Anyone attending this year, June 4-6? Considering making the trek if other coupe owners will be there, trying to talk Paul C. into joining me. How does it compare to historics at Laguna Seca? Thanks
Sonoma Historic Motor Festival
- Thread starter HB Chris
- Start date
Well, how does it compare to 'the big show'...many of the same cars on a different, classic track. Not quite the vendor or big team circus like Laguna, but quality eye candy abounds. Has an intimate paddock area. Good spectating spots where you can see much of the track. I liked turn 7 before they head down into the sweepers. Good spot for spectating spinners!
I got lucky last year and the BMW club was very nice and had a Corral and parked me in a nice spot when I arrived on a whim. Unless you do club parking, prep for a hike or shuttle ride or just get there early for a close spot. A bonus was participating in the track 'parade' (3 laps = only $15!)...if your going, ya gotta take the track and get a 'driver's perspective'. ;-)
All in all, a more scenic setting than Laguna (IMO), smaller crowds, better weather (warm, but can be windy), not sure where the hotels are (plan for a drive)...
In conclusion, I'd contact the local BMW chapter and discuss some coupe parking if possible. They had a nice tent spread and car show on the hill last year, (turn 4/5?).
There was a centerfold write up in the Aug 2010 in Die Flusternde Bombe.
Maybe we could wrangle a coupe crawl that same weekend, there are same great roads around wine country.
HTH!
-shanon
I got lucky last year and the BMW club was very nice and had a Corral and parked me in a nice spot when I arrived on a whim. Unless you do club parking, prep for a hike or shuttle ride or just get there early for a close spot. A bonus was participating in the track 'parade' (3 laps = only $15!)...if your going, ya gotta take the track and get a 'driver's perspective'. ;-)
All in all, a more scenic setting than Laguna (IMO), smaller crowds, better weather (warm, but can be windy), not sure where the hotels are (plan for a drive)...
In conclusion, I'd contact the local BMW chapter and discuss some coupe parking if possible. They had a nice tent spread and car show on the hill last year, (turn 4/5?).
There was a centerfold write up in the Aug 2010 in Die Flusternde Bombe.
Maybe we could wrangle a coupe crawl that same weekend, there are same great roads around wine country.
HTH!
-shanon
Shanon,
Thanks, I sent an e-mail to Jeff Cowan with the GGC since it is on their webpage but there is no info provided. I would be up for a drive as well, any others regulars planning on attending? Kurt, Shawn, etc?
Chris
Thanks, I sent an e-mail to Jeff Cowan with the GGC since it is on their webpage but there is no info provided. I would be up for a drive as well, any others regulars planning on attending? Kurt, Shawn, etc?
Chris
rb1971
Well-Known Member
My project should be done latest end of February and if so, since that's so close to me, I'd be happy to shoot up there. I might be able to encourage 1 or 2 other E9 owners to come along as well.
Sounds good to me!
Hey Chris, I've never been to the event but it sounds like it's worth checking out and it's not that far from me. I added to my calendar, I'll ask Hanson about it when I see him on Thursday
Kurt,
It does sound fun, especially since last year the BMW corral was allowed to take two laps on the track. Haven't heard back from the GGC, last year was their first event there. This is from the August 2010 newsletter:
http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/download/bombe/bombe10aug.pdf
I would leave very early Friday morning from Huntington Beach so as to arrive early that afternoon. Let's see how many coupes we can attract. Shanon is in charge of the 'coupe crawl.'
It does sound fun, especially since last year the BMW corral was allowed to take two laps on the track. Haven't heard back from the GGC, last year was their first event there. This is from the August 2010 newsletter:
http://www.ggcbmwcca.org/download/bombe/bombe10aug.pdf
I would leave very early Friday morning from Huntington Beach so as to arrive early that afternoon. Let's see how many coupes we can attract. Shanon is in charge of the 'coupe crawl.'
http://www.infineonraceway.com/tickets/sonoma_historic_motorsports_festival/
I'm in should be fun...
I'm in should be fun...
I am going to go but am waiting for word from the GGC in case there is a corral package.
Trackside CABANA's
I received this response from the GGC:
"Yes, everyone should experience Sonoma, and I’d love to see a fleet of coupes there!
As of the last board meeting, we have put down a deposit, but a corral is not definite unless we find more sponsorship/cost reduction."
Their coordinator for this event is Sven Schindler and I am waiting to hear from him with more details. I offered to round up a few volunteers if that would help so let's wait and see what develops. Worse case we could meet up beforehand so we could park together but I think they will come through with a corral.
Reply from Sven: "I've been reading the email thread and wanted to let you know that I'm working on the The Corral at Sonoma. I'll make sure to let you know more details as they become available. We do have a space reserved - same location as last year. Working on details."
That would be Turn 3A/4 I believe, awesoe.
"Yes, everyone should experience Sonoma, and I’d love to see a fleet of coupes there!
As of the last board meeting, we have put down a deposit, but a corral is not definite unless we find more sponsorship/cost reduction."
Their coordinator for this event is Sven Schindler and I am waiting to hear from him with more details. I offered to round up a few volunteers if that would help so let's wait and see what develops. Worse case we could meet up beforehand so we could park together but I think they will come through with a corral.
Reply from Sven: "I've been reading the email thread and wanted to let you know that I'm working on the The Corral at Sonoma. I'll make sure to let you know more details as they become available. We do have a space reserved - same location as last year. Working on details."
That would be Turn 3A/4 I believe, awesoe.
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Perhaps it is time to start a new thread in the Events section which I will do. Here is another reply from Sven:
"Chris,
Great to hear that there is interest in The Corral at Sonoma. Do you have an idea of how many people have shown interest in coming to this event? How many cars? I'll let you know if Volunteers are needed - there is always need for parking volunteers and other such exciting activities.
Regards,
svenschindler"
Why you may ask am I so pumped up about this event? After almost 37 years I will officially retire on June 1st and this is a chance to get away and relax. After attending the Concours and Festorics at Laguna Seca the last five years I have met many great coupe owners at these events, as well as the many owners here in the OC, who have become friends. And what a great excuse for a drive in the coupe, especially if we are allowed on the track like last year. I know we have more owners up near Sonoma so I hope they will join in as well. Stay tuned for further developments or send me a PM, I would like to start a list of those attending.
Chris
"Chris,
Great to hear that there is interest in The Corral at Sonoma. Do you have an idea of how many people have shown interest in coming to this event? How many cars? I'll let you know if Volunteers are needed - there is always need for parking volunteers and other such exciting activities.
Regards,
svenschindler"
Why you may ask am I so pumped up about this event? After almost 37 years I will officially retire on June 1st and this is a chance to get away and relax. After attending the Concours and Festorics at Laguna Seca the last five years I have met many great coupe owners at these events, as well as the many owners here in the OC, who have become friends. And what a great excuse for a drive in the coupe, especially if we are allowed on the track like last year. I know we have more owners up near Sonoma so I hope they will join in as well. Stay tuned for further developments or send me a PM, I would like to start a list of those attending.
Chris
coupe74
Well-Known Member
Sonoma Historics lodging & BBQ & drive
I might be able to host a BBQ if there is interest, about an hour from the racetrack in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, out in the vineyards. I have parking for over 30 cars, and room for campers/RVs. (do coupe owners camp? I don't any more!)
Here's a 2-3 hour drive map I highly recommend which includes vineyards, wineries, Hwy1 coast, Russian River, etc: http://www.borglum.com/coupe/e9route.jpg
There is also a "shortcut" from Petaluma from the track through beautiful cattle country.
"Start" marks my house, but you can start from anywhere. It ends at Kendall Jackson Winery tasting room near Hwy 101.
Here's the lodging I recommend to clients:
Discount lodging coupons at http://www.roomsaver.com/
Moderately priced
Hyatt Vineyard Creek at Historic Railroad Square, downtown Santa Rosa exit off Hwy 101, then left one block http://vineyardcreek.hyatt.com 707-284-1234. Its across the street from the Old Railroad Square section with lots of food and entertainment options.
Rohnert Park Doubletree 800 547-8010 Directions: http://www.dtsonoma.com/)
Inexpensive:
Motel 6, 3145 Cleveland Ave Santa Rosa 707-525-9010 or
Motel 6, 2760 Cleveland Ave Santa Rosa 707-546-1500 http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1362
Directions: Hwy 101 North, exit Steele Lane, left on Steele Lane for one block,
right on Cleveland Ave.
Best (other than Bed & Breakfasts):
-Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes Rd (at the Hwy 101/River Road Freeway exit, to the left/west; this is the closest hotel to the Santa Rosa Airport by about 5 minutes)
707-575-7350 http://www.vintnersinn.com/
(note, the Vintners Inn is host to one of the 100 Best Restaurants in America, named John Ash Restaurant -reservations recommended)
-Fountaingrove Inn, 101 Fountain Grove Pkwy 707-578-6101 (better than the Hilton and right next door) http://www.fountaingroveinn.com
-The Raford House is a really nice B&B at http://www.RafordHouse.com
-Benovia Winery Guest Cottage, 3BR house, , includes a private tour and tasting at the winery. Walking distance to my house. http://www.benoviawinery.com/cottage.html
-Along the Russian River and through the redwoods is River’s End with unique ocean-front cabins on a cliff above the mouth of the Russian River, at http://www.ILoveSunsets.com.
-Inman Family Winery Farnhouse, a "bed-no-breakfast" . 3BRs, 4 guests $695/weekend. Walking distance to my house. Details at http://www.inmanfamilywines.com/About-Us/Farmhouse-Rental
-More info, including B&Bs, is available at http://www.sonoma.com/lodging/
-Napa Valley. If you want to stay at a nearby Napa Valley resort instead; Calistoga at the northern end of the Napa Valley has some very nice thermal hot-spring spas with lodging.
http://www.calistogachamber.com or http://www.napavalley.com/regions/calistoga/
Local info, weather, activities and events at http://www.PressDemocrat.com/
more recreational activities at http://www.winecountry.com
San Francisco & Oakland Lodging
Infinite choices, prices and locations in the city or out near the airport.
Call your travel agent for best choices and availability.
More at http://www.SFGate.com/
Discount lodging coupons are at http://www.roomsaver.com/
I might be able to host a BBQ if there is interest, about an hour from the racetrack in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, out in the vineyards. I have parking for over 30 cars, and room for campers/RVs. (do coupe owners camp? I don't any more!)
Here's a 2-3 hour drive map I highly recommend which includes vineyards, wineries, Hwy1 coast, Russian River, etc: http://www.borglum.com/coupe/e9route.jpg
There is also a "shortcut" from Petaluma from the track through beautiful cattle country.
"Start" marks my house, but you can start from anywhere. It ends at Kendall Jackson Winery tasting room near Hwy 101.
Here's the lodging I recommend to clients:
Discount lodging coupons at http://www.roomsaver.com/
Moderately priced
Hyatt Vineyard Creek at Historic Railroad Square, downtown Santa Rosa exit off Hwy 101, then left one block http://vineyardcreek.hyatt.com 707-284-1234. Its across the street from the Old Railroad Square section with lots of food and entertainment options.
Rohnert Park Doubletree 800 547-8010 Directions: http://www.dtsonoma.com/)
Inexpensive:
Motel 6, 3145 Cleveland Ave Santa Rosa 707-525-9010 or
Motel 6, 2760 Cleveland Ave Santa Rosa 707-546-1500 http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1362
Directions: Hwy 101 North, exit Steele Lane, left on Steele Lane for one block,
right on Cleveland Ave.
Best (other than Bed & Breakfasts):
-Vintners Inn, 4350 Barnes Rd (at the Hwy 101/River Road Freeway exit, to the left/west; this is the closest hotel to the Santa Rosa Airport by about 5 minutes)
707-575-7350 http://www.vintnersinn.com/
(note, the Vintners Inn is host to one of the 100 Best Restaurants in America, named John Ash Restaurant -reservations recommended)
-Fountaingrove Inn, 101 Fountain Grove Pkwy 707-578-6101 (better than the Hilton and right next door) http://www.fountaingroveinn.com
-The Raford House is a really nice B&B at http://www.RafordHouse.com
-Benovia Winery Guest Cottage, 3BR house, , includes a private tour and tasting at the winery. Walking distance to my house. http://www.benoviawinery.com/cottage.html
-Along the Russian River and through the redwoods is River’s End with unique ocean-front cabins on a cliff above the mouth of the Russian River, at http://www.ILoveSunsets.com.
-Inman Family Winery Farnhouse, a "bed-no-breakfast" . 3BRs, 4 guests $695/weekend. Walking distance to my house. Details at http://www.inmanfamilywines.com/About-Us/Farmhouse-Rental
-More info, including B&Bs, is available at http://www.sonoma.com/lodging/
-Napa Valley. If you want to stay at a nearby Napa Valley resort instead; Calistoga at the northern end of the Napa Valley has some very nice thermal hot-spring spas with lodging.
http://www.calistogachamber.com or http://www.napavalley.com/regions/calistoga/
Local info, weather, activities and events at http://www.PressDemocrat.com/
more recreational activities at http://www.winecountry.com
San Francisco & Oakland Lodging
Infinite choices, prices and locations in the city or out near the airport.
Call your travel agent for best choices and availability.
More at http://www.SFGate.com/
Discount lodging coupons are at http://www.roomsaver.com/
Keith, Will you be joining us at Infineon? We are up to six coupes for now.
Chris
Chris
coupe74
Well-Known Member
infineon gathering
I tentatively will be there. Depends on work schedule, etc
Keep me posted via PM. [email protected]
If we are lucky, maybe the Empire Sports Car Association will have an autocross that weekend in which we could race each other on the police training track! Schedule is not set yet. Watch their site http://empiresportscar.org
There is also a carting facility nearby http://www.drivenraceway.com
where we could race without damaging our precious cars! ;-)
-Keith
I tentatively will be there. Depends on work schedule, etc
Keep me posted via PM. [email protected]
If we are lucky, maybe the Empire Sports Car Association will have an autocross that weekend in which we could race each other on the police training track! Schedule is not set yet. Watch their site http://empiresportscar.org
There is also a carting facility nearby http://www.drivenraceway.com
where we could race without damaging our precious cars! ;-)
-Keith