Update On PDX/CTT Event Situation (Thurs Evening)

[LoCore]

PDX/CTT CHIEFS, INSTRUCTORS, DRIVERS

I spoke with Grant tonight, and we discussed the complicated situation that we face this weekend. He asked that I sent an update regarding this weekend’s plans.

SHORT VERSION: We’re currently planning to cancel the PDX/CTT events both Saturday and Sunday. A final decision will be made by 8:00 Friday morning, emailed to all registrants, and posted on RMSolo. FRIDAY IS STILL AN OPEN TRACK DAY, AND THIS IS NOT A DECISION REGARDING THE CLUB RACING/DRIVING SCHOOL PLANS.

LONG VERSION:
The weather of course is a concern for everyone, but we also have the added complication of the Club Racing driving school also going on this weekend. For those taking the school, it is critical that they get a certain amount of time on the track Saturday. Given that, at best, the situation on Saturday looks marginal, the driver’s school will have priority for that time.

While Grant and I discussed alternatives for running a Sunday event without having time on track Saturday, we’ve heard concerns from several drivers and instructors. We hear and share your concerns about safely getting to and from the track; we faced a similar situation at PMI in Oct 2007.

That said, we wanted to communicate to you Thursday evening that a final decision will be made at 8:00AM Friday morning, and will be emailed to everyone registered and posted on the TT forum on RMSolo.org.

SHOULD THE EVENT GO ON, do not feel that you must attend to instruct or drive if you are not comfortable with the weather or any other situation.

Questions? Contact me at djobusch at comcast dot net Thursday evening. Otherwise, wait for the decision to be send/posted Friday morning.

--
David Jobusch
Chief Instructor

on behalf of
Grant Barclay
Chief Steward

[LoCore]

Please forward this message on to friends that you know were thinking about attending this event, but don't frequent the forums.

Email regarding the final decision on Friday morning will be sent to all registrants.

[ncaruso]

Thank you for the updates. Will you still need volunteers over the weekend? I can still help out one day for sure.

[LoCore]

If by volunteers you mean corner workers for the club racers and their driving school, you'll want to follow whether or not their event continues. Check DLB Racing web site for the status of the club racing event and contacts.

Or, if you find out that the event is on, simply show up, and they'll be glad to put you to work!

[GingerGSR]

To quote Bart Simpson...

"This sucks and blows at the same time!!!". :mad:

[Built-By-Bones]

The PDX and CTT events at HPR this coming weekend have been cancelled.

The chief of weather really messed up, and with blizzard conditions forecast from the plains to the foothills, and WY to CO Springs, it really looks like the snow gods have decided against racing weather this weekend.

Seriously, the CTT chiefs decided that conditions will be too dangerous for our drivers on the highways to and from Byers, especially with blowing snow predicted for Saturday. We hope you understand, PDX and CTT is all about having fun in a safe environment, and for us (your chiefs) that includes the travel to and from the track. Some of you will remember how treacherous the conditions were coming home from Pueblo following the 0.24 Heures De Pueblo in Oct 2007, we don’t want you to have to drive in similar conditions this weekend, on or off the track.

Those drivers registered for this weekends event will be eligible for a discount at the May 2/3 High Plains Raceway event. Details to follow when registration opens, mid April.

The Road Race Drivers School, and the Regional event on Sunday have NOT been cancelled as of this time (Friday 8am), so if you want to earn your free PDX, you can still head to the track and work Sat or Sun (or both). You can use your PDX credit(s) anytime during the 2009 season.

Sorry guys, I really struggled over this decision, I hope you understand it was not taken lightly.

Regards

Grant Barclay
CO Time Trails Chief Steward.

[John Scheier]

I think you guys made the correct decision. Safe and fun... gotta have both!

Thanks again Grant (and chiefs) for all your hard work!

[Annie Bonvouloir]

Thank you Grant! I know it wasn't easy to make this decision, but it is all about being safe and having fun. I think that's smart! The Fox 31 weatherman said last night that his biggest concern with this storm is the blizzard conditions that could close I-70 east of Denver. I certainly wouldn't want to be towing a car in those conditions. However, I'm assigned to work the event, so for now, I still must make that trip. I really appreciate the early notification, no matter what happens with the storm. I think that is better than holding out until the last minute. That gives me a chance to change my plans for the day. By the way, I can't see Eldora Ski Area and it just started snowing here in Nederland. No 60s here today!

[GingerGSR]

...it just started snowing here in Nederland. No 60s here today!
It's snowing in Bailey too.

I think it's a good call. I've had to drive on I-70 going out to Bennett, Strasburg & Byers many a time. When the wind gets going it can be quite dangerous. It doesn't seem to bad until you hit Watkins and you're down to 50 ft visibility. :eek:

Lapping day April 17th...
PDX/TT May 2/3...
I can wait a couple more weeks...
If I have to...
I guess!!!

Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati :D

[showmedata]

I, too, think it's the right call and much better for the community to make it early. If the track were in town it would be easy to play it by ear, but with HPR being an hour into nowhere, and with no shelters, structures, etc., I was thinking hard of cancelling on my own accord.

I'm disappointed, but that seems to be the lesser of the evils. See y'all next time!

[gordon0412]

I know it was tough, but I to think it was the right thing to do. I can't imagine the disappointment the road racers and track rats are feeling, but I just reiterate the track is built, and many beautiful weekends await! Let it snow, we definitely need the moisture.

[GingerGSR]

It looks like the DS will get some driving in...

Deer Trail Traffic Cam at 0800...
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/GingerGSR/Misc%20RMSOLO/I70atDeerTrail-0800-4-4-09.jpg

The camera pointed west is getting snow on it so it's coming. Good call for the PDX/TT instructors to stay out of their way. Maybe they'll get in the DS before it gets too bad.

[GingerGSR]

My neck-o-the-woods? Not so good...

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/GingerGSR/Misc%20RMSOLO/Conifer-04-04-09.jpg

[John Scheier]

We got jack out in Parker. Nada. Little bit of ice on the windows and a dusting of snow.

The freakin weather people here would be strung up and horse whipped if they pulled this crap in Texas!

[LoCore]

The drive back from Denver last night was sketchy, with heavy wet snow and high winds that got worse the further north that I went. Blowing snow and icy roads looking outside.

Fireplace is one, and F1 qualifying on the tube.

[fsmtnbiker]

We got 4-5" of snow on top of an inch of rain here in Fort Collins. The roads last night were extremely sketchy when I drove home at 11:30ish.

[GingerGSR]

In case anyone was planning on going out to work or watch...

"Sunday RACE CANCELLED

All events scheduled for tomorrow 4/5 at High Plains Raceway have been CANCELLED!"

[LoCore]

Well that sucks, but I'm hopeful that the driving school went well. I wish I'd been able to go out on Friday!

[hderr]

weeenies... ;)

Nothing a few hot laps wouldn't have fixed this morning.:rolleyes:

Just kidding. Friday for lapping was near perfect. Then Saturday
right after the corner workers started out it went south, no pun intended.

No driving school. Nothing on Sat or Sunday.

[BobDixon]

After seeing those pictures I don't feel so bad about wussing out on the DS with my open-wheel open-cockpit FV.