AutoX

[Redraceface]

So I'm thinking of getting some timing and scoring equipment and cones to start my own autox races... I thought I might feel you guys out to see what Kind of interest there may be.

[Whanson]

I would be down once I get my engine swapped out.

[Redraceface]

SOOOO, thats one thus far... I have a long way to go yet.

[dmonroe2008]

i have never done it but id love to give it one hell of a try.

[NA6R]

more info would be good :dunno:

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

It's one of those things. Organise it right, keep it simple and attract enough people and you'll be golden. I do know that there's a **** ton of planning and ordinance work involved in SCCA stuff but I bet if you keep it smaller scale and more grassroots you could still get things going.

Where you thinking? You contacted anyone yet? This is one of those things that if you do it right then you'll need not worry about attendance because cheap driving time is always in demand! Especially if you create the right environment.

[amaff]

Where you thinking? You contacted anyone yet? This is one of those things that if you do it right then you'll need not worry about attendance because cheap driving time is always in demand! Especially if you create the right environment.
I agree whole-heartedly with this. Unfortunately, I've seen threads like this before, mostly by people who don't really know how much work and organization goes into planning and implementing a quality autocross event. There's BOATLOADS of work that goes on behind the scenes. Sure, a lot of stuff that the Atlanta SCCA region won't necessarily need to happen for a smaller scale event, but it's still a LOT of work (and equipment). If you want to get a taste of what all goes on, I highly recommend showing up at one of our events and see how it's put together, and just how many "moving pieces" there are to putting one of these things on.

I'm not saying any of this to try and discourage you, please don't get me wrong. Get this sort of thing set up right and it's a great thing. But to do it right, you DO need to have a pretty good grasp of what all goes into putting one of these on.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Agree with Andrew's sentiments. Really it would be good for you to go along with the SCCA crew and see how they do it and learn their methods. If you're thinking 20 or so cars in a big parking lot with a small amount of cones just for fun then that shouldn't be too bad. But again, it's all down to permission.

[Redraceface]

It's one of those things. Organise it right, keep it simple and attract enough people and you'll be golden. I do know that there's a **** ton of planning and ordinance work involved in SCCA stuff but I bet if you keep it smaller scale and more grassroots you could still get things going.

Where you thinking? You contacted anyone yet? This is one of those things that if you do it right then you'll need not worry about attendance because cheap driving time is always in demand! Especially if you create the right environment.

Well the grass roots idea is what I had in mind... I'll be in possession of the cones anyway to complete my Car control school ( THE Back story...I've been talking with Ian Law from http://www.carcontrolschool.com/ about getting his car control schools ideas down here, I even spent some time with him in Canada to see for my self what he was doing)... besides all that I thought it would be fun to have Auto cross events that where more accessible to guys in this area that want to have fun for the sake of fun. and sense its just for fun I'll be able to reduce the price to just cover the cost, kinda like a co-op.

[Redraceface]

I agree whole-heartedly with this. Unfortunately, I've seen threads like this before, mostly by people who don't really know how much work and organization goes into planning and implementing a quality autocross event. There's BOATLOADS of work that goes on behind the scenes. Sure, a lot of stuff that the Atlanta SCCA region won't necessarily need to happen for a smaller scale event, but it's still a LOT of work (and equipment). If you want to get a taste of what all goes on, I highly recommend showing up at one of our events and see how it's put together, and just how many "moving pieces" there are to putting one of these things on.

I'm not saying any of this to try and discourage you, please don't get me wrong. Get this sort of thing set up right and it's a great thing. But to do it right, you DO need to have a pretty good grasp of what all goes into putting one of these on.

LoL I don't think you're very familiar with my history... This is not that big a deal for me I used to be at races 6 months out of the year handling everything from logistics to set up, event planing, sales, International brokerage, and all out problem solving... I promise you that I'm more than capable of pulling auto cross events.

[amaff]

LoL I don't think you're very familiar with my history...

You're absolutely right, but then with the info you put in the thread, how could I be?

[displacementreplacement]

I would be interested.

[nickt93]

I'd be interested too. I think the biggest challenges will be finding a location (almost all parking lots have curbs, islands, medians, handicapped signs, etc.) and insurance for your event.

[Redraceface]

You're absolutely right, but then with the info you put in the thread, how could I be?
AHH But I did enlighten you to some degree so that you may know more about my history with event planing.

[Redraceface]

I'd be interested too. I think the biggest challenges will be finding a location (almost all parking lots have curbs, islands, medians, handicapped signs, etc.) and insurance for your event.

I've got a few places in mind the gwinnett center or holly hills cass mores new track up in Commerce GA to name a few... and insurance would be cheep enough just under $400 per event. it's the interest that I'd like to find out more about.

[amaff]

I've got a few places in mind the gwinnett center or holly hills cass mores new track up in Commerce GA to name a few... and insurance would be cheep enough just under $400 per event. it's the interest that I'd like to find out more about.

The Atlanta region SCCA hosts between 150 entrants (on a bad day) to 250 (on a really good day). There's a ton of interest in the area. Enough so that, IMO, you'll need to cap entrants.

[Redraceface]

I knew I could rely on you guys!!! Thanks for the info amaff.

[toddr]

BMW cca puts on their Autox at Lake Lanier Islands. Used to go to a few when they had it at gwinnett fairgrounds. Islands has alot of overflow parking areas and wide open. You can find info on peachree bmw cca. I would be ready for anything fun. Keep the mood light and relaxed. I have always thought some people take it way too serious.

[AllMotor]

I'd love to help plan and participate, so keep me posted!

-John

[780racer]

i Know of a location that we might be able to use actually. There is a parking lot in Cumming (Across from the fairgrounds) that is rather large and has minimal lights in it. The police station is just down the way, but my father works for Forsyth county sheriff department. I could help you get in touch with the owner of the parking lot and see what all we can do..... Just a thought...... PM me if you want to chat more.

[dmonroe2008]

id be down never turn down a chance to get experience behind the wheel

[Redraceface]

Ok so time for an update... I will organize a "soft launch" so to speak this fall, possibly mid October, I've sourced all the equipment including timing and scoring, but I've not yet found the location yet... that will be the main focus for now. any one who has any ideas PM me... In the mean time I will be following leads, both among our friends in the forum, and out side it.

[Redraceface]

I forgot to mention the date... that is not set in stone yet, but I hope to kick off sunday 2nd or 9th of OCT.

[qualcon]

Sounds fun. SCCA has events on Oct 8th and 9th. I'd aim for the 2nd or 16th if it has to be on a Sunday.

[Redraceface]

Ok, so I've been putting time into finding suitable venues for Auto crossing, and quite frankly it has proven to be very challenging, frustrating, and fraught with numerous dead ends... I had a few places to begin with, that looked promising, but I need more sold leads... So far I have one lead up in Forsyth and one up in Commerce, one at the Gwinnett Braves lot and thats it (Commerce is still a question mark), the main problem is finding enough space...

So I'm appealing to you guys, please give me ideas for possible locations...

What I'm looking for: A lot with at least 360,000 SQ feet of space Thats 600'x600' and as little subdivided as possible.. with good accessibility (I need to be able to contact the owner) with room to paddock and grid at least 50 to 100 cars.

Where should it be: In the Athens, Gwinnett, Gainesville,Commerce, and Cumming Areas..

If you are a local in any of these areas, and know of place that fits the criteria would you please PM me.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

It's tough man. There was a parking lot in the national forest closest to Athens/Watkinsville/Penfield (cannot for the life of me remember it) that I went to with Tyler a couple times to mess around in. Isolated from traffic/houses and shouldn't cause much of a noise problem. Might be worth a shout.

[Redraceface]

It is tough... I need a central location and this is proving very hard to find, it seems the best option is the Gwinnett braves lot, but it's smaller than I would want... The Gwinnett fairgrounds would be perfect, if it where not for the stupid busy bodies crying like little girls with skinned knees over the noise.

Jack do you remember where exactly it is??? I grew up in Watkinsville so I know the area well, but it's been a while since I've been home.

It's tough man. There was a parking lot in the national forest closest to Athens/Watkinsville/Penfield (cannot for the life of me remember it) that I went to with Tyler a couple times to mess around in. Isolated from traffic/houses and shouldn't cause much of a noise problem. Might be worth a shout.

[amaff]

the best option is the Gwinnett braves lot, but it's smaller than I would want...

It also has a ton of islands and light poles.

The Gwinnett fairgrounds would be perfect, if it where not for the stupid busy bodies crying like little girls with skinned knees over the noise.

Yep. The Atlanta SCCA region, BMWCCA and PCA would all be using that lot still if it weren't for, actually, ONE FREAKING GUY. Grrrrrrr

[Redraceface]

one guy Huh! What a big stupid Soap Bag! (translate "soap" to the french word for soap for full affect) and did you know, that the One stupid Soap Bag cost the Gwinnett fair ground org 75k in annual revenue for that B.S.?

It also has a ton of islands and light poles.


Yep. The Atlanta SCCA region, BMWCCA and PCA would all be using that lot still if it weren't for, actually, ONE FREAKING GUY. Grrrrrrr

[amaff]

Yeah, I'm well aware. Plus a ton of cash in people buying gas, people stopping for food, the occasional out of towner staying in a hotel room... whatever, don't even get me started on how much we fought trying to keep that friggin site. And NOW they paved the whole thing... blah.

[Redraceface]

New update!!! I've been working tirelessly on my days off trying to locate suitable venues (as I already made very clear, but just for emphasis I choose to say it again in this post) and I've for sure found one in Commerce, the ATL drag-way paddock, the first meetings with track officials went well.. I've drafted a scale drawing of their lay out and I'm working on designs now.. I'm still unsure of the date but it may be pushed back depending on if the cost assessment changes, which is likely.
Don't forget guys I'm still in need of a few more possible venues... My main goal in having more than one is to create a racing series that is not out of reach of the competitors, I want it to be fun but not painful or costly to get to for the north east ATL crowd.

P.S. Ryan AKA 780racer I can't get you on your phone PM me and let me know how I can contact you, and "ALLMOTOR" PM me also if your still interested in helping out.

[amaff]

That's not a bad sized lot. Wish it wasn't an hour away, but it's better than nothing

[Redraceface]

See that's exactly my point.. For you it's an hour away I'm trying to have several locations that you guys that are in the metro area can drive to with out it costing you an hour of your time and your arm and leg in gas.

That's not a bad sized lot. Wish it wasn't an hour away, but it's better than nothing

[miata5620]

If its a small enough turn out to get more runs in I wouldn't mind going an hr to get to one.

[Redraceface]

I was thinking of Five runs instead of the usual four that you normally get (the first run can be the "warmup" run)

If its a small enough turn out to get more runs in I wouldn't mind going an hr to get to one.

[atlnb]

I'll take how ever many runs I can get, I'm dying for seat time. This may be a little much, but have you looked at turner field? They've hosted events in the past and have a good sized lot.

[amaff]

I'll take how ever many runs I can get, I'm dying for seat time. This may be a little much, but have you looked at turner field? They've hosted events in the past and have a good sized lot.

Yes. In the past, in the present (well... I guess we're not running an autocross there right this moment, but we've got one in a few weeks...) and hopefully in the future.

Turner field will require you have a sound limit though due to close proximity with their neighbors, which is more equipment (for participants and the "club"), more expense, and 1 more thing to keep track of / work during an event. If you're going for "simple and fun" Turner probably isn't the best bet unfortunately.

[atlnb]

Yea that does make sense, esp the neighbor part. Hopefully something close to Fayette county or something to save gas but I'm not going to complain

[amaff]

Turner also isn't terribly cheap. It's doable to float the cost of the site rental with 150-200 people per event. Not so doable at 50-100, without crazy entry fees.

AMS has a great lot as well, but if you think Turner's lot rental is expensive, don't even ask about AMS...

[atlnb]

Lol I won't ask then

[Redraceface]

I'm trying to find locations that are below $1000 per day rental, but depending on how many entrants I have. I could pay more... And thats why I'm not at all opposed to more entries, plus the more interest that I get the more I can do with the series, and the more I can include others in the process.

[nolift]

Turner also isn't terribly cheap. It's doable to float the cost of the site rental with 150-200 people per event. Not so doable at 50-100, without crazy entry fees.

AMS has a great lot as well, but if you think Turner's lot rental is expensive, don't even ask about AMS...

And how about Six Flags at $10k.... A DAY!!! (That price tag is a, "yeah we really just don't want you here, but if your willing to make it rain!?!?"

ps... I would say Turner Field, from my experience, is an average cost of site rental.

[Redraceface]

Not surprised at that price tag, sense a fair price for a small bottle of water to them is 50 bucks... It's funny how six flags can take the magic outta having fun by using a rape like policy in dealing with thirsty patrons, and auto crossers.

And how about Six Flags at $10k.... A DAY!!! (That price tag is a, "yeah we really just don't want you here, but if your willing to make it rain!?!?"

ps... I would say Turner Field, from my experience, is an average cost of site rental.

[Redraceface]

Kinda like "hand banana" from ATHF "I only know words like ball, and good.... And Rape".


Not surprised at that price tag, sense a fair price for a small bottle of water to them is 50 bucks... It's funny how six flags can take the magic outta having fun by using a rape like policy in dealing with thirsty patrons, and auto crossers.

[amaff]

Yeah, Six Flags is crazy, but their main lot was being tied up by construction equipment, which also probably tore up the lot even more, kinda like what happened with the Birmingham Raceway site the AL SCCA used to use, once they started storing Alabama Power trucks there.

[NA6R]

consider a smaller lot for a 30 sec ish course. There are a bunch of closed plants in NE ga. Surely you can find something.

power partners on Newton Br rd Athens

GA SQ Mall

GM storage lot off 316 in Lawrenceville

look for a failed subdivision development.

[Redraceface]

I have thought of GA square, and power partners (power partners is very small I think right?)... I'm not familiar with the GM lot, where is it exactly?

consider a smaller lot for a 30 sec ish course. There are a bunch of closed plants in NE ga. Surely you can find something.

power partners on Newton Br rd Athens

GA SQ Mall

GM storage lot off 316 in Lawrenceville

look for a failed subdivision development.

[NA6R]

GM lot is off the east end of the runway @ Brisco field. you can see it on GE

Lake Lanier Islands opens their lots to rental after summer.

[Redraceface]

Ahhh! yes thats a great location!!!! and Lake Lanier Islands so close to my friends at Kinetic... good thinking Man.


GM lot is off the east end of the runway @ Brisco field. you can see it on GE

Lake Lanier Islands opens their lots to rental after summer.