Aspen Event - Ferrari is featured marque | FerrariChat

Aspen Event - Ferrari is featured marque

Discussion in 'Rocky Mountain' started by JKM, Jun 3, 2004.

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  1. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    I am the RM region FCA's board member to the Colorado Exotic Car Association (CECA). For the last few years I sidestepped the obligation of a member club to run a d.e. event, smugly saying that "when we go back to Aspen, Ferrari (the Rocky Mountain Region) will run that event. Because the Aspen road course track had become a private club, we had lost our access to it, permanently we thought. So this excuse served me well.

    However, for various reasons, and after great efforts too boring to report here, CECA is back in Aspen for what was always it's event of the season. Below is the preliminary announcement sent to the CECA mailing list and to the RM region's FCA members. I'm hoping FerrariChat members will show up in formidable numbers and help make this the premier event it was for nearly two decades.

    Kent Miller
    CECA board member, FCA/RMR member, Track Steward for 8/29 event.

    This is a preliminary announcement, details will follow in the next few weeks.

    Aug 27-29, 2004 Aspen, Colorado

    CECA will return to Aspen to renew a weekend event that had some 18 years of tradition there. (Last held in 1999, it ended when Woody Creek Raceway became the private Aspen Sports Car Club). Each year there was always a featured marque, and for this 2004 revival of the event, it is Ferrari.

    Schedule:
    -cocktail reception Friday evening
    -concours on and adjacent to the mall on Saturday (Ferrari is "featured marque")
    -Saturday night banquet, with automotive/racer speaker TBA
    -Sunday drivers ed track day at ASCC (f/k/a Woody Creek Raceway)

    CECA arranges group rate accommodations in Snowmass, very reasonable, and the lodge there has a big garage for cars and nearby parking for trailers and haulers. Sunday Track Day is charged separately, probably about $75. Banquet is a separate charge. You can do just the track, or just the concours; don't miss the banquet. Registration forms and final details available in early June.

    This is always a great weekend, to a great degree because it's not La Junta, not Pueblo.... etc. It's Aspen at about La Junta prices. Would you rather drive Independence Pass or I-25? Track fun is with Panteras, Vipers, Ferraris, Lotus, Shelbys, Porsche, etc. Kids are fine at banquet, this has always been a family-friendly event.

    There will be instructors availabe for CECA's very informal instructor laps -- lead and follow, etc. Many drivers will be new to this track and some new to track events altogether. The track is shorter and less complicated than Second Creek, definitely an interesting road course and worth a visit. As usual, helmet and secure fire extinguisher required, tech inspection, licensed drivers only --- all details with registration package.

    To be added to the email broadcast list for CECA, for this and other CECA events, send email expressing your interest to CECA registrar:
    [email protected].

    (CECA's email list is not sold or available for anything but CECA announcements and sending downloadable registration forms)

    For questions about CECA, this event, or any of the 4-5 CECA-sponsored track events in Colorado each year, call Bill Miller, ph 303-421-3009 (no email for him, leave v/msg).
     
  2. Caruso360

    Caruso360 Karting

    May 1, 2003
    203
    It seems like you will have competition that weekend Aug 28 and 29 due to PPIR event. Too bad you picked that weekend, however, we'll just see how it goes. BTW- is Saturday an open track day as well as Sunday?
     
  3. Brian C. Stradale

    Brian C. Stradale F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 17, 2002
    3,615
    Dallas, TX, USA
    Not to mention the huge (once-a-decade) FCA event the week prior (ending 8/20). Had it been planned it a week earlier (8/21-8/23), people like me might have tried to hit it on the way back home. But getting home from a 2-week excursion on 8/22... there's almost no way to pull off another week excursion just 3 days later.

    Shame... looks like a great event. If it were in July or Sept, I'd likely be there!

    Good luck, though; I hope it does well enough to be repeated in future years so that I can come!
     
  4. Caruso360

    Caruso360 Karting

    May 1, 2003
    203
    Brian; I see your an "early bird" as well. Please forward info on the FCA event you mentioned.
     
  5. Brian C. Stradale

    Brian C. Stradale F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 17, 2002
    3,615
    Dallas, TX, USA
  6. camchain

    camchain Formula Junior

    Feb 12, 2004
    572
    Denver
    Full Name:
    Ron Hetherington
    Hello JKM (name?)
    This is great news. The timing is unfortunate but this is the one annual local event that my wife actually looked foward to attending every year. There were the regulars every year like Miller's Hertz rental, Chets perfect 365GTB, Griffin's Lambos, and all the other "run of the mill" cars we mere mortals drove. Then there were the suprises that showed up from time to time; the 427 Cobra with the NASCAR OHC engine from Wyoming, Donner's GTO, Arutunoff's 250SWB Zagato are some that come to mind. Anatoly drove the Zagato straight through from OK and came directly to the track (see photo)! Are the horses still right next to the track? I'm very glad to hear that this great event has been revived. Best of luck with it.
    Ron Hetherington
     
  7. Alex_V

    Alex_V F1 Rookie
    BANNED

    Apr 8, 2004
    3,611
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    Alex
    That looks awsome, is that a GT40 on the far right?
     
  8. camchain

    camchain Formula Junior

    Feb 12, 2004
    572
    Denver
    Full Name:
    Ron Hetherington
    Yes Alex, I believe that it was actually a GTD-40. My knowledge of those cars is not very deep but I think that it was one of the "continuation" cars. It was owned by Kip (uncertain of his last name) who is now very active with Vipers. The well documentated Meyers GT-40 made it one year too I think.
    Ron Hetherington
     
  9. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    We understood the PPIR conflict for this weekend, but we had groundwork done on this Aspen event before the announcement of an added PPIR event by the Indy Racing Series people. Aspen involved city permits for the car show as well as securing the ASCC track. And we also knew of the Pebble weekend with Ferrari featured there. We had to match lodging availability with the track availability. This weekend has no other festival or other influx creating demand for rooms

    Big thanks to Ron for the photos of a previous event and his memories of the fun at that track. I have a source for some more photos and will get these posted next week.

    No track day Saturday, just Sunday.

    I'll check back to respond to any other questions.
    Kent Miller, Denver
     
  10. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    You can do this. It's not like you'd be stuck in Wichita. It's Aspen. Just do it.
     
  11. Seth

    Seth Formula 3

    Feb 8, 2004
    1,551
    Texas
    i dont know if this was the same event that was ferrari only, but a few years ago there was one in aspen durring the summer and there was an F50 and what not there.... i have some pics but i have to scan them.... also to anyone intrested there is an Enzo, F50, F40 and a Mclaren F1 all in Aspen... ive only seen the Enzo and F50, and have herd of the F40 and F1,(seen by some friends....) just let you guys know....
     
  12. Brian C. Stradale

    Brian C. Stradale F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 17, 2002
    3,615
    Dallas, TX, USA
    Two weeks is hard enough. I could get away with adding a day or two to it. But make it into 3 1/2 weeks? During school? I wish I was so responsibility-free.

    Nice thought, though. ;)

    But I'll pay attention for 2005... hopefully its a bit earlier in the summer... we always spend a few weeks in Colorado... so moving a weekend to Aspen would be no problem at all.
     
  13. mchferrari

    mchferrari Formula Junior

    Jun 6, 2004
    773
    Lawrence, KS
    Full Name:
    Matthew Holderbach
    *Note to self: go to Aspen more often!!!
     
  14. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    Colorado Exotic Car Ass'n has just confirmed
    that the Saturday banquet speaker will be Neil Ressler --
    see biography below. Neil will be introduced
    by a 360 owner who wants to know whether
    the Ford team succeeded in besting the Prancing
    Horse -- their announced target for which Ford
    bought and "deconstructed" a 360 Modena.

    Neil Ressler, Ford Motor Company Senior Technical Adviser:
    Two weeks after the Ford GT concept was unveiled at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, Bill Ford asked Neil Ressler to consult on the feasibility study to turn the concept into reality. Ressler - then in semi-retirement - was ideal for the task, as he was involved with two previous mid-engine programs: In the mid-1980s, Ressler worked on a Ferrari 308 competitor, code-named GN34; in the '90s, Ressler spearheaded the Petunia project, another two-seat, mid-engine sports car that evolved into the Ford GT concept car.

    Once the program was approved, Ressler assumed the role of consultant to the Ford GT team, identifying and recruiting the best engineers within Ford Motor Company and bringing years of real-world experience to the team. In addition, he serves as a liaison between the team and upper management.

    Ressler joined Ford in 1967 as a senior research scientist and became principal design engineer for suspension and steering in 1971. Between 1981 and 1994, Ressler served as chief components engineer for the Climate Control Division, chief engineer of Small Car Design and Development, chief engineer of Chassis and Electrical Engineering and executive director of vehicle engineering, Car Product Development.

    Ressler was elected a Ford vice president in 1994 as head of Core Product Development, Ford Automotive Operations and became head of Advanced Vehicle Technology later that year. In 1998 he added the chairmanship of Jaguar Racing and Cosworth Racing to his duties and became a board member of Stewart Grand Prix. From 1999 until his retirement in 2001, Ressler held the position of Ford Motor Company vice president and chief technical officer. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the General Motors Institute, a master's degree and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Michigan State University


    It's not too late to sign up for this great weekend.
    Come see the Ferraris, hear Neil speak, drive the
    track at Aspen Sports Car Club.
    For Registration packet, email
    [email protected]
     
  15. Roland E Linder

    Roland E Linder Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,814
    COLORADO
    Full Name:
    Roland E Linder
    To bad that it's in conflict with the PPIR event. We were in Aspen during the Players Run and did some laps on the track. Not realy good for the LM (to short) but good teaching track.
    I'll have the LM at PPIR during the same week end. Can't do them all
    Have fun,
    Roland
    F40LM
     
  16. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    Just FYI, CECA didn't plan for this conflict with PPIR. When CECA began negotiations to get back to the Aspen Sports Car Club track, the August 28-29 weekend was an open date for local track evemts. PPIR was a late addition for the Indy Racers.

    The Aspen track is indeed shorter than PPIR but with more turns. It's in great shape, is rarely open to non-members, and of course, it's in Aspen.

    And the real car guys can do both events, with a super scenic drive in between. PPIR is a Saturday-only event. That evening drive from Fountain, CO over Independence Pass to Aspen, do ASCC on Sunday. Roland, need a map?

    Marques registered for Aspen event so far: Viper, Lotus, Pantera, Cobra, Shelby, Porsche, and of course, Ferrari
     
  17. Roland E Linder

    Roland E Linder Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,814
    COLORADO
    Full Name:
    Roland E Linder
    Hi Kent, I understood that PPIR was a 2 days event.. If not, that could be a cool trip to meet with you in Aspen.
    I have call Leslie to see if I'm wrong and will let you know right the way.
    In case, it's a 1 day track event, I'll take your offer on the map..
    Thanks Kent
    Roland
    F40LM
     
  18. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    #18 JKM, Jul 27, 2004
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Roland: I got my information directly from Leslie's web site (www.quickchickracing.com) On the August events calendar there, it's shown as on Saturday, but not Sunday.

    Hope you make it in time for Neil's appearance at the banquet.

    I've attached registration packet -- schedule, track map, pricing, etc. -- for you and any other Ferrari enthusiast who wants to join the fun.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  19. Roland E Linder

    Roland E Linder Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,814
    COLORADO
    Full Name:
    Roland E Linder
    Hi again Kent, I called Leslie and it's a two days event. It's mistaken on her web...That means that I'll stay at PPIR and I want to thank you and Bill from CECA to have invited me.
    Let's try to avoid that date conflict in the futur. Have fun and be safe
    Roland
    F40LM
     
  20. Ingenere

    Ingenere F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Dec 11, 2001
    6,449
    On the Limit
    Full Name:
    Dino
    I did this event a few years back and it was great!! A buddy of mine and I drove up from AZ...it was a great drive....except for a visit to the 'friendly' Gunnison, CO jail for a 'chat' with the highway patrol....long story!

    When I heard about it this year I rearanged my Monterey schedule to be there. Aspen in August is WAY better than AZ or even Monterey...and the roads are to good to miss. See ya there!!

    Ciao
    Dino
     
  21. JKM

    JKM Rookie

    Feb 20, 2004
    7
    Cap Hill Denver
    Dino is right: the roads to and from Aspen are great part of this weekend.

    Over 30 cars registered -- in addition to Ferraris, see Lotus, Viper, Pantera, Shelby, BMW, Porsche and more, on display Saturday on the downtown mall, and at speed on Sunday.

    Still time to join the fun, if you call right away, to Bill Miller 303-421-3009
    JKM
     
  22. F40

    F40 F1 Rookie

    Apr 16, 2003
    3,230
    AZ
    Don't forget to take pictures!
     

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