Well folks, I'm 100% behind Todd on this event.
$330 for the event (that's just $165 per person) - peanuts, when you look at what you get.
General entry for four days for the regular punter is $100. For $65 more you get general entry for the full 4 days, not jus the sunday, entry to museum (that's gotta be around $15 normally), dinner, BBQ, show 'n' shine, memorabillia, and something that money can't buy - the memories.
OK, track time is not guaranteed, but the rest of the event alone is worth what is being charged. And, as Todd said, they haven't not had their lap in the past 5 years, so the odds are pretty good.
Don't begrudge Todd for making money out of Minis. Do you begrudge Graham Russell for making money out of Minis, or me for making money (not anywhere enough) out of a Mini magazine? I certainly hope not.
It seems the main people who are negative to this event are the people who were trying to organise something for the NSWMCC. Well, as has already been pointed out, AVESCO is in motorsport to make money. That's the facts of life these days. Accept it. Don't be negative to an event which is promoting the Mini to a wider audience, just because they succeeded where you didn't.
I should point out that Todd approached me late last year about this event and I approached the NSWMCC and suggested it would be in their interest to contact Todd and work together on making the event a success. If they didn't do that, they can then hardly complain that Todd has gone and organised the event as he has.
I take my hat off to Todd. Yes, he stands to make some money out of the event. BUT, it is a high-risk venture. Who on Ausmini would be prepared to take the chance of organising an event of this magnitude, to guarantee to get enough cars for the parade lap, and put his money where his mouth is? Frankly, I expected it to be dearer than this (that doesn't mean you should put the price up, Todd).
I will certainly be there. My Mini van is not eligable for the Lap. Too bad. I'll just bung in with someone else for the Lap, as each car is allowed to take 4 people. Hands up who wants to give me a lift on the day.
For those who don't go, read about it in The Mini Experience (and regret not going for the next 40 years).
Cheers, Watto.
