Gp C&A @ Albert Park AGP 2011

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,

I thought this might be more appropriate in "General Discussion", rather than "Coming Events", as it may not work without numbers. But can I have an Expression of Interest in running a combined Gp C & A race at the AGP at Albert Park next year (2011)?

Please cut-paste-email this to everyone who would be likely (Or unlikely) to have a run and if we can get enough heads... We might get a trot!

Cheers, Chris.

[David Paterson]

Count me in!

[David Towe]

This would be great!!! But how will it effect PI and Bathurst which are only a month apart next year? 3 meetings in 4-5 weeks??

[Capri Carl]

Me too, I might put of the hair dresser for that day:)

[David Paterson]

This would be great!!! But how will it effect PI and Bathurst which are only a month apart next year? 3 meetings in 4-5 weeks??

Good question, but we've got 8 months to save up for it. I guess we'll have to drive carefully at the first two meetings. :)

[Coolvet]

Count me in too!

[Bill Cutler]

I'm certainly up for all three, as long as nothing goes wrong......

There are no confirmed dates for Phillip Island or the Grand Prix yet, but working backwards, Easter (Bathurst) is 23-24 April, Grand Prix is usually mid to late March, and Phillip Island usually the weekend before the GP.

[tatey]

I'm certainly up for all three, as long as nothing goes wrong......

There are no confirmed dates for Phillip Island or the Grand Prix yet, but working backwards, Easter (Bathurst) is 23-24 April, Grand Prix is usually mid to late March, and Phillip Island usually the weekend before the GP.



I would most defently run the Walkinshaw and if the RX7 is completed we would run that also at the GP. I would defently count for the commodore and have the mazda as a back up or display.

Thanks Steve

[dclift93]

sounds pretty awesome but maybe its a bit tight with 3 events in just over a month, would you get the numbers or would it be a 10-12 car event?

[David Towe]

Meeting congestion like this can't make it easy to decide which to enter being as they would be 3 of the big 4 meetings for the year all compressed into a 4-5 week span can't be good for getting big fields at all 3 meetings.
PI is brilliant, Bathurst was great, even if I was a little slow there, and a showcase like the GP would be one to be at too. Decisions, decisions???
If we commit to accepting the invitation for our categories to be on the each program are we going to be left with 15 or so cars at each?

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,

Fair enough on the event congestion Small Banger (That feels weird typing that as a reference to an individual...). It's going to be my annual holidays if it all comes together with PI and Bathurst!

We will get good TV coverage (Best since 1984 and 1992 anyway) for the GP C&A cars from the AGP and that has to be a good thing for the movement, so try and make it happen guys!

Cheers, Chris.

[cossiepower]

Would cigarette sponsorship be alllowed considering it is non historic event and televised??

[DAVIDH]

Hi Chris,

Please put my name down as a person of interest with the GIO Walkinshaw.

Cheers

David.

[troy stapleton]

I would be interested as long as it is in race format and not just display laps.
TV coverage and the large crowd make this one not to be missed.

[Lindsay]

Chris,
Is this continuing from what Richard W started this year by having Group C&A cars on display or is it something new starting up?

Lindsay

[Chris Bowden]

Chris,
Is this continuing from what Richard W started this year by having Group C&A cars on display or is it something new starting up?

Lindsay

That's great news guys! It's somewhere new to win in the Walky David!!

In principle, the format will mimic that of the F5000's, so it's a race.

Cigarette ad's might be an issue?! Will check...

Richard's concept is a good one for edging our way in. This way is similar, but different :)

Call me for more details on anything guys. 0438269938.

Cheers, Chris.

[Rod Markland]

Hi Guys,

I thought this might be more appropriate in "General Discussion", rather than "Coming Events", as it may not work without numbers. But can I have an Expression of Interest in running a combined Gp C & A race at the AGP at Albert Park next year (2011)?

Please cut-paste-email this to everyone who would be likely (Or unlikely) to have a run and if we can get enough heads... We might get a trot!

Cheers, Chris.

You can count on between four or five Nissans being there

[Chris Bowden]

That's great news guys. Shame about them being Nissan's, but I guess you have to be fair and let everyone play :)

I have had quite a few phone enquiries too, which is very flattering. I think I shouldn't have to, BUT, just to put it out there due to a couple of enquiries;

We are going to be sharing with F1 and V8SC's + the rest of the best in Aust. If/when we get there in 2011, we will be an unproven and relatively unknown entity to the FIA, promoters, mainstream paying public etc. We might/will be on the "lowest rung" of categories in their eyes, because of the afore mentioned fact. If you are going to be grumpy because we MIGHT get pushed around with other categories schedules and we don't have the best pit locations etc. Please don't come. Save it for 2012, when we have proven what an amazing crowd pleaser our beloved 1973-92 spec cars are, we might be moved up a rung or two in the promoters eyes. I have had the privelige of a run at the AGP before and the circuit, infrastructure and professionalism of the people who staff it is world class, safe & well worth a few hurdles!

Cheers, Chris.

[GMSEXA]

If i have a car going i will be there!!

[Rosso Corsa]

Chris Any idea of what the promoter would be expecting for entry fee and marquees?

[tatey]

Chris Any idea of what the promoter would be expecting for entry fee and marquees?



From what i here, The entry cost would be simular to bathurst any where around $1000 - $1500.00 plus Marquee.

[Chris Bowden]

From what i here, The entry cost would be simular to bathurst any where around $1000 - $1500.00 plus Marquee.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best guys :D

I can't be exact, but if you budget what Tatey has put forward, you hopefully won't be left short. It would depend on grid numbers of course. 25 cars would end up being expensive, 35, not so expensive etc. Other than Ecurie Investments, I'm hoping to bring on a corporate sponsor or two to lighten the load. As its not a historic event per se' would there be any major objections to windscreen banners getting covered with a backing sponsors logo?

I need some of Pato's magic Polls going on here?!

David, can you whack one up about attendance at the AGP and another about windscreen banners and people's opinions?

Cheers, Chris.

[drbob]

Put me down for a coupla cars Chris, me seto and dubois if possible

[Chris Bowden]

Great stuff. Between the Nissan's and Seto' I think David had bretter bring his "A Game" with the Walky!!

Cheers, Chris.

[drbob]

Great stuff. Between the Nissan's and Seto' I think David had bretter bring his "A Game" with the Walky!!

Cheers, Chris.

Another Nissan..... Seto will probably be in the 91 Bathurst winner.

[Brett Maddren]

Sounds like a great event and with PI just before makes it worth the trip down from Qld.
Chris put us down, plan to bring the 92 Bond Caltex Sierra.

[Bill Cutler]

I have had the privelige of a run at the AGP before and the circuit, infrastructure and professionalism of the people who staff it is world class, safe & well worth a few hurdles!

Cheers, Chris.

Ditto. But more than that, its a great driver's circuit. Not to be missed.

[DAVIDH]

As it seems we may be lucky enough to have another Datsun and Ford in the class, we should ask the AGP to put them into another support paddock area to stop the RUST from jumping over to the other cars !

Until then I will stay away from the party pies and keep them honest.

Regards David.

[Rod Markland]

Envy is a terrible condition David, it clouds your judgment:
Rod

[Brett Maddren]

As it seems we may be lucky enough to have another Datsun and Ford in the class, we should ask the AGP to put them into another support paddock area to stop the RUST from jumping over to the other cars !

Until then I will stay away from the party pies and keep them honest.

Regards David.

I can understand your concern David; Dunnydores are just Holden together aren't they.

[Fast Eddie]

I can understand your concern David; Dunnydores are just Holden together aren't they.

Brett,

As much as it disturbs me to admit it, you may be on to something. I am having some quality issues with components on my Holden.

I first noticed it at MCM last year where I experienced quite a serious problem with the mirrors.

For the first few laps I could see a yellow Mustang, but then the outside mirrors folded in and I couldn't see it anymore. Quite concerning.

I started using the rear view mirror in the cabin, however it was obviously faulty as well. The same yellow Mustang kept getting smaller and smaller in the mirror as the race went on.

Same thing happened with Frank's car at Eastern Creek at the end of the year.

We are still looking for a solution, but I believe this problem was experienced by many of the Commodore teams back in the early 80s. :D

Anyway, we'll keep working on it, and I hope to see you all at the AGP.

Regards

Ed

[Brett Maddren]

Hey Ed it’s obvious your mirrors are faulty
Will see if we can get them fixed at the next meet!

[Chris Bowden]

I'm just pleased to hear Ed acknowledges the existence of his mirrors!

Hmmm... Rusty Datsun's and Ford's, VS glued together Holden's. Geeez, the AGP blokes are gonna' LOVE us! Lucky the Mazda's will raise the standard :) again...

[David Towe]

Lucky the Mazda's will raise the standard :) again...

By the power of 6? (tongue firmly in cheek)

[Sierra]

I would be honoured to run either (or both) of my 2 x Group A Sierra's at AGP 2011

Regards ROB TWEEDIE

www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

[Chris Bowden]

I would be honoured to run either (or both) of my 2 x Group A Sierra's at AGP 2011

Regards ROB TWEEDIE

www.ibcholdings.com.au/cars

That's great news Rob. Any chance of giving Tom a run in one?

It's getting to proposal time guys. I have to compile a rough list of interested parties & their cars. Anyone else keen? If you don't want to post your interest here, please email me ASAP on chris@bowdensown.com.au or call on 0438269938.

Cheers and thanks, Chris.

[Lindsay]

I'm in with the roadways 77 hatch
Lindsay

[Rosso Corsa]

Im interested with the Masterton Homes VK

[Chris Bowden]

That's great news guys. Any chance if everyone could add your names please? The prop' will look a bit funny with 'Capri Carl' and 'Rosso Corsa' as car owners. Feel free to PM or email me if it is a privacy issue?

[Capri Carl]

I will be there with my Seton Mk111 Capri 3.0 S.
Carl Muller

[Andy Kirwan]

Put Garry Kirwan down in the Jagparts Walkinshaw

[Chris Bowden]

Good stuff guys, thanks. We're starting to look at a grid of 35-40 cars... A couple of new cars to the field too. Nice!

Cheers, Chris.

[Adrian Brady]

Hi Chris, I will be on for that in the 635. What about cigarette advertising?

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Chris, I will be on for that in the 635. What about cigarette advertising?

That's great news Adrian; We might drag down our old girl too? Working on the smokes issue with the AGP board. Will let you know the outcome ASAP.

[tatey]

Chris, Theres also other guys that probably haven't responded, I'm sure there would be another six cars from victoria that havent showed interest yet. Whats the likely hood of this event taking place, Apparently there looking at dropping events next year at the GP. F1 / V8 supercar / Formula 5000's probably in, Tattersalls historics probably in. What are they going to drop from the previous years is still the question. Lets cross our fingers it takes off, I've been lucky enough to do laps there also and its fantastic experience with that size crowd.

[Chris Bowden]

Chris, Theres also other guys that probably haven't responded, I'm sure there would be another six cars from victoria that havent showed interest yet. Whats the likely hood of this event taking place, Apparently there looking at dropping events next year at the GP. F1 / V8 supercar / Formula 5000's probably in, Tattersalls historics probably in. What are they going to drop from the previous years is still the question. Lets cross our fingers it takes off, I've been lucky enough to do laps there also and its fantastic experience with that size crowd.

Hi Tatey,

The reality is that we are looking at a 50/50 chance for a start in 2011. You're right about the number of other category's getting squeezed, courtesy of the V8's race time getting extended. That has NOT helped the cause sadly. It is now in the capable hands of the AGP Board to both process the request and come to a conclusion about the "Smokes" issue. I'm confident that we can bring enough to the table, in the form of on track and in the pits entertainment, increase in gate numbers and corporate backing, to warrant a welcome start.

If not, their loss for 2011 and we will be in for 2012.

For the record guys, I have had enough people express interest, for a 40 car grid, some of which have never been on a track since the 80's and 90's. Great stuff! :) Even my old man muttered about running a couple of his cars, with even older drivers.
I will keep you all posted and I look forward to handballing the whole thing over to the various state Reps and Justin, ASAP!!:D

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,

I don't know the $$ damage, but is anyone keen for a cracking tax write off up for buying a corporate box/ tickets at the AGP in 2011? Will help smooth the process.

Please contact me ASAP 0438269938.
Cheers, Chris.

[Sierra]

Expression of interest to whom it may concern ...

1 x Group A Sierra RS500 ... would be very pleased to be on the entry list ... I have raced there before and is one of Austraia's best circuits plus the atmostphere is electric. Count me in please?

Cheers

ROB TWEEDIE
0408 162 762

[Admin]

Any updates Chris ???

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Nev,

Soon mate. Sorry for the delay/lack of communication. We have a major sponsor agreeing in principle and a few other necessary ingredients for a slot at the 2011 AGP. So it's looking good!

Will have something more conclusive V. soon, that I will post in the Gp C & A members area.

Cheers, Chris.

[David Towe]

Hi Nev,


Will have something more conclusive V. soon, that I will post in the Gp C & A members area.

Cheers, Chris.

Where's the Gp C and A members area? What if you're not a member of the Group C Assoc?

[David Paterson]

Just saw on an F1 website, proposed 2011 calendar has AGP on March 27. That's four weeks prior to FoSC Easter Bathurst.

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,
A formal proposal was lodged by our potential naming rights sponsor (They have another biggish event they sponsor on this weekend!) to the AGP board and they are now making decisions. Fingers crossed!!
The "smokes issue" does not look good. The AGP is Govt. funded and have to be be seen to be very proactive in minimising anything that could be deemed "politically incorrect". I have bitched and moaned to them ad nauseum, about censorship of our motorsport history, PC gone mad, bureaucrat's gone mad blah, blah, blah... and they agree. But their hands are tied and 'them's the rules'. The bottom line is your car cannot carry any Fag Packet signage :(

Will let everyone know the outcome ASAP.

Cheers, Chris.

[David Towe]

OK, But can we just change a letter in the name? Just like my close personal friend Bob Tweedie did with the "Peter Johnson" he ran on the Sierra? Winfield becomes Vinfield. JPS becomes JFS, Peter Styvesant becomes Peter Stywesant for example. That way they look the same but aren't advertising a "fag".:confused:

[Chris Bowden]

I know you like your signage Small Banger. But as per my post; Your car cannot carry any Tobacco Company signage. The F5000's have been told if they bring a car with Tobacco signage on it, it's straight back on the trailer. I expect we will get the same Supp Regs.

I would recommend "Peter Jackson", becomes "Ross Donnelly", "JPS" is "BMW", or "FAG" perhaps? "Winfield" becomes "Ashwood". "Peter Stuyvesant" becomes "Paul Stubber".

It's a silly rule, so you may as well have some fun with it :)

We will have a response this time next week.

Thanks for staying tuned and the support guys.

[David Towe]

OK, but we can't change our signage according to historic rules.

[Fast Eddie]

OK, but we can't change our signage according to historic rules.

From the 2010 CAMS Manaul - 5th Category Historic Cars

Group A Touring Cars - Vehicle Signage (C)

"A vehicle may be presented in its Original Signage or with omissions from that signage or with no signage at all."

[David Towe]

From the 2010 CAMS Manaul - 5th Category Historic Cars

Group A Touring Cars - Vehicle Signage (C)

"A vehicle may be presented in its Original Signage or with omissions from that signage or with no signage at all."

So like I said but still no change as suggsted earlier. We can't change the names. We can however, leave a letter off without straying outside the rules.
"JP Team BMW" is born, I feel like a "Winfeld" ciggie, "Pter Stuyvesant" Not changed, just ommitted a letter from each. Surely this will be OK?

[Admin]

Chris,

What are the license requirements for this likely to be - NC or PC?

Thanks, Nev

[David Towe]

You'd have to think it would be NC at an F1 event wouldn't you?

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the delay, but the AGP Board have put back the response time to this Friday 29/10/10.
I can't help but think that Ed is correct with the CAMS manual quote. As I was 'shooting from the hip' with my suggestion, as we won't be running exactly under Cat' 5 rules in regards to signage.
Once/If we get a green light as a support category, we will have to start talking with AGP and CAMS over how the class can run (Signage, License requirements etc). I will put you out of your misery then Small Banger.
Cheers, Chris.

[Admin]

Any updates Chris?

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Nev,

Sorry mate, no. They have asked for an extension to this Friday. I thought saying "No" might be a bit pointless :)
Will let you know ASAP!!
Cheers, Chris.

[Chris Bowden]

Hi Guys,
I'm sorry to say, but we did not make the cut for 2011. Thank you for all the support and I'm sorry to drag this out so long for a "No". We matched and in some cases exceeded every level of the criteria given to us, so I'm guessing whoever bumped us has some pretty good hook-ups in Vic. The upside is we now have a few corporate types with great reputations keen to back the Gp C & A org at a major event and that we might get a go in 2012.
Cheers and thanks again. Chris.

[Coolvet]

Bugger!

We were all looking forward to running at this prestigious event. Thanks Chris for your great efforts in trying to pull this off. Let's hope for 2012

[mtpanorama]

Oh crap!
Looks like I am now using my leave pass to come to Phillip Island instead. I havn't been to PI before so it will be a new track for me to visit, unfortunately not racing though.

[Bill Cutler]

Chris - I just want to thank you for the countless hours you have spent on this - hopefully it will mean that bigger and better opportunities come our way ...

Bill

[Rod Markland]

Hi Guys,
I'm sorry to say, but we did not make the cut for 2011. Thank you for all the support and I'm sorry to drag this out so long for a "No". We matched and in some cases exceeded every level of the criteria given to us, so I'm guessing whoever bumped us has some pretty good hook-ups in Vic. The upside is we now have a few corporate types with great reputations keen to back the Gp C & A org at a major event and that we might get a go in 2012.
Cheers and thanks again. Chris.
Chris Thanks for all you effort and work in putting the Group A & C cars case to the GP board, While we are all dissapointed they too have missed out on a great display. Hopefully by 2012 they will have relised their mistake and include us in the future

[Chris Bowden]

Cheers everyone, much appreciated. I would like to, albeit belatedly, thank Ed Singleton for all his concise help and general support also. The whole 'movement' is fortunate he likes 'real cars'. We would not have got as far without his assistance.

Cheers, Chris.

[Chris Bowden]

I knew this would be the outcome;

http://www.speedcafe.com.au/2010/12/17/high-profile-events-for-carrera-cup/

We had "two chances" running against these chaps. Porsche Australia are Melbourne based, they could not have accepted not getting a run at the AGP.

[David Paterson]

Now that Bathurst is looking very doubtful for 2012, is there any chance of getting a go at AGP 2012?

[Chris Bowden]

You never know your luck Pato!?

[Fast Eddie]

Now that Bathurst is looking very doubtful for 2012, is there any chance of getting a go at AGP 2012?

David, I'm not sure why you would think that. The 12 hour is unlikely, but we will have an opportunity to return to Mt Panorama at Easter 2012 at the Bathurst Motor Festival for proper racing. This is a Yeehah Event for 2012.

Ed

[David Paterson]

Yeehah indeed!