OK, here is the "low-down" on events. This does not have to be decided by December 1 as it does not effect the class rules. As such, I think we can go ahead and _discuss_ adding Reynoldsburg and Las Vegas to the points series. BG is a GO, but I've yet to talk to the organizers of _any_ of the other potential TSM-sponsoring races. I'll get started on that soon.
We will retain the "round points can only be collected at 3 races" format and allow racers to earn the additional 25&50 points for showing up and qualifying (i.e. running 11.99 or faster) at any four races.
It has already been stated that we will have additional registered racers by adding the Reynoldsburg, GA GSCA race in early November. I wonder how many more registrants we will get by adding Las Vegas in mid November? Remember to be in the Points Series you have to register and pay the registration fee ($50 in 2002).
Lonnie and I have agreed that if we can add more racers to the series and someone else can administer the race in Vegas, we are not against adding this event. Jason Cramer has stated that he will coordinate a TSM race at LV so that hurdle is out of the way. (Thanks Jason!)
Cash payouts at each TSM points series sponsored race require four (4) registered racers to compete at an event. Too many events and not enough sponsorship money causes thin payouts :-O
What do the TSM racers want?
I think we should let racers earn points by making the effort to support each race. The only way for this class to continue will hinge on this. If you add too many races no one will be able to atten all of them.(well almost) I will make all of the races to support the class as long as I have a legal car to race. This year was not a good year for me but I made three of the four races but only two with my car because of breakage.
Leave it with the five races and take points from the best of three. Norwalk and Morrocco are difficult to make for southern cars but Las Vegas is out of the question.. lol The dates make it more difficult to make all of the races. Two in may and two in sept. I would rather see one race per month.. This may bring more repeat racers. Especially the ones (me) who break and have to rebuild after every race..lol
Jason White "Registered TSM Racer"
How many people attending the event in Vegas would come to ANY of the other 4? For me: BG is 7.5 hours, Bristol is 3.5(those 2 I try to attend every year), Reynolds(no burg on the town in GA) is 5.5. Those 3 if held I plan on attending. I may also try to make Norwalk 9.5 hours. I doubt I can get to Morocco 12 hours but it is possible. Vegas however is 37 hours not counting potty stops.(I live in Charlotte,NC). Even starting from the site that is furthest west it's still 30 hours driving time to Vegas. I think by adding Reynolds, you will add competitors that can compete for the series. By adding Vegas I think for the most part you really only add 1 timers.
Maybe we should add some one-time events that pay out prize money just for that event and not count toward the points series.
So I say yes for Reynolds
no for Vegas (or you can do it I just don't think it will have a big impact on the points)
Sully
Steve, How many would you attend if they were all 30+ hours away. Thay is the way it is for us west coast guys.
no the west coast guys would not be in the running for the series win but we would share in the excitement in being able to participate in at least one event
I wouldn't attend any if they are 30+ hours as I drive my car to the events. I'm not trying to exclude the west coasters. I thought people were looking for suggestions to help the "series" grow, not get 1 event attenders. I don't think that adding Vegas will make the "series" grow no matter how successful it is.
I know you west coast guys want to share in the excitement. Since, like you say your not going to be in it for the points, why not have some TSM events that aren't a part of the series but still single TSM events. Then there could also be one up at Englishtown, Atco or MIR (someplace in the NE). One in CA. etc.
I personally love Vegas(craps and BJ rule) and the track looks great, but to expect weekend racers to go coast to coast is unrealistic.
I wasn't trying to keep the west coasters from having fun too, I just don't think it will really add to the points series. Maybe someone should start a West Cost TSM.
Sully
hello i`m a new member off this site please contact me i`m very interested in cars and car race`s
O.K., after the little scare by the GSCA, we are back to racing on Friday night at the GS Nationals on May 16. We will be racing our class along side all the other Heads Up classes including the new Turbo Street Outlaw (the successor to Turbo Bad to the Bone).
In addition, I have confirmed that we will be racing on Friday at the Norwalk event. This year the Buick Performance Group is going to be renting the track on Thursday from Noon - 6. As such, you can race for 4 days at Norwalk. Thurs May 1st is all Test and Tune; Friday is also TnT but you also have several Heads Up races and a Gamblers race, Saturday evening is the normal Norwalk race program (open to anyone/make/model car that shows up) and Sunday May 4 is the BIG all Buick Race Day with multiple brackets and a Super 16 race.
The Midwest Buick Challenge is also confirmed at this time with TSM running on Saturday Sept 13 of the Friday - Sunday event.
In order to add Reynolds I need two things to happen. First, I need a confirmation on a big event down South; and Second, I need to hear from someone in charge of the Reynolds event. I sent a message to Ron Joseph but have not heard anything back from him.
Here it is, the final list of race events in 2003 that will be running TSM races. In addition to running TSM point series races at Norwalk, Bowling Green and Morocco, as listed above; the following 3 races will be added to the TSM point series for 2003:
* Bradenton, FL Sunday March 2
* Reynolds, GA Saturday Nov 8
* Las Vegas, NV Nov 8(not yet final)
Bradenton is a new Buick Race being held at the Bradenton Motorsports Park racetrack in the Tampa area. Reynolds is the annual GSCA sponsored Southeast Muscle Car Challenge at Silver Dollar Raceway. The ever increasing popularity of the Las Vegas event has convinced me that this too, would be a fine event to hold a TSM race for our points series.
Due to the loss of a major Buick event on the "right-coast" area, we've 'replaced' it with Reynolds and Bradenton; and we've added Vegas to give the people on the "left-coast" the opportunity to join the point series.
Never thought I would see Florida on there.
Hats off to you guys...
THANKS for adding (FL)... Bradenton and Reynolds to the points race.
Sorry to learn about Bristol, GREAT track and event. Hope Jim can plan another event again, he did a GREAT job at (Bristol) the BOP Nationals.