| Author | Message | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 815 Registered: 1-2002 |
Ah, the old O-face joke! 3 cheers for "Office Space". Do we have someone here named Drew?? BTW, yes, it is Laguna Seca. Boo-yah!!!  | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3749 Registered: 12-2000 |
Excuse me for a second, I have to give my O face... o o o O O O O O O O O O OOOOOOoo... | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Intermediate Member Username: Benjet Post Number: 1003 Registered: 1-2001 |
There has been much back and forth but I believe the final nod has been given to LS. -Ben | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3748 Registered: 12-2000 |
Terry or others, if the FCA 2004 is in Monterey, will the track days be held at Laguna Seca or Sears Point? What an awesome week that would be. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3746 Registered: 12-2000 |
Man, if it didn't have a bad wheel I would of had a blast in that the past two days. Dang. For those that didn't know, DFW area has been shut down for two days with about 2 inches of hard backed snice. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1364 Registered: 7-2001 |
What Rob isn't telling us is that the yellow vehicle next to the Ferrari in the "garage" is his daily driver. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3739 Registered: 12-2000 |
Nope, didn't make any money, lost $2,500 in 2002 and I'm sure I left out several expenses, but counted all revenues. I have a good "engineers" salary and I'm a risk taker, so really I'm in over my head in debt, but Jennie will be making a nice salary about March 2004, so I don't mind having a negative cash flow in the meantime. FerrariChat.com is loosing money, I have no family money, Jennie doesn't make a dime yet, and there's a good chance I'll get laid off from my "good" paying job this year. Call it balls, but I've always been a risk taker. When I was on the Kansas Jr. golf circuit at 12-13 I was betting on $200 hands of in-between back at the hotel. Call me a dumb ••••, which I am, but for some reason things always work out for me and each risk I take gets me a little bit closer to my next goals. Here's some of my reasoning for my activities... - I lowered my monthly server costs this year by about enough to have another car payment. I have to make a profit this year, but it doesn't have to be a big one. ;) - Jennie will be out of school and have a nice paying job about March 2004. - We're not going to build the house right away as to pay off some of the debt before the house. - A Challenge car will be a great promotional tool and I think at minimum the sponsors will meet the operational costs. - Later this year as NEW users will start paying $9.95 a year I will need even more expenses. - Lastly and most important I'm F'ing crazy about Ferraris, it's a bad habit. Please see reference above about the negative effects of this bad habit... "I'm a dumb ••••". Understand? Don't feel sorry for me, it's my own choice, but don't beat me down either if by taking these extreme risks I get the rewards. No one should get anything for nothing. My beautiful estate in Southlake with 135k mile BMW...  My beautiful workshop and garage...  I'm am the poorest Ferrari owner in the world! | ||
| Ken Thomas (Future328driver)
Member Username: Future328driver Post Number: 293 Registered: 12-2001 |
I am starting to wonder again if Rob is the heir to the Enron fortune  | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 810 Registered: 1-2002 |
Jim, methinks FC is doing a wee bit better than we think (good for you, Rob) Billy bob, I like your first idea. I will also display the FC logo on my 550 at all the track events I do for a mere $250...  | ||
| billy bob (Fatbillybob)
Junior Member Username: Fatbillybob Post Number: 208 Registered: 8-2002 |
Rob, 1) you wanna put "FerrariChat" on my Challenge car for $250 and I'll drive in on tracks all over Calif.? OR 2) I'll pay you $250, forget my name on the car, but let me drive a few laps in your Challenge car. Regards! | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 745 Registered: 7-2002 |
I wanna know how a guy living on "an engineer's salary" can afford a 328, a new lot in Southlake, a new showroom garage, a new house on that lot, a wife in school(with $$ potential) and now a 355 race car with a garage at MSR...all the while running a website that is claimed to be a losing proposition? What the F am I doing wrong? I need a rich relative to die and leave me some dinero. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1361 Registered: 7-2001 |
I hope her lawyer is Greg S.... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3738 Registered: 12-2000 |
Oh, I think she has bought off on the idea, although her lawyer and her have been talking quite a bit. Beats me what they're talking about, I'm looking through rossa corsa glasses. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1360 Registered: 7-2001 |
LMAO! She "SHOULDN'T" get too upset. Does that mean she doesn't know yet? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3732 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well, not doing the large showroom until we do our house later 2004. Will still build a little workshop and storage soon. I will probably get a garage at MSR to keep the Challenge car. For the most part the car will just come from the FerrariChat.com side of our budget, so she shouldn't get too upset. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1357 Registered: 7-2001 |
Rob, lets hear more about the 355C. Where did you turn this up? Is Jennie going to strangle you in your sleep? Is the garage/house going to be postponed, or will this be in addition to them? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3727 Registered: 12-2000 |
Thanks Ben for the stats. | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Intermediate Member Username: Benjet Post Number: 1002 Registered: 1-2001 |
Just FYI one of my new projects for 2003 is working with a marketing co that has been asked to see if they can secure an extra $1m in funding/sponsorship for an already very sucessful race team and another $1m for an already establisted and popular race track (both in the USA). I am not currently involved in either of these 2 projects but get occasional updates....so far nothing yet. Motorsports enthusiasts are a marketer�s dream. Median age: 40 Median Income: $72,100 College Degree: 61% Married: 74% Home owner: 82% Products Purchased Oil/Air filters 59.4% Hand tools 48.5% Power tools 33.3% Overnight package delivery 26% Rental vehicles 24.5% Financial planning services 13.6% Product Usage Soft drinks 89.9% Coffee 74.5% Candy bars 62.8% Chewing gum 65.4% Cigarettes 41% Film for cameras 80.2% Pain relievers 75.9% Batteries 78.4% Vitamins 54.9% Domestic beer 72.6% Imported beer 43.5% Consumption Trends General Population vs. Motorsports Enthusiast Owns 3+ cars 22.5% 37% Buys 7+ rolls of film/yr. 20.7% 26.1% Owns a VCR 43% 72% Acquired a bank card 8.5% 11.1% Eats fast food 10+/mo. 33.7% 43% Eats take out food 10+/mo. 35.6% 51% Drinks 8+ soft drinks/mo. 18.6% 36.2% Drinks 5+ beers/wk. 13.5% 18.8% Drinks sports drinks 25.7% 44.6% 64% of motorsports fans claim to purchase a sponsor�s product over a non-sponsor�s product. 71% of motorsports fans almost always would switch brands to support products associated with auto racing, which is almost double that of MLB, NFL, etc. Motorsports is currently the #1 spectator sport in the USA. Yes, before you ask, alot of that is NASCAR but it makes motorsports the fastest growing sport in the country currently. -Ben | ||
| Matt Karson (Squidracing)
Member Username: Squidracing Post Number: 417 Registered: 3-2001 |
Kenny Herman.....you the man! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3726 Registered: 12-2000 |
I'll be there. Des, I agree it's probably not a good investment for you. I think 90% of everyone sponsoring will just do it as a hobby, novelty, tax right off, and good natured support of FerrariChat.com. It's hard to place a tangible return value on it. | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Junior Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 187 Registered: 9-2001 |
FCA Nationals in 2004 is in Monterey, during the Historic Weekend. Every 10 years that is where it is held. In 1994 there was reportedly 3000 Ferraris in Monterey that weekend. It will be a HUGE event. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2443 Registered: 8-2002 |
Sorry, Rob, i just need to choose my investments very carefully... i can't imagine seeing any type of return on something like that- i need to think in the terms that, if it were my bosses $250, would he do it...? i'd be happy to make a donation as a FerrariChat.com user, though... Martin, thanks for clarifying... Why do they have it so early in the year, when there's the risk of nasty weather...? (Ok, so how nasty could the weather get in Palm Beach, but still... ) | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3725 Registered: 12-2000 |
top | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3883 Registered: 5-2001 |
DES, Cavallino is me no serious, Cavallino is in Palm Beach every year and is the annual event from the magazine Cavallino, a pure Ferrari classics mag. Big concourse and 3 days of racing at Moroso with some vintage rallys. Lots of cars. Very cold this year! | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3707 Registered: 12-2000 |
Here is a rough timeline... March 2003 - Complete Sale May 2003 - Install SCCA T1 roll cage, passenger racing seat/harness, adjust seat to fit, and update car graphics. Acquire spares (wheels, tires, oils, pads, rotors, brake fluid, and clutch). June 2003 - Begin testing sessions. July 2003 - Begin attending track events at MSR and hauling with flat bed and Tundra to out of town events. Early 2004 - Acquire enclosed Trailer and trade Tundra for 3/4 or 1 ton. 2004 - Monthly sponsor outings at MSR and track events out of town like FCA Nationals and Cavallino. Club Racing with SCCA. | ||
| Randy (Schatten)
Member Username: Schatten Post Number: 657 Registered: 4-2001 |
yes, I'd certainly consider it - esp. from a company name's perspective, even if its a scribble on the car. and I'd help you out with wearables as well. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3688 Registered: 12-2000 |
Yes, you can put your name or a company name. The number of events will be determined by budget, but at minimum 4 events around Texas in 2003, FCA and Cavallino 2004, monthly private outings at MSR in Fort Worth, and a few select other events out of state. It's not determined yet how many actual races it will attend, probably none in 2003. The car will be legal for the T1 class in SCCA, but the 355 C just isn't competitive vs. the brand new Z06's and Vipers. The form has a "maybe" if you don't want to commit yet, but still want to be contacted when the car is delivered. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Junior Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 169 Registered: 4-2002 |
Rob, i would provided it can be in a company name. Also need info on how many races the car would participate and any other pertinent details. Many thanks. Enjoy The Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Intermediate Member Username: Benjet Post Number: 1001 Registered: 1-2001 |
Rob, 2004 FCA Annual is over in these parts. -Ben | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3686 Registered: 12-2000 |
Don't worry about it DES, you would be better off buying more models and saving for when you can buy a real Ferrari. Any user on the board will be apart of the team, it's just different levels of commitment and what you get in return. Cavallino is always in Florida. I think. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2384 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ok-- don't hit me-- but where's Cavallino...? i'll have to give this some more thought... We're not a big business that's reaching out across the states- we barely extend beyond the island... If the closest anyone will see it is in Atlanta, i don't think i could expect any return on that investment... Still, i'd like to support it in some way, so i'll need to think it out, further... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3684 Registered: 12-2000 |
Well Des, I don't know where the 2004 annual FCA meet is. I guess Cavallino might be as close as the car gets to you or Road Atlanta (although RA is a car crusher). You can still benefit by being able to use the cars image in your business print ads. I can even send video for TV commercials. Everyone is always welcome to visit Dallas. I think there will be those that will just think it's a novelty to tell their friends they're part of a Ferrari race team. Most people won't know the difference between a 355 Challenge and a full prep 333. I can see it now "How did it do at Le Mans?". As a bonus you get a really cool picture to hang on the wall and if at the events a more personal experience. Then there are those like Ken who will really get much benefit for their business by using it in print ads for their business. If you're a sponsor, I can basically work with you to do what you want. The higher commitment sponsors will obviousely get the priority. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2380 Registered: 8-2002 |
Pretty much the same questions i had earlier... A ride in the car is a pipe dream, i'm not so much concerned with that; my main focus is how much exposure will the car have to the Tri-State area...? If everyone down south is gonna see the car, that's great, but if no one in the Tri-State area is going to see it, then it's not a good investment for me... That's pretty much my main concern... i suppose size matters, but there was never anything i could do about that, before,. so why start now...? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3682 Registered: 12-2000 |
Please let me know if any questions. Thanks. Des? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3676 Registered: 12-2000 |
Race Team link can now be found on above right menu where Trivia use to be. If you still see the Trivia link, then it may take some time to refreash. Thanks. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3667 Registered: 12-2000 |
Very true Ben, I did ride alongs in my 328 a few weeks ago and I could only get about 6 people in a session. Quite fun as the tires are already warmed up and a new "victim" jumps in and immediately you get up to pace. I enjoy it. Challenge car will be much tougher to jump in and out with the roll cage and 5 point harnas. However, unless we get 100 sponsors at each event, there shouldn't be a problem over a weekend with 6 total sessions. However, I bet Cavallino and FCA are already getting 100+ users at those events. Stop growing FC! You can't even find us easily with search engines, I'm trying to keep things small and cozy. Page has been upated with newest sponsors. Let me know if anyone has any ideas related to this "project". I think it will be very beneficial for the FerrariChat.com community and you can be apart of it. http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/raceteam/index.htm | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 548 Registered: 12-2001 |
I think it's a great idea Rob, I'd be interested. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 168 Registered: 6-2002 |
Great idea Rob, I'm in! (hopefully my $250 will get you some brake fluid or a left front slick or something (be careful promiseing ride-alongs, everyone please realize that if Rob gets 100people at one track, he's not gonna be able to take us all around, so don't hold him to it :D) Best! Ben | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 593 Registered: 8-2001 |
As long as Karson is one of the drivers | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3664 Registered: 12-2000 |
My name is really Robdulla Rijalaya and my father was once King of... Well, anyway. Here's some more info and the form to sign up. http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/raceteam/index.htm I'm obviously the one making the big financial commitment and to be honest, I'll get the most enjoyment of hauling this around the race course. However, I think for this small commitment you'll really get a kick out of this "project". The name on the car, the professional 8.5 by 11, the ride alongs, and the pride to B.S. about this to all others. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 584 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey Rob, you didn't get this sponsorship idea from Nigeria did you? Just kidding | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Intermediate Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 2331 Registered: 8-2002 |
I would. Where do I send the check? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2293 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jonathan- i had to use the bathroom, that's why... Rob, your answers don't match up to the questions, so now i'm questioned-out... i'm sure these will come up again, though, as the thread gets longer, so i'll just keep tabs on it... ...ok, so i have one more question: Supposing i shelled out 1/4 of a G to get a little space on the race horse, when would that money have to be there, when does this racing thing start, etc, etc, etc... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3663 Registered: 12-2000 |
They have two racing seats with full safety harnesses. I imagine I would use it 90% of the time just for that purpose, taking users and sponsors around the track. I think it's smart to keep my racing in the disposable Spec. RX7's. | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 581 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'll give you $250 for a spot. You have to promise to give me at least one ride. Do those things have 2 seats or 1? I can't remember. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 791 Registered: 1-2002 |
Rob, what's the deal with the 355 C? Interested in a co-driver? Co-owner? Please email me privately with details--perhaps we can discuss... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3659 Registered: 12-2000 |
LOL DES, I'm answered out right now, but in order... yes, no, more, maybe, a few, yes, a few. Oh, and major sponsors I can haul it around to your business for promotions. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3658 Registered: 12-2000 |
Jonathan, I'm just trying to get you to send your banner! LOL Sponsor for 3 months now and we haven't even placed your banner. Maybe if I start charging you'll send it to me.  Come out tomorrow night if you can make it. | ||
| Jonathan Peck (Jonathanp)
New member Username: Jonathanp Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2002 |
I can't believe I got a word in before DES!!!!! Simply amazing..... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Intermediate Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2291 Registered: 8-2002 |
$250 to see my name on a car would be senseless, but a $250 investment to see my bosses Business name on the car would be a smart move... Could the name of the business replace let's say, just my regular name...? Or if i wanted to have the business name on there, would i have to pay for a business name space...? How much is that business name space...? Could i fit a phone number underneath...? Will people from all over the country see this (my concern is mainly NY/NJ/CT) or will they only see it on TV, in Texas...? VIP at events...? Any events up here or just down there or are they all over...? | ||
| Jonathan Peck (Jonathanp)
New member Username: Jonathanp Post Number: 43 Registered: 7-2002 |
I would definitely support this and pay a little more for company advertising... | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 3657 Registered: 12-2000 |
Thinking about a 355 C for track events and a few SCCA club races. Would you pay $250 to get your name on the car for a year? Not like you're advertising yourself, but there would be a spot on the car "Thanks to the following FerrariChat.com users for their support". You would get a framed picture for your wall and of course VIP at the events. Would you pay more to put your company name on the car? 2004 car would attend Cavallino, FCA, SCCA Runoffs (on TV!), and a few other select regional events around the South. |