Re: Great weekend/historics/tour (kinda long)

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/15/98 John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com> writes:

<< I'm still offering to work a little at setting up a weekend deal at
Monterey for the Historics. Get a place, provide a list of a variety of
things to do related and unrelated to the races. We need to get moving
on this, as rooms DO sell out early. I'm thinking we might be able to
get a whole small motel, maybe one with a pool, and one that's a little
older and a little cheaper. Bring the Wives/SOs, even kids(?). Maybe a
little sightseeing, some spirited driving, wine tasting, a night
together at a great restaurant? We can do this. >>

John is correct. Rooms do sell out fast on the Monterey Peninsula for the
Historics weekend. Be forwarned that even the "cheap" places will be *very*
pricey anywhere near Monterey. For lowest cost nearby the town of Marina is
prolly your best bet. There are two places (Travelodge and a Motel 6?) that
are right on the Marina State Beach and a new place (Laguna Inn?) not far
away. I would tend to avoid Salinas--too gang ridden. Seaside is a bit sleazy
too but much better than Salinas. Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove hotels will
all start near or above triple digits per night.

This year's Saturday attendance was reported (by Laguna Seca) to be their
highest attendance ever. I'm not surprised...the crowds were worse than last
weekend's CART race. (Where, thanks to using the "local's entrance" off Hwy
218, we breezed in and out both days and parked on the turn 9 hill as was the
plan for MH98 gone bad. Never again will I do Reservation Rd. with the new
"traffic and parking plan".) I don't expect a repeat of that in 1999...it was
an aberation for Porche's 50'th birthday. As far as plans around the event I
think his ideas are wonderful and we do need to start working on it soon.

On that thought, I am assuming that the only "officialy" recognized "club"
will be QCUSA. I am assuming that to participate in any of that (including the
club parking at the track?) one will need to be a member of that group.

A planned drive is essential. Many opt to take a drive down the coast to Big
Sur. On weekdays that isn't too bad. Scott Fisher has some excellent routes
down and has experience at organizing these drives as well.

Time for the Bay Area folks to join together and get a Bay Area Chapter of
QCUSA going to make sure we can have some say in organizing the various
"official" activities and functions.

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq