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I just read the article about the Runoffs going to Road America (which is awesome...I can't think of a more appropriate venue) in 2009 and it makes me wonder...where are the Solo II Nationals and the Pro Solo Finale going to get moved to?

Personally, I'd vote for moving them farther west, not only to make the towing distances more equal for the participants, but just for aesthetic reasons

Any thoughts or "inside information" out there, relative to what the thinking is?

Well, rumors have been running around about another site, but nothing definite.  What I had heard was a concrete site in the same vicinity.  No idea if it's a reality or not.

Dave G. 

talon95:

Well, rumors have been running around about another site, but nothing definite.  What I had heard was a concrete site in the same vicinity.  No idea if it's a reality or not.

Dave G. 

I've heard the same...but, I've also heard that it isn't going to happen.

I wonder how open SCCA is to a dialogue about getting the events the heck out of the KS/MO area? Even with the altitude, I'd think Denver would be a much more attractive location...Salt Lake City would be even better. When you look at distances, towing from DC to Salt Lake is only a couple of hundred miles further than towing from San Francisco to Topeka...

I'm not trying to start a rumor here but, what was indicated to me by someone at the nationals office (who shall remain anonymous) when I poised that very same question... was that no one in the solo community had complained enough about the Topeka site (which I find very hard to believe) as the club racers did.  As far as this person is concerned, is that we (the solo community) will remain at Heartland Park for the solo nationals indefinitely.  UGH!!!  Just the thought!!  

LM

Mike,

Come on. SLC is 16 hours from Topeka. That means at minimum 1 whole day more driving for anyone more than 12 hours away from Topeka now on the East coast. It'll mean a FULL 38 hours of driving for anyone from the NE area.

I really hope you're kidding

Mike

Mike Shields:

Mike,

Come on. SLC is 16 hours from Topeka. That means at minimum 1 whole day more driving for anyone more than 12 hours away from Topeka now on the East coast. It'll mean a FULL 38 hours of driving for anyone from the NE area.

I really hope you're kidding

Mike

Well, I figured if I threw out SLC, getting agreement (ultimately) on something more realistic, like Denver or some other point more equal distant from both coasts would be easier...

I'm not trying to start a rumor here but, what was indicated to me by someone at the nationals office (who shall remain anonymous) when I poised that very same question... was that no one in the solo community had complained enough about the Topeka site (which I find very hard to believe) as the club racers did.  As far as this person is concerned, is that we (the solo community) will remain at Heartland Park for the solo nationals indefinitely.  UGH!!!  Just the thought!!

The president and BoD were made aware that solo entrants are not happy with HPT's surface and site.  That is direct knowledge.  From my understanding, the results of the survey sent out by the National staff indicated the same.

I'm not sure who you talked to, but they have it wrong.

DaveW

Not official

47CP:

I'm not trying to start a rumor here but, what was indicated to me by someone at the nationals office (who shall remain anonymous) when I poised that very same question... was that no one in the solo community had complained enough about the Topeka site (which I find very hard to believe) as the club racers did.  As far as this person is concerned, is that we (the solo community) will remain at Heartland Park for the solo nationals indefinitely.  UGH!!!  Just the thought!!

The president and BoD were made aware that solo entrants are not happy with HPT's surface and site.  That is direct knowledge.  From my understanding, the results of the survey sent out by the National staff indicated the same.

I'm not sure who you talked to, but they have it wrong.

DaveW

Not official

Furthermore,  Solo does not pay for HPT.  We are an add-on clause to the Runoffs being there.  We generate no cash for HPT other than incidentals like concessions and RV/golf-cart fees.  The Runoffs have TV which generates cash, as well as spectators.  And much more in incidentals (have a look at the fees the club racers pay).  HPT is not a charity.  We will not be there for free.  Which means we will not be there past 2008.

--Andy

mwood:

I've heard the same...but, I've also heard that it isn't going to happen.

I wonder how open SCCA is to a dialogue about getting the events the heck out of the KS/MO area? Even with the altitude, I'd think Denver would be a much more attractive location...Salt Lake City would be even better. When you look at distances, towing from DC to Salt Lake is only a couple of hundred miles further than towing from San Francisco to Topeka...

I seriously doubt we'll stay at HPT as now National will have to foot the bill for renting the site more than likely.  That would mean less funds going to the, uh, "rest" of the SCCA.  I guess they could bump the entry fee by $50 or something though.  That would pull in another $50-60k and likely cover the rental fee.

Denver would be great, but I think it's unlikely a site exists out there that could be used.

Dave G.
 

I come from Arizona and is closer than Mike has to go, but still is two days of 21 hours of driving over the rugged Arizona Rim Country to get to a place that is always windy, chance of terrible lightening storms, not to think of of the tornados tails seen in the distance in '05, and a minimum of other attractions. I'm with Mike to move it to a bigger city, but still somewhat central to the country would be great. Maybe even a rotation of cities  every year, like Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City.  To see something different than highway 54, and the largest hand dug well would be wonderful. This is why San Diego is my favorite, because of all the attactions around it.

I analyzed in my own mind why Heartland Park wasn't as much fun as Forbes Field. I came to three conclusions. First the slippery surface at Heartland is not as much fun as the gripper concrete at Forbes (it is also more proned to weather changes). Second, viewing around the course was very limited, and third losing quality concessionaires like Bear Promotions, as an example, because of Heartland requirements. We go to Nationals for fun, not a marathon of pain.

mwood:

Well, I figured if I threw out SLC, getting agreement (ultimately) on something more realistic, like Denver or some other point more equal distant from both coasts would be easier...

I love people that think Denver is more central to our participants then Topeka....  The center of the country in terms of US population is still in Missouri.  I Suspect the center of our participants at the last few years of Nationals is south and east of that.  I'd have to look up the city/st from all the results and turn to zip codes to find out.. but it can be done.  I can guarrantee though that Denver equi-distant is no where near equal (on average) for all competitors.

 My vote, all things being equal would be a Dallas area venu.  Warmer climate, less sever weather (that time of year), and still in the near center of the country.

Rick
 

Even though Dallas is, basically, the same 1800 mile trek as Topeka for those of us in the middle West Coast regions, I agree, Dallas would be a likely candidate, for the reasons all have given.

BTW, I never said that Denver was more in the middle of the country, just that it would make the towing distances more equitable...let us west coasters have the 850-1100 mile tows for a change... you guys (DC, NY, Atlanta etc.) take the 1800-1900 mile slogs, for a few years

Has anyone ever autocrossed in Denver besides us locals? The altitude kills your power. I can see a lot of complaining if it ever moved here. That being said, I'd love to have Nationals here but I'd vote for Dallas or something like that as well.

Van
 

Zauskycop:

....this can't happen soon enough.   I bet we will be treated VERY rudely this year by HPT...   Not that they can be much worse.   Time to play hide and seek again with the "permit-less" scooter haha...

HAHA ain't that the truth, bite me Ray!

Surferjer:

I keep hearing KC (perhaps Arrowhead Stadium).  That would work if we could have the run of the place.  Obviously it would have to be around the Chief's schedule; maybe we could have Nationals in August! 

Doubtful.  That's been discussed on the KC forums.  Between the fact that only one lot is available and the risks of the Chiefs schedule, I would be surprised if this happened. 

Dave G.