Hello all
At last weeks AGM it was proposed that an ACOC track day would be welcomed by many owners, giving us the opportunity to safely use our cars to their max potential alongside other AC enthusiasts in a social, non-timed environment. Being very keen myself, I indicated that I would be happy to help organise an event, assuming that there is indeed support and enthusiasm for this event.
Before moving forward and scouting possible locations, dates etc, I would like to gauge interest. Options available to us would depend on the number of participants, amount that people are willing to spend (i.e. track fee) and timing (base case assumption is that it would be a mid-week event, requiring people to take the necessary leave from work if required).
The best option would be to have 15-20 AC members and their cars book a track for exclusive ACOC use for a day. Without having done any research on definitive costs, ballpark cost to rent a track for the day of £2000 (an indicative amount, based purely on hearsay) would then be divided across all participants (obvious benefit: more participants results in lower cost per car). Whilst I would expect most members to participate in an AC, I would suggest that if people have another classic/similar car that they would like to use, this would also be considered. Indeed, likeminded friends in similar machinery could also be invited to increase numbers, on the basis that they too were of a similar mindset. I am sure that there are a selection of E-types, Austin Healeys, Ferraris etc that could be tempted onto a track alongside ACs!
A different option would be to link into another clubs event (or standalone commercial event), book the necessary slots for our cars, and then co-participate. This would be a good option if we cannot guarantee sufficient numbers to book and pay for an AC-only event. One possible downside risk of this option is the risk of ending up mid-field to a number of aggressive 'hot-hatch' racers not familiar with slightly more genteel classic machinery.
In summary, depending on the level of support from ACOC owners, I will initiate the investigation of dates, venues etc. I would welcome suggestions from anyone, but would expect that the venue needs to be a reasonable driving distance from London (Brands Hatch, Goodwood, Castle Coombe to name a few I've already been to) to attract maximum participants. This does not exclude other events from taking place further north, but would then require someone other than myself to organise the event as I am based in London.
Hence can you please vote with your replies to this thread or email me personally at bruce.claassen@omg.co.uk
Please include the following:
- Preferred venue (suggestions also welcome)
- Preferred day-of-the-week (Mon-Fri)
- Indicative price range that you would expect / be willing to pay for track fees
- The car that you would be likely to use
- Any other suggestions / recommendations you may have!
Last but not least, I would encourage everyone with an interest to respond. I have volunteered myself to assist/arrange this, but can only move forward if there is active support from the ACOC membership. Please help me make this a real event that could hopefully become a firm annual fixture(s) for our club.
Regards
Bruce
