Frontrunners

[pauljmcnulty]

Nice easy one, and I'm too lazy to go and look...

Anyone know the date for Frontrunners this year?

It doesn't seem to be listed under "events" on the main page....

 

[Helen Goff]

7th May Cornbury House, Moreton-in-Marsh. first cars start aarriving about 10am

 

[millisland]

Hi Paul

We really wanted to come today, but could not because we had to attend a golf lunch as today was the day Tony took over as Seniors Captain. I was particularly sorry when he told me the dates clashed. So that was sadly why we did come.

Harriet

 

[williams]

Hi Paul
We had intended to come along but the foul weather really put paid to that. A 330 mile + round trip in the rain was not appealing at all. As new RS I can understand your disappointment at the numbers. On a constructive note, there could have been more info about the nature of the event but neither the forum or PP carried too many details.
Reading the thread on the forum, a newcomer could have been forgiven for thinking it was an excuse for a few of the more established members to have a few beers and a beef sandwich together. Nothing wrong with that and Im sure they are all very nice people, but for the relative newcomer maybe not a good reason to drive 330 miles in the rain.
I did take my lady along to Husborne Crawley and stayed for no more than an hour. This event was poor although we did have a great day in Woburn itself..
Personally I would like to see maybe a couple of 944 excursions where several cars in convoy take a trip out to somewhere or other. There has been mention of a scotland trip on here but once again no details. Is this open to all? Is it happening? I think this may bring more 944 drivers into the fold and boost numbers for future events.
I hope nobody finds this offensive, just trying to be constructive. By the way, dont feel too downhearted. Im sure a lot more would have attended but the bloody awful weather.

Paul

 

[John Sims]

Pretty embarrassing turn out of 944s and well swamped by 24s.

The general perception wasn't helped as 44 parking was interspersed with all sorts of other vehicles (only 2 of which had Porsche badges and one of them was the Race White Elephant).

Those of us who did go had a great time, even if we didn't get around to the photo shoot. Great to meet some new faces and see some of the old ones.

It is funny how things seem to change. In the past you wouldn't see anything other than Turbos. On Sunday we seemed to have far more S2s and a good smattering of Luxes. Just to demonstrate how poor the rest of the turn out was 20% were Cabs.

WUF provided suitable interest for many, even if he did have his steering wheel and plug leads removed.

The burger van provided grub of a much higher standard than you generally expect but wasn't doing very much trade. If I had been running the van I'd be thinking hard about supporting next year.

I too would like to thank the organisers and echo Paul's comments "If you don't use it, you will loose it".

3 944's and a BMW thoroughly enjoyed the roads around the Cotswolds on the way back to London. The performance of Paul's Lux was much enhanced when running on the fuel enriched air provided behind WUF, and (apparently) Rich's BMW grill was suitably flame grilled while following Beaky []

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: pauljmcnulty

...It was a fairly poor turnout from the 944 crowd, with 1300 cars on the register I thought we could have got another 1285 of us there [&:]

On a serious note, if you guys don't want to come to a specific 944 event at the PCGB headquarters, it would really help me to know why you didn't attend and, more importantly, what you would like to see the club arrange for you?...

To answer your question, for me there were two factors - the distance, located in the North East of England, and, secondly, it is difficult to get away at a weekend with three young kids (all under 3) - so obviously we can't all get in the S2 and I wouldn't be thanked for leaving my other half with all three of them to look after all day.

Perhaps to get a real feel for the low levels of attendance you should conduct a quick poll with options such as distance, clash with other commitments, not interested, didn't know about the event, didn't know enough about the event, the weather etc.?
Cheers,

Graham

 

[John Sims]

Hi Paul,

The Scotland trip is on but was limited on numbers.

This is the second year of running and almost didn't happen at all because of member apathy. In the first year, despite 20+ people saying they would go, only 3 or 4 actually put our money where our mouths were. As a result we had to throw the event open to a wider audience or face excessive bills. Thankfully we did manage to get all the places filled.

We had one of the best weeks away I can remember and are doing it again. Those that went last year had such a great time that they all signed up for "Scotland - The Rumble Returns" and one other owner, who couldn't make last year, filled the final place.

As noted in my previous posting, much of the fun of these events is on the way there or on the way back. Convoys are great but not if you go out of your way to be at a rendezvous and nobody turns up. Such things rely on people making a commitment before hand and then sticking to their word.

I'm not singling anyone out but, as a former Westfield Club member, the possibility/probability of rain really doesn't have any bearing on a 944. You ain't gonna get wet [].

I spent most of Saturday afternoon and evening cleaning and waxing Beaky and then drove for 100 miles either in the rain or on wet roads, before the sun came out for the last 60+ miles (we tried a bit of an alternative route on the way there [8|]). Black is one of the worst colours to keep clean and now looks disgusting as a result of yesterdays entertainment - but we still had a great time and it was dry and warm for the majority of the day.

I'm sorry to sound like a grumpy old man, and I appreciate that attending events isn't compulsory to club membership but it is a great part of the membership experience.

 

[John Sims]

ORIGINAL: GCHinton

.....Perhaps to get a real feel for the low levels of attendance you should conduct a quick poll with options such as distance, clash with other commitments, not interested, didn't know about the event, didn't know enough about the event, the weather etc.?

I agree that such a poll of reasons/excuses for not attending would be interesting but so many are relative to a number of factors.

Distance
Some people see distances differently to others - 200 years ago 20 miles was a long way away. I do a fair number of miles and now think within a 100 miles of home is local. That said I am stunned over the distances that some people will travel and will often think "Well if XXXX is coming from Outermilesaway I could at least make the effort."

Advertising
You do need to let people know what is happening. I didn't think this was particularly well covered in Porsche Post and could easily have warranted a half page in the preceding couple of months - what is Porsche Post for if not to tell members what is happening?

Other Commitments
I am perhaps a little old fashioned as I believe that if you say you will do something you should do everything you can to meet that commitment. There are already events which clash with other events and, in some cases because of an earlier commitment I am attending my least preferred event. This does come back the advertising and organisation and puts the onus on the organisers to get their details out as early as possible.

The event
Everyone will make a value judgement on whether it is worth going to and event. Petrol is far from free and £50 can buy a lot more besides a tank of petrol.
The event does have to deliver but it is a bit of a Chicken and Egg. Most events centre around getting together, chatting, kicking tyres etc. The more people that attend the better the event is but there must be a reason for going in the first place.
If Husbourne continues I doubt I will go again as there is little to see - however, if enough 944 members are going for a pub lunch then I probably would go.

Other People
I am fortunate as I know other members who will also go to an event so, even if the event doesn't deliver, we will still have fun.
Try to find local people to pair up with. This is often enough incentive to go as XXXX is going so at least we can have a laugh on the way/on the way back.

Weather
This is Britain - it might rain - get over it.

 

[944Turbo]

Well I didn't make it as I was fitting a new roof to what was my Bathroom and will soon be my office (it was asbestos inside and outside) so I am now aching.
I have attended frontrunner before and it was an Ok day out, but other than to see old / meet new like minded friends, get a drive in the car and have a nice lunch there wasn't a lot happening. Still if I hadn't been otherwise engaged I probably would have made it.

One of the best events I have been on apart from Scotland was the lakes weekend organised by Mark Roberts, it was great for the 944 community spirit. It was a weekend away which meant people got time to chat and meet and it was focussed around non car activitties which meant the women didn't get too bored (though in fact Yudra was away so missed it). We visited a slate mine, a lake or two, brewery and a castle, with some great driving roads in between. It was also excellent for filling up any other future events for the next couple of years as people had got to know each other and it was a good excuse to meet up again. I missed the 2nd one (was away on business) but I think it was equally good.

I have fancied doing a similar event in Wales, possibly based around the elan valley (or the evo triangle) there are lakes and some good driving roads, and some tourist type attractions, steam railways, slate and gold mines, craft villages etc.

With the lakes, Mark was local and had an in depth knowledge of the local B&B trade and was able to make enquiries with the local tourist attractions, which helped. I guess being local to Bournemouth I could do similar here but the driving opportunities are more limited and in the summer it would be a nightmare. It is hardly central either.

Pleae note I have done nothing but think about them and now my wife is pregnant that is about as far as they will probably get for a while!

So summing up I think a week end away (preferably a budget weekend so price isnt a barrier to attending) is a good way to increase the numbers at other events.

And some more random thoughts:-

Cheap trackdays though obviously of limited appeal are also usually good for a reasonable turn out.

Events where the cars are secondary help to lure the significant others which increase the number 'allowed' to attend - in fact thinking about it events were there is something to see help anyway, morgan was well subscribed as was F1 testing despite being on weekdays.

(Once you have seen cornbury house you have seen it - alright the dispays change and the shop might have slightly different lines but for many its a long way to go with no other appeal)

Often wondered if name badges (while a bit naff, though race style danglies might be slightly better) might help the newcommers to integrate better, many of us now each other already which might make it difficult for others to get a word in.

Social meets only tend to attract those who know each other already - thinking Reading.

Hope that helps a bit

Tony

 

[John Sims]

ORIGINAL: 944Turbo

.....I have fancied doing a similar event in Wales, possibly based around the elan valley (or the evo triangle) there are lakes and some good driving roads, and some tourist type attractions, steam railways, slate and gold mines, craft villages etc.....

Tony

Belinda & I had thought similarly. I doubt we will do another Scotland week as, while Scotland is too far for a weekend, a full week does make a big hole in ones holiday schedule.

We had been wondering about a weekend in Brecon, or there abouts, as it is relatively easy to get to from the M4/M5. We would be willing to head up or co-ordinate such an event if there were some local scouts willing to lend a hand.

 

[John Sims]

ORIGINAL: 944Turbo

..... I was fitting a new roof to what was my Bathroom and will soon be my office (it was asbestos inside and outside) .....

Tony

Obviously it wasn't asbestos really otherwise you wouldn't have been touching it would you? []

 

[944Turbo]

Well approx 3% apparently and I was wearing a serious dustmask,

Tony

PS and the old lady who used to own the house and lived in it all her life including when the asbestos was cut and fitted, when there were gas lights and when the plumbing was all lead was 103 when she passed away.

 

[944Turbo]

ORIGINAL: John Sims

Belinda & I had thought similarly. I doubt we will do another Scotland week as, while Scotland is too far for a weekend, a full week does make a big hole in ones holiday schedule.

We had been wondering about a weekend in Brecon, or there abouts, as it is relatively easy to get to from the M4/M5. We would be willing to head up or co-ordinate such an event if there were some local scouts willing to lend a hand.

Happy to add some mid wales input my Grandparents lived in Rhayader which is a fairly central town. However my hands may be rather full this year, with the baby and an expected increase in work towards the end of the year.
Hope to get a weekend that way though anyway at some point so may be able to do some scouting.
Tony

 

[Guest]

Paul,
Some thoughts from NI...
I would love to attend events like frontrunner but being over here is obviously difficult!
The Scotland thing would be great if there were a good number of 944s going - the 944 bunch seem to be a very friendly bunch from what I read on here - and I would definitely make the trip for that, or probably Wales too.
Again it comes down to publishing the details, and the COSTS too please.
As an example R27 here have a long weekend trip to Scotland this summer, but precious few details were published initially, more were promised but never came, and no mention was made of the costs at all. Hence it's hard to commit, especially those of us with young kids and some sort of a budget, and then they wonder why people don't come.
I would also echo the previous comment re name tags or something similar, as not knowing anyone in person when most of you do isn't that easy.
Hopefully will get over to a meet sometime anyway - no 944 meets here at all!

 

[db@944s.co.uk]

Being based in central Scotland and a passionate 944 owner, I would be happy to lend a hand in organising a 944 meet or parade etc.

Maybe we could organise something ... let me know your thoughts

Derek

 

[Fen]

I have to say after going to the first Frontrunner I was left thinking "what was the point of that?" Last year and again this my car was incapacitated and while I didn't actually decide not to go in the hearse yesterday until the very morning (and it was the gorgeous weather in Devon that persuaded me as I had plenty of outside stuff I could be getting on with instead) I did not attend. Had I it would have been purely for the social aspect, and I would have made the effort if it hadn't involved writing off another 5 to 6 hours in travel time. I can appreciate how for someone who doesn't know those of us who are most prolific on here it may seem daunting or even that we are cliquey. We're not and I can honestly say I love to meet new faces at these sorts of events and am more than happy to be welcoming. I do appreciate that initial ice-breaker is tricky though. In terms of events generally I try to make a few, even though Cornbury at 150 miles each way is about as close as any get to me. My wife has less than no interest in joining me, even if it's for a nice Sunday roast, but we haven't got any kids so I can get away more easily than some of the members with young family to consider. I'm not against meeting up with people and driving in a convoy to get to an event, but I don't really enjoy the convoy part and I would probably not bother with an event where that was the focus - you spend the day in your car on your own or with your one passenger, driving possibly more slowly than normal as multiple 944s are more conspicuous than one on its own "pressing on". Anything else gets my interest because I get to talk to other people who don't get bored with my favourite subject.

 

[Fen]

I forgot to say I'd love to visit the "Evo triangle". Does that contradict what I said about convoy driving? Maybe.

 

[944Turbo]

Anyone know the full route of the 'evo triangle'? I know where some of it is ( I have even come across a wrecked 340r which I believe they had a hand in) on part of it.
I guess with some further driving and map studying it should be come clear. I guess it doesn't really matter anyway there are some great roads in the area (and further south).
Avoid it during the summer holidays though.
Tony

 

[944Turbo]

Oh and think its better not in convoy (though radios work well then) but pre planned routes with us a bit spaced out, and reasonably frequent stops / meets.
Tony

 

[colin129]

Couple of comments:

Frontrunners - I went to the first one they had a couple of years ago and can echo what has been said, i.e once you've seen Cornbury House etc. I like convoy drives, but the one at that Frontrunners didn't seem to be particularly well organised with the people I was following missing the turning and disappearing off on the wrong route. The actual route was actually quite sparsely populated with Porches, which was a shame.

Convoy drives - Quite like these, especially the looks you get from the locals when half a dozen or more go past all together. There was a front engined day at Gaydon (was it?) a few years back, and we weren't hanging about on the convoy drive (probably because we started off late and I was trying to keep up with Ricky Caeser). Last years convoy to Le Mans was just mental, I am going again this year, again with Chris Davenport's mental mayhem convoy!! Come and join us for the 9.06am Thursday morning Eurotunnel (see Le Mans 2006 section for details) and help me keep the 944 end up against the rear engined guys.

Evo Triangle - This sounds like fun!! I'm sure an e-mail to the magazine from our estwhile RD would yeild the required information. Problem is, my Mrs doesn't mind how fast I go in a straight line (vmax on the Autobahn, no problem), but come to the corners and well........

That's my OR, for what its worth.

I guess there seems to be a bit of interest in the Evo Triangle, must get the Mrs a blindfold or something.....