Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Fleet Farm has chaps from $60 and up. Sure you'll look more gay than Veto from the Soprano's when you wear them but they are legal for the track.

Supposedly my Max will run a 10.6 but I'll never launch it that hard. Come on out, I'd love to run your bike just for shnitzngiggle's

Very sad news...
 

After extensive communication with Al Corda, the owner of Rock Falls Raceway, we were informed that the structure of our event does not comply with their track rental agreement in regards to charging people to attend a private event. As such we are not in a position to rent the track without charging said fees and have been forced to cancel the event.

I want to assure you that we did everything in our power to avoid having to cancel the event we all worked so hard to organize. Throughout my conversation with Al I stressed the power of the internet and online communities in regards to attendance and interest in the event. I pointed out the vast number of new potential customers that would be attending and conveyed to him the number of people that had never heard of Rock Falls Raceway. I conveyed the number of forums that were embracing this event as their own and my opinion regarding the tremendous marketing value such an event would have for Rock Falls Raceway. I even offered to cover the remainder of the fees for any amount of cars less than 150 as we were very confident in regards to attendance, but to no avail.

For those that are interested in the position of Rock Falls Raceway regarding this event I will do my best to explain Al’s thoughts. The major reason for his decision is his feeling that our event would adversely affect attendance of his future events like the sport compact day on July 28th. I tried my best to explain that the majority of those attending our event would either still attend the event on the 28th or would never have attended at all. I feel that our event would have had great success based upon the support of local forums and our customer base, not simply because it was another race day at Rock Falls. He also conveyed his dismay with the fact that this conversation occurred at the very last minute, which is based on a simple misunderstanding regarding the terms of the rental which was not realize until recently. He feels that the event was not appropriately advertised and that Rock Falls would not have control over the event and as such their reputation could be marred based on lack of attendance. I once again stressed the power of the internet as well as the marketing and advertising ourselves and the supporting forums had done for the event, but to no avail. Our conversation ended when Al had decided that the risks to his reputation and future events were greater than the marketing benefits of our event.

In a final effort I recommended that we change the structure of the event so that Rock Falls Raceway would collect and charge for attending, but based upon the above states reasons this was not a possibility.

I would like to personally apologize to the forums and individuals that were looking forward to attending this event, and I urge you to visit the following link:

http://www.petitiononline.com/mappg/petition.html

The purpose of this petition is to convey to Rock Falls Raceway to power of the internet and online automotive communities. Perhaps we can persuade Al to reconsider if we can show him enough interest in the event.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and again I am very sorry it came to this.

Chris Carey

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

That really blows... Petition signed.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Wow.

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

well a big fuck you to them for this. Aly took off work. I paided extra to get pte to rebuild my turbo in a day and get it back to me fast.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Again guys this is partially our fault, I assumed they knew we were charging and they assumed that we weren't. I wish we had found out sooner, we were really looking forward to this...

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

So charge. Tell them to, or you guys charge. Someone's gotta make money. Not like they've got anything else scheduled that sunday! Shit.

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

This is a big mistake for RF. This would have been my first time going, as i assume it would have been others first time as well. For him to talk about his reputation i think is a little extream. Now he will be getting no business on the 8th instead of some. This was going to be a fun day where people would have been able to get more that just 1 or 2 runs in. Even tho i didnt, i know a lot of people put a lot of last min money into their cars for this.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I tihnk I can say that most of us on here dont go to the sport compact days because we want more runs and a preped track. I would not want to be there all day and get in a few runs when most of the cars that go are in the 14's or higher

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Petition signed. I was really looking forward to this event. I agree with TKR I cant stand sport compact days.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Please keep the feedback coming guys, I will be forwarding the petition and links to the forums to Al in the next few days in hopes of a last ditch reconsideration...

Chris

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

"Can we agree that your car is a piece of shit"?

Famous words from Al himself when we tried to test the parachute on the back of the corsica. Sure the car looks like shit, but what if we tried to get the car to look like that? And it was for the same fucking reason as well.

I highly doubt I would have been ready for this race but I still would have came and watched. Its fucking pathetic when they pull this shit.

Hey Al... Can we agree you, your track, and rules are a piece of shit?

They just lost any business I would have gave them. Looks like Tri-state and Cedar Falls it is.

Petition signed for everyone else.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I would just tell them you are not taking any money for it now. and just get every one that want to go paypal you or stop by the shop to cover it. Sence it is not to make money on this at all just for everyone to go and do somthing fun on sunday.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I can say that with as few runs on sport compact day as most get, I won't be in attendance. I guess Brainerd will be my track on wednesday evenings.

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Shit... You could collect money out on the highway from people driving up. You arent collecting it at the track. Who's to say you cant collect it before hand or out on the street somewhere?

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I can see both sides on this topic.
It sucks but Al does not want anyone profiting on his track.
MAP doesn't want to have to shell out the $2k or whatever to "rent" the track for the day.

In the end, I think a lack of communication and understanding lead to the breakdown of this event.

Has anyone talked to Cedar Falls or Tri-state about track rental?
BIR?
Or as other people have mentioned, cover the track rental and ask for donations incongnito ;).
Good luck guys, I would have loved to see this event happen.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Try BIR. Everyone get some VHT.

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

This really sucks. I haven't been to RF in a few years and now I can guarantee I won't be attending any of their days this year, and chances are never again.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Chris told RF that he was willing to give them the profit (if any) they make off the admission price. He is doing nothing to RF except bringing in business and revenue that otherwise wouldn't exist.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can personally say that *MOST* of the people I've talked to about going to this would not normally go to Rock Falls, nor would they even track their car. This was the perfect event for people who stand on the sidelines and talk shit (or respectfully) about some of the cars that are usually out there tearing it up to get a helmet on and make a few runs down the track, or even call out some of the 'big dogs' in an effort to show what your car has.

I know most people on this forum know this, but I'm writing this directly for rock falls' info. I own an 05 Evo VIII which is fairy well modified. This is my DD and while I run it through the gears daily, my wife has forbid me to track the car. Ever. Never ever. Fair enough, as I need to get it to work. For this event, she said that I could run it, and because of that, I've been talking to everyone and their grandma about getting their asses to the track so we can see who can do what. My car as it sits should run high 11's, so I feel as though I have a fair shot at a lot of pretty respectable cars out there.

I myself have put a *LOT* of energy (read: time and MONEY) into making sure my car is ready for this event, and to hear that the plug has been pulled makes me SICK! I've also put a TON of energy getting everyone I know that's even remotely into cars into coming (for once) to a drag event. Sorry to everyone I talked smack to, we won't get a chance to see who wins, but it doesn't matter because the EVO OWNZ YOU ANYWAYZ!!! :D

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Riight chris. You are a pussy. Good day to you sir. ;)

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Look! I even got swifty riled up enough that he was *thinking* about coming! That says a lot considering all the kid does is drive around like a grandma with his wee T67!

Run it on pump gas! Run it with only two wheels! And finally, Swifty, why are you such a pussy!?!?!

:D

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

As Hughes pointed out I am not trying to make a profit here, simply get some advertising time and set up an event for our customers and friends. I offered to let him collect and keep all of the proceeds, but he declined. I even offered to guarantee him a certain number of racers and pay the difference in the event that attendance was not up to expectations, but to no avail. And it wasn't necessarily a lack of communication, but a misunderstanding that was not realized until the final written contract arrived.

Oh, and it was $3750 to rent the track ;)

Chris

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

FUCK THIS! Carey, can you call BIR or someone else? PLEASE! Pay them. Scheides called me out at Bee's and I owe it to him to race!

Scheides, I'll still shit on your desk. And running on pump yes, 111 style. I didn't get the fuel system in in time, so that's waiting to later/next year with a shep tranny, JMF SMIM and N2o! Eat shit. Driving slow just allows me to spare the car it's life for a few miles, and allows you to keep up!

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I just realized that I would still be humming along on my stock clutch (very happily) right now if this event had not been scheduled.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

What a piss poor business decsion by Rock Falls. This will just give them another black eye.

I remember talking to a guy last year that put on my new roof on my house about Rock Falls. He is an old muscle car guy that knows Al for the last 20 years. He had nothing good to say about Rock Falls and the way it is managed. I guess this latest development just adds to it.

later,
Curt

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I too have been pushing this event on a ton of other car enthusiasts that I know who would otherwise careless about a drag event. RF is loosing a lot of potential customers due to this.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

$3750, ouch.

I wasn't saying you were trying to make a profit, but I was mearly pointing out his point of view to all the people yelling to "burn him at the stake".

Lack of communication, missunderstanding due to not having anything in writing before planning the event, same deal...the communication lines broke down.

I don't see why he feels threatened about the sport compact days, I mean hell they do have a whopping 6 this year? (pathetic)

Maybe we should get a bunch of the local shops together and put together a MN shootout at a different track this next season?

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

That's a good idea. However, I'm still WIDE open on the 8th.

I suggested renting pro-kart in MG for the day on the 8th, but it's still not quite drags.

-A. Swift

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I agree that the events this year are few and far between. Al shared his thoughts on scheduling with me and informed me that especially in the hot summer months he feels that having too many events would result in poor attendance. I tried to explain that the reason many of us don't attend is that there are too many cars and not enough chances to run, but he is pretty set in his ways.

But yes next year we should arrange something...

Chris

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Next year? Dsms with any sort of respectable power wont last that long.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Thats enough to make a guy puke... All the effort you put into this and it all boils down to this. He's going to close his track for the day now he probably is just assuming it will be a bunch of 15 secon hondas spewing oil on the track off the finish line and then continue to run all the way down the track.

If MAS opted to do this it would be a no questions asked deal and it would be on.

Petition signed

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

A few of us are going karting in Cokato on the 7th.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

This really sucks. I made special arrangements to attend this out of town event and even had a few people planning to come out as well to spectate. I have never been to RF before and was happy to hear of a track that would support this type of event. Most drag events are not that fun for the fans and this one had a lot of potential.

I hope reconsideration or a Plan B is possible. When even the wives are interested is the event you know you had something special going.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

Take the matter to The Pioneer Press and The Star Tribune, put his name in the paper as a pour buisness man running a pour buisness. The track is not in great condition the track prep is aweful.

Does Al wonder why he hosts so many NHRA events with funny cars and top fuel dragsters??? I've been there for the last 4 years and haven't seen one change or upgrade to the track or surronding areas. Part of owning a buisness is always looking to improve not just maintaining and raising your prices for equal services offered.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

its spelt POOR!
That really sucks guys, You could have a race tonight down to California speedway for racing tomorrow. Ready Set GO!!!

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I doubt they would really care.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I've seen things of much less caliber in the paper and it would make Al second guess his buisness decisions in the future.

excuse your face and my spelling tom

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

I'm still trying to figure out what this even means.

Re: July 8th: 1st Annual Modern Automotive Performance Proving Grounds
 

My goal here is not to make Rock Falls look bad, as like I said it was a misunderstanding on both ends of the equation. I just simply want him to see that such an event is worth his while...

Chris