Afternoon/Evening meet and greet, food, shop tour if something is close
Day 2 - Week day open track event (cheapest option and easiest to schedule)
Day 3 - Autocross and awards
Typically this would mean 2 days off work, but you could skip the evening and show up at the track. I like to travel on Thursday morning, track on Friday, Autocross Saturday and then travel home on Sunday. Makes for a decent work day on Monday and not dead when you roll in at 2am from the late night haul. I would like to have an event within 12 hours of the participants if possible.
Let me know thoughts on the ideas. Let's keep it "big picture" and try not to get mired down in any minor details at this stage.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Consulier]
#1643862
07/08/14 01:35 PM
07/08/14 01:35 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
jcc
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
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If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 22,696
Bitopia
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I like #3, central location for initial event, AND IMO it should just be open to all body styles, the bigger cars with bigger motors will have some advantages in road course and the smaller cars will have some on AX, etc. Its mainly just fun, a chance to measure one's car, but mainly have fun, with bragging rights as dessert, right? Being initially over ambitious might sink the whole idea, which sound good. 
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Consulier]
#1643864
07/08/14 02:26 PM
07/08/14 02:26 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
Uhcoog1
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
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I like the idea of all body styles. Winners for each category, and an overall winner. Not to mention, there can be some great trash talking and teamwork among the body styles. I would prefer one event. For me, it's going to be a long haul to either event. Might as well have everyone in one place. Course, if I'm the odd man out wanting one event, then I have no problem with a two event plan. If possible, maybe a 3rd event could come together in the central US - unlikely there are enough interested participants to make that happen though (there's plenty of LX's, not sure about the rest). If there are two events, Steve already has a West Coast event that will fit the bill. As far as rules - I'd vote no rules for the first year. Run what you brung. That way no one needs to go out and buy a new set of tires to compete. And because I want to run this set of $450 slicks I have on the shelf. 
-'02 Dodge Viper Ex-World Challenge racecar
-'73 Duster, 6.1 based 392 hilborn hemi, tko600, full floater rear 9", Hellwig custom bars, viper brakes, built for road course
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Uhcoog1]
#1643866
07/08/14 02:55 PM
07/08/14 02:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,466
So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,466
So Cal
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Quote:
Quote:
East coast event and West Coast event would be the way to do it, IMO. Piggy back on something big and fun like MATS and Carlisle, so no one has an excuse to not show. Linking in stootout for suspension companies makes it easier to generate sponsorship/press and funds. Has to include all other Bodies to be successful, IMO. A bodies are an extreme minority.
What are the large mopar events already sponsored by Hotchkis?
MATS
Carlisle
Spring Fling
???
Spring Fling has never been sponsored by Hotchkis.
I don't think the MATS autocross is sponsored by Hotchkis anymore, but IIRC Dan heads organization of the autocross there.
The Carlise and MATS autocrosses are condensed like they have at Goodguys shows as opposed to tradiational SCCA regional autocross events. They get a lot of specatators and get new people to try it out because they are held within the confines of the respective events. A very neat display of what some of these cars can do.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1643867
07/08/14 03:22 PM
07/08/14 03:22 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Dan@Hotchkis
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
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Exactly. This year Hotchkis is running it's own Autocross series with the NMCA at Fontana,CA and the Carlisle event. For what we are talking about here, I'd rather meet at the show(s) in a car corral, do a 100 mile Road Rally to a track, and have at it for the day, then rally back to the corral.
Classes:
A,B, E Bodies
Modern (LX/ guys)
Viper
Other (Truck, C Body, F,M,J, etc)
The toughest sell is on participation. This would need 6 months of lead time and a LOT of hyping. Event with all that, I would be impressed if we had 20-30 cars. Everyone talks a big game until it's time to throw hats in the ring, then everyone has got an excuse.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Dan@Hotchkis]
#1643868
07/08/14 05:06 PM
07/08/14 05:06 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
Uhcoog1
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 723
Houston Tx
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Quote:
The toughest sell is on participation. This would need 6 months of lead time and a LOT of hyping. Event with all that, I would be impressed if we had 20-30 cars. Everyone talks a big game until it's time to throw hats in the ring, then everyone has got an excuse.
If it's that difficult to pull off a larger event, then let's just go back to a simple track rental with just the guys who regularly run their cars.
Course, if anybody can pull it off, it's you Dan. I vote you the event organizer.
-'02 Dodge Viper Ex-World Challenge racecar
-'73 Duster, 6.1 based 392 hilborn hemi, tko600, full floater rear 9", Hellwig custom bars, viper brakes, built for road course
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: autoxcuda]
#1643869
07/08/14 05:22 PM
07/08/14 05:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,133
Mesa, Arizona
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Quote:
Spring Fling has hosted a Mopar themed track day for the last 9 years. We invite all Mopars. Lots of Moparts members attend. The track is allready rented, cornerwokers paid for, etc. We even have track instuctors for novices or to get newcomers to the track up to speed quickly.
We'd gladly welcome any others that wish to attend. There's lots of comaderie and helpfulness with people with a common goal.
The event is held on Thursday before the Spring Fling Mopar event that offers many other activities. On Friday morning we have a free Malibu driving cruise through the mountains and a free kick off party Friday night. There is a free all-mopar cruise-in Saturday night.
I realize So Cal is not in the center of the country, but no location is perfect. Remember, a location halfway between two people is close for no one.
Seems the participation at the SF event stays about the same each year. I remember the Buttonwillow event several years ago. There were a lot of cars there for that event.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Uhcoog1]
#1643870
07/08/14 06:29 PM
07/08/14 06:29 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Dan@Hotchkis
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
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Quote:
Quote:
The toughest sell is on participation. This would need 6 months of lead time and a LOT of hyping. Event with all that, I would be impressed if we had 20-30 cars. Everyone talks a big game until it's time to throw hats in the ring, then everyone has got an excuse.
If it's that difficult to pull off a larger event, then let's just go back to a simple track rental with just the guys who regularly run their cars.
Course, if anybody can pull it off, it's you Dan. I vote you the event organizer.
I appreciate the vote of confidence. Let me talk to some folks and see what it would take. The best thing to do is for us to piggy back a bigger event. I like the idea of MATS (if it happens next year) because LVMS has several tracks and it would be a hell of an event to have autocross, drag racing AND a wheel to wheel road race with Mopars. It would be too cool.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Dan@Hotchkis]
#1643871
07/08/14 06:49 PM
07/08/14 06:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,042
MD
RTSE4ME
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,042
MD
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Quote:
For what we are talking about here, I'd rather meet at the show(s) in a car corral, do a 100 mile Road Rally to a track, and have at it for the day, then rally back to the corral.
Classes:
A,B, E Bodies
Modern (LX/ guys)
Viper
Other (Truck, C Body, F,M,J, etc)
Summit Point is 90 miles from Carlisle and an easy drive.
You could see good participation from Viper and Modern guys but A,B, E Bodies would just be a few.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: RTSE4ME]
#1643872
07/08/14 07:12 PM
07/08/14 07:12 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
Dan@Hotchkis
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 841
Santa Fe Springs, CA
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Quote:
Quote:
For what we are talking about here, I'd rather meet at the show(s) in a car corral, do a 100 mile Road Rally to a track, and have at it for the day, then rally back to the corral.
Classes:
A,B, E Bodies
Modern (LX/ guys)
Viper
Other (Truck, C Body, F,M,J, etc)
Summit Point is 90 miles from Carlisle and an easy drive.
You could see good participation from Viper and Modern guys but A,B, E Bodies would just be a few.
Awesome suggestion! And I agree. We use the newer guys and Viper guys as fodder to help foot the bill, then have our shootout as part of the event.
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Re: A-Body Shootout Thread -Who's in & What have you got?
[Re: Dan@Hotchkis]
#1643875
07/09/14 12:01 AM
07/09/14 12:01 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,302
Nebraska
72Swinger
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,302
Nebraska
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
For what we are talking about here, I'd rather meet at the show(s) in a car corral, do a 100 mile Road Rally to a track, and have at it for the day, then rally back to the corral.
Classes:
A,B, E Bodies
Modern (LX/ guys)
Viper
Other (Truck, C Body, F,M,J, etc)
Summit Point is 90 miles from Carlisle and an easy drive.
You could see good participation from Viper and Modern guys but A,B, E Bodies would just be a few.
Awesome suggestion! And I agree. We use the newer guys and Viper guys as fodder to help foot the bill, then have our shootout as part of the event.
Haha Dan that is classic, I was thinking of an Optima event at the same way with the Chevies being the fodder. Those events have opened the door to allow us regular guys to be able to run on the Bucket list tracks like Laguna Seca/ Mazda and Daytona and Road America. That is why my car is getting a cage, so im legal and dont have anything holding me back. Im gonna shut up and get back to work on my heap now....
Mopar to the bone!!!
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I just need a better engine and trans after I'm done with installing the new rear end, TVS, brakes, and wheels. 
