WGI Option; Please vote and give us your opinions!

[jlwhorf]

Comments (constructive, that is) welcomed

What about charge the instructors someting for the TT day?

Jonathan

[Grippy]

That is often discussed and most likely will come up again at the next board meeting as we set the rate for the events.

The latest proposal I heard was to charge the instructors if they want to compete in the TT.

[StephanAlfa]

That is often discussed and most likely will come up again at the next board meeting as we set the rate for the events.

The latest proposal I heard was to charge the instructors if they want to compete in the TT.

Sure... how about getting PAID for the job we do??? I'd like to propose that instead... let's not confuse the issue and realize what instructors do as volunteers work friends. Sitting next to a student riding shotgun and trying to deliver a concise message while they are having tunnel vision is not for everyone.
It's a subject that can often be surfaced but the demise of instructors attendace is crucial to the well being of this club. How many of you have gone to other TT clubs event and find students desperatly trying to get hold of their instructors who never show up? Then see the smoothness and effective delivery of intructors at COM. Point finale mon ami

[brucesallen]

My observation over the years is that lowering rates below other clubs does NOT get more participation.

The most important thing we can do to get to profitability is publicize to get more entries at away events. We always have lots of space.

[WillM]

I think the 200-300/day range estimate heavily depends on the amount of days attended. That said, I think $200 - 250 is closer to the range, but don't quote me on that. $900 for 3-days at WGI is obnoxious, and I doubt any board members would support that idea (and you can quote me on that). I would guess that all 3-days at WGI would be in the $650-700 range ($216.67 - $233.33/day).

Gordon and Scott are 100% correct. Without letting this thread turn into a rates discussion, it should be known that the club cannot afford another season of loss. Actually, we need to turn things around this year. We were able to offer, as someone said, "bargain rates" over the past many seasons because we had a decent cash reserve. Over the past couple seasons, increased costs and lower participation levels have driven our cash reserve down to an almost unsustainable level.

The cost to rent WGI varies from about $12,000 - $16,500 per day. This is track rental only, and does not include insurance or other expenses. At many tracks, we pay for the ambulance, wrecker, corner workers, radios, etc., separate from the rental cost - not sure if WGI is one of them, but I think so.

[nhsilversti]

i have not voted in the poll. i cant swing the mention prices for 3 days but would consider 2 days. it dosent matter to me what those 2 days would be.

aside from the cost of the any track days, i have to keep in mind that wife wants to visit new zealand for 3 weeks this year, as a prospective new place to live.

ted

[BonraS]

I voted for the 3 day. But , in retrospect, I think that the club will be taking a big risk. for 2 reasons. 1] The club is missing a date at NHIS. The bread and butter track for COM. 2] The extra cost may drive down attendance at WGI.
I will do either event. WGI is a fast and fun track. Can't miss it!

Bill Sarno
93 Cobra #65

[Scooter70]

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthr ... 1563996668

[offcamber09]

If we decide to run 1 school day, 1 TT day and 1 open practice day- I think the instructors should pay for 1 day. If it's 2 schools and a TT, I would expect a free ride. We've discussed this before- the school day for the instructors is devoted to the student and any track time that day is a bonus. The TT day is the "reward" and under normal circumstances should remain as such. Opportunities like 3 days at the Glen or a third day at Summit Point (2005) could be dealt with as special cases that may require the instructor to pony up a bit. I've always said that I'd be willing to pay at least part fare if it means keeping a certain event on the schedule (WGI 2006).
Either way, I can't wait to air the new car out at the Glen.

[chaos4NH]

Stefan: While I am NOT supporting any proposals that instructors pay for the normal 2 day events, I think you have to consider them "paid", in that they keep $400 dollars in their pockets that the rest have to shell out (translates into about $3000.00 last year). That incentive, two free track days, $400.00, insures we have instructors, but I can you call them volunteers? The proposal to have them pay ONLY for the 3rd day of 3 day events seems reasonable.
Back to the thread, as much as I would like a weekend event, and feel that weekends would get more participants, the estimate of over $700 forces me out.

[denndy]

900+ views of this thread and only 32 votes on the poll. Maybe we shouldn't bother going back to the Glenn at all. I thought it was a popular track.

Have been following the thread, but have not voted since I can't yet say whether I would attend either the 2 or 3 day event.

While the weekend would be nice, 3 days is a big $ commitment, so if I were to attend, it's unlikely to be for more than for 2 days. Given the financial position of the club, it unfortunately appears that 3 days would be an unwise gamble.

Hop everyone's having a pleasant off season,
Dennis

[StephanAlfa]

Stefan: While I am NOT supporting any proposals that instructors pay for the normal 2 day events, I think you have to consider them "paid", in that they keep $400 dollars in their pockets that the rest have to shell out (translates into about $3000.00 last year). That incentive, two free track days, $400.00, insures we have instructors, but I can you call them volunteers? The proposal to have them pay ONLY for the 3rd day of 3 day events seems reasonable.
Back to the thread, as much as I would like a weekend event, and feel that weekends would get more participants, the estimate of over $700 forces me out.

Point taken! I was just trying to show the OTHER side of the coin as well. I was not implying Instructors get paid. It's a volunteers work.
Can instructors pitch in for the sake of cost recovery? Absolutely.
Let's first MEASURE the consequences friends. That is why one needs to be analytical when considering proposals and weight OTHER consequences.
Don't get me wrong here guys, all I want is for us all to look into all possible outcomes before we make a decision. Here are some scenarios:
* After careful explanation of instituting a fee to tinstructors for the sake of the CLUB's financials (very important angle) how many instrcutors would be willing to participate if we institue a fee program?
* What are the risks involved? Fewer instructors = fewer students = fewer new members = less track participation ... see where I am going with this?

I am totally in support of a fee. Matter of fact I am prepared to make monthly payments starting NOW based on the number of events I plan to participate this year as an incentive to recover some of the clubs losses. But note I am one of 60 and some may not completely agree with me. That is why we need to measure this properly.
Nough said. Maybe we should continue this in another post OR at the clubs meeting.

Back to this link I am all for track time 2, 3, 10 days, count me in

[enjoythemusic]

Back to this link I am all for track time 2, 3, 10 days, count me in

Ditto Must be an Italian car thing?

[DanDarcy]

I love WGI, I hope to do more than one event there this year, but to do a 3 day event would be too expensive for me at one time.

Fuel $450- (both car and tow vehicle)
Tolls $45-
Tires $1200- (Hoosiers R6 275/35-18)
Brakes $165-
Entry $700- ?
Wine $80-
Food $200-
WGI Camp fee $50-
Oil $50-
Misc. $100-

That comes up to over $3,000- for one event ! I voted for the two days. Plus the club loses mony on every away event, why do we want to lose more money ? Lets try harder to get another NHIS (NHMS) events and make some money. Once the club has built up some money reserves than we can experiment with away 3 day events.

[enjoythemusic]

Dan,

Yes, the expenses of this sport/hobby can be, well... As an alternative view, three days saves me gas/tolls/time to get there, per se, as once i am there... versus two separate events. Yes, tires will be fried so there goes $1k easy plus $900 for event entry fee. Race gas, well, if we add another day that adds to costs BUT is basically the same cost of any other single day event (ok, moreso as SCCA provided LESS on track time versus COMSCC). Same with brakes, oil, etc.

As for wine costs... though your food cost can be reduced. i eat steak and lamb at the track for three days for about 1/2 the cost you have quoted and have been known to eat Chef-Boy-Rdee out of the can for lunch at track events ($1 a can).

Still, i agree it seems that many here are tight on budget and as WGI is a $$$ track it may make sense for COMSCC to operate a 2-day event.

On the other side (AN IDEA) perhaps keep the three days, partner with some other club to fill space/share expenses for the first two days and make the thrid day COMSCC TT. This way Day 1 and 2 are full with both clubs running 'open' track, and on the third day we have COMSCC TT. COMSCC'er could opt for either all three days or just the second and third (TT) day at reduced cost.

Me? Three days at WGI will be $2k + engine wear before necessary rebuild to keep her competitive in SCCA.

Karting is starting to look good for cheap thrills, but then again that is why i got the F2000 (cheaper TCO than that red thing).