Paddock Parking for the 40th
During last nights organizing committee conference call the major topic of discussion was paddock parking, specifically rig sizes, including awnings.
Having done my share of paddock load ins, as have Mike Engleke and the Milwaukee Region, we all recognize the fact that as rigs and support equipment, eg motorhomes, grow bigger that some plan before opening the gates to a land rush is needed.
While a late arriving 20' tag behind a Suburban isn't all that hard to find space for, when a 52' tractor trailer loaded with 6 FF's arrives you better have a spot in mind that is ready and accesible.
So, that understood, we are asking folks to let us know, in this forum, what we can expect as far as big rigs are concerned.
For instance, Neil Porter has ordered a tent from the track and faxed us a layout to include his rig as well as several of his customers rigs to be placed around the tent for access. That is just an example of what we are looking for.
Anything larger than a tag trailer, even a 30' goosneck/fifth wheel needs to be listed.
Unlike the June Sprints, neither we nor the region have the personel or the resources to assign parking for a fee, but we do want some idea of what to expect.
In a conversation with George Bruggenthies, President of Road America, he allowed as how he believes we will be able to begin our paddock load in sometime early afternoon on Wednesday July 22.
Early afternoon on Wednesday means if you get there at 8am you will not get in any earlier and you will simple cause traffic problems and congestion and general irritation to the track and the organizers.
Please plan your arrival for the afternoon of Wednesday July 22.
And please answer in this thread if you are bringing a large rig or are part of a group effort combining cars in a large rig.
Street cars are not a priority unless it is your tow vehicle. Motorhomes towing race cars will be accomodated but stand alone motorhomes may, that's MAY, not be able to be parked next to the tow rig. Near by, but maybe not next to.
There is limited paved paddock and the Region has allowed as how the North Paddock, the area both drivers left and right after entering the track after emerging from the tunnel and up to the base of the hill just below the brat stand, while not exactly reserved for 40th entrants, is certainly a prime location for us.
Steve Beeler and I are planning on being in the North Paddock and the Saturday Party is planned for the North Paddock, either a tent or a building, and really the North Paddock will be FF Central for the duration.
We recognize there are Road America regulars who want their own usual spot and that's fine, we don't want to make anyone park someplece if they'd rather be somewhere else, but given the size of the entry and all the other participants in the Cat National, we need to be realistic.
The more information we have the better we can be prepared and make the load in process as painless as possible.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to our request, 7 weeks and counting !
Originally Posted by Stan Townes
