FOC or FCA or both?

Well,first,Michael,I'd like to Welcome you to the Board!!! They are both good Clubs. It pretty much depends on what you want to do with your car. Both have different Agenda's.The FCA is mostly Show and Shine type events. The F.O.C. is a DRIVERS Club. The Motto of the Ferrari Owners Club is : "We DRIVE!". And,We DO!!!... And,we also do "Cruise Nights". "Car Shows" "Karting Events". "Parades",(Starting this Year). "Track Days". (I believe that the FCA also sponsors a Track Day.) And,the F.O.C. has lots more Events on the Horizon.

I got the Idea to get the F.O.C. Back up and Running last Year,after mulling it over for about 3 Years. I contacted some of the other "Ferrari guys" that I've met over the past few Years,and we said..."Lets Do it!!!". So,we are just over a Year old. But,have alot of really great ideas. And,already have a busy schedule laid out for this Year. And,more will be added.

Check out our Website at: www.focmidwest.com to see some,(But not all) of the Events and Drives that we did last Year...Our First Year. And,events already slated for this Year. Including an Indoor Karting Event in March on the 19th. We are already seeing a great boost in attendance of F.O.C. Events...

Also,the F.O.C. is on this FChat Venue. Don't see any FCA folks on here. So,you can always "Chat" with us here,to find out what we have planned. We have a pretty Solid Schedule. But,are always popping in something else,last Minute,and this is the Place to find out whats going on.


So,it's really what you want to do with your Car. If it just goes out for Shows and Concours. Either Club will do well for you. If you got your Car to DRIVE and ENJOY IT,as Mr. Enzo Ferrari Intended,then,Welcome to the Ferrari Owners Club,or,F.O.C.,My Friend!...

Feel free to send me a 'P/M',here on the FChat Venue, and I can gladly fill you in on further details regarding the F.O.C.

 

I only joined the FCA last year to get a % discount on my major service. I've been unimpressed. They send you a worthless newsletter every month or so, and a magazine quarterly. Other than that I haven't heard much from them.

 

I had the same question, so joined both.
FCA has some cool parties in the summer. Last year, the party at the Friebergs was great, as was the party at Mike E. (regional chairman of FCA). I believe FCA sponsors Ferraris on Oak Street.
They are both good clubs, and in the grand scheme of things, its really not a lot of $$ to join both.

 

Good question and not easy to answer as both clubs cater to a little different taste. Frank said it all, FOC is more driving oriented whereas FCA is more focused on Concours. But either club has events in both categories (FOC has a couple concours lined up this year and FCA does a series of track events in Indy), so the lines aren't that clear cut. Hence the dilemma.

Personally I'm a member of both as I don't want to miss out on FCA's big events like Oak Street and Automobili Italiani. OTOH I like the easy going nature of smaller groups doing FOC driving events and hang together at a waterhole.

Publicationwise I think FOC has the upper hand with the monthly reports about the clubs activities. I'm not saying this that triumphantly, actually as a FCA member I'd love to see that club do a better job in their newsletter, which normally takes me not more than 5 minutes to "read". Just not much focus on the club's events.

And if you go by FChat (not that this is the measure of all things) you find more FOC folks on here, which personally I regret; I'd love to hear more from the FCA brethren. As with everything in life diversity (and competition) creates a rounder and fuller picture.

PS: Just to be fair: Frank and I are FOC board members, so take our opinions with a grain of salt.

 

Thanks for your support. It is very much appreciated.

I can help you with that article.

 

Yes,I was also a Member of Both Clubs. But,with the FCA's events. You HAVE to stay there ALL DAY. From,like 08:30AM to 4:00PM....And,as much as I LOVE All Ferrari's....just cannot keep walking around All Day looking at the same Cars over and over and over...Sure,I like talking with the Ferrari People,and meeting New People,though.

But,if it was Monterrey....That's a different story. I COULD Walk around All Day and look at all of the Old,Rare,Classic Ferrari's....and some of the New ones,too...

So,the FCA just isn't for me. But,I am certainly not knocking it. If that appeals to you,then you should certainly go for it. And,I also remember hearing about some kind of controversy in one of the Italian Automobile Shows....

Personally,I like to keep moving.... I want to DRIVE My Ferrari! I look at it all week long,all snuggled up in the Garage.....

We DRIVE!!!!!!

 

Been a member of FCA since '96, and FOC since, well, about the past several months.

Can't comment much on FOC since I haven't participated in any event. I've made some very close friends through FCA and have especially enjoyed their GingerMan track event each summer (none this summer, though...bummer; however, the Nationals at Indy should make up at least partially for it--I'll still miss the Idler.)

Not sure what Frank means by having to stay at any event all day. Just not true, unless, I guess, you want to show your car, which I never do. Even then, you don't HAVE to stay.

And, in terms of "driving" the cars, I'll post these statistics:

18K in 28 mos, 1996 F355 Spider
8K in 11 mos, 1998 Monterey Edition Diablo SV Coupe
4K in 3 mos, 1997 550 Maranello
7K in 10 mos, 2001 360 Modena
4K in 8 mos, 2001 550 Maranello (current car; should be able to pick it up from belt service tomorrow after my home equity line is approved )

I'd guess that no more than 10% of those miles were spent commuting; the rest were sheer fun miles, even with the Chicago winters.

I would hate to have to count on club events to drive the cars.

 

I did about 14K miles on my 308 the first year I had it year round, then a bit over 1K last year. Wanted to stop adding miles as I'm looking for another F-Car and want to trade or sell it. Plus I bought a Boxster S a year ago and then a 996 Cab a few months ago, so I've been driving that regularly. 40 miles each way to work adds up quick on a Ferrari! Of course, the 308 is not as quick as the 996, but I think the 308 it is way more beautiful, and I always turn back to look at it when I walk away from it.

 

I joined FOC yesterday.

I have been a FCA member for a few years. I really injoy Oak Street, but other concours seem to be same old cars to look at.

FOC seems to be growing, and they have alot of fun events on there calender. Still keeping FCA membership because I think you need it to get in to Oak St.

 

Thanks and welcome Richard!

Yes, you need to keep your FCA membership for events like Oak and Monroe street as well as Automobili Italiani. Not to forget Indy. As Mike Z. put it: In the scheme of things both memberships aren't that much of a big deal.

On a personal note, I'm happy and a tad honored, that the question of FCA or FOC is even asked. And I promise we'll try hard to make it worth your while.

 

In Response to the first comment-Yes,that is Exactly what I meant. Since you said that you've never actually entered your car in one of these shows,please allow me to fill you in....

I have,actually,shown my Car in 2 of the "Bella Macchines Shows", (and won a 2nd Place Crystal Trophy,in my Class,First time I ever showed my car!) And once at "Oak Street". And,since you've never entered one,I CAN tell you that Yes it IS True that they tell you to be there by 08:30AM for set up. Then,they say that you need to stay until the end,which is usually 3:00PM-4:00PM. So,yes. Being "Stuck" standing around all day,walking around looking at the Same cars over and over and over all day just doesn't appeal to me. Oh sure,I suppose that if you absolutely Must leave,they can't stop you...But,then you'd miss the Awards and other proceedings,which culminate at the End of the Show. But,they do like to have the cars stay all day so that there aren't all sorts of bare Spots between the Cars. That would kind of look crappy,wouldn't it. Sure makes Sense to me....

Especially,myself having Severe Back and Knee Problems,and need to Walk with a Cane most of the time. It IS a Problem for me. But,definitely do like to go to look around,talk to all of the people that I know,and leave,just as a Spectator. But,I've also Heard the Same from Others,too,that standing around ALL DAY is a Pain in the Arse. (They all said that "they'd rather be out Driving"... )


In response to the Second comment- Then Don't! Just like you said,that you don't have to stay at a Car Show all day,you don't have to rely solely on an Organized drive to get out and drive your car.... We have plenty who DO like to get together already! And,The more the Merrier! But,if that isn't your thing,thats cool.

No,I certainly don't just "Count on Club events" to get out and Drive my Car. Neither does anyone else,I'm sure...I drive it all the time when the Weather is nice. But,driving around by myself,or even with my Wife or one of my Kids is nice...But,What I'm talking about is getting together with a bunch of other Ferrari owners and Enthusiasts and going out for Drives,too. It's a blast driving with a Group of Ferrari's and other Exotics....Especially,when Chelle brings out the Lambo,or a GTO.... The Comaraderie is great. Everyone gettting together to talk Ferrari,Exotic Cars,Cars in general,F1,whatever. Stopping for a nice Lunch or Brunch. Some great "Photo Ops". Taking some really Beautiful Roads....And,with A really great bunch of Folks. THATS what I'm talking about!

If you prefer driving all by your lonesome,go for it. But,I enjoy being with all of these fine "Ferrari People" that I've met over the Years...

 

( Please note: While I do represent the FCA as Illinois Chapter President, my comments here are strictly as a Ferrari "Enthusiast".)

Frank: I can appreciate your enthusiasm for your FOC and it's good that you and your members have resurrected it. Welcome.

However, it seems you have also resurrected that very old, and tired, negative inference to the FCA as the "good old boys". (ref: your post of 2/4/05--"New to the Board")

Clearly that negative, and your overall general comments when referring to the FCA, send the wrong message to your own members and ours and any new members that may be coming on board in either club.

I also read where one of your people actually said the only reason he joined the FCA was just to get a discount on his Ferrari service ! That's beautiful.

Whatever his reasons, they are his business. I'd like to think the FCA brings a hell of a lot more to the table than that. And we do.

I think that whatever club you may belong to the message is the same: You only got out of a club whatever you put into it.

You also keep pushing that in the FOC "we drive". Now with that I clearly agree, as in the FCA we believe that "Ferraris are meant to be driven". And this year the FCA will be driving around the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway at our National Event. You see, we drive too. And we also travel, we track our cars, we eat, we laugh, and we sit under the trees. And when there's time, we drive some more.

To that burning question of whether to join the FCA or FOC -- that's an easy one. Anyone who's capable enough of owning a ferrari is certainly capable enough to choose a club that suits THEIR individial needs.

CLUBS DON'T NEED TO COMPETE -- THEY NEED TO COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER.

Our FCA Director, Mike Epifanio, works 7 days a week on FCA events, and he's retired! He's done this for years now so we (you) in the FCA can have GREAT events. He and I started working on the 2005 Oak Street event about 5 MINUTES after the 2004 event ended.

So what's the big deal about all"this" ? It's because all "this" takes a lot of work, time, and personal money to produce. Obviously you can see where any negative to "good old boys" just doesn't apply to us.

Somehow, there people out there who expect us to be everything to everyone -- that ain't reality folks !! Conversely, we have hundreds of members who love what we do and they PARTICIPATE. I certianly don't need to do a sales pitch for the FCA --the professional level of quality events around the country speaks for itself.

Oh, and about that $135 dues -- it's STILL the best deal on the planet.

Also, if someone, for some reason,can't stay through the event then we do something very simple: we accommodate them. We try to park them somewhere where thy can easily get out. All they need to do is: TELL US.

Frank, would you not agree, that if someone is not happy with the FCA (or ANY club for that matter) the the answer is clearly simple -- JUST DON'T BE A MEMBER. Don't complain, don't whine, just don't join.

Believe me , I'm not out here to debate you, or anyone, nor criticize your club , but I do ask that you, and your fellow FOC members extend to us the professoinal courtesy that we in the FCA have earned, and in turn, we extend to your club.

Thank You. Drew Massa

 

Frank:

I didn't mean to imply that I "prefer" driving all by my lonesome; I joined FOC not to get Pilota every month, but hopefully to participate in the organized drives. However, the schedule of job (as a physician I need to work many weekends) and family doesn't always permit me to join in on club events (FCA or FOC; and yes, I realize that does not make me unique around here.) That was my point in stating that I would hate to have to rely on club events to drive my car.

Hope to join you folks on a few drives this year.

 

I certainly agree with these points. Good to have you back on FChat, Drew. Would be great to hear more from you in general and from FCA in particular. FChat should be a stage for all clubs and non club members.

 

First,to Gary,(DRGEK) No,by all means I was not implying anything like that,anymore than you were. What I mean is that,it is WHY we have so many things to do...available for everyone. So that someone,like you,who IS very Busy maybe CAN find the time to join up with us sometime! Thats All! (We have other Dr's. who have joined us on Drives...I bet it's really refreshing to get away from the Office,and the Grind. It is for everyone,really. But,I know lots of Doctors,and know that you guys are basically working 24/7) Probably one of the reasons as to Why we even got these Cars in the first place...

I don't expect that everyone Can or Will attend every single event that we offer...I know that I can't,either. I have priorities. Family. 2 Kids. Sports and School events. A House,with a Huge Yard. Starting up a New Business. Dealing with Constant,Severe Pain,every single day. Responsible for my 39 Year old Retarded Brother. Family out in Phoenix,who,will be gone soon,that I try to see as much as I can before they do. Lots of things more important than just getting into my Ferrari and going for a Drive. We all have priorities! And Responsiblities that are more important. That is why it,to me,feels so good to just get away from it all,for a few Hours,and just go for a Drive...More so with a bunch of great Folks...

You know,we had a nice group of Ferrari Owners and Enthusiasts who were already getting together and driving. Having a good time. The reason that we wanted to get the Club back up and going,was that we thought that it would be a nice thing for Others to do,too. Certainly not obligatory,by all means. We want to do this for You,and Others. (And for us,too... ) Thats all! Sure,I suppose that we could have just kept these drives and things to ourselves...We had enough Folks to go out on nice Drives and Events....But,we wanted to share this with anyone else who wants it. Thats all....


Now,to Drew....Man,you got it all wrong....As far as that "Good Old Boy" Reference. I did not start it. And,to be honest with you,couldn't even tell who did. I didn't really know too many of the Folks on here,or that I've met at various Events,(Mostly Yours/FCA) I just got on FChat last August of 2003. At the time that I joined on,I was reading all sorts of Posts about the FCA "Good Old Boys Club",already. I also was reading about some folks being upset about someone that was a Member of the FCA Board, (which they also said,never changes....) who was supposed to put their Car in the Bella Macchines Show,as "For Display Only",because they WERE a Member of the FCA Board. But,they didn't,and they Won First Place with their Car. And alot of people,(who,I really didn't know) were really upset about it. Some Quit the FCA because of it. And,that is where I heard the "Good Old Boys" reference. It wasn't me,man!

Second...I,by all means,never try to "Compete" with the FCA. You guys do have a great Club,and have been at it a long time. I respect that. I am also able to devote 7 days a Week to This Club. That is why I wanted to get it back up and going. Had I not had the time to devote,I probably would have never suggested doing it. It sat "dormant" for many Years,so,I suppose that is why. And,Andreas also devotes ALOT of His Time and Resources to this Club,and He is a very busy man,too.

But,If you look back at any of my previous Posts that reference the FCA in them, (easy to do on this Forum) You will see that I Always say that the FCA is a great Club. But they mostly do Show type,Parking Events. Nothing wrong with that,if that is what you are looking for. And to consider joining it. That you guys have some really Great Events. And,that people should really consider joining BOTH Clubs. I've said that many times. They are alittle different in their Agenda's,which,as I've said many times before,"Compliment Each other". Just as you did,now. I have Never bad Mouthed the FCA in any way. I have,though,mentioned the Differences in the Clubs. And,if that has come across wrong,to you,I apologize. But,there certainly are differences. You can't deny that.

But,also to the Contrary,I never see ANY input from anybody from the FCA on this Forum,other than when you have...and,that has pretty much always been in a Negative Fashion. Back when you were giving Skip a hard time,because he had the 'Cahones' to speak his mind....render his OPINION...

And,now,IMO,wrongfully so. We always mention FCA events,too,on this Forum. They are included on our F.O.C. Website. Are any of our events on yours? Lets talk about "Complimenting each other"... I have always stood up for myself,my whole Life. Spoke my mind. And,never "Backed Down" when I think that I am Right. But...will be THE FIRST to admit when I am wrong. And,sorry,but,I don't think I did anything wrong. I've complimented the FCA. I've sent Potential,(Maybe,now) Members your way. I've supported your events. I can't see anything wrong with that. Will you reciprocate?

Yes,I would really like to work in Harmony with the FCA. That would be Great! And,Just like I said,numerous times,when we first got this Club going again. [Quote:]"We are fortunate to have 2 great Ferrari Dealers here in the Chicago Area. So,why not 2 Great Ferrari Clubs,too"....[End Quote]

Thats my story,and I'm sticking to it....have a great Day!

 

Well,Gents,please allow me add one more thing... When you ask yourself that question...(FOC or FCA) Just look at the post from Drew,"President" of the FCA,posted here... Not only the content,but the fact that it's his 16th post here on FChat in almost as many Months...I need not say another word...I believe that says it all....... It's up to you.

 

Frank, You just don't get it, do you ?

I've tried to "nicely" discuss the issues and ask for your "professional courtesy" and you respond by taking a cheap shot at me. Thanks.

I'm obviously not an F-Chatter as yourself, but that's not what I do. What I did try to do is get our respective clubs "on the same page".

I again repeat that I'm not going to debate you, or criticize you.

We are done here. Drew

 

I have been a member of the FCA for 20 years and have no complaints. I want to thank the club members who have taken the time and put in the effort to make it a worthwhile organization to belong to. It appears to me to be professionally run and I am proud to belong to the club.

 

Am I the only one that sees humor in this? I know Drew, Mike, Frank, Andreas and many other people in the FCA, FOC and this chat site. Everybody is really nice. Although I am an FCA member, I am speaking on nobody's defense or behalf but my own. You are all a bunch of grown men, and you are spending time going back and forth at each other on the INTERNET! How many posts a person has made on here does not measure ANYTHING, or represent ANYTHING. And F-Chat is not an official FCA or FOC web site, as each club has their own sites. Not everybody spends all day on the internet, and those who do need to get out more.

If there is a discussion to be had between FCA and FOC, wouldn't a lot more get accomplished if somebody picked up the phone and called the other party, had a complete conversation that settled everything, and then moved forward? Dragging this out on the internet is semi-pathetic. Have we forgot how to communicate man to man, either in person or verbally on the phone?

But I guess the thing to figure out is who will call who first...

 

I said I joined the FCA for a service discount. I'm glad I did, since that's about all I got out of it. Oh and that spiffy decal.

Straight up dude, the FOC guys are way more fun.

 

KNOCK IT OFF!!!!

This is a load of rubbish!!! This snicker, snicker, a word here and a word there - folks, bottom line here, we're going to hang with the people that we've gotten to know and enjoy being with in this "sharing our passion". Who cares if it's FOC or FCA? - - It's all people - not capital letters. We all love our Ferraris. The people that I met while I was a "looky-loo" researching my first Ferrari, wore red, drove cool cars and, were quite happy to represent both the FOC and FCA organizations.
In the words of Rodney King - Can't We - - - - - ?

Cheers, Hank