Track Day/Race Day Interest?

[G]

Would anyone be interested in low cost track days or racing at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe WA during the winter months? Not sure of the track layout yet but will be heading over there probably next week to check it out. I know they run karts there but not sure how it would work for scooters.

There is a new group that signed a 15 year contract for a motorcross track there and they are interested in renting the track during the winter. Cost should be low but a $ amount won't be known until next week. The Parts Unlimited rep for my shop is doing the marketing for the track, so he wanted to know if the PSRA would want to run there.

So at this point, just guaging general interest so I know how much time to spend pushing for low cost and good dates.

Thanks

[G]

Just was thinking that my post was a little random since I didn't really introduce myself. My name is Garrett and I am the GM of Vespa Lynnwood and Triumph of Seattle (aka Lynnwood Cycle Barn). My self and one of my staff will be participating in the PSRA series for 2012. I am a novice in regards to racing, he has raced with WMRRA for many years.

So far we have 3 bikes - 05 Stella for Super Stock (Just waiting for the pipe and its ready) 98 Zuma for Auto and 05 Zuma for Auto (just need safety wiring and thier ready). We are also working on a 66 Super cut down and a V90 (this won't be ready until late season at best)

We look forward to being a part of this and will do our best through our business to support PSRA in whatever way we can.

[paddyfitz]

Hi there Garrett.
Welcome to our forum.
Sounds like you guys have a fine variety of machines to bring out...
That is very exciting!
If you have had good conversations with the Monroe track, that's good news. They were not so interested in us a few months ago.
The winter season is a challenge in terms of attendance. I think the bulk of us take that time to rebuild or rethink our machines (I know I am). There are some die-hards in the group that do attend events in the off season. Maybe some of them will chime in.
I do look forward to seeing you guys out at the track one way or another.
Cheers.
- P

[G]

Suprised to hear Monroe wasn't interested. I'll get more info next week and send it along. I've talked board members of the Seattle Karting Club and they would also be interested in having scooters out to race both at Monroe and at PSGKA in Spanaway, so I'll chat with them some more as well.

We wil continue to bring new machines out to race both from my personal collection (don't get much street riding in anymore) but also from our shop to test out new products. Looking forward to some great racing!

[Angus]

Hi Garrett.

I think Patrick was thinking of the Sumas track. They aren't set up for anything other than Karting. I didn't know there was a track in Monroe. Please keep us posted on what you find. I may be interested in a track day with you guys after the holidays to check out the track.

A

[paddyfitz]

On the contrary, Colonel - during our scheduling debacle during this last season, I contacted every track I could find in Washington (Wenatchee, Tri-Cities, & Spokane as well!).
Monroe is one of the first tracks I had the pleasure of going to see our man Brad race at. I think it looks like a fun course.
Spanaway is a private club...
If Garrett has their attention & is actually having a conversation with either or both of them, then that is very good news for all involved.
Please do keep us posted.

[Angus]

Good stuff! That track is like an hour from my door step. I hope it works out.

LL Colonel Angus...

[G]

OK so I have some info so far. The Seattle Karting club is very interested in having PSRA join them at thier events in Monroe. At this point they race there year round and on average 1-2 times per month. Two items have to be cleared up which are insurance (which will be a part of entry fees) and thier contract with the track to allow the scooters. If/when this gets cleared up the PSRA will have the green light. The club assures me that they are going to make it a priority because the extra income in race fees from scooters would really help them out.

For the track in Spanaway, the kart club will talk to the owners this week to see if they are open to letting PSRA piggy back on kart events. If yes, then they will figure out the insurance so we can get an idea of track fees at that location.

Additionally the track organizers for the motorcross park are discussing what it would cost for scooters to do a full race day out there during non karting events. I'll send that allong as soon as I get more this week from them. The plus is they are VERY interested in scooters racing at their 2-3 big events they will hold next year at that track.

[paddyfitz]

If it makes it any easier for your conversations with them - we are no strangers to taking turns with the karts for track time. It is commonplace for our events down here in Oregon.
The more people they get out there on any given day, the more $ they make & the happier they get. Operating a track is no cheap venture. We understand that.
Also - we rarely have a track to ourselves. We are accustomed to piggybacking onto other's events. There is no need for us to have the whole place all day.
I get tired...

[Angus]

Hey Garrett,

Thanks for looking into that stuff and spearheading the movement. I'm really stoked to see more tracks available in our middle ground as traveling from BC to Portland and vise versa for race days can be a long haul.

It's pretty common that the track owners will want to do a tech inspection on a couple of scoots before agreeing to have them on the track. Let me know if you need help with this and I can bring my racer for a meeting with the owners.

Later,

Angus

[G]

Just wanted to check in and let you guys know that things are still moving forward with Monroe. At this point just a few details to work out and then getting available dates.

At the very least I hope to be out there on January 15th for the next karting race to get in a few laps to check out my bikes. Let me know if anyone wants to come by so I can let them know.

[Angus]

I'd like to come. Please keep me posted.

Brian is also fairly close (tacoma) and he is fairly hard core, would most likely be interested.

Post up your sched in the new year. Hope for some winter sunshine.

A

PS let me know if you have a line on cheap leathers, mine are thrashed.

[G]

Sending message RE leathers. I'll definetly let you know as soon as the date/time is firmed up.

For any PSRA member that needs gear or wants to piggy back on our monthly SIP orders we will always work out great deals from our shop.

[j2]

Are you still planning on going out on the 15th? I might be able to make it up.

[G]

Planning on being there one way or another. If not actually running on the track, then to meet with the kart organizers in person some more and work out final details of how/when scooters can be involved.

We are talking with them on Monday and Tuesday as well so I will post an update Tuesday evening.