Monterey In August

Larry, you better get on the phone and start calling for hotels. I had tenatively planned offering transportation services in our 18 wheeler race transporter which is setup to haul 6 sedans (have to be no taller than 49" and no longer than 14' 8" each.

Dana Gribi, Rob Lay have talked to me about it.

However, hotels are NON-EXISTANT at this point. And unless someone can find hotel rooms at a "reasonable" rate for my crew, we can not go without severely raising the transportation cost to all.

David

 

David, did you try the Embassy Suites?

Larry, you have mail.

Dale

 

Hmmm... maybe all the rest of the rooms vanished the last few weeks, but I'd be surprised. There were lots of options when I was checking. HOWEVER, if you want a place with a garage (in which to park your Ferrari), then the pickings are slim... and those may, in fact, be gone.

Similarly, if you are looking for cheap accommodations in town, then those are gone... 'cause they never existed... every hotel in town doubles their rates for that weekend. To get cheaper, look to stay in Salinas or one of the other surrounding towns. I hear the drive in is not bad.

A little insight: Expedia and Orbitz and so on cannot see the rooms that have been blocked out for an organization... and there's tons of events and organizations doing that... so, to get into the hotel that you want, you might need to find which event to sign up for so that you can get into their block.

Also: Watch out for the cancellation policies. I called the Marriott across from the FCA host hotel... as best I could tell from the receptionist, there was no cancelling!

 

I'm still debating... drive OR ship the car and fly. The main issue being whether I can afford the extra time to drive... and that somewhat depends upon whether my wife is going. Right now, I'd say 75% chance that I drive.

 

I have made the trip several times with different cars. The real issue is the really rough roads going west. There are several places in New Mexico and Arizona where the roads or rather nasty. We broke a A/C mount on the last trip and had to go through Needles, Barstow etc. with no A/C.

The nicest trip was going the far Northern route through Colorado, Utah, Nevada etc. Also the roads seemed to be somewhat better.

As for hotels I am sure there are rooms available in Carmel, Monterey etc. It's just a matter of scouring the web sites and calling. I would be surprised if a hotel will not take a cancellation. I have cancelled before about one month before and the hotel was happy that I did. I am sure the rented the room for more than my reservation.

Rodney

 

If any of you decide to drive and need a copilot, let me know. I can't afford the time to attend the whole show, but would be up for a roadtrip out then fly home. If I go, I won't be taking my car.

If you want to drive through CO on the way there I have free lodging and know some amazing back roads.

 

Rodney, when you get a chance, pls give us a heads up on what road to avoid to NM and AZ.

Thx, DrTax

 

I am toying with going and have a 2-car enclosed aluminum trailer, so I could bring cars, wheels, tires, and more. I would have to hire a dirver and was wondering if anyone wants to split the cost. Normal transport is about $1/mile to go enclosed. I figure I could do it for maybe $2k for the additional car. If that is in you price range, let me know, otherwise I may have my car transported instead. I know it isn't cheap, but I figure over $600 for fuel, about $1000 to hire a competent driver, and then there are going to be unavoidable extras, plus th ewear & tear on $70K worth of rig.

[email protected]

 

Don't forget about driver hotel too.

The cost for transportation in my brand new 53' race transporter with full 53'x26' awning with closeable side curtains, Yellow/Black checkered flag pattern Kiwi Tile Flooring, Satellite TV/DVD/VCR, Outside Stereo System, Office/Driver's lounge, and light hospitality. Cost is $3500 per car round trip Austin/Laguna/Austin all inclusive. Additionally we will be carrying support equipment and tools. Mechanics available for hire upon request.

You can contact me via [email protected]

We are formulating plan in the next 30 days to see if we have enough interest to take deposits and commit to the event. It's a big undertaking as you might expect it to be. We can currently haul 5 cars and are in the process of redesigning our pit equipment to haul a sixth car. We will have to have exact dimensions of all cars roof height at highest point as well as total length from front to rear bumpers. Being street cars, it is a little tighter due to ride heights for some. 355's are absolutely no problem. However, not sure on a car like a 330. I assume 550s to be no problem, but I've never really measured them except for corner weigh and alignments.

David Moore www.moorespeed.com