Is the FCA Corral at the Monterey Historics worth it??

Brian you just spent about 200k on a very nice car you aren't serious about the $85 question are you?

 

Anyone can spend money, but spending money wisely is hard. $85 to waste is still wasting $85.

 

Well lets face it, most 4re's are garage queeny types. The problem with the coral is it is a coral like horsey style. Last time I saw it I did not bring my 4re due to # of passengers I took to Monterey. There was dirt to park on and that means dust everywhere. Pitty the guys who drove spyders and cabs! All the cars are piled in haphazard on the dirt. You have to relie on your fellow 4re to not ding you. Then public wanders through that's what I did on my way around somehwhere during the historics. That means other possible damage. Due to haphazard piling of cars at all angles and pitches on the dirt you are boxed in and can't leave until the people around you are gone. Check with FCA but that is how I have seen it done. Personally, it is best to wander the historics going into the paddocks and wandering the track. You will be moving anyway and it will be hot and dusty. Two laps around LS will most likely be parade laps...big deal. If you are able to rip around (highly unlikely) two laps don't even get the oil hot.

 

it's a great deal...having been to Monterey numerous times, I would always sign up for this even if I was not bringing my car down. You get a nice parking area for your car, you get a place to relax away from the crowds, you get great shots of the racers going into the corner...

Yes, the car is going to get dirty...this is a given for any parking area there. Only this one is someplace where you can watch it!

 

The FCA corral parking is dusty, but then so is general parking. At least it's relatively flat, and the parking is relatively well controlled. The spacing of cars is better than in general parking. With regards to people walking among the cars, from what I've seen, most people treat the Ferrari's with respect. If you're really concerned about dust and the general public, you could put on a car cover. I've seen some do that, but it takes the fun out of displaying your baby. I'll probably attend the historics this year, and I will most likely park in the FCA corral.

The view from turn 5 is nice. It's a left hander leading up the hill that sets up the famous corkscrew. I would encourage you to walk around the track to see the paddock area and the different turns. The paddock is what make the historics so interesting.

 

Regarding the Concours Italiano... Do it. It is the difference of being a "participant"or being a "spectator" REgarding the Historics.... Driving to the races,parking,dust etc...it is a toss-up.
I've always liked the ability to come and go it at will as some of it gets
boring after a bit.Watching not the same as racing yourself (what you'll have after the Concours).

Either way it goes Brian you're going to LOVE IT!
ENJOY!