2008 Lime Rock Discussion
11-20-2007, 02:42 PM
#18
Agent Orange
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I am willing to pay a higher price for a weekend event, since I can't do week days and LRP is very close to me. If it doesn't work, to hell with them. There are other (better) facilities nearby.
11-20-2007, 02:43 PM
#19
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Look, I'm not trying to turn this thread into a dump on Lime Rock thread. I am interested in the value customers (you) put on track days at LRP. Until LRP announces their go/no go decision on the club, we can only make decisions based on what they have told us so far. This is the time of year that the clubs look at available options for renting tracks next year. Most contracts and deposits are in place by January.
To clarify, all PCA clubs that rent the track will be cut in half from 2007, this means that there were a total of 24 days in 2007 and there will be now 12 days in 2008. Last year there were PCA days on the weekend, in 2008 there will not be any weekends except for some potential exceptions (club race) and some options outside of the 12 days.
My question is: "if you cannot drive on the track on the weekend, how much value do you place in being able to drive on a weekend, and with the change will you be more likely to look for other alternatives?"
To clarify, all PCA clubs that rent the track will be cut in half from 2007, this means that there were a total of 24 days in 2007 and there will be now 12 days in 2008. Last year there were PCA days on the weekend, in 2008 there will not be any weekends except for some potential exceptions (club race) and some options outside of the 12 days.
My question is: "if you cannot drive on the track on the weekend, how much value do you place in being able to drive on a weekend, and with the change will you be more likely to look for other alternatives?"
11-20-2007, 02:56 PM
#20
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
what if PCA told LRP that we're done?
just pointing out that the club race will move from a weekend to midweek?
11-20-2007, 02:57 PM
#21
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: On Rennlist, apparently
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 0
Received 37 Likes
on
18 Posts
Some random thoughts:
Well, I started my DE carrier at NHIS, and when I first went to LRP, thought it was paradise (that was 1999).
Out of a total of 30 or so track days per year, last year I went to LRP once (to try out the new track car) and this year, exactly none.
Its not that I don't like LRP, its that I love WGI, LCMT, and other long tracks.
That's from a guy that trailers everywhere and won't go a 1 day event because its not worth it.
BUT - we need local development tracks to lure new club members into this wonderful sport, and for drivers that don't have the option of traveling to multiday events. So, I would hate to blow off local smaller tracks like LRP and NHIS, even if they are not so easy to deal with or as well maintained.
As to cost - I recently instructed at an event that charges (sit down) $1300/day. Believe me, I am not that good of an instructor! Especially for infrequent drivers, the price is probably more elastic than we think.
Well, I started my DE carrier at NHIS, and when I first went to LRP, thought it was paradise (that was 1999).
Out of a total of 30 or so track days per year, last year I went to LRP once (to try out the new track car) and this year, exactly none.
Its not that I don't like LRP, its that I love WGI, LCMT, and other long tracks.
That's from a guy that trailers everywhere and won't go a 1 day event because its not worth it.
BUT - we need local development tracks to lure new club members into this wonderful sport, and for drivers that don't have the option of traveling to multiday events. So, I would hate to blow off local smaller tracks like LRP and NHIS, even if they are not so easy to deal with or as well maintained.
As to cost - I recently instructed at an event that charges (sit down) $1300/day. Believe me, I am not that good of an instructor! Especially for infrequent drivers, the price is probably more elastic than we think.
11-20-2007, 03:13 PM
#23
Race Director
I'm not saying we should boycott by any means but what if PCA told LRP that we're done? This would put a lot more pressure on their club model. If the club happens they will still come back looking for daily renters. If the club doesn't happen then they'll be in a bit of a predicament and won't have much negotiating power.
They made a commitment to the club. I am getting the feeling that they want their cake and eat it to.
They made a commitment to the club. I am getting the feeling that they want their cake and eat it to.
Believe it or not, Lime Rock is my favorite track in the North East. But what skipping and LRP management is doing to the track is sad. Ultimately, I suspect this is the beginning of the end for what once was a world-class racing venue...
-Z-man.
11-20-2007, 03:22 PM
#24
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
11-20-2007, 03:54 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
I think Geoffrey's question is almost rhetorical. How many here would go to a weekday LRP event vs. a 2-3 day weekday or weekend event at WGI, Thunderbolt, etc. (for the same or less $$)? HAS to be an extremely small percentage.
11-20-2007, 04:12 PM
#26
I have no affiliation with CVR, but I would doubt that they would move the club race to a week day and I believe they are working with LRP to continue the club race on the thurs-sat dates. CVR has more than 3 days, they are looking to reserve 3 days for the club race with the rest being DE.
11-20-2007, 04:17 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
RedlineMan I haven't been to Mosport yet, but Calabogie is by far my favorite track.....if it only were closer than 9 hours away.......
11-20-2007, 04:29 PM
#29
Addict
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: On Rennlist, apparently
Posts: 4,447
Likes: 0
Received 37 Likes
on
18 Posts
My take:
I would think that weekend vs. week day would make a difference in whether drivers go to the track or not, but not so much of a difference as to which track we go to.
If you look at total attendance at LRP on weekday events compared with weekend events, you should get a good handle on how the new 'maybe fewer weekend days' will affect DE.
I doubt that the cost per day will sway a driver to or away from LRP vs. say WGI, as the other costs related to the away event (fuel, meals, lodging) will make up for higher registration fees. And, other costs (tires, etc.) make regsitration fees somewhat trivial (not meaning they are inconsequential, but in the larger picture, it gets lost in the total).
So - I would not expect moving to weekday only would cause drivers to go to a different track the same day(s), though it might if they can only drive on weekends (but then, travel to/from WGI will possibly keep them from going a all).
Hope this is responsive and helpful.
11-20-2007, 04:29 PM
#30
Instructor
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Damn....I wish I had a 100k to become a "Lime Rock Park Club" member....I think it's a great track!! Uphill, downhill, both amateurs (me!!!!!!!) and pros find it challenging, new pavement or not. I would hate to see LRP become a golf club or anything like that. Let's protect our racing heritage (somehow)?