It's always important to build on the momentum and memories of a recent successful event, and plan the next one. In the aftermath comments on this year's wonderful event at Winton, Vic, I made the suggestion that consideration be given to holding the 2008 event based around the Morgan Park circuit, which is located near Warwick, in Southern Qld. See their website

It appears to have many of the same characteristics as Wakefield and Winton, which I reckon has made for the excellent events so far....but all this needs to be checked out.

It's obviously a bit of a drive for southerners, but then I thought we all enjoyed driving

160k from Brisbane -- 1hr45 (quicker, with Trevor leading the convoy )
817k from Sydney -- 9hrs -- a doddle!
Canberra -- 1,100ks -- depending on the route taken -- 12hrs (or less, with Drew making the "arrangements")
Melb -- 1,530ks -- 17hrs -- spend the week on the Gold Coast
Adelaide -- 1,900ks -- 21hrs -- inc a nice dash across the Hay Plain

Of course, there are lots of unknowns....including unknown unknowns....but I'm just chucking this one in to stimulate discussion.

Just a reminder: there are many powerful forces at work in the world, but none is more powerful than apathy and disengagement!

 

I will work out the logistics of coming up to Qld... may be I can get a tow and do a whole trip. Winton - Wakefield - Eastern Creek - then Morgan Park for the Nats!

EDIT: Just watch the video re: track condition.
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=nVzyLEcylro

Bumpy track, plenty of run off. Tree are surrounded by hedges. Look safe.
Very narrow, it will be narrower than Winton and Wakefield.

Stop thinking cutting corners. I know you are expert in that Andrew

 

I seem to remember there's a club structure floating around up there with some seed money...

If Qlders (well, 2 of 'em) can make it to Winton, I reckon we should return the favour.

I'm up for it...

 

Looks good to me..now is the time for the Queenslanders who complained about Winton as being too far away to put up or ...........and as Dave mentioned,there's already funding in place to get it under way.Bring it on!

 

While we are at it I think we should chuck in the equation the date. A lot of people were keen to go the 8th August 2008, ie 888.

Cheers

Andrew

 

And if we're doing it in August (brrr) be nice to go somewhere warmer than Winton or Wakefield, eh?

(okay, we've nudged and prodded. Let's see who puts their hand up...and keeps it up)

 

I cannot go that far in August. I have exam due in late August.

I was expecting Oct again!

 

Well everyone....as I have never been to a Nats before, and am a bit of a social club guru I would love the opportunity and be honoured to help put together a special occasion like this together.

I like the idea of staying at an exotic location like the Gold Coast....it would be a special treat for others who haven't been here to appreciate what this part of the world has to offer.

I 'm a bit behind the 8 ball in the discussions department, but has the Queensland Raceway at Willowbank been considered?

If logistics were a factor, I can talk to Craig Lowndes or Jason Bright who may be able to point us in the right direction with a negotiations table...on the same token if it suits better to go to Morgan Park that would great too.

The important thing is to keep it simple and having a focus on a great time.

My hands up anyhow...and I would hope that key people such as Hymee, Fury, Will, Laurence, and of course Lock and other Queenslanders would play a crucial role...

 

Trevor, you're a good man. The issue with QR is that its nowhere near as interesting when compared with the likes of Wakefield, Winton and Morgan Park. Hence Morgan Park was the suggestion.

As for helping out, Hymee and xxup did most of theorganising last year so they would be the ones to start proding. If all else fails, drop me a line and I am happy to help.

Cheers

Andrew

 

I am prepared to organize the social Before and After party for the Queensland event act as tour guide for the Mexicans however my organizational skills for other events are limited :

Cheers
Michael

 

'Onya, Trevor. Like Andrew, I am happy to offer advice and suggestions. I'd suggest, at least based on previous experience that accommodation at least on the night after the tracking activity be close by -- at, say Warwick

 

Totally agree. You don't need to travel far after the track day.

 

Cool roadtrip!!!

I am up for it 100%

With the misses and my car we would more than likely be able to fit in 2 set of track tyres for a couple VIC RX8's that would like to drive up on their road tyres and swap to their semi's at the track!

 

The big issue is to book the track (and find accommodation). Although the details are the time consuming bit, it won't happen without these elements getting sorted early on.

 

It would be great to have the nationals in Qld. Judging from the turnout during the last drive day support should be good. We should also post on the au forum as we seem to have greater participation from Queenslanders on that forum.

I am sure Hymee will play a key role in getting things together. XXUP is no longer an RX8 owner so I doubt he will play a part in organising things.

If Lakeside is up and running then it could be considered as an option. I have never been to Morgan Park so I am not aware of any facilities nearby.

QR, is a short drive from Ipswich so accommodation should be plentiful.

I am very busy now as I am setting up a new business however things should slow down once the operation has started and bedded in. So, I am happy to be on any committee and assist with preparations.

skc

 

Morgan Park is the most user friendly track of the three.QR is as boring as batshit,and Lakeside is a bit too er 'challenging' for a club type driving event.
Accomodation shouldn't be too much of a problem-generally around 25-30 cars and associated people.

 

maybe keep in mind that we dont usually have marshal points around the track so maybe a track that can be seen from one view point is a good idea too??

 

I agree that the circuit used in the V8 championship is boring However, the organisers generally use the sprint and clubman format for such events and they have lots of twists and turns.

That is why the RX8 fares well against most muscle cars.

skc

 

I repeat, someone needs to make a decision and book it otherwise it won't happen.

I don't really care but it's the primary drawcard for the event, so I suggest we pick something best suited to a club level track day rather than something that gets people up to 'oh ****' speeds.

 

^^^wise words, those

 

We will have to get the president of the club to call a meeting to get things under way. Although he may be too busy with his supercharger project.

skc

 

Sounds good.I havn't done an rx8 nats yet so i'm keen to go whereever it is..

 

I don't mind getting the ball rolling. I'll check costs and availability with Lakeside and Morgan Park and post the details when they get back to me. The circuits look very cool.

Lakeside...http://www.lakesideraceway.com/the_track.htm

Morgan Park....http://www.morganparkraceway.com.au/circuit.htm

Accomodation shouldn't be a problem. We can ramp up QR later if we have to...

 

Thanks Trev for initiation. If they don't reply email, give them a call.