Southeast Regional Cobra Event

[Tony Radford]

Rhetorical question: Are there enough Cobra owners in the Southeast to make a regional event successful? The West coast has knott's and there's the London, Ohio event. SAAC moves around from year to year. Surely a good, central location could be identified that might lure FL, GA, AL, SC, TN, MS and possibly LA. Texas seems to be a hopping Cobra state, but it's big enough to be it's own region. Although, if the site ended up being in south Alabama or Mississippi, they might make the journey as well. It just seems to me that there is a large number of owners in the region that might support such an event. I know it takes a few consecutively successful years to reach "event" status, but it has to start sometime. What to ya'll think?

[svobud]

I'd love to attend something in the South that's a psuedo - DV Spring Fling. I don't consider attending the Fling because of the distance. I feel it's WAY too far for me to travel and I refuse to trailer a car that I enjoy to drive so much.

Now - is there enough interests to get an event going aruond here? I dunno. Getting more than 3 cars to go for an afternoon stroll can be a PIA.

If you want to try and give it a shot .. let me know if I can assist you. I have some experience with organizing an event. I've been doing them for so long now that I'm little burnt on the logistical side, but don't mind helping out.

[Unique 289_FIA]

I'd definitely be interested in a Southern region meet. Preferably close to some sort of track or dragstrip, for some friendly competition.

R.

[Tony Radford]

I realize that putting something together like this is no easy task. The real question is whether or not folks would support it. The way the Cobra community is growing here in Atlanta, I can't help but believe that there are many hundreds of cars in the region. Location is certainly a biggy. Anyone know of any town mayors that own a Cobra? Having hundreds of Cobras decending on many locations would be viewed by the residents as "not a good thing". Looks like London, OH is one of those special places with a roadster spirit.

[landerson]

Guys,

As an unapologetic lurker on this site I'd like to put in a vote for such an event in the southeast. I would love to be able to do some Cobra comparisons without having to fly across the country. I live in Charleston, SC, which would be a great place for such an event given all of the extracurricular opportunities such as historic downtown, the beaches, the ocean, the golf courses, etc. There is also a track (that I know little about) located in Summerville a few miles north of Charleston. I believe it is used for some second tier NASCAR events.

if Charleston doesn't float your boat, Charlotte, NC would have a lot to offer as would Asheville, NC up in the mountains. There you could probably organize drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There seem to be a fair number of Cobras in this area judging from some of the locations I see on posts. The Olthoffs are located near Charlotte and would probably love being involved (just theorizing here).

Until I can figure out how to pay for a Cobra I'll have to remain an observer, but I sure do enjoy observing.

Lane Anderson

[joe garland]

I think quite a few would come from Texas!

"Uncle Joe"

[chill]

I think there are definitely enough Cobras to make it worth while. An early Spring event with enough advance planning would kick off the 'roadster' season. We may have missed this year, but I am willing to help plan an event for 2005.

[66cobraboy]

I would support it from here in Tnnessee.
We could do a small or whoever could come event this summer to kick it off with?


Eric

[Tony Radford]

What do you say we open this up with suggestions for a host city/town. If we wanted to make it easiest for say Texas to the Carolinas (atleast SC) and Florida to Tenn, it would seem that somewhere in Alabama or Mississippi might make the most sense. Perhaps we should agree on the best potential venues, for example if a track is preferred, that somewhat limits the search. Some of you guys who've visited successful events in the past know what works and what doesn't. What would major vendors want to see location wise? Success is at least partially predicated upon commercial viability i.e. manufacturer/vendor participation.

[EarlsflyinCobra]

I'm for one and any help needed that I might offer......

[svobud]

Just thinking off the top of my head Tony .. and always thinking about it being "centralized Southeast".

If you want to include an Open Track event;

- Alabama: Talladega Grand Prix Raceway. The towns or Oxford, Ala or Trussville with are within 30-40mi Interstate travel from the track have plenty of Hotels and venues for all members of the Family. Or .. the new Barber facility (much more expensive).

- Tennessee: 1. Memphis International Motorsport Park. It has a 1.8mi road course. I've never been to it or know the cost, but you have Memphis downtown and Tunica for fun stuff outside the norm. Nashville: The new track is located approx 40 mi ouside of Nashville. The town of Murfreesboro on I-24 is 30 mi from Nashville and 10 mi from the track (which is located on I-840). It would be ideal for something like this. Plenty of hotels and things to do for the whole Family .. and it keeps you outside the metro Nashville area.

Atlanta - Road Atlanta. You know the benefits of being in this area first hand.

If you wanted to skip the Open Track (cost, insurance, etc) then go with a Autocross event. Try contacting a local SCCA group and see about asking them to HOST an event for our gathering. We did this last year and it was a great success. Just work out a deal with the SCCA guys to pay them X amount for the day. They bring the timing trailer, cones, set up and mark the course, etc. This allows them to make money for their organization. Their Volunteers may want to get some free runs in during the lunch break. If you option for this venue .. then you could basically pick any centralized city where a SCCA group is HQed.

Show fields: State Parks, City Parks, Mall Parking Lots, etc.

It's always easier to have a representive living IN or NEAR your city of choice. This way, they can meet IRL with the manager or staff of your proposed site location and work a deal on getting the site donated or the price of using their facility. They tend to appreciate being able to shake someone's hand and having all their questions about your group answered with a face and a smile.

Try to keep things NEAR a major Interstate. Make sure the area Hotels can handle trailer parking. Look for activities the spouses and kids would enjoy. Good number and variety of eating establishments.

Speak with K&K Insurance about getting a weekend policy to cover everyone involved with the event. Most event sites will require this and require a copy of your policy before letting you set up.

[Dwight]

I AM INTERESTED AND I'M SURE THE 15 OR 20 COBRAS WE HAVE IN NORTH ALABAMA WOULD BE INTERESTED. I WILL EMAIL THIS THREAD TO THEM.

COBRA DAN, HOW MANY COBRAS DO WE HAVE IN DSCC?

FLORDIA 300 + - ?

ALABAMA 100 + - ?

GEORGIA

TENNESSEE tnarchtc@midsouth.rr.com HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR LIST IN TN.?

MISSISSIPPI

SOUTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA

KENTUCKY

[Tony Radford]

Bud, I agree with what you are saying. For some reason, I'm thinking there is a significant number of potential participants in FL and TX. If we moved far enough south like the gulf coast of Al/MS, maybe we could make this a spring thaw event. Too far north and I fear they would be less willing to participate.

[svobud]

Tony,

IMO - if you start making it where the majority of people are traveling more than 400 miles .. then you won't have much of a turn out in numbers. I know I won't be there - and for the most part, no one outside of 300 mi will be there unless they have a trailer.

Also - the Springtime in the South is not a favorable time to be traveling long distances in an open top car.

Again, my opinion.

Just curious ... are you trying to set the event up for this year or next?

[TNarchtct]

I have about 25 Cobra owners/enthusiasts on two lists, Shelby County Cobra club and FFR owners in Tn. region. I am also maintaining a list of events in the Mid-South on FFCobra under the Events Forum. Feel free to check it out. I have information on 45 events from March through October of this year.

[Tony Radford]

Bud, you're probably right. I may be envisioning something that isn't practical, unless I can sell 300-400 trailers! Maybe we can call it "Trailerfest" (just kidding). What I'm thinking about is way bigger than me. I feel as though there are a lot of pashionate Cobra guys in the southeast that might like a serious event. You're right about the weather. I guess that only the diehards would be interested. I get the sense that folks travel from far and wide to attend Knotts and Springfling. I know that a lot of people who attended last years SAAC didn't bother bringing their cars.

[CobraDan]

The Deep South Cobra Club has a 400 count membership list in 8 states. FL.-210, NC.-24, GA.-68, SC.-22, TN.-19, LA.-13, AL.-30, MS.-2, UNK.-12. 400 looks like a lot of Cobra people but I'll bet we have 50 people who have sold their Cobra and another 50 that can't be reached because they have changed their email addresses. Also we have a large number who are only enthusiasts and at this time have no Cobra. Then we have those that woudn't walk across the street to join in. The DSCC is going on it's 4th year and has had a lot of successful events but it takes a lot of time and then money to make it a success. Out of 400 members and 210 living in Florida where to you think the DSCC should have there gatherings?
Dan

[svobud]

Tony .. we can shoot some ideas around the next time over the lunch table .. when we get together for a drive.

Dan - no offense intended on this reply, but how is this thread DSCC related? I've read thru the area on here for the DSCC. Paid close attention to where everyone is from who's active within your group. Just comes across to me as the Florida Cobra Club (reason why I haven't joined it) - and because half of your members are from Florida, it only makes logistical sense to hold your gatherings and events within that State.

I like being part of a 'club' or group where members can share ideas and help one another .. especially if there's any way you can pull folks together for IRL gatherings. That way you can see and appreciate each others cars, discuss ideas, and brainstorm new ones on the cars we love with less lost in the translation.

Tony has a Boss of an idea. Centralize a Cobra gathering in the South. To me, Florida isn't very centralized - and not the South - it's just Florida. Events in Alabama or Tennessee would bring in more folks from a broader range of States. Is this something for the DSCC to consider? Not in my opinion it's not .. especially when half your members would be required to drive long distances to attend such event.

Again, please don't offense to this reply as it's not intended to inflame - just trying to put things into perspective.

[GeorgiaSnake]

Good thread and some good ideas. Now a couple of questions.

What would the purpose be - open track - high risk, high cost, low participation.

Auto cross (big one and fast) - low risk, low cost, high particpation.

Hare and Hound event - low risk, low cost, fun, fun and more fun. This may take a bit of planning to find a proper venue. We used to do it in the PCA at old airfields. A little town called North, located in S.C. was the last one many, many years ago.

Cruise - low risk, low cost, high participation - it can't be on flat land.

I vote for someplace with nice twisties and hills, Asheville would be great, Grove Park comes to mind.

Randy

[Tony Radford]

Dan, since I launched this trailer thing, I realize I've got to plan on attending some of the larger Cobra events to get the word out. Now that I feel a new sense of freedom and mobility, I've been seriously looking at what's out there with regards to the bigger, formal events I've never before been willing to entertain (too far to drive or open trailer). It appears to me that these big Cobra events are all a good way away from the southeast. You guys down in Florida (I'm from Tampa myself), the folks out in Texas and guys in North Carolina each have some mid-sized gatherings. If it were logistically feasible, a regional-level event that had not only two or three hundred Cobras, but some level of participation by some of the vendors/manufacturers who have gained fame in the industry largely through forum participation, would be awesome. Add a local track (like SAAC), some marketing sessions (Unique, FFR, Kirkham, ERA etc.) and maybe some of the engine builders and you have an event that's a cut above what you can accomplish with smaller, more localized gatherings. The only thing that could possibly make something like this fly would be lots of enthusiasts being willing to participate and attend. My only intent was to put the concept on the table and see where it goes. I'm probably not the only one who would enjoy such an festivity. Bud's right, though there are a number of "blood and guts" Cobra guys out there that will drive their cars from Jersey to Vegas for a party, most won't go beyond sight of their homes (especially with the threat of inclimate weather). There MUST be a solution that would guarantee the best possible attendance.