Southeast Regional Cobra Event

[Tony Radford]

Randy, you snuck in before I could hit "send reply". If I had to sum up "purpose", I would say that Cobra brotherhood comes to mind. That includes not only Cobra owners, but folks seriously wanting to enter the fray. Hey, the market is off. What better way to marry up Cobra owner wannabes with guys that have cars they really need to sell. Then of course there are the typical events you mention like autocross, car show, lots of food, and instructional exposure from the industry gurus. There has to be something for both the drivers and the waxers.

[CobraDan]

I have an open trailer which is in storage most of the time. I've been to all 3 DVSF in Ohio. I actually towed my Cobra to the second event which is 1,100 miles oneway. Most fun gatherings with Cobra guys is the BS sessions in the parking lot after the days activities are all over. There are a lot of things that help get a group together. Car shows, charities, auto racing, location, etc. As far as location is concerned for everyplace you pick thats differant you pick up an attendee and lose an attendee. If you make it a weekend event and make it fun for the entire family you can have a winner. Remember the wife and kids that you take along, they have to be entertained for the weekend also. Have fun.
Dan

[Tony Radford]

Dan, are you coming up for the Tampa gathering on the the 13th? I'm planning on being there. If so, hope to meet you then.

[Cracker]

Just my two-cents. Regarding location I too think (having a wife & two small children) it would be wise to have entertainment that extends beyond our cars. Also, with so many members living in FL I think that needs to be taken into consideration. I have had a number of nice vacations/confererences on Jekyll Island on the GA/FL border and more importantly since that venue is so uncrowded (vs. Hilton Head and just about any other place worth going) it could easily accomadate our raucous transportation and influx! The kids & wives have the beach and the men have rural country rds. all around to play. Gee, now all I need is a solution to a light covered trailer. Where could I get one of those?

For the record:
In terms of pure driving purposes I too would prefer Ashville but beyond the Biltmore Estate I can't figure how I'm going to convince my wife to watch our little one's all day in a hotel room. It's just something that I would have to consider - empty nester I'm not - yet!

[CobraDan]

Tony,
I will be at the Party in the Tampa area on March 13th as you will be celebrating my 65th birthday which is on March 16th. I'm hoping to bring along a surprise for those that attend. One way or the other I will have one or another new Toy with me. It seems I had to buy my own birthday presents and way ahead of my birth date.
Dan

[chill]

I vote for someplace with nice twisties and hills

I second that.

However, we clearly we need to sit and discuss so we can come up with a few goals for the event. These wll drive the location, potential number of attendees, who's in charge.... etc.

[Tony Radford]

Dan, I think all of my best presents (especially the toys) came from me. The older we get, the more picky we are. I look forward to helping you celebrate your 65th.

Clyde, a group discussion sounds good.

[Flyin_Freddie]

Hey...just caught wind of this thread, and wanted to add my comments.

As Ray pointed out earlier...we've got about 15-20 of us located in West Tennesee and some of us get together more or leass regularly for breakfast when the weather permits. We've an assortment of cars...some not completed, some turn keys, some dreams...etc.....pretty much the same as most clubs, I'm thinking.

But, I think I can speak for most of us in saying that we'd love to participate in such an event.....but, it needs to be morer centrally located to the region. Last year's Deep South Cobra meeting was held in Georgia, and from what I recall was not well attended for reason's unknown to me. But, from my perspective, it was pretty far for us to drive from West Tennessee...and besides, it was held just too close to another SPF-oriented track event at VIR for me. Can't think of the exact location of last year's DSCC meeting, but there just wasn't that big a turnout.

For me, personally, we need to have diversions for those not interested in Cobras to attend while those of us that ARE are off "doin- our thang", so to speak. I like the Asheville area....Biltmore Estate is absolutely beautiful in the Spring and Fall...and what better picture could you ask for than several dozen Cobras parked out front for a group pitcure???? Waaaay too cool! I'd also like something in the Atlanta area....very centrally located....Road Atlanta (busy most every weekend, but something we could shoot for)....plenty of MAJOR diversions for others....great shopping...lotsa good restaurants, etc.

Also, Nashville....has a race track facility...may be difficult to schedule, but not out of the question....Opryland, major amusement and theme park....Opryland hotel would probably be willing to host us.

New Orleans....GREAT food....No Problem Raceway is close by and not too busy most of the time....did I mention GREAT food? French Quarter...need I say more? Reasonably centrally located....

Savannah....or Charleston....nice destinations....lotsa 'touristy' stuff to do...incredible history....and although not 'centrally located' close enough to drive in a day from anywhere in the southern states area.

I'd LOVE to say right here in Memphis....but, even though Tunica's close, and we cook the absolute BEST barbeque in the world....(hey, where do they hold the World Championship Barbeque contest each May?)....we can't even be remotely considered as being 'centrally located"...especially to the Atlantic Coastal side of Florida. We DO have Memphis Motorosports Park, and eventually a track is on the drawing board for Tunica....could be fun, but they've not even broken ground for it yet!

There...there's some ideas to smoke over. Whatever the decision is....I know I'll do my best to support the event and be there, if timing and scheduling permits it.

I have other ideas...but, sooner or later, I've got to get back to work here! More later....

[Tony Radford]

Rhetorical question of the day: What do we need to do to attract 200+ Cobras to a weekend event?
- location
- Cobra events
- family entertainment
- transportation for folks without trailers
- sponsors
- vendors
Freddie, you've got the spirit though I'm really not thinking along the lines of "several dozen" Cobras. Right or wrong, I feel convinced that FL and TX participation is necessary to hit the big numbers. Maybe we can't get there, but I have to be convinced.

[svobud]

Just a FYI Freddie .. Opryland Theme Park was closed several years ago and the OpryMill Mall was built there in it's place. Of course, the Hotel is still there. Nashville does have alot of stuff to offer though ... just no theme park.

[WBofTN]

Another West Tennessee guy here to chime in (regrettably I know Flyin Freddie).
My understanding of the South East (geographically speaking) consists of : AR, LA, MS, TN, KY, AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, and FL.
If you get out your protractor you will find north AL or north GA is centrally located (with the exception of south FL & north VA.).
This would put a large number of people within 6-8 hr drive.
Just my $.02 on the subject.
WB

[66cobraboy]

Originally posted by Tony Radford


Rhetorical question of the day: What do we need to do to attract 200+ Cobras to a weekend event?
- location
- Cobra events
- family entertainment
- transportation for folks without trailers
- sponsors
- vendors
Freddie, you've got the spirit though I'm really not thinking along the lines of "several dozen" Cobras. Right or wrong, I feel convinced that FL and TX participation is necessary to hit the big numbers. Maybe we can't get there, but I have to be convinced.

All the things that you said I think would make it work.Look at DVSF if you make it a great event people will come.I like all of the places that Flyin_Freddie said even Memphis.Also dont forget about WATER PARKS.

Keep Thinking About It!!!

Eric Miller

[Cracker]

How about Alparetta?

We can all crash at TC & Johan's and hit the hills, spend the bills and drink CHILLS kirkham cans!

[Johan]

How about a ROAD ATLANTA camp-out for the Walter Mitty historic races ? Plenty to see and do, Plenty of food ,beer, room for tents, campers, cruising, slow (60-70) track touring, car shows etc., vendors, and best of all, you'll witness TC and I making fools of ourselves in the historic stock car group. If there are a lot of people, great, there is a lot of stuff. If turnout is light, there is still a lot to see and do.
www.hsrrace.com and look under the Mitty Festival.

[chill]

Johan, excellent idea... combine that with Cracker's ideas and we have a fun event to build on.

A ready made racing event for spectators,
Food, vendors, cool cars, celebrity drivers... ok maybe not celebrity, but we know them....
Some 'reserved' track lapping,
Plenty of parking, camping & hotels locally,
A cruise to the twisties is close by....

I like it!

[Johan]

I just think it would be more fun to sit around in lawn chairs sipping beverages and talking about cars if there was some sort of background event, some motor noise, some stuff to walk around and look at. The best part is that all we have to do is register as a club so we can park/camp together. We coud even rent motorhomes (ones without mattresses stuck under the front end like the one TC got last time).

[GeorgiaSnake]

I like it as well - imagine cheering for the local yocals and when we bore of watching them putter around we can head to the countryside for a little ride. Johan you are smarter than you appear

Will I need to put on my mud grabber tires to drive through the infield like old times

Randy

[Dwight]

COBRA DAN JUST INFORMED ME THAT WE HAVE 400 MEMBERS IN DSCC AND I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL AROUND HERE THAT ARE NOT ON THE LIST.

I BELIEVE WE CAN GET 100 PLUS TOGETHER FOR SOME COBRA FUN.