Toyota Nationals 21-23 March 2008

["Z" UTE]

Double post, computer glitch, sorry guys.

[Yojimbo]

The reason for Tamworth being given a shot are quite obscure. The increased travel distance for the south of Newcastle entrants was certainly a minus.

Tamworth failed due to lack of entrants, and I suspect the 2 events scheduled a show and shine, and a navigation drive, did little to encourage the entrants. A long drive in the country, across borders for many, to go for yet another drive.

What a load of Crap!

The move to Tamworth did fail because of a lack of entries, though not because of disinterest in the event.

Sadly the main reason was unrest and confusion.

Unrest because a minority group (by the then recent numbers) didnt want to drive another 3 hours. Only competitors south of sydney were disadvantaged by travel time.
And more entrants gained 3 hours than lost it.

Confusion because of misinformation (bordering on sabotage) being spread by afforementioned enthusiasts.

The committee at that time realised Dubbo (as we knew and loved it) had a limited lifespan, and so alternatives were sought. At that time I was a member of Tamworth Sporting Car Club (though I live in Sydney) and suggested it as a possibillity.

Tamworth has facilities for lap sprinting, Speedway, motorcross, motorkhana,and soon to be drags, all at one venue. Including indoor airconditioned entertainment center where we could have had the show and shine. The motel even allowed us to bring cars into the dining room where they would host the presentation dinner indoors with cars on show.

Unfortunately the Sporting car club club needs events (like ours) and motorsport tourism (like us) to convince council to approve the 1/4 mile strip they have planned. Yes we couldnt do drags, AT THAT VENUE. But there were other options for other sites, and we had planned a "go to whoa" on the main straight of the circuit as a fall back option. As well as motorkhana and other driving events. With our support the locals could have had a strip to use, in fact they may already have one, I wouldnt know, after stuffing them around (they were very good to us), I was too ashamed to renew my membership and havent been back.

Tamworth City council were on board as was the local toyota dealership, and local businesses, all arranged in one day of phone calls and door knocking, they couldnt do enough to help us!

Anyhow, opportunity lost, due to selfishness and short sightedness.

I'll attend 2008 where ever it is with whatever events it offers - already looking forward to it!

Grant, Dave, Nathan, let me know if I can help.

Matt

[Yojimbo]

Goulburn is out, Nissan /Datsun guys have a standing booking for the easter long weekend and run an exceptional event. We were looking to model off them for the longer term future. They have circuit sprints, motorkhana, go to whoa, drags? (cant remember) show and shine and dinner all in 2 days.

One difference though, competitors there pay actual money to attend a mixed motorsport event, not the small change we pay for Toyota Nats.

[BlackSupra]

Goulburn is out, Nissan /Datsun guys have a standing booking for the easter long weekend and run an exceptional event. We were looking to model off them for the longer term future. They have circuit sprints, motorkhana, go to whoa, drags? (cant remember) show and shine and dinner all in 2 days.

One difference though, competitors there pay actual money to attend a mixed motorsport event, not the small change we pay for Toyota Nats.

Im willing to pay 'actual' money to have mixed motorsport events.

I wasn't prepared to drive to Tamworth for what was looking like turning into a show and shine only event with a car that isnt very 'showy'.

[Grant]

Posts about Tamworth are not constructive and mar an otherwise balanced discussion. If you really want to talk about it please do it privately.

I would like to make it clear that it is now too late to move the event. If we had been given more notice then other options could of been investigated. Please, no more posts on alternative locations for 2008. Depending on how this years event pans out then a move in 2009 may be a possibility but it's way too early to make that call.

I have not yet been able to talk to DCCC or anyone in authority at Wellington council so I can't make any further comment on the fee's or DCCC's willingness to run the drags even if we do find the money to pay for it. More information will be provided as it comes to hand.

Suggestions about nav runs and other competitor events are very welcome and will be acted upon once we get the big events sorted.

Cheers!

[Yojimbo]

Sorry Grant, you know how pissed I get about misinformation regarding that issue.

I'm serious though if you need a hand with anything, Im on holidays atm, and will be in Newy the next 3 days.

Matt

["Z" UTE]

I am happy to go wherever our fellow Toyota enshusiasts want to have the annual weekend. After all, it is the entrants who make the event, not the location.

cheers Chuck.

[Puffy]

No use complaining about the past and what happened to Tamworth. Lets focus on how we can make the event which is in Dubbo this year better. The more people that attend the nationals the more interest it creates with sponsors and that = more $$$ which inturn organisers can use to create more events and attract more people. This is the circle we want to create.

Holding the nationals will only get more expensive every year and that is why we need to grow by look after the sponsors by supporting their business.

If the drags cannot be held, maybe we can look at getting a dyno......hub dyno's are portable (not ideal) but would be something new and add another aspect to the show.

[RP071]

Grant/Alchemist you have PM re: sponsors for the drag event.

[De@No]

Do evo drivers enjoy the taste of a nice cold beer??.. I heard they like to sit in the corner and drink their fancy cocktails

[MR 1JZ]

Do evo drivers enjoy the taste of a nice cold beer??.. I heard they like to sit in the corner and drink their fancy cocktails

just becuase I drive a car gaybos like to drive doesnt mean I am one

[ZZE92]

Do evo drivers enjoy the taste of a nice warm wang??..

Fixed for you

[Stan_204]

Hey Grant,

Do you know what driving events are being held this year??

Please let me know.

Cheers

Stan

[RiceburnaGTV]

Geebus I cant wait for this! had a cracker of a time last year,I look forward to meeting more of you soon!

MS1JZ if you bring the evo im guna play hide the poo!

[The Witzl]

Well i've booked my room.... im there.
I wont have the celica, but i'll certainly be there for the massif social occasion.