Solo Ideas

[wpfri]

As a group of sponsors, sponsoring the series we have some Ideas.Tell me what you think.

We are looking at a Solo Canada Sponsor board.This will allow all of the solo series across Canada to talk about Solo Sponsors and product on one board.Discussions about new ideas etc.You still keep your Regional boards for regional events.

This is very good for attracting sponsors and getting to know what is happening around Canada in Solo without going to 20 plus boards.

The Sponsors and I are throwing around the Idea of a Canadian Superstar Shootout.

The top winners of each class from every Solo region get together for a 3 to 4 day Canadian shootout.

The winners will receive cash prizes and product sponsorship packages for the entire season.When I talk about cash I am talking about 10,000 dollars for the Canadian Champions.

I have talked to several sponsors about the level of money involved for this and they are very,very interested.

I would like your input and Ideas on this subject please.

I am asking for everyones help in this.Can you please foward this message to every car club that you belong to,every message board you know of and spread the word and ask them to respond here.Foward the link to everyone!

Just so you know,Just Toying around with the Idea so far and I have a comitment of 20,000 dollars cash and over 40,000 dollars in product giveaways for next year for Solo1 and Solo2 and this is just for Ontario so far.

This is with about 30 companies involved so far.

I have some of the largest Canadian Automotive Retailers behind this 100%.

Williams Product and now Snyper and several more companies that I will introduce to Solo is available at over 2000 retail outlets across Canada.
All of these speed shops,retailers and Manufactures are looking at this program right NOW!

Guys I need your help on this matter to make It work.

PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS OR IDEAS

William

[Dave]

William, I think a national board is a great idea. But instead of it just being a sponsors board where competitors from across the country can talk about the sponsors, why not have forums for the respective disciplines, a forum where a national Solo 1 championship can be organized, etc? Solo 2 already has a national championship which seems to really be growing in popularity and recognition, so maybe it's time for Solo 1 to have the same! Wes was smart enough to go with the CNAC rulebook in Ontario, which makes it a lot easier for Solo 2 competitors to prep their cars for the nationals, and with Christian on the ASN Solo national committee I'm pretty sure we'll see a national Solo 1 ruleset emerge in the near future that will allow a national Solo 1 event. So with Solo 1 and Solo 2 really getting their acts together on a national level, I think it's the perfect time for sponsors to get onboard and really help push these disciplines to the next level. Good stuff, William!

[wpfri]

Dave,Thank you.I agree about a national board for everyone.I will do It If I have the support of the Solo Members and they can come together to unite as Canada and not regions.

I have hinted to Wes,Chris and Rob M about some of these plans.

I will get into more detail at the party on Nov 6 and some of the future sponsors interested are going to attend.

Just think of some of the Issues we could deal with.
Insurance,we could form our own Insurance organization for Canadian Motorsport.
We could get liability insurance for modified,caged,motorsport prepped cars with no problem.

There is massive POWER in Numbers.

William

[JoeT]

Canadian National Pro-Solo Championships

Event Type: (TBD) 4 Days of racing
Main Event: Pro-Solo

Venue: Largest place we can find

Event Description:

3 Rings of competition with the main event being the National Pro Solo Champoinships.

1 Test & Tune Ring
1 SCCA Style Autocross Ring
Main: Gigantic Pro-Solo Ring

Test & Tune: Used for optimizing setup of cars for the main event, also used for qualifying in Bracket Racing Style.

SCCA Autox: Self Explanatory

Main Event: Culmination of the bracket style event, wrapped as the main event.

Schedule:
Day 1: Setup, Test & Tune, fun runs 3 rings
Day 2: Qualifying for Pro-Solo (using Test and Tune Arens, Autox style, wide sweeping courses)
Day 3: Eliminations
Day 4: Finals for all brackets for Pro Solo

Side Events:
SCCA Style solo for those that don't want to participate in the Pro Solo.

Show & Shine: For the show crowd, with professional judging (classes to be determined)

Prizes:
Bracket Racing Style: 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each bracket
Overall Prize: Using Offset Timing Tree for shoot out at the finals

Features:
Saturday Night Barbecue:
Vendor Booths:
Music Stage: (yes yes, the mandatory Bikini contest)
Bonfire:

Safety: Park Ferme for Bracket Pro-Solo Racers

Revenue: Gate Fees, Vendor Booths, Entry Fees,

Facilities: Porta Potties, Free Bottled Water to paying guests, Fenced off outdoor lounges for your favourite beverates.

Expected Entries from: USA, Canada
Number of entries: 200+

Advertizing: Major Magazines, GRM + GRM Canada, Inside Track, Sport Compact Car..

Expected attendance levels for spectators: 8 - 10K over the weekend (conservative).

This has been kicked around between TonyK and I for about a year. Looking forward to making this event the largest in NA... Thanks William from the "Gang" for helping out to make this a reality.

[wpfri]

We need to choose a place where we can Solo1 and Solo2.The Biggest Solo event in Canadian History.The prize money will draw the competition.The top winners will have a chance at some large money to make It worthwhile.

William

[JoeT]

Originally posted by wpfri
We need to choose a place where we can Solo1 and Solo2.The Biggest Solo event in Canadian History.The prize money will draw the competition.The top winners will have a chance at some large money to make It worthwhile.

William

William,

This must be held in a major metropolitan center, close to subways and amenities. There are also other "Grants" that we can take advantage of, if it's done within the confines of the City. Not to mention walk in traffic, etc.

[wpfri]

This is where I need the help from all the experienced members.I will handle all the sponsorship and Financing.
I need everyones help with the rest.Let the Ideas come.
This is not just an Idea, I am going to make this happen with your help.

William

[Tony Kloosterma]

Joe and I have kicked this idea around for a year.
I am happy that Wiliam has stepped forward to support the idea and now we can proceed.
The venue is critical, it needs to be central enough so that we can draw competitors from all over NA.
It needs to be big enough to hold 3 seperate circuits. I have some ideas on format that I will discuss with Joe and William, a little different then Joes .

I'm in for sure. its what our sport needs to raise its level of interest and acceptance.

Bring it on!!!

Tony

[wpfri]

Fantastic.Guys I NEED everyones support.E-mail everyone involved in the sport and ask them to respond and for Ideas.The sponsor group will support each regional organization.CASC etc.

Keep the Ideas and comments comming for both Solo1 and Solo2.The future sponsors are looking.

William

[Wedge]

Originally posted by JoeT
Canadian National Pro-Solo Championships

Looking forward to making this event the largest in NA... Thanks William from the "Gang" for helping out to make this a reality.

Let me be the first to say: "HOLY CRAP!!!" :eek: :eek:

I love sponsors!
I love you William.
I love living in a region with so many highly skilled, highly motivated competitors willing, and able to make something like this possible.
It makes me proud to be a CASC-OR member.
Let's show all of North America that we are indeed, the best there is!
I'll buy product from every sponsor we get if it'll help make this happen.
What possible venues do you have in mind? I don't know of any that fit all of your criteria...
Joe and Tony, you guys rock!

[gatherer]

We have a national championship... introducing money is a sure way to ture it into a real bllod bath.... personal opinion.... but this is grassroots, large prize money introduces large number of protests for the stupidest things, at 500 dollars a protest at the national level only the rich will be able to win..

lets see 20,000 dollars per winner * 25 classes = 500,000 dollars...

if thats a per year thing I'd rather see that saved up for the purchase of a huge piece of land to be paved and donated to CASC to run the nationals on.. we only hvae a few places that work and yet the states have Topeka which as far as I know is owned by the SCCA..... just my thoughts but after saving that prize money for 5 years you'd have 2.5 million enough to build a lot dedicated for Solo 2.... and the nationals and a national level
prosolo. just my thoughts... personally I was looking at an Idea of a contingecy program however after speaking to other more experienced Solo 2 guys the above is the common belief...

prize money like this isn't even seen at the nationals in the states where they get 1100 competitors + out. doing somethihng like this would upset a natural balance in the motorsports in Canada ..solo2 moving to solo 1 moving to regional road racing... the other disciplines would fade.. who in their right mind would move up the ladder?

[Wedge]

I'm pretty sure he meant 20 grand was the total purse. Not that each class winner gets that much. Heck, you've got to go up pretty high in the motorsport ranks before you start getting into THAT kind of prize money!

[JoeT]

Jason,

The total purse is 20K in cash + 40K in merchandise.

Great idea eh... Elevating the status, imagine what your sponsors would think about the coverage...

Question: Would you get more or less if you could prove to your sponsors that you would get an audience larger than the typical weekend crowd? (rhetorical)

Drummond Motor sports is Proudly sponsored by:

Sierra - Anchors, fasteners and power tools
Intralink360.com
TNA performance

I'm all for elevating the status of grassroots motorsports. Imagine the fallout to the other clubs in the region! More events, more people, longer lineups, and finally a cap that can be imposed. It's a good problem to have.

my .02 cents.

[wpfri]

Originally posted by Dave
William, I think a national board is a great idea. But instead of it just being a sponsors board where competitors from across the country can talk about the sponsors, why not have forums for the respective disciplines, a forum where a national Solo 1 championship can be organized, etc? Solo 2 already has a national championship which seems to really be growing in popularity and recognition, so maybe it's time for Solo 1 to have the same! Wes was smart enough to go with the CNAC rulebook in Ontario, which makes it a lot easier for Solo 2 competitors to prep their cars for the nationals, and with Christian on the ASN Solo national committee I'm pretty sure we'll see a national Solo 1 ruleset emerge in the near future that will allow a national Solo 1 event. So with Solo 1 and Solo 2 really getting their acts together on a national level, I think it's the perfect time for sponsors to get onboard and really help push these disciplines to the next level. Good stuff, William!

What about A national Solo board.

William

[30thSS]

Originally posted by wpfri
As a group of sponsors, sponsoring the series we have some Ideas.Tell me what you think.

We are looking at a Solo Canada Sponsor board.This will allow all of the solo series across Canada to talk about Solo Sponsors and product on one board.Discussions about new ideas etc.You still keep your Regional boards for regional events.

This is very good for attracting sponsors and getting to know what is happening around Canada in Solo without going to 20 plus boards.

I like the idea suggested of a National Solo board. Sponsors could have a forum on the board.



Originally posted by wpfri
The Sponsors and I are throwing around the Idea of a Canadian Superstar Shootout.

The top winners of each class from every Solo region get together for a 3 to 4 day Canadian shootout.

The winners will receive cash prizes and product sponsorship packages for the entire season.When I talk about cash I am talking about 10,000 dollars for the Canadian Champions.

I have talked to several sponsors about the level of money involved for this and they are very,very interested.

I would like your input and Ideas on this subject please.

I am asking for everyones help in this.Can you please foward this message to every car club that you belong to,every message board you know of and spread the word and ask them to respond here.Foward the link to everyone!

Just so you know,Just Toying around with the Idea so far and I have a comitment of 20,000 dollars cash and over 40,000 dollars in product giveaways for next year for Solo1 and Solo2 and this is just for Ontario so far.

This is with about 30 companies involved so far.

I have some of the largest Canadian Automotive Retailers behind this 100%.

Williams Product and now Snyper and several more companies that I will introduce to Solo is available at over 2000 retail outlets across Canada.
All of these speed shops,retailers and Manufactures are looking at this program right NOW!

Guys I need your help on this matter to make It work.

PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS OR IDEAS

William

I am :eek: :) . I competed in the 1990 Solosport series when the tire companies had tire divisions and top place drivers got a free set of tires. If this is the similar type of direction you want to go, then I'm all for it. I'm looking at replacing my street tires after this season is over. They are almost down to the wear bars from the 12 events I've run as a newbie again. To know that after a season of compition I could potentially win a set of replacement rubber or funds towards them is extremely gratifying. I don't know how to thank you well enough for your efforts William. Great news.

[DonS]

Some thoughts for a National board have been floating around the brain cells. A central core site for regional/national content with sub sites for clubs/sponsors or other participating sites.

Each site maintains control over their content, look and feel theme, and access control. But it becomes easier to float around the sites without multiple sign-ups and logins. Shared resources and code keeps the costs down while providing a high level of technology and security. Redundancy is kept down and accuracy is kept high.

[gatherer]

Originally posted by JoeT
Jason,

The total purse is 20K in cash + 40K in merchandise.

Great idea eh... Elevating the status, imagine what your sponsors would think about the coverage...

Question: Would you get more or less if you could prove to your sponsors that you would get an audience larger than the typical weekend crowd? (rhetorical)



I'm all for elevating the status of grassroots motorsports. Imagine the fallout to the other clubs in the region! More events, more people, longer lineups, and finally a cap that can be imposed. It's a good problem to have.

my .02 cents.

There is a huge difference between elevating the sport and changing it from being grassroots to being a professional sport. And there in lies the issue. Yes I fully agree with a higher elevation of the sport I can get more sponsor money I think I'm very effective at marketing myself... however do we want this to change from being a "run what you have" sort of sport to the introduction of big budget racing teams and the reduction of the ability of privateers to easily compete? personally I think our sport is healthy....

health for me is measured on club's profitability in running a solo 2 ... I haven't heard of many thta have lost money on average this season or last... and to me that tells me that the sport is right where is should be. for Ontario we have aligned with the national rules and as long as we continue along that path of setting one set of rules for the entire country I think this sport will grow on it's own. if it ain't b roke don't fix it.

[wpfri]

Jason, alot of people have your opinion.I am a type of person who believes in the masses even though it is not my personal opinion.
I have tried my hardest to ask people to post their opinions on the board but we have well over 100 e-mails to wpfri about this subject.
90% have asked Williams to support the Nationals with product etc but leave money out of It.
The people feel this will kill the cheap entry and kill grassroots.

William

[Wedge]

Originally posted by wpfri
Jason, alot of people have your opinion.I am a type of person who believes in the masses even though it is not my personal opinion.
I have tried my hardest to ask people to post their opinions on the board but we have well over 100 e-mails to wpfri about this subject.
90% have asked Williams to support the Nationals with product etc but leave money out of It.
The people feel this will kill the cheap entry and kill grassroots.

William

The more I think about it, the more I agree with that idea. At first I was all for the possibility of cash prizes. But it might just kill the friendly competition. Prizes are probably better in the form of free products, and big trophies:cool:
If you still have alot of money left over that you really want to spend on us, it might be better to use it to improve the quality of the event. Eg. Proper PA system, big electronic timing board, nice clean shiney new cones, perhaps hire a group of marshals for the day so that volunteers are not required, free banquet and awards ceremony after the event. So many possibilities!

[J.C.]

I understand the point of not wanting autocross to turn into a who is willing to spend more cash race. This may cause some to leave autocross but many more to come in. What other way is there to bring exposure to the sport so as to make it much more worthwhile for sponsors. Trophies alone won't do it.

[Greg F]

Jason does make a good point, but for those of us that have spent umpteen dollars on this sport already with barely anything to show for it, the idea of cash prizes does seem quite appealing.

Those with the talent and brains to go fast will almost always beat the 'money bags' anyways. However, it would make sense to make stipulations ahead of time to prevent the same guys from collecting all the goodies.

The grassroots aspect will always be alive and well at the club level, but for the regional guys, it would be nice to have a sport that the average person knows about, and that doesn't have to come with a long explanation of what it is.

Those are my two (2) cents. I have more, by the way. :rolleyes:

[gatherer]

I'm all for prizes of brake pads (esspecially since we'd be getting the best product :p) and stuff.. but there is a point where winning becomes profitable when compared to the expenses to
get there and get everything ready etc.

elevating the sport should not be able introducing prize money.. that money would go to only a few people... which in turn would be used on their cars getting sponsors (individual sponsors that is) or what ever else the few people that win see fit. Hell if I won it one year the next it just be a pot I it on for protests...(but thats because I live at home and have no real expenses)

raise the level of this sport? sure ... look at this sport as a product or service... how has the public been told about new or unheard of products? .. advertising.. for 10,000 dollars you can reach a lot more people.

[wpfri]

A couple of things we at Williams are doing for sure.

We are putting Solo flyers in every box of pads.We are now at this second, available at 2000 plus retail stores across Canada.
This should help bring awareness to the sport.So we are going to put some money here.

I want to start a Solo Canada web site where all of Canada can come for grassroot motorsport information.

I want to push foward with Motorsport Insurance so everyone can get coverage.

I want to accomplish all of this for 05.

William

[Greg F]

Originally posted by wpfri


I want to push foward with Motorsport Insurance so everyone can get coverage.

I want to accomplish at least this for 05.

William

How is this progressing so far?

[Wedge]

Originally posted by wpfri
I want to push foward with Motorsport Insurance so everyone can get coverage.

I want to accomplish at least this for 05.

Yes, every single one of us will be behind you on that one!

[92MX5]

Originally posted by wpfri
I want to push foward with Motorsport Insurance so everyone can get coverage.

I want to accomplish all of this for 05.


If ALL you did as a sponsor was that, I'd be behind you 110%. Everything else is impressive and much appreciated, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to put together a car that is "street legal", yet can compete. Insurance issues will eventually drive a large number of people away.

(I "quote" the street legal part, simply because I'm sure the Ministry thinks my car is, but the insurance companies would freak if they saw it).

Cheers!

Jeff

[JoeT]

Think about the big picture, not just the short term.

This is the natural course for this motorsport. If we don't do it, someone else will.

Think of it this way.

1) Club Solo's - Grass roots, always will be.

2) Regional Solo's - Same as today

3) MSOC Pro-Solo - Fun high stress, great crowd appeal type of event ( with minimum skill set required)

4) Canadian National Pro-Solo Championships. Self explanatory.

As you can see, this type of event is just another goal to aim towards. For the highly motivated, it gives them the opportunity to excel in their disciplines against like minded competitors.

This is not a replacement for the club series competitions that we are all used to, rather, an additional event to hone your skills further.

The best way to guage yourself with regards to your skills is to compete against the best of the best. Now the challenge is, how do you bring up the best?

Competing against the unknown, sanair + PMG, is one of the aspects that makes this fun. Knowing that you're competing against the best adds another element of excitement. Realizing that you're placing ahead of the pack is a real accomplishment.

Thats my point.

[wpfri]

Originally posted by wpfri
A couple of things we at Williams are doing for sure.

We are putting Solo flyers in every box of pads.We are now at this second, available at 2000 plus retail stores across Canada.
This should help bring awareness to the sport.So we are going to put some money here.

I want to start a Solo Canada web site where all of Canada can come for grassroot motorsport information.

I want to push foward with Motorsport Insurance so everyone can get coverage.

I want to accomplish all of this for 05.

William


Give Joe's Idea some thought.I like his and Tony's Idea.

William

[DonS]

It can be difficult keeping up with these multiple threads of similar topics and having one or the other be deleted before you hit Submit... :)

This reply is directed more to the apparently deleted thread that was about a National web site and the comments on how that might work:

Personally I feel that there is a lot more to this. Racing rookie I am but on this subject I know a lot more...

The where and on what is the easy part. Reciprocal site links are easy. Shared resources like bandwidth and hardware are easy. Those are decisions and agreements and mostly transparent to a user. 'Easy' being relative to what I understand is actually needed. It is always hard work doing just the basics.

The key feature as I see it besides a National point of view is cross site authentication and information. Users have their preferred group of sites they frequent and could benefit from a single logon (saved passwords ain't the same thing). Information should be accurate and not be redundant yet be instantly available from all the participating sites. This is key and not so simple. Most sites have little authentication outside of a single forum much less their other content or anything on other sites.

Information is stored on the most appropriate site with easy access for any user from any site. Sites can maintain their local content and style, access controls, forums, event calendars, etc. But information can be shared as needed without extra work. Back-end code is common as is the user-base data. Access control and rights are set at each sub site with appropriate delegation of duties and abilities of the user. Security is another unseen function that can't be ignored.

Some intermediary steps that can be implemented are automated information feeds. This is then carried into the future in a higher tech format. Typically this is done by using RSS feeds so that the process is automated. Selected information topics like News items, forum posts, etc. can be briefed from any site with instant links to the desired information details.

Not a new idea but much more detailed than it appears in order to do right. And it has been tried before. A real hot potato when the details are worked out.

As for buying particular forum/back-end software I always vote for applications that come with the source code. No matter how much or how little it costs you are limited when the source is closed. I prefer sacrificing apparent features and bling to gain flexibility in the ultimate goals. Good news is that software that fits my needs is always free or dirt cheap. Put the money/sweat in the customization instead of the shrink wrap.

2.5c

[wpfri]

Don,Thank you,let's talk some more about this on the weekend of the 19th.Hope you are comming.

William

[DareBee]

I agree with both sides of the prize money debate.
I also am in the position where I have spent the last dozen or so years winning almost everything I have done. Now my car is getting old and not-so competitive and needs a large influx of cash or replacement. My business and family life has removed the time necessry for the overhaul as well as the cash; effectively putting me out of serious contention untill the kids grow up or Joe T shares his lottery winnings with me.
For a guy in my situation (20 - 30% of the competitors I know) $1500 or a set of R comps is a massive boost in keeping us coming out to compete.
As Jason has been saying if you get into 4- $5k a lot of people will build to suit for the cash and eventually this event will have nothing to do with grassroots where it started.
I balancing act must be done between the 2 especially for an event where people will have to miss work for (some top dog competitors will most likely not attend due to that even).

[miataboi]

IMHO...

there is no place for $$$ as a prize in this sport.... except for $50 and $100 type things for Pro Solo type events...


This sport makes no sense.... it's hard to logically justify what we do / spend... so gift certificates / tyres / pads / etc.... go a lot further and don't "cheapen" the sport.

Gift certificates / vouchers for participating sponsors???
Sounds like a better idea to me!

[DareBee]

Right-on Pinkman

[JoeT]

Ok Mr Pinkman and Mr Peeler,

If we wanted to guage our skills with the best that North America had to offer, how do you intend on bringing them up here, or do you expect the masses to keep on going to Topeka?

It's a real question.

Also, for the people posting in this thread, let's try to keep things constructive, meaning offer suggestions. It's pretty easy to say "No" (sounds like my wife) ;) to ideas, but if you say no, offer a suggestion to suppliment the topic.

Good idea? :D

[DareBee]

YES

[miataboi]

Originally posted by JoeT
Ok Mr Pinkman and Mr Peeler,

If we wanted to guage our skills with the best that North America had to offer, how do you intend on bringing them up here, or do you expect the masses to keep on going to Topeka?

It's a real question.

Also, for the people posting in this thread, let's try to keep things constructive, meaning offer suggestions. It's pretty easy to say "No" (sounds like my wife) ;) to ideas, but if you say no, offer a suggestion to suppliment the topic.

Good idea? :D

You ever bring $$$ into a friendship? Lend $$$ to family??? It can lead do disasters.

In racing (and specifically auto-x)... there's a variety of egos, car-prep, personal wealth, skill levels and talent... but... some without the skill levels... often bitch and moan the loudest... because of their large, bruised egos... now take these people... and introduce $$$ into it... now it goes from being pestering and annoying... to UGLY!

Auto-x is ALL about CHEAP entry into the sport... to be COMPETITIVE>.. sure... it takes SOME $$$.
We have everyone from students... to self-made millionaires in this region in this sport... so a few $$$ means different things to different people...

Introduce $$$ and it's a disaster waiting to happen.

I don't need to bribe the Yanks to come here!
If I want a piece of them... I'll go get them... in their house.... the few Yanks that we'd get wouldn't be representative... and it's not worth the troubles that it'd introduce. Believe me.
I'm all for your weekend pylonical bonanza, though.
$$$ is a disaster waiting to happen! Ugly protests, politics, etc. See the recent road-racing soap operas! OMG!

Let's not ruin a good thing... see my previous suggestion for sponsor vouchers... I'm sure it'd be more appreciated by the sponsors anyhow.

[miataboi]

...and it's NOT the "masses" who want to go to Topeka... it's MAYBE 8-12 per year... so let's not cater / shape the sport to them...

Leave well-enough-alone in that respect...

IF your personal situation (married, kids, job, priorities, etc) prohibits YOU from going to Topeka... and you want to go... then that's too bad!

But I wouldn't jepordize the sport for it!

[JoeT]

Jeffie

No I get your point.... Thanks for clarifying....

[gatherer]

I agree with Jeff... :p

if we want to increase awareness of our National competition weekend... we need to stop moving it all over the place...

I know everyone is saying huh????

it's simple if it moves most people will only attend when it's in their neck of the woods.. why travel to red deer this year when I can save that money and see it in Ontario the following year? The majority of the national competitors have this additude. of the 135 competitors in 2003, the number that attended 2004's nationals: 1. how do we increase the number of drivers in the national level well 135 drivers from out west plus 100(something) from this year in Montreal. is 200+ national level competitors... well if it's in one spot at the end of the season. Most guys would start going to it and planning for it. ohhh I don't have the cash to make it this year but if it's in the same spot next year I'll go.

seriously this is where the Americans have been successful... one place for the nationals dates set at the end of the last nationals given people 1 year to get plans and time off work etc to make it to them.

Well now we have the issue of one hosting club that gets all the profits. Well lets solve that too.. and hell while we are at it lets copy sucess once again. SCCA gets the profits from the nationals down there, not the regional group or a smaller club.

lets have the national board claim the profits (and expenses) of putting on the show and not an individual club that should fix the issue fairly.

and thats my 4 cents whether you like it or not.

[JoeT]

Jason,

Don't get this event confused with the regular CNAC series. This is the "Canadian National Pro-Solo Championships". Not to be confused with "Regular" Grass roots events, and CNAC Championships.

This is meant to be a "Once a Year" event not associated with any other series (yet) in Ontario. All other events remain the same...

[gatherer]

ok yes I think I did make that post with a bit of confusion...

but most of it still applies... most national tour pro solo events in the states are in the same place year in year out...

anyways the other thing that would have to be solved is the creation of a national pro-solo set of rules

[Logan]

... and a location location location ...

I think this is a great idea. It is a PRO solo, PRO meaning fast and furious and some guys will throw lots of $$$ at it, but that's why it's the PRO solo. Solo II can stay grassroots (and we would like some of that sponsorship too please) .

But before we start to plan a huge event with all this sponsorship, we are going to have to find a MASSIVE venue.

A Pro solo of this calibre with a two tiny 45s courses wont cut it, especially if we're hoping to draw some American's.

We need two parallel 120+ second courses, plus the room for all the other stuff you want to have. Off the top of my head I can't think of anywhere motorsports friendly with enough room for this.

So.... why not get a sponsor with a big parking lot on board???
If they are willing to give money/prizes to motorsport, the least they could do is let us use their lot. Is the GM Oshawa lot big enough? Honda Alliston? Ford Oakville?

[J.C.]

If you want a large lot for a prosolo there is always Wonderland. The lot is large and fairly wide open. It should also be available in the fall since Wonderland closes for business. If you want to bring up Americans, running it after Topeka is finished works out well so the fall is best.

[Wedge]

Originally posted by J.C.
If you want a large lot for a prosolo there is always Wonderland. The lot is large and fairly wide open. It should also be available in the fall since Wonderland closes for business. If you want to bring up Americans, running it after Topeka is finished works out well so the fall is best.

That would be a good place. I drive past it quite often during work, and every time I just gawk at the size of the lot and think "what a waste!"

[TOYSRUS]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Logan
[B]... and a location location location ...



We need two parallel 120+ second courses, plus the room for all the other stuff you want to have. Off the top of my head I can't think of anywhere motorsports friendly with enough room for this.

PMG....although it is in Quebec..........

William, Tony, Joe, this is EXACTLY what this sport needs in Canada. It's been mentioned before but still there seems to be opposition to this. People, this will not affect the current solo II events in Ontario. This can only ADD value/prestige/accomplishment to an already healthy sport.

[DareBee]

I like the way this is twisting.
Not Just a prosolo national maybe a series.
Boy would I be happy if ever I found a course that got near the top of second gear.

My gears are tall and the lots are small.

[finboy]

Originally posted by Logan
[BA Pro solo of this calibre with a two tiny 45s courses wont cut it, especially if we're hoping to draw some American's.

We need two parallel 120+ second courses, plus the room for all the other stuff you want to have. [/B]


you NEED a 45 second maximum course in order to finish on the same day

[finboy]

Originally posted by DareBee
I like the way this is twisting.
Not Just a prosolo national maybe a series.
Boy would I be happy if ever I found a course that got near the top of second gear.

My gears are tall and the lots are small.

move out to ottawa..

the Corel center is the shizzy

[finboy]

Originally posted by wpfri
As a group of sponsors, sponsoring the series we have some Ideas.Tell me what you think.

We are looking at a Solo Canada Sponsor board.This will allow all of the solo series across Canada to talk about Solo Sponsors and product on one board.Discussions about new ideas etc.You still keep your Regional boards for regional events.

fin: a nataional board with sub chapters would be a challenge to keep things free of politics


This is very good for attracting sponsors and getting to know what is happening around Canada in Solo without going to 20 plus boards.

The Sponsors and I are throwing around the Idea of a Canadian Superstar Shootout.

fin: what format, kind of schedule and venues??

The top winners of each class from every Solo region get together for a 3 to 4 day Canadian shootout.

fin: sure sounds good, but people who do solo are usually on a budget, and probalby can't find the funds to do all this travelling

The winners will receive cash prizes and product sponsorship packages for the entire season.When I talk about cash I am talking about 10,000 dollars for the Canadian Champions.

fin: if i were a sponsor, i'd rather give away gift certificates or have a contingency program.. some sponsors do give, but get
little in return


I have talked to several sponsors about the level of money involved for this and they are very,very interested.

I would like your input and Ideas on this subject please.

I am asking for everyones help in this.Can you please foward this message to every car club that you belong to,every message board you know of and spread the word and ask them to respond here.Foward the link to everyone!

Just so you know,Just Toying around with the Idea so far and I have a comitment of 20,000 dollars cash and over 40,000 dollars in product giveaways for next year for Solo1 and Solo2 and this is just for Ontario so far.

This is with about 30 companies involved so far.

I have some of the largest Canadian Automotive Retailers behind this 100%.

Williams Product and now Snyper and several more companies that I will introduce to Solo is available at over 2000 retail outlets across Canada.
All of these speed shops,retailers and Manufactures are looking at this program right NOW!

Guys I need your help on this matter to make It work.

PLEASE RESPOND WITH YOUR COMMENTS OR IDEAS

William

-this all sounds fantastic.. but venues are hard to come by in the GTA

-how many would be needed to form this special organizing team?

-what format are you focusing on?? pro? solo II or solo I??

-insurance issues?? i'm sure everyone would like to see this sorted out ASAP

-solo ontario and the rule books??? which will be used?

all sound pretty... how bout baby steps.. and host a wicked PRO-SOLO somewhere in the GTA

a venue like Ontario place would have huge exposure.. for the sport and the sponsors

prizes go further than money, and is appreciated just as much.

[ShaneG]

50-60 seconds would be ideal

50 -60 seconds at speed! Open, flowing and fast ...

(keep in mind Nelson track at Shannonville was a 57second lap [for me])

the ideal open flowing layout should be emphasised over and above the time it takes to complete the lap...as well as the length of run will affect the number of runs

this thread seens to be going down two seperate roads:
pro solo / series?
and
single event / weekend "Topeka" style - major production showcase


I like both ideas. Personally I would favor the second option or the single big showcse pro solo. again, personally, I would have to choose which series I ran...regional or pro solo..

I would be afarid that a pro solo series may water down the competition for the regional series, as we all only have so much time, money and rubber, to give to the hobby...obviously some here have more of the above to play with and may do both. I could not.

A major showcase event either a regular or pro solo would be awesome! Joe, Tony, I hope you guys can pull this off, it sounds amazing...

I would suggest we aim for a mid to late summer date, we will not get many repeat US entrants if we have it in October like the shootout. and as Jason said, repeating the location and time of year so people can plan ahead for it would be a great idea.



Prize $$ if in the form of $$ should be $1000-1500 max. I prefer the idea of coupons or the like...especially tires:D

If there is extra $$ then I suggest it be spent on facility rental (PMG ain't cheap), lower entry fees...not that they are high now, LUNCH, PortaPotties (with water, sink, and mirrors:D right ladies?), marketing, TV / radio airtime, be it adverts or broadcast of the event (TV) (sponsors will get more exposure for the investment)

is this to be a club specific thing or a Solo II thing or a CASC-Or event? procedes / profits going....?:confused:

my random dis-jointed thoughts

[Logan]

Originally posted by finboy
you NEED a 45 second maximum course in order to finish on the same day

Why? A big lot, safe courses, multiple cars on at a time.... The more (run time) the merrier!

A 57 second course would be great... if it touched 3rd....

Next thought:
As soon as this becomes a "series" we will lose the "big guns" that it seems some people are interested in attracting.
We will be racing against the usual folks (which isn't a bad thing) that are close and can make the time.

[finboy]

Doug.. you were referring to a prosolo event right??

... and a location location location ...

I think this is a great idea. It is a PRO solo, PRO meaning fast and furious and some guys will throw lots of $$$ at it, but that's why it's the PRO solo. Solo II can stay grassroots (and we would like some of that sponsorship too please) .

But before we start to plan a huge event with all this sponsorship, we are going to have to find a MASSIVE venue.

A Pro solo of this calibre with a two tiny 45s courses wont cut it, especially if we're hoping to draw some American's.

so you're saying have a larger course over 45 seconds, that allows multiple cars on the same course?

explain how it would work, i don't get it

[finboy]

what is the maximum allowable top speed to be reached at a solo II event?

"touch third"


????????

[J.C.]

Originally posted by finboy
what is the maximum allowable top speed to be reached at a solo II event?

"touch third"


????????

Maximum speed on any straight section should not normally exceed 110 km/h. (that is for stock, super stock & street prepared)

[gatherer]

Originally posted by J.C.
Maximum speed on any straight section should not normally exceed 110 km/h. (that is for stock, super stock & street prepared)

the wording in the rules is:

U. Maximum Speed Considerations
The course shall be designed such that the maximum
speeds on any straight section shall not normally exceed
110km/h for the fastest stock, super stock and street
prepared category cars. The fastest portion of the course
shall be the most remote from spectators and property.
There shall be no straight longer than one hundred (100)
metres. Turns should not normally allow speeds in excess of
70kp/h for the fastest stock, super stock and street prepared
category cars.

so that means I should get no where near those speeds in H-stock.... hmmmm

[JoeT]

Originally posted by gatherer
the wording in the rules is:

U. Maximum Speed Considerations
The course shall be designed such that the maximum
speeds on any straight section shall not normally exceed
110km/h for the fastest stock, super stock and street
prepared category cars. The fastest portion of the course
shall be the most remote from spectators and property.
There shall be no straight longer than one hundred (100)
metres. Turns should not normally allow speeds in excess of
70kp/h for the fastest stock, super stock and street prepared
category cars.

so that means I should get no where near those speeds in H-stock.... hmmmm

I would say I died and gone to heaven if someone actually designed a course that approached those speeds. TLMC is close, but not that close. Yummy!!

So, if this event comes to bear, guess what kind of course we'd be designing.

[Greg F]

Joe, thanks for directing us back to your original post. After reading it again, I see that I misunderstood it all! (Now who do I blame...:rolleyes: )

So, it's a four day event, that happens only once a year, right? OK, I'm all for it! Let's get it on!

It's pretty much the Nationals, on steroids.

[JoeT]

Originally posted by Greg F
Joe, thanks for directing us back to your original post. After reading it again, I see that I misunderstood it all! (Now who do I blame...:rolleyes: )

So, it's a four day event, that happens only once a year, right? OK, I'm all for it! Let's get it on!

It's pretty much the Nationals, on steroids.

Thanks for re-reading it.

Many people thought it was a replacement for the original series... It's because some people failed to read the entire thread. Not blaming anyone :rolleyes: ...

Yes.. It's a once a year event.... Yes, just like the nationals, but in Pro-Solo format (on steroids) with side events.

Now you get it.

As for rulesets.. No worries, that's why it's "Bracket Style" for the Pro-Solo... As for the regular classifcations for the SoloII portion, it's CNAC-OR of course... Why re-invent the wheel. LOL :D

Should be lots of fun! To answer the question on organization, let's get the idea across first, then decide who's participating and who's willing to put in manpower, cause there will be lots required.

As for insurance, if this goes through, we will do our best to make sure that it's a "Sanctioned" event. That's the plan anyway.

Wow, my faith in humanity has been restored (temporarily). :p

Hope this helps.

[gatherer]

Originally posted by JoeT
I would say I died and gone to heaven if someone actually designed a course that approached those speeds. TLMC is close, but not that close. Yummy!!

So, if this event comes to bear, guess what kind of course we'd be designing.

actually multiple courses have seen me hitting those speeds .. in what is suppose to be the slowest class... (not complaining here)

anyways Joe it's a great Idea to have a national level pro-solo event. and I take it at this event a national pro-solo person would be crowned... the side events wouldn't carry any national level titles would they?

[soloZ]

Joe,Tony I love the sound of a four day event I would even buy a new set of Hoosiers or RA1's or something I had money for maybe even get an alignment done to the car. I think this would be awesome for not only Ontario but for most of the country because an event this large can do some major things.

This event could bring Speedvision,TSN, ESPN and have some sort of coverage and bring even more people into the light about safe forms of driving or compitition.


The Money prise isn't going to make problems for anything, if I wanted to I could go to Mosport on a Saturday night and do a king of the hill where they have television coverage and money prises. I won one time 200. and the entry fee was 17dollars and as far as any other prises I have never won anything from any autocross so if there was an increased chance of actually winning something then I am all for it.

this is just my opinion thankyou.

P.S. William I would like to say thankyou for everything you have done in the past what half a year and what you have planed for the future, one of these days when I get a normal pay check I will go and visit the boys at wheel and tire zone and buy me some brake pads and rotors.

[wpfri]

Ryan give them a call, there is a set waiting for you, No Charge..I will let Pete know.

William

[soloZ]

Will you are seriously an amazing person. You've been like Santa claus around here I really hope this Canadian Nathional Pro solo (CNPS) happens, if I can I will be there for help and hopefully kicking some as....

again thank you.

[Roger]

This is a great idea. I would like to see something like this. I believe that it would go a long way to raising the profile of grassroots motorsports, and will separate it from the shadow of negative stereotyping.

AFA far as the ideas around events, I would like to see as many as possible. Maybe its too much to ask for in the first year, but...

Also the aspect of including other disciplines of the car culture is fantastic. This will attract a larger audience and may introduce folks to new ideas.

If there is anything that I can do to help with the organization or logistics around an event like this, please do not hesitate to ask. I do have a bit of experience in organization, budgeting and managing :rolleyes:

[Logan]

Originally posted by finboy
explain how it would work, i don't get it

Take your usual pro solo course(s), make them bigger, no loops or any close sections, and have the finish box safely far away from the start box.
Make the timing sytem able to handle two cars (like the current system) and two separate "lanes". I think the course should be as long as possible given my dreams of a nearly limitless lot size to use... each lane should be longer than 45 seconds, and be fast at the same time.

Again, that's my dream as far as a lot goes. I'd pave something huge if I had the cash... as we all would...

[miataboi]

Originally posted by Logan
Take your usual pro solo course(s), make them bigger, no loops or any close sections, and have the finish box safely far away from the start box.
Make the timing sytem able to handle two cars (like the current system) and two separate "lanes". I think the course should be as long as possible given my dreams of a nearly limitless lot size to use... each lane should be longer than 45 seconds, and be fast at the same time.

Again, that's my dream as far as a lot goes. I'd pave something huge if I had the cash... as we all would...

Doug... this is very important.... go check your BOV... I think it's venting to cabin!!!

:eek:

[wpfri]

Originally posted by soloZ
Will you are seriously an amazing person. You've been like Santa claus around here I really hope this Canadian Nathional Pro solo (CNPS) happens, if I can I will be there for help and hopefully kicking some as....

again thank you.

Sorry Ryan I missed this one.No problem pal. You deserve It.

William

[finboy]

ok.. this is everyones wake up call..

what you want and what will actually happen are two different drugs.

what joe is suggesting and how his schedule has been recently are not meshing at all.

last year he suggested something of the same nature at downsview, that didn't even come close to happening.

If anything, start with a smaller ontario event, and grow from there.

the stuff you guys want will take time and money, and more importantly... VOLUNTEERS

all sounds nice... but lets be real now

[JoeT]

Originally posted by finboy
ok.. this is everyones wake up call..

what you want and what will actually happen are two different drugs.

what joe is suggesting and how his schedule has been recently are not meshing at all.

last year he suggested something of the same nature at downsview, that didn't even come close to happening.

If anything, start with a smaller ontario event, and grow from there.

the stuff you guys want will take time and money, and more importantly... VOLUNTEERS

all sounds nice... but lets be real now



Last year, was a different year. As with all ventures (this is one), it takes a bit of planning. This year, there's potential backing, with the backing comes incentives.

Yes the idea has been around for a couple of years, just like we said in the begining of this thread.

Here's reality.. If we all thought the same way as some people that replied on this thread, then there wouldn't be any events at all. Hey look, there's still no paved lot that the CASC owns after over 25 years of SoloII activity.

All it takes is the first step, and someone with enough balls to pull it through. In life, it's too easy to say no to everything, cause it's the easy way out. Even if you're not the one that's going to organize anything. If the intention of others is to criticize without resolve then all he's done is shown his true colurs. If the same person criticizes but offers suggestions to move forward, then it's constructive.

Are we all that afriad that something might go right, or are we afraid to cross the street in fear of getting run over by a bus?

Dave,

Check the Solo Schedule, I've only missed one event. As per my schedule.. Last year I missed 2. But it's not me that's being judged here, is it?

Please let me know, so I can get my dibs into Jury Selection... :D

[finboy]

i'm talking about progression... growth...

baby steps...

there are so many issues that you'd figure would work out currently..

eg. online registration, universal classing structure, bigger better venues, more participants in solo II

the GTA has probably the largest pool to pull from, the newbie rate is huge..

keeping current competitors interested for the long haul is always a challenge (and always will be)

since this thread jumped all over..what realistic vision do you guys want here???

[finboy]

Originally posted by Logan
Take your usual pro solo course(s), make them bigger, no loops or any close sections, and have the finish box safely far away from the start box.
Make the timing sytem able to handle two cars (like the current system) and two separate "lanes". I think the course should be as long as possible given my dreams of a nearly limitless lot size to use... each lane should be longer than 45 seconds, and be fast at the same time.

Again, that's my dream as far as a lot goes. I'd pave something huge if I had the cash... as we all would...

they wouldn't even have something like that at disney land

[DanielForest]

We are talking about a Pro Solo "à la SCCA". So a parallel slalom with a christmas tree start, top driver's and big sponsorship.

With a set of Canadian rules and a National event that is moving east/west every year, having a National PRO SOLO in a CENTRAL region with the best site that is available make sense.

But I would be afraid it would compete against the national event at first. If they got a choice between travelling to Red Deer for the CAC or Toronto for the National Pro Solo, the Maritimes and Montreal guys will mostly go for Toronto. So, as far as national developpment goes, I would say the timing isn't right... yet.

But in the meantime, having a BIG Pro-Solo put up by the Ontario region and welcoming competitors from the rest of Canada and the states is a step in the right direction. I think there is a market for that.

Well, better keep it quiet cause the CADL maybe interested to do it at PMG!!!

Daniel Forest (CADL member!)
ASN SoloSport Committee
Auto-Québec Solo board

[gatherer]

as long as it didn't happen the same weekend then there shouldn't be a conflict

[brute66]

While I've not read every reply in this thread, it appears there are lots of good ideas, and lots of enthusiasm, for making autocross better and more visible.

One caution: We just need to ensure we keep the sport 'in scope'; big events are great but we have to be certain we don't force a lot higher costs on competition. Case in point, last year Grassroots Motorsports advertised the 'PRO' series in the US, which promised much in the way of high-tech timing, advanced 'maps' of courses, etc., but at the same time had an entrance fee in excess of $ 100.00 [ Cdn equivalent ] for each event. Unless someone can point out otherwise, I believe the PRO series was folded before the season was finished.

I believe there is an open house around the same time as the annual banquet [November?] where these ideas should be brought forward.

[JoeT]

Originally posted by brute66
While I've not read every reply in this thread, it appears there are lots of good ideas, and lots of enthusiasm, for making autocross better and more visible.

One caution: We just need to ensure we keep the sport 'in scope'; big events are great but we have to be certain we don't force a lot higher costs on competition. Case in point, last year Grassroots Motorsports advertised the 'PRO' series in the US, which promised much in the way of high-tech timing, advanced 'maps' of courses, etc., but at the same time had an entrance fee in excess of $ 100.00 [ Cdn equivalent ] for each event. Unless someone can point out otherwise, I believe the PRO series was folded before the season was finished.

I believe there is an open house around the same time as the annual banquet [November?] where these ideas should be brought forward.

Caution noted: Just to re-iterate.. It's one event per year, a 4 day event. Meant to bring together the best of the best... Wether or not it's titled a National or Ontario event is not a concern, these are asthetics, marketing campaigns will not change.

Yes, it's a Pro-Solo first and not associated with any other series. All titles or crowns given out at this event is limited to "This Event" only.

Great feedback in the last couple of days, that's assuming it even goes forward.

Hope this helps.

[Navigator]

I have been checking in on this post for the last few days and have done some thinking.

First and foremost thanks to William for all that he has done for our sport.

The idea of a Canadian board for all of Solo II and Solo I is great. I have no doubt that this can be achieved with the skill level of some of gentlemen and ladies here. One place to stop, read, and chat about what we love to do. Separate board for each series/region for all the smack talk/local information. More people = greater information exchange (isn’t that the purpose of the internet)

Pro Solo Championship – not much though needed here. I think it would be awesome; tons of fun. Racing, Show and Shines, Vendors Midway, BBQ, Concert?, Women;) . I think there would be people coming from everywhere for something like this. Prizes in the form of products or money would an absolute must. Not huge amount of money but as someone said before $1500-$2000 and or rims, tires, superchargers, speakers, this list can go on forever. I am a big fan of smaller prizes but more of them. Finishing it the top ten could land you $100? Wouldn’t that be nice? From what Joe has posted he and Tony have put lots of thought into this. Do I think that an event of this scale can be achieved? Absolutely! Will it be hard work for those involved yes, but I have never seen anything get accomplished if everyone just sits around and procrastinates, waiting for failure. If this event comes about for next year, count me in. If help is needed, count me in. This is my first year racing Solo II and with the ideas of our members and the help of our sponsors, growth is certain. “Think you have a fast car? Think you know how to drive? Prove it! Pro Solo Shootout!……”

I sometimes think people take it for granted so I want to say thanks to everyone already involved in making this sport happen. From Directing, organizing, hosting events, website(s), sponsoring, to giving your comments; without the people involved up until now there would be no sport. Your work doesn’t go unnoticed. See you all at the annual meeting.

[Greg F]

So what's the status of this plan now?

[wpfri]

We are looking into this right now, infact.

[miataboi]

4-mins. so far...

:rolleyes:

[Greg F]

3 hrs now!!

[JoeT]

Dead, unless there's funding, and committments from at least 20 people to help pull this together, but not in as grand a scale.