[SECC] Roebling Road - 2009 Convention Update (UNCLASSIFIED)

[Meadows-Contractor, Eddie]

Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED 
Caveats: NONE

I agree with most all your points.  In my opinion, the only way we can pull this off is having the local SCCA region providing the
support.  Having the Buccaneer Region of SCCA providing the course workers, tow vehicles, fire extinguishers, etc, and timing
relieves us from all of the concerns about safety and getting the timing correct.  I have done the manual timing route several years
ago and it is not fun.  The transponders are very accurate and automated. You need at least a dozen people to do the manual timing
plus dual stop watches for each timer plus calculators.  The timing equipment the SECC has is only good for autocrosses and a couple
of cars at a time.  To do multiple timing at a road course with multiply cars, you need the transponder system or a bunch of people
that have experience in timing and scoring which we don't have.  Not sure how much the Buccaneer Region will charge us to provide
that support but we will see.  More later.


Eddie M. Meadows
AEgis Tech supporting PEO STRI
(407) 384-5267
DSN 970-5267
FAX: (407) 384-5248

-----Original Message-----
From: secc-bounces at corvair.org [mailto:secc-bounces at corvair.org] On Behalf Of D. Barry Ellison
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:39 PM
To: sarahvair at juno.com; SECC at corvair.org
Cc: ward at lightningspeed.net
Subject: RE: [SECC] Roebling Road - 2009 Convention Update


>
>The cost to rent the track will be $3200 for the day.  "Fast Eddie", 
>Donnie and myself feel this is VERY reasonable and doable.  Most time 
>trials cost about $100 - $150 per participant to run.

This is very reasonable at this point.  Keep a buffer 'cause we don't want to "take a bath" as Brian O'Neal pointed out to me about
NECC and Mosport.

>timing equipment, we need the timing equipment that will put a 
>transponder onto the car itself.

Do we NEED this, or is this a WANT?  We had these at Summit Point and they required like a $250 deposit <or some rather large
amount>.  Sure, you got your money back and it's REALLY cool but a couple of decent guys with stop watches can get you dang close
with the same results.  Of the time trials I've done, that was the only place that had them.

>What about the involvement of the NECC?  "Fast Eddie", Donnie, and I 
>all agree that the SECC has matured enough and continues to mature with 
>the addition of new members as well as the seasoned professionals we 
>have amongst us to host this event on our own.  We would like to make 
>our first official SECC Time Trial.

I hate to be a nay sayer, however, it seems that running an autocross on 20 acres of flat land vs a time trial with curves and hills
are two very different animals.  Radios MUST work, Safety is paramount of the drivers, spectators and workers, at double and triple
the speeds of an autocross (think 1 mile straight at RR!).  Lots of excellent communication is REQUIRED between the guys
starting/stopping/controlling the pit area and tower.  
That's a lot to chew on.  I'm trying to think of who besides me, Tony, Eddie, maybe Joe, have actually run a time trial.  Anyone?
How about manage one?  Not me - I've never even been in a tower and watched the timing occur.

>We are not saying that we don't welcome the help and guidance of the 
>NECC, but at sometime we have to step out and take a chance on our own.  
>If we end up needing help, we will not hesitate to ask NECC to step in and help.
>So what are all your thoughts on this?  Pretty exciting, don't you think?
>Sarah
>
Now that I put a damper on things let me tell you how I REALLY feel.  :)

Yep, VERY exciting, and I'm pretty sure it will happen.  Glad to see it.  
It's ABOUT TIME!  Now we can plan some long weekends around Roebling road and do our stuff there instead of Jacksonville.  vrroooom,
vrrroooom.  I think we need a practice weekend to work out all the kinks.  I volunteer to be the guinea pig driver.  :)

There is nothing I mention above that can't be overcome with the help and guidance of the NECC and Roebling Road Staff.  It's just
the unknowns that scare me.

I am a computer guy and I'm willing to lend a hand where I can, with classes, run groups, online registration and website stuff,
logistics, programming, database work, etc.  It's not like it's brain surgery.  We'd just better have running smoothly.

Looking forward to it!

Barry


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