Hello all, I figured we should start planning early for the annual Houston area thirdgen gathering that way all the out-of-towners have time to plan in advance to attend.

How about Tomball College parking lot, mid December?

Tomball college is a nice, BIG, parking lot and it's easy to find.

Opinions? Questions? Exact date?


Mike (1bad91Z)

 

Mike...The first couple of three weekends in December should work. Just remember Christmas parties to contend with so early to mid afternoon for a meeting time would be cool. Will definitly try to be at this one!!

 

#1) It needs to be on a Saturday. I and many others work during the week and wouldn't be prepared for a mid-week thing.

#2) It needs to be near the end of the month -as that's when all the college people are out (I'm sure I'm not alone here)

Honestly, I wasn't all that impressed with the Tomball Parking lot at the last meet. It's a ways out of Houston (which kindof makes this exclusive to north Houston) and I think a more central location would be better. We don't have to limit ourselves to parking lots either. Remember in December in Houston it's normally hot, so even a day at the track would be nice. Those who wanted to race could and the rest could stay in their nice HUGE field. We could plan a barbecue or something. Steak is real cheap when bought in bulk.

I know I'll be away for all of next semester - but I'll help with anything I can. Something I've been kicking around in my head is a flyer we could put up in Performance Shops around Houston. Surely there are more nice thirdgens than come this little hole-in-the-wall site.

Another idea - if we could schedule to have our gathering co-incide with a major/minor car show with judges and such...that would draw publicity to our little "club". And there's always tha chance of getting some kind of trophie or free prize

 

Damn 3.1.. I think you have it down

Of course, I am up for any meet.

 

sounds like a plan to me, the only problem i see with jon's idea is, when you post it you do get more thirdgens, but you also get alot more of everyone else, this includes imports. they will just think its a car show, and show up.

 

Yea, we only need thirdgen's to show up that way we get to talk to and meet all of us instead of wasting timing talking to people that walk up that have nothing to do with owning a thirdgen or even being a member of this board.

That is why a more slightly secluded location would be a better choice. If we have it at a track or if we advertise (flyers) to people other than thirdgen owners, there would be ALL kinds of people walking up and parking their r!ce-mobiles and jeep wranglers next to our cars and then it wouldn't be a gathering any more. It would be just another impersonal car show.

Location:
I still think the Tomball college lot is a good location. Last year, the gathering was in Humble, TX , which was still North Houston, just more East of Tomball. The Humble gathering was on a small secluded road. The Tomball college lot is a huge clean parking lot. What other location suggestions do you guys have in mind?

Date and Time:
How about the 1st Saturday after X-mas arround 1:00 pm?
Any suggestions?


Let me know what you guys think!

Mike (1bad91Z)

 

hmm.... i was really liking the whole track/BBQ thing.

 

I still think the track/BBQ thing is my best idea. Having been to a similar gathering before (with the Arkansas Pontiac Association) - I can vouch that it was alot of fun and not everybody that came ran their cars. Everybody brought a couple lawn chairs and a guy that towed his car in brought a BBQ pit. Everybody that was planning on coming sent the cook 10 bucks and we were well fed.

Heck I don't know man - you're planning this apparently so you plan it. I just didn't like the service at the Denny's last time and/or the long distance I had to drive through the rain - just to have some people wanting to go to the track anyway.

And about the advertisement thing - we can just do the same thing we did for the last annual meet. Advertise on all the known f-body boards in the Houston/Texas/Lousiana area. It worked last time - as we met a couple people who rarely ever (if at all) went to thirdgen.org

 

Advertising on the other f-body boards sounds good!

There is a Chilis right next door to Denny's (I dont care for Denny's either).

If you guys dont want to come to Tomball, where would you suggest?

I dont feel like driving my car all the way to Baytown, so I wont be going to the track until my dad gets his new vehicle trailer.

Suggestions?

 

Somewhere in the NorthCentral Houston Area would be best, I think. As most of us are from the Northern parts of Houston anyway. I don't have a map out to look at Houston - so I've no clue where would be good.

But more than anything - I want the next meet to be closer to Houston. If this is a Houston meet - it needs to be within what most consider Houston. I'm sure there are guys on the west and South sides of Houston that would want to attend without having to drive for 2+ hours.

 

What about the Sonic on 1960 @ Aldine Westfield or the Sam's club on Highway 6 @ I-10.

1960 is closer than Tomball to beltway 8 and you guys that want to goto the track will probably take beltway anyways.

So far we have Tomball College, Sonic (FM 1960), Sam's (hw6).

What other places would be good? Those above are the only places I can think of.

 

In December HRP is only open on Friday night and Sunday by the looks of their calander and they are closed for the winter after Sunday Dec. 14th. FYI

 

I'll be goin' to San Jac in the ASEP program. So I'll be living in Channelview half the time. I'll see if I can't make it out. Sounds like fun.

 

What do we have for a date, first Saturday after Christmas? I'll be there, though that means I have to come back to Houston from Xmas break a day ealier than I wanted too. Ah well...

 

Ok, so it's gonna be Saturday Decemeber 27th (provided the weather is nice).

Is that day ok for everyone to make?


Still need more idea's on a meeting place!




MODERATOR - could you make this a sticky?

Thanks,

Mike (1bad91Z)

 

I'll be there, but Gee Whiz Wally, Dec is a long way off. How about some "MINI" Gatherings before then? OR maybe since I'm new to this board, there already are and I am not aware of it?

 

it's alright Zap. We just like planning large elaborate get togethers....only to have it rain. It's something we've come to enjoy

 

Anybody going to the I-10 west/Hwt. 6 at Sam's club?

There are a couple of us going, who have never meet any of U guys that are going --about dark or dark thirty. See U there?

 

not a good weekend for me... sorry
It's too hard to get out around x-mas time. Too many things to do

 

any weekends that are good for you Fatal? We're discussing this stuff now that when December arrives we have our calendars marked. I enjoyed seeing you and your car last time - and would love to see ya'll again. Any suggestions?

 

I'm up for any dry Saturday in December that works for as many of you guys as possible. Hopefully this will be the biggest Houston area gathering to date.

Any other thoughts on a date and or meeting place?

 

I'm in!

Anybody know of an open air covered parking area big enough, that we might be able to go talk to the owners and see if they will let us meet there?

Come on --think hard!!!

 

Golly, Mom.Dec.27th sounds good to me. Hopefully, I'll have the car painted by then. But if not....... Is Tomball College still the location of choice?

 

I like the Tomball College location. It's huge, quiet, and free!

Sorry, I dont know any covered parking area's big enough to hold a gathering!

Everyone - start posting a date that would most suit your needs to be able to attend. (This includes you fatal88!)



I'm up for any dry Saturday in December.

 

the 27th sounds good to me guys

but if anyone would like to meet down south towards say baytown ways I live in baytown and there are a ton of empty LARGE parking lots available, plus there are always car show in baytwon on friday nights.........


and seeing that I live on like 1/2 an acre and am the best cook I know, and then there's that homebrew of mine and my keg/beer tap setup of mine.....naaaaaaaahhhhh ya'll wouldn't be interested in that......oh and did i mention I work in seabrook at a hotel so rooms could get cheap real quick...........

 

I know its not very centrally located, being just off I-10 just west of SEaly, but it is a very nice facility for racing and gathering. It's cheap, $10 to get in $5 extra for racing. They have a huge pit area for cars, Ive never seen it close to being filled up. Those who want to race could, even though its only an 1/8 mile track, you get tree practice and real racing, plus its easier on your car than the 1/4 mile. Also it is very laid back there. They allow coolers with food and whatever. I usually have a few beers from my cooler while watching cars run, then make a run, then few more beers etc. NOt to good for reaction times later in the day though

Just thought Id throw this idea out. Its a pleasant drive out I-10 (once you get out of the city). If we don't do go there I vote for SAms on HWY 6. I have been to the car show there the last few weeks and they seem very tolerant. They hot rodders even hire sherriffs to walk around and make sure everything is cool. Definitely no burnouts or donuts allowed.

 

Great Idea, Larrry!:hail:

 

I don't have any problem with this location, especially if this is a once every 6 months thing! I think it would be kinda cool having it there.

Hey Larry, how much is it to get in --think they would give us any breakon a club meeting thing like this? I elect U to find out all the necessary info since you go there all the time.

What about it people what do U think?

Who is actually in charge of this semi-annual event anyway or is it just a majority agreement type deal. Please remember I'm new to this board and really don't know a lot of the background on all this stuff!

 

Actually, I'd like to have anyone with a car that runs show up for every car club bash and kick the crap out of HALO (lightning club)!!!!!!

 

I will be glad to get the information. Normal entry is $10, like I said, and $5 more to race. Maybe there is a bulk discount or something. They do have car club bashes ever so often with Halo, Houston F body, Westside Mustangs, etc. I went once and ran with the Houston F body club, all fourth gens. NOw we could have our own club, HOuston Thirdgens or something like that. It would be fun, its all bracket racing. The time I was there there were maybe 20 or more Lightning trucks, a lot. And they were pretty much winning every race. Remember in bracket racing it doesn't matter how fast your car is, just cut a good light and be consistent. Those trucks are pretty fast though. Most were running in the 8s and some highly modded in the 7s (remember this is 1/8mile, they're not THAT fast

Anyway, I think this would be a great place for a meet/race/barbecue. There are big grassy areas in the pit areas. I will find out what the policies are on all this and report back.

Anyway Barry I know you want a rematch

 

Yeah. I got a line on a set of Slicks. But instead of running with all those 4th gens, why don't we have a thirdgen club?

 

We could definitely do that. I will find out what is involved, like how much it costs, etc. I think the have one of those car club bashes about every two months or so. They have a huge turnout. I went there just to run test and tune one night and ended up running with the HOustonF body guys. They were really nice. It would be fun to have our own thirdgen club. I will let you know.

 

It would be very cool to have a meet at Houston Raceway Park or Lonestar Raceway but the tracks close in Dec. This is their down time for the year and don't open again until late Jan or Feb. Lonestar is open on Dec 6th and closed after that for the rest of the year. You could check and see about renting the track but it could be a little pricey if they would do it at all.

http://www.lonestarraceway.com/Schedule/schedule.html

 

YOu are absolutely right about that, I forgot. Well shoot, maybe we could have a meet out there before or after Christmas. Would be fun to race you if you give a big head start

 

It would be alot of fun and for some of these guys who have never experienced a run down the track it would show them the number their car runs. It would be a good Spring, Summer or Fall event. As for a head start in a heads up run I would give ya a couple of links. Hehehehe

 

Sealy would be a good place to get some experience launching and whatnot. Its a 1/8 mile strip. First place I ever raced. However, for the same price, baytown is a full 1/4 mile instead of 1/8. But baytown will also be packed while sealy is usually pretty open.

If I have my thirdgen still i might bring it on down, if I dont have it, Ill come by int he fourthgen. I still love the thirds and want to see them all.

 

Back to plan A!!!

 

Since the tracks are probably going to be closed, my vote is still for Tomball college. There is a road where we could all go to drag race if you want thats only 5 minutes from the college and on that road, the 1/4 mile is already marked off.

As far as meeting at a track, that would be a better Spring or Fall gathering. Just a thought!

Any closer on a set Date for everybody yet?

What works for you guys?

 

Houston Motor Speedway will be opening an 1/8 mile track on Nov. 1st, and it is supposed to be open year round. Pricing for entry has not been decided as of yet, but when they are, they will be released on their website:

http://www.houstonspeedway.com

Just an idea.

 

When is the strip supposed to be open?

 

1st sentance

 

when is this going to be?? i mean night time would be cool also does everyone want legal street racing?? because i know this back road where i live its 4 lanes wide 2 each direction and there is this big lot behind this factory its usally empty with some trailer there sometimes saturday nights the roads are completly empty for miles

BTW - this is out in katy

 

Scott,

SORRY I GUESS I SHOULD FINISH READING THE SPEED READING BOOK BEFORE I TRY TO DO IT!!! DUH! LOL!!!

 

You know guys...this is actually kindof disappointing. Illegal street racing in any form or fashion (inclucing old abandoned buildings) is where people get hurt, cars get smashed, and people get the wrong impression of what a car club or gathering is. Don't forget the K-mart raid - that was a "car gathering".

When we have one of these annual meets I clear my calendar and plead with my boss. This is important to me and many others. The last thing I want to do is screw up my week/month/life by doing something like illegal street racing. I'll get off my rant now, and I don't want any replies regarding how street racing isn't that bad or how "everybody" street races. I don't care. All I know is that if there is any street racing planned for a meet - the meet will be at least 2 or more thirdgens short as I sure am not going to come.

I like the idea of the new track opening though. Or even if the guys at Sealy could prep the track for one night and we could pay to rent the place.

 

i agree with this. if we are going to race, then it should at least be legal. if we cant go to the track, then we can just have a simple meet...

 

AGREED!!!

I don't street race--never have---never will!!!

If the 1/8 mile strip at Houston Speedway opens in time, that would be a great place. I know the area (racetrack grounds itself) very well! I've spent more Sat nights there, than at home when it was dirt. I also went out there a couple months ago to the ASA show. Lotta shade trees, plenty of room. definately secluded, in my opinion--a excellent place to have a meet! From what I hear, the people that own and run it, are very accomidating and service oriented. Just depends on whether or not there are no construstion delays and they get it open on time!

 

I like the idea of meeting at a track. If neither track works out, then the Tomball college has got my vote only because I kinda know where that is. We'll probably have to set the date ealier in the month to get out to the track before it closes.

 

SURE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR SOME OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINION'S AND/OR SUGGESTIONS, INSTEAD OF THE SAME FEW WHO HAVE POSTED!!!

Again, since I am new to this board, who is in charge or "kinda" in charge of putting this thing together? Who has done it in the past?

 

I (along with the very much appreciated help of a couple others) organized last years event. I can't remember who organized it the year before though.

Also Zap - not many people will post here until we get a thread going with good details. And when you think about it....December is 4 months away. Just give it time.

 

Actually the rule is that the first guy who asks who is in charge is then in charge. (actually I just made that up, but it wouldnt be a bad rule )

I heard about that new track. Its only going to be 1-8 mile?
I thought it was quarte mile. Oh well its just about as far from my house as baytown anyway. I really like the idea of a track too. I like Sealy because it is so wide open (as someone mentioned) and laid back. but I would be interested in this new place as well. I dont know HRP that well, I know there are lots of people.

Tomball would be OK I guess, everyone left pretty fast last time tho. I will find out how much it costs to rent Sealy track and report back to Craig since hes in charge now