My .02 worth. I had decided not to come this year due to location and cost. I can travel to Putnam, IN about 4 hours away, and pay less than $400 for an hour of track time each day - Saturday/Sunday. I found at RNG last year, and I know it was not an ordinary year, I got much less track time. Even in '08, I got less track time. If I compare a recent event at Putnam to RNG, I would have to say I enjoyed the time at Putnam more. Some comparisons:
Putnam:
- When we staged in the hotpit lanes, ALL the cars in the same class went out on the track at the same time. Different cars, different drivers and different setups separated the cars in the 20 minutes we were on the track.
- The track was long enough to get all the cars on at the same time (unlike Gateway I suppose)
- It wasn't a race, it wasn't a race, it wasn't a race. Did I mention it wasn't a race? I found the event was just as much fun without running for time or a trophy.
- ALL makes of cars were on the track. Why does this event HAVE to be kit car only?
- There were several instructors there that were MORE than available to provide tips and instruction on how to handle the track. Don Barnes is great, but his available time is limited to novice drivers. I was able to take a ride with an instructor and saw many things that helped me on the track. I know many of the attendees of RNG are good drivers, but hey, they aren't instructors who can convey in layman's terms how to improve my time and enjoyment on the track.
- I didn't need a test and tune day to learn the track. Track time helped me learn the track.
- I didn't need Autocross to have a great time
- I didn't need a barrel race or find out how quickly my car stopped to have a great time.
- Rick, regarding 1/4 mile - I ran 15 passes at Muncie without breaking anything. 460 bbf, 8.8 rear end. 13 were made with street tires, 2 with slicks. My suggestion is to have your car inspected and gone over with a fine tooth comb by a professional like I did. No issues, great track time, lot's of passes. It can be done.
RNG has been a weeklong event for some. Using two to three days as travel days. My experience at Putnam, I traveled over on Friday, had track time Saturday and Sunday, and was home in my bed Sunday night. RNG has people traveling, competing, and traveling packed in 7 days. Seems like a lot. Location, well yeah, it's out of the way for most. As I recall, most of the participants I met were from Texas, Florida, Illinois, Missouri, & Oklahoma. Nebraska is, well, out of the way. If it were held in Texas, I probably wouldn't come. If I draw a 5 hour circle around St. Louis, there are a lot of tracks in that circle that RNG hasn't been to.
Great ideas above, I hope it succeeds, but there are a lot of alternatives now. If you ask me to support a friend, I absolutely will Clois. But also understand I am limited in funding this year too (e.g. - new trailer, slicks, maintenance repairs etc....) Hope this helps, not knocking anything, just thoughts.
