Do you really want to AX?

[Dan Chambers]

Okay folks; pay attention here. As spouse to one of the current Equipment Chairs for Q events I can tell you with great reliability from expert evesdropping that the future of this year's autcrosses may be in jeopardy. If no one steps up to help out with transporting the Trailer to and from the Q, there may be no trailer waiting for the event. So ... do you really want to Autocross?

Now, I have first-hand experience with this procedure, so I know how easy it is:

1) Pick-up the rental truck from Miramar Truck Center/Ford on Miramar Rd. (Just east of 805 Fwy). The truck is set-up for us, and you just sign the papers and go. (No, you don't need to give out any personal info or credit card.) If you have your own vehicle that can tow approximately 10.5K pounds of Trailer, you can skip this first step and go directly to step 2 ... and you will be amply reimbursed by the club for the use of your personal vehicle.

2) Drive down to the trailer storage facility ... directly enroute to the Q from Miramar Truck Center ... and hook-up the trailer. (It's fully automated, with electric lift, etc. It's easy).

3) Drive the short distance (Convoy Street to Mission Valley) with Trailer-in-toe to the Q and park it in front of the Security Office on the East side of the Stadium. (There's a simple and secure way of leaving the truck keys inside the Trailer.)

4) Go home and a prepare for the event, drink heavily, or do whatever it is you do at home. (Ooooh! I don't want to know ...... )

That's IT! It takes all of about an hour to 1.5 hours to complete. (And Gordon Beirsch or San Diego Brewing Company is right down the road for happy hour. ) Typically, the Trailer is taken down on a Friday, especially if you're picking up a Rental truck. If you work in teams of two, it's a quick and easy job. Dropping the truck off at Miramar can happen after-hours, so you won't lose any time the following week returning the truck.

I know there are quite a few business owners, top-tier managers, and Independently Wealthy types out there who like to autocross. It isn't that tough to make some time on a Friday afternoon to accomplish this most valuable, and easy of tasks. Start checking your Blackberry now for some time on March 7th!!

YOU CAN WORK AS A TEAM! One person can bring the Trailer, another can return it. It doesn't have to be the same person (Which speaks volumes about Jerry Mize and his dedication to transporting the Trailer year after year after year!!).

So: if you really like to AX, and want to continue driving at the Q, you will think seriously about helping out with this task. The more the merrier, and it will lighten the load for those who do help.

Contact the Equipment Chairs about how you can help. I will be more than happy to help train anyone who asks for help.

[Irksome]

Mark Garriott and I (Tom Meissner) will do this for the upcoming Autocross (March . We work in Kearny Mesa, and will block out the time on Friday (March 7). I will reach out to coordinate with the equipment chair, but thought a post here would reduce the multi-person-duplicate-effort problem.

=)

And yes, I REALLY WANT TO AX!

[Don Middleton]

Dan,

How late on Friday can you pick up the truck, trailer and leave it at Security?

Is Friday (for Saturday AXs) the big challenge?

What about Sunday AXs? Is the trailer picked up and left on Saturday? If so, is there a timing issue on Saturday?

[Dan Chambers]

Dan,

How late on Friday can you pick up the truck, trailer and leave it at Security?

Is Friday (for Saturday AXs) the big challenge?

What about Sunday AXs? Is the trailer picked up and left on Saturday? If so, is there a timing issue on Saturday?

Don:

Traditionally, we picked up the truck from the rental lot on Friday. I don't know how late the lot is open for the truck. We tried to avoid Friday afternoon traffic by going there midday. AND speaking of traffic; you can ... and should ... use surface streets from the Trailer storage facility to the Q. There is less traffic, and it's a more direct route ... plus, it's easier to "pull over" if there are any "issues".

I don't know if you can get the truck on a Saturday, that's why Friday was always the day for the truck-rental pickup. Also: the Trailer is stored in a 24-hour access storage facility. So you can get the trailer anytime.

Since it's so close, and a linear drive from rental lot, to Trailer storage, to the Q ... we just did everything on Friday. It's easier that way. Yes, you can leave the Trailer parked at the Q in front of Security Friday afternoon for a Sunday event. Historically Security had no problem with that.

I haven't checked with the truck rental lot for a Saturday pick-up, but honestly, I preferred do the Trailer move on a Friday ... that way I had all day Saturday to do the honey-do's, prep the car, etc.

UPDATE: According to one of the Equipment Chairs, we have the next 4 events covered at the Q. (Hurray! ) However: the equipment Chairs would really like it if a Team (2 people) would be willing to step-up and assume the role of "Trailer-Hauler" for the long-term (or is it "long-haul" ... sorry couldn't resist). So, if you and a friend/fellow AX-DE addict would be willing to commit to a year, or two, of Trailer deliveries, that will greatly ease the burden for the Equipment Team.

Please contac t the Equipment Chairs via email: equipment@pcasdr.org

Thanks to all the volunteers!!!