Evolution Driving School - Gauging Interest

[MNbiker]

If we could find an open date & available instructor (a big if), who would be interested in attending a Phase 1 Evolution Driving School this Summer? Cost would be approx. $200 per driver.

http://autocross.com/evolution/

I'd be willing to coordinate a July/August event, if we have enough interest. This would be a great time to have the class, as new drivers will have enough events under their belt to get more out of the training.

-Steve Garnjobst

[magicsammy]

I'm in for sure! :gunnin: :dancin:

[washburn]

Sites are your biggest issue. I thought about running another Evolution this year, but site availability was used up. Plus, with the hectic Valleyfair and Novice School stuff, I ran out of available time to organize it.

Fine a site first, then contact Jean...I think she could squeeze in one for us this year.

[1/2mv^2]

I would do at least a phase I again. Possibly a phase II.

[miken]

I'd be up for the phase 1 would be a great way to get started. Depends on car getting done and cash though:)

[MNbiker]

OK, here's the scoop:

It appears that Saturday, August 7th would be the perfect day for a Phase I school. Midway appears to be available (we'll need to call & confirm) and Jean can supply instructors for that day. I'll put a proposal together for the MAC meeting next week.

Note: based on scheduling issues & marginal feedback on Phase II last year, I propose we do only a Phase I class this year.

-Steve

[pinhead]

I'd be interested :dancin:

[Dave Kral]

Count me in.

[sbuetow]

Me too
Steve Buetow

[weidnerpaul]

Any idea on who the instructors would be?
I'd be interested if we had different instructors --- I've taken Evo one and two already with the same instructors, I'd do one again, but would like the input/insight a different instructor would give.
Paul

[///MCoupe]

sign me up.

[racerx321]

Yes please!

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by weidnerpaul
Any idea on who the instructors would be?
I'd be interested if we had different instructors --- I've taken Evo one and two already with the same instructors, I'd do one again, but would like the input/insight a different instructor would give.
Paul

I should have instructor names from Jean by next week. Lee's checking with Midway to make sure August 7th will work.

-Steve

[shane86]

I'd be intersted in going to another school....
just curious, what will the diffrence be between novice school and this one.

otherwise if i can scrap the money together, i would probably go.

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by shane86
I'd be intersted in going to another school....
just curious, what will the diffrence be between novice school and this one.


Smaller class size.

Instructors are all National champs or multi-time National trophy winners.

Segment timing to identify how you're doing on various sections of the course.

Evolution I assumes you already understand the basics of an autocross event, and focuses on helping you improve your performance. It's a perfect next step, once you've completed the Novice School and attended a few autocross events.

-Steve

[steveh]

I'm interested. I've spent some bucks lately upgrading the car, makes sense to upgrade the driver too.

Steve.

[stick]

I'd love to go.
Most likely Mike, my partner (his car) will go also.

[MNbiker]

Pending Board approval, it's looking good for getting an EVO class in the Twin Cities this Summer. A few caveats/details:

*Due to limited site availability, we would be hosting a single one-day class. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with a workable weekend to do two classes back-to-back. This means a TOTAL of 12 slots will be available!

*With airfares being a bit higher than previous years, and only holding a single class, we'll need to set the class fee at approx. $240-$250 to break even. (According to Jean, typical entry fees have been $220-$240 this year.)

*We'll need a volunteer to help with timing at the event. This person will receive a $50-$100 voucher for a future EVO class.

Comments, questions?

-Steve

[pinhead]

Would the timing guy still get to take some runs :D I might be interested, but don't put me down as a "for sure" just yet...

[magicsammy]

if the timing volunteer can drive also - I have timing trailer experience :D

[MNbiker]

No, the timing helper won't be able to participate in the event. They'll be stuck in the trailer all day.

-Steve

[stick]

Originally posted by MNbikerWith airfares being a bit higher than previous years, and only holding a single class, we'll need to set the class fee at approx. $240-$250 to break even
I'd still like to go. I'll check if Mike would like to go.

I have not been able to go to the training days (No Car then), and I don't see any on the Calendar. But I will have as many events under my belt as I can by the class.

[Strider]

I'm down as well. If this fills up I'm rolling over to Chicago For the school there!!

[weidnerpaul]

Steve:

Are you taking the class or just organizing it? I appreciate what you're doing, I can help by taking care of collecting the registration funds/disbursment from the MAC checkbook, I usually set up insurance and pay rental anyway... It's up to you but how about going in order of interest/post date and having the first 12 "OKed" for the class IF they send in the $$$ by a date(you pick) --- then if someone doesnt pay by then it's open to the next on the list... This is your call, whatever you decide.
Are you planning on lunches in the price? In the past they have been provided for all students/teachers/timers.
This is the list in order of posts, there are already more than 12 interested...

1.) Steve Garnjobst
2.) Magic Sammy
3.) Ed Smith
4.) Miken
5.) Pinhead
6.) Dave Kral
7.) Steve Buetow
8.) Paul Weidner
9.) M Coupe
10.) Racer X321
11.) Shane
12.) Steve Hendrickson
13.) Stick
14.) Strider
15.) Nikki Feuk
16.) Matt Dahlman
17.) Alex Lowe
18.) Dave Parsons

[MNbiker]

Paul,


I'd prefer to attend the class, if I can get everything organized in advance and line up a few volunteers to help out a bit.

I need to work out a budget for the Wednesday MAC meeting.
Rental is $600, correct?
How much is the insurance?

I'd prefer to handle the registrations online, like for the Novice School. However, that may not be ideal, depending on when we need to send checks to Evolution. I'm still waiting for some details from Jean on that topic.

Thanks!

-Steve

p.s. Thanks for starting a list! :)

[MattD]

FYI -- Nikki and I are IN for participation in the school.

I know there's more than 12 already, but some will drop off, and WE'RE IN! :D

MattD
next.

[MNbiker]

On to Plan B.....

I missed a BIG conflict for August 7th. I and a number of others will be in Topeka for the Midwest Divisional Championships that weekend.

The next open date is August 28th. I'll post an update, after we confirm the date with Midway and Evolution.

-Steve

[shane86]

28th is the ojibwe forest rally....

[AlexL]

Add me to the waiting list.

[weidnerpaul]

Originally posted by AlexL


Add me to the waiting list.

Alex,
I did but after the way you drove the Grocery Getter and your Miata down in Iowa I'm not sure you need the school :D

Steve,
I have replied to you by email regarding site/insurance costs.

Paul

[pinhead]

Originally posted by weidnerpaul

Alex,
I did but after the way you drove the Grocery Getter and your Miata down in Iowa I'm not sure you need the school :D



Ya, make Alex be the timing boy :dancin: I think I'm the one that needs the school-learnin'

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by shane86

28th is the ojibwe forest rally....

Well, that's one event I'm not going to plan around. Between baseball games at Midway and other regional Autocross events, the list of possible dates is pretty small. :(

-Steve

[stick]

Originally posted by shane86


28th is the ojibwe forest rally....

If it's then, then I can't go :(

[shane86]

just thought i would point that out....
but it does hurt the chances of me going.

still undecided though. when is the cut off date?

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by shane86
when is the cut off date?

We'll probably open registration in the next couple weeks. I would anticipate it will fill almost immediately.

-Steve

[weidnerpaul]

Steve,
Are we still reserving spots in order of responses on this thread?
After all, their responses are what showed that we had enough interest to set up the school...
Paul

[phile]

>I'd prefer to attend the class, if I can get everything organized in advance and line up a few volunteers to help out a bit.

If things are the same, (and I don't expect this to have changed), you will need to have a coordinator on site the day of the event and it can't be you, if you are a student.

>prefer to handle the registrations online, like for the Novice School. However, that may not be ideal, depending on when we need to send checks to Evolution. I'm still waiting for some details from Jean on that topic.

Of course you need to know her current policies. As I recall, we sent them a check for a deposit to schedule the class. I gave them a check for the remainder the first night they arrived and they seemed suprised that I didn't wait until after the school.

[Strider]

Originally posted by stick


Originally posted by shane86


28th is the ojibwe forest rally....

If it's then, then I can't go :(

thats fine I'll take your spot HEH ;)

[MNbiker]

Both Midway Stadium and Evolution Driving School have confirmed availability. The local and National calendars are clear (except for the Ojibwe Forest ProRally). Pending Board approval on Wednesday, we're on for August 28th! :)

We still need to work out the details for registration, but space will be available, based on the waiting list posted by Paul.

-Steve

[914 Dave]

I am SO in. This thread took off during a long fishing weekend in northern MN, no computer lines, no cell phones, heck we were out in the woods so far there was no GPS ! If there is any way for me to grab a slot, consider it grabbed.

[weidnerpaul]

Originally posted by 914 Dave


I am SO in. This thread took off during a long fishing weekend in northern MN, no computer lines, no cell phones, heck we were out in the woods so far there was no GPS ! If there is any way for me to grab a slot, consider it grabbed.

You mean you are so #18

:cone: :cone: :cone: :cone:

[914 Dave]

Paul, are those cones bowing down to me? If so, maybe I don't need no evolution school... on second thought, I'll plan on keeping my spot in line and hoping others "bow" out...

[weidnerpaul]

Originally posted by 914 Dave


Paul, are those cones bowing down to me? If so, maybe I don't need no evolution school... on second thought, I'll plan on keeping my spot in line and hoping others "bow" out...

Dave,
Thats how many more cones you'll hit this year IF you don't get into the class
:flame:
Paul

[phile]

Originally posted by weidnerpaul


Originally posted by 914 Dave


Paul, are those cones bowing down to me? If so, maybe I don't need no evolution school... on second thought, I'll plan on keeping my spot in line and hoping others "bow" out...

Dave,
Thats how many more cones you'll hit this year IF you don't get into the class
:flame:
Paul

Actually, you should expect to hit MORE cones for a while. When you really start to apply the Jim McKamey "look ahead" theory, your times get faster and your cone count goes up. Stick with it and the times stay fast and the cone count goes back down again.

[914 Dave]

Actually, the last cone I hit was at VF, and it was a lame cone to hit, a lack of concentration at the start, not a cone hit in anger at speed. The cone before that? Couldn't tell ya. I guess I'm not trying hard enough.

[pinhead]

Originally posted by 914 Dave

The cone before that? Couldn't tell ya. I guess I'm not trying hard enough.

Mr. Foot, meet Mr. Gas Pedal! :dancin: :dancin:

[weidnerpaul]

This is the "official" waiting list for Evolution Phase 1 Driving School:

1.) Steve Garnjobst
2.) Steve Meschke
3.) Ed Smith
4.) Miken
5.) Roger Booth
6.) Dave Kral
7.) Steve Buetow
8.) Paul Weidner
9.) M Coupe
10.) Racer X321
11.) Steve Hendrickson
12.) Stick
13.) Strider
14.) Nikki Feuk
15.) Matt Dahlman
16.) Alex Lowe
17.) Dave Parsons

Two things that would help:
1.) If you are one of the first 12 and you can't go please let us know so the next on the list can get signed up.
2.) Please post your real name if you are shown by a nickname in the list.
3.) See the post below for further details.

Paul

p.s. A few people have already dropped off the list, so if you're interested, post to this thread and we'll add your name to the list.

[MNbiker]

MAC will be hosting an Evolution Phase 1 Driving School on Saturday, August 28th at Midway Stadium. The cost for the class will be $230, which includes lunch. Note: at this price, MAC is JUST covering our costs.

We already have a waiting list for the class, so class slots will be offered to drivers on the list, in the order they expressed interest.

OK, here's the drill - EVERYONE on the waiting list needs to email the following information to: macregistrar@comcast.net

Forum ID
First & Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address

Upon receiving this information, I will email the first 12 on the list a registration form, with instructions on where to send the completed form & check for $230.

Anyone not replying to me with the above information by June 4th will be dropped from the list, and I will move to the next name(s) on the list. If you no longer wish to attend the class, please respond via email, so I can move on to the next person on the list.

If you don't return a check to Paul within 14 days of receiving the registration form, we will move on to the next name(s) on the list.

Thanks!

Steve Garnjobst
Event Coordinator

[shane86]

I guess you might as well drop me from the list. i don't think i can have the money together for it in time and I'm still undecided weather i would go or not. like i said, the ojibwe forest rally that weekend, and my 18th birthday.

but put me on the top of the list for next year, ok?

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by shane86
I guess you might as well drop me from the list. i don't think i can have the money together for it in time and I'm still undecided weather i would go or not. like i said, the ojibwe forest rally that weekend, and my 18th birthday.

but put me on the top of the list for next year, ok?

No problem, we're planning multiple classes next year. Having a bit more experience under your belt, before attending an Evolution class isn't all bad, either. You'll get more out of it next year.

-Steve

[914 Dave]

email is fubar'd

914 dave
david parsons
9 hatten ave
rice lake, wi, 54868
paul has my phone #, or contact me on the officers section of the board.
email? if I can ever find the time to fix it... (or the smarts)

thats all for now.

[magicsammy]

sent you my info - let me know if you did not receive it.


thanks!

[steveh]

Sent in my info too -- Aug. 28 should be a fine date.

Steve. #11. Yeah.

[MNbiker]

This is the "official" waiting list for Evolution Phase 1 Driving School(06/14 Revision):

confirmed - we have received your email/address info
registered - we have received your money/registration form

1.) Steve Garnjobst - confirmed
2.) Steve Meschke - confirmed
3.) Ed Smith - confirmed
4.) Dave Kral - confirmed
5.) Steve Buetow - confirmed
6.) Paul Weidner - confirmed
7.) Derrick Hanson - confirmed
8.) Ken Kunisaki - confirmed
9.) Steve Hendrickson - confirmed
10.) Douglas Jurcich - confirmed
11.) Alex Lowe - confirmed
12.) Dave Parsons - confirmed
13.) Roger Booth - confirmed
14.) Ivan Austin - confirmed

If you are one of the first 12 and you can't go please let us know so the next on the list can get signed up.

p.s. It's not inconceivable that 5-6 people on the list will decide not to attend. If you're interested, post to this thread and we'll add your name to the list.

[stick]

Yea you can count me out. I am working at the Ojibwe ProRally. :(
Have fun Strider:burnout: :cone:

Brent Carlson

[washburn]

Originally posted by MNbiker
p.s. It's not inconceivable that 5-6 people on the list will decide not to attend. If you're interested, post to this thread and we'll add your name to the list.

Steve, having done a couple of these, a suggestion: (You may already be doing it...I didn't see you spell out your payment terms.) Due to the risk of losing money if only one student bails out at the last minute, I would suggest collecting the entry fee in advance. This will make sure that you are serious if you are signed up. It's just too difficult to replace people at the last second. You will also need some cash flow to pay Jean her advance.

If a person has to bail out, it should be their responsibility to find a replacement, and work out the payment with them. Just a thought.

Pat

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by washburn

Steve, having done a couple of these, a suggestion: (You may already be doing it...I didn't see you spell out your payment terms.) Due to the risk of losing money if only one student bails out at the last minute, I would suggest collecting the entry fee in advance. This will make sure that you are serious if you are signed up. It's just too difficult to replace people at the last second. You will also need some cash flow to pay Jean her advance.

If a person has to bail out, it should be their responsibility to find a replacement, and work out the payment with them. Just a thought.

Pat

Pat,

All registrations will require full payment in advance. We haven't actually gotten to that stage yet. Once everyone on the preliminary list gets me their information/confirmation, I'll be sending out a Registration form, which will need to be returned within a specified time frame with full payment.

-Steve

[Strider]

umm doh, I hope I'm not screwed here ......Need to get back into checkin my message boards HEH.

[phile]

For a little background on the current owner of Evolution:

http://thundervalleyracing.com/racers/dana/index.html

[MNbiker]

This is the "official" waiting list for Evolution Phase 1 Driving School (06/05 Revision).

I will be sending registration forms to the first 12 on the list this weekend.

confirmed - we have received your email/address info
registered - we have received your money/registration form

1.) Steve Garnjobst - confirmed
2.) Steve Meschke - confirmed
3.) Ed Smith - confirmed
4.) Roger Booth - confirmed
5.) Dave Kral - confirmed
6.) Steve Buetow - confirmed
7.) Paul Weidner - confirmed
8.) Derrick Hanson - confirmed
9.) Ken Kunisaki - confirmed
10.) Steve Hendrickson - confirmed
11.) Douglas Jurcich - confirmed
12.) Alex Lowe - confirmed
13.) Dave Parsons - confirmed

If you are one of the first 12 and you can't go please let us know so the next on the list can get signed up.

p.s. It's not inconceivable that someone on the list will decide not to attend. If you're interested, post to this thread and we'll add your name to the list.

[///MCoupe]

Any updates on this? Have the registration forms been sent?

Thanks
Derrick

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by ///MCoupe
Any updates on this? Have the registration forms been sent?

Thanks
Derrick

I was hoping to get the registration form sent out last weekend, which didn't happen. We'll try again this weekend. Once I get them sent out, you'll have approx. 3 weeks to return the completed form to Paul with payment.

-Steve

[weidnerpaul]

Steve,
I'm on vacation this week.
Email me a copy of the form and I'll mail them out --- you're busy with MOWOG4 & Biking stuff...
Paul

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by weidnerpaul
Steve,
I'm on vacation this week.
Email me a copy of the form and I'll mail them out --- you're busy with MOWOG4 & Biking stuff...
Paul



Paul,

Once I get the form created, sending it's easy. I already have everyone loaded into MyAutoevents - all I need to do is send a single email.

-Steve

[914 Dave]

being unlucky # 13, if anyone bails, let me know asap so I can get in the game.

[pinhead]

Would it be possible for me to trade places with Dave on the list? We are buying a house, and just got the mortage papers, and suddenly I'm a little gunshy with the cash :( ;)

I'm still interested, but at this point it might be better if I was more conservative with the coins :oneeye:

Or if it's not fair for me to trade spots with Dave, just put me on the end of the list ;)

[MNbiker]

OK, Dave Parsons is in!

Roger is now 1st alternate. Anyone else who is interested in attending Evolution Driving School is encouraged to submit their name, as it's not unlikely someone else will bail before August 28th rolls around.

-Steve

[Ivan]

Originally posted by MNbiker


OK, Dave Parsons is in!

Roger is now 1st alternate. Anyone else who is interested in attending Evolution Driving School is encouraged to submit their name, as it's not unlikely someone else will bail before August 28th rolls around.

-Steve

Emailed registration info... just in case.

[Ivan]

Originally posted by MNbiker


OK, Dave Parsons is in!

Roger is now 1st alternate. Anyone else who is interested in attending Evolution Driving School is encouraged to submit their name, as it's not unlikely someone else will bail before August 28th rolls around.

-Steve

[weidnerpaul]

Here is Steve's current list, I will edit this list and put "paid" after confirmed as I receive forms & payment, Steve also has this on myautoevents.com and I will update your entry with paid there as well. Remember, the deadline is June 30th!!!

I believe this is up to date as of 6/30/04, Steve, can you verify it? We currently have 8 of 12 paid --- I will be at the meeting tonight if anyone wants to pay there.

INVITED TO DRIVING SCHOOL:
1.) Steve Garnjobst - confirmed - Paid
2.) Steve Meschke - confirmed - Paid
3.) Dave Kral - confirmed - Paid
4.) Steve Buetow - confirmed - Paid
5.) Paul Weidner - confirmed - Paid
6.) Derrick Hanson - confirmed - Paid
7.) Ken Kunisaki - confirmed
8.) Steve Hendrickson - confirmed - Paid
9.) Douglas Jurcich - confirmed
10.) Dave Parsons - confirmed - Paid
11.) Ivan Austin - confirmed
12.) Phil Ethier - confirmed



WAITING LIST:
13.) Roger Booth - confirmed

[AlexL]

I'm not going to be able to make it. Switch me with someone on the waiting list.

[Ivan]

Ooh, just 1 more needs to drop out and I'm in.... come on people, you know you're too busy that day:D :p

[racerx321]

So how can I pay for the driving school? I haven't received a registration form and myautoevents.com wouldn't let me pay online. Thanks!

[weidnerpaul]

Email me at weidnerpaul@netzero.com & I will email back a reg form to you, BTW, it'd help if I had names in any message board postings, from you or anyone else with ???
The form gets mailed back to me with the $$$...

I have Roger in 13th & Ivan in 14th --- Roger --- you wanted to be put on standby before, do you still want to on standby or do you want Alex's spot?

Paul

[MNbiker]

Originally posted by racerx321
So how can I pay for the driving school? I haven't received a registration form and myautoevents.com wouldn't let me pay online. Thanks!

Ken,

I sent an email 2-3 weeks ago, with instructions on how to register. I'll send it again to anyone who hasn't paid yet.

-Steve

p.s. Paul, my check's in the mail! ;)

[pinhead]

Originally posted by weidnerpaul

Roger --- you wanted to be put on standby before, do you still want to on standby or do you want Alex's spot?



Waiting list. We close on the house tommorrow, and all I see is money flying out of my pocket ;)

[1/2mv^2]

Steve -

I'm going to bow out. I have a feeling I won't be able to get away from the office anyway, as it's the end of the Olympics, and I think I'd rather put the money into a driving school at BIR or something.

So, whoever's next on the list is in!

[MNbiker]

OK,

Ivan Austin is in. Alex Lowe & Ed Smith are out. That means we still have 1 spot available. First one to chime in gets it!

-Steve

[phile]

Originally posted by MNbiker


OK,

Ivan Austin is in. Alex Lowe & Ed Smith are out. That means we still have 1 spot available. First one to chime in gets it!

-Steve


OK. I'm crazy. I have not been since 1996, so it's time. August 7, right?

You gonna buy food from Sue or not?

No, the two are not related.

I don't want to discourage others from getting on the waiting list.

[MNbiker]

Phil,

The event is now scheduled for August 28th. You still in?

Yes, we'd be interested in having Sue cater lunch. Lets see, we'll need to accomodate a total of 16 people, if I count correctly.

-Steve

[weidnerpaul]

I have been in contact with Sue regarding the meals already, After we get the 12 firm participants I will be emailing a menu out and taking care of ordering from Sue.
Phil,
Should I tell Sue that your tuition should be deducted from her payment :-)
Just kidding,
Paul

[phile]

Originally posted by MNbiker


Phil,

The event is now scheduled for August 28th. You still in?

Yes, we'd be interested in having Sue cater lunch. Lets see, we'll need to accomodate a total of 16 people, if I count correctly.

-Steve


I'm sorry. I was reading the date off the calendar in my office. Yes, keep me in.

I still don't want to discourage other folks from getting on standby, since I or any of the other folks can have a problem and want to sell our ticket.

I have a bus to catch. See you.

[weidnerpaul]

The current students/paid list is on page 7 --- Steve can you verify it please?
Thanks,
Paul

[MNbiker]

This is the Official Registration List for the August 28th Evolution Phase 1 Driving School, as of 7/24/04.
REMINDER: payment is due in full by July 8th!

INVITED TO DRIVING SCHOOL:
1.) Steve Garnjobst - confirmed - Paid
2.) Steve Meschke - confirmed - Paid
3.) Dave Kral - confirmed - Paid
4.) Steve Buetow - confirmed - Paid
5.) Paul Weidner - confirmed - Paid
6.) Derrick Hanson - confirmed - Paid - cancelled
7.) Ken Kunisaki - confirmed - Paid
8.) Steve Hendrickson - confirmed - Paid
9.) Douglas Jurcich - confirmed - Paid
10.) Dave Parsons - confirmed - Paid
11.) Ivan Austin - confirmed - Paid
12.) Phil Ethier - confirmed - Paid



WAITING LIST:
13.) Roger Booth - confirmed - declined opening
14.) Dan Marcellis - confirmed - check is "in the mail"
15.) David Chang
16.) Jason Wong

[Strider]

I want to pay but never got the e-mail about paying so some one hook me up here!!! I have money to give you!!!!!!

Edit: I just e-mailed Paul about it so I should be getting my Greens to ya soon here.... by Monday I hope....

[weidnerpaul]

Did you get my email?

[Strider]

You've got mail! Soon you will have money HEH, and soon I will know how to drive..kinda HEH :dancin:

[phile]

Originally posted by MNbiker


This is the Official Registration List for the August 28th Evolution Phase 1 Driving School, as of 6/30/04.
REMINDER: payment is due in full by July 8th!

INVITED TO DRIVING SCHOOL:

12.) Phil Ethier - confirmed




The Czech is in the male.

[Strider]

Your money cometh! :dancin: