Clarification needed for spectators and fans

[Litespeeds]

I was under the impression that NSXPO was a public event that anyone can attend to see the NSX's and meet the owners. I just heard that everyone needs to register for the event and pay a fee. My situation prevents me from attending Weds. through Saturday but am available to go on Sunday.
Do I need to register and pay a fee just to go there on Sunday or am I not allowed to just show up and meet my fellow NSX owners?
I would really appreciate it if someone can clarify the rules for NSXPO. The website was kind of vague but I did see something in the FAQ section.

1) Do I need to be a member of NSXCA in order to go?

2) Do I need to register and pay a fee just to be a spectator?

3) If I have some friends that want to go with me, do they have to pay and or register?

4) If I can only go on Sunday, what are my options?

Your answers to my questions are much appreciated. Thanks and hope to see everyone there.

 

[nsxtasy]

I was under the impression that NSXPO was a public event that anyone can attend to see the NSX's and meet the owners.

Not true. This is not a spectator event and is not open to the public.

I just heard that everyone needs to register for the event and pay a fee.

True.

We do not have the ability to keep track of individual meals, activities, and days, and who has signed up for each one. If you want to come to the event, you have to pay for the event.

This was noted in a previous topic a few months ago.

 

[daveh]

litespeeds,I'm in the same boat as you .I'm in santa cruz and have about 4-5 hours on sunday only .I'd really like to fly up there and listen to and see some other X's.I'm amazed we can,t just go to see some of our friend's .I'm screwed if I'm paying $300 for nothing .I go down to Laguna all the time to watch other events like Mazda and PCA.Just kinda odd that we can't go check it out.I don't want food or MB's BS at a tech form .Ijust want to hear some exhausts and see boostzilla.!!!!!
Dave H .

 

[daveh]

YES ON THE RECALL.YES ON BOOSTZILLA.

 

[len3.8]

Hello All, Specifically Ken.
I am interested in NSXpo for the reason of visiting the Forced indution people. I am not interested in any other events.
Seeing that it is not open to spectators, is there a cost that a spectator can pay to just talk to FI vendors about their solutions?
I wouldn't mind flying out there just for that reason. If that is available please let me know.
Thanks
Len

 

[nsxtasy]

No, we don't break up the individual activities at NSXPO 2003 for "a la carte pricing". You must sign up for the social activities, the track event, or both.

But I can assure you that if you would enjoy any part of the event, you would also enjoy the rest of the event! NSXPO 2003 is a whole world of fun, and you can still register for the social activities up until this Saturday. (As mentioned elsewhere, the track event is full, and the waiting list is getting longer each day.) Even leaving your NSX at home and flying in, it's a blast!

If you've never been to an NSXPO before, check out these sites to see what it's like:

NSXPO 2002 (Texas)
NSXPO 2001 (Wisconsin)
NSXPO 2000 (Georgia)
NSXPO '99 (California)
NSXPO '98 (Ohio)
NSXPO '97 (Colorado)

One picture is worth a thousand words:

 

[nsxtasy]

NSXPO 2003 is a whole world of fun, and you can still register for the social activities up until this Saturday.

Just check this topic and see the huge list of NSXprime members who are going to be there!

 

[Yellow Rose]

I don't want food or MB's BS at a tech form.

Then don't go.

Actually, nsxtasy deserves a big round of applause for his undieing effort of being a registrar for NSXPO - not once not twice but by my count three times. My patience ran out after only one event.....you can't please everybody all the time. Three honorable mentions especially stand out as being cry babies last year (a) a DFW local that thought he was privileged because the event was in his area, so he felt like he didn't have to pay the late registration fee when he just shows up unannounced despite getting a registration form prior to (b) the guy from California that firmly said "I ain't running in the yellow run group" then got peeved at me when I told him that I had nothing to do with run group assignements - he even rejected the wrist band when I tried to give it to him (c) the friendly dentist from Tucson that had this sarcastic look on his face thinking I threw a pen at him when it slipped out of my fingers by accident and even said to me "Why did you throw that at me."

Bottom line is simple - you want to go to a part of NSXPO or all of NSXPO, just pay the fee and be done with it. Excuses of why people can't go do nothing to change the minds of the planning team, so save the tears. You've known about this event for a year, so why the planners should make exceptions and grant partial passes because of an NSXer's lack of planning is out of the question. Just because somebody owns an NSX does not imply they can just show up.

 

[nsxtasy]

Actually, nsxtasy deserves a big round of applause for his undieing effort of being a registrar for NSXPO - not once not twice but by my count three times.

Actually, this will be my sixth NSXPO as registrar...

 

[NorCalwhite]

Watching the cars go round

I don't think it is wrong for someone to show up and watch for free. The track is still open to the public and if some one who happens to be at the store and wanders down to see what is going on at the track has the right to but they don't have the right to eat the luncheon or drive on the track. Pretty simple
All of us who paid will have name badges any way. I don't see what the big deal is about.

 

[Yellow Rose]

Correcting The Mis-Informed

I don't think it is wrong for someone to show up and watch for free. The track is still open to the public.....

Wrong. The NSXCA is renting the track; therefore, has final say in who steps foot on the track's property while "it is their's".

.....and if some one who happens to be at the store and wanders down to see what is going on at the track has the right to.....

Wrong. Very flawed logic - see above. Specifically, read the rental contract between Infineon Raceway and the party that rents the track.

Pretty simple

Actually, not at all. You try being a registrar for an NSXPO, play the various "hat games" of trying to please everyone, then dare to say that it is simple. Not in a long shot!

I don't see what the big deal is about.

The deal is that some people "want a free lunch" and that ain't right.

 

[len3.8]

Thanks for the info.

Andy, I don't know if your last post about free luch was pointed at me or not. So, I will post this as if it were. I for one was not asking for a Free lunch. Hence I asked about paying for the time I was there. I was simply in town visiting that weekend and wanted to see the FI vendors at one spot. I have an issue that has to be solved. By explaining the facts as NSXtasy has done I see what the rules are. If it is thst important to me than I will register by Saturday and pay. Simply asking the question.
There is no need to attack anyone, especially since you are trying to promote the event. I appreciate all that anyone on this board has helped me with, especially you and Ken. But don't tell me I'm looking for a free ride when I asked about paying

 

[nsxtasy]

You try being a registrar for an NSXPO, play the various "hat games" of trying to please everyone, then dare to say that it is simple. Not in a long shot!

It's not easy. Not easy at all.

One of the most difficult challenges is juggling a thousand things at the same time.

Here is my day (and you will understand why I haven't been posting much to NSXprime the past few days):

- phone/e-mails with the vendor who is providing our nametags, lanyards, car stickers

- e-mails with our Chair regarding which sponsors are attending which portions of our event

- e-mails with NSXprime members - a LOT of them - to get their NSXprime usernames so they can be displayed on their name tags (as noted here)

- e-mails with the caterers about meal deposits

- e-mails with our club's check printers (ask me about this at the event)

- e-mails with a few participants considering cancelling their registrations

- e-mails with the folks making up name tags and doing our event registration at the hotel

- e-mails with several of our sponsors about merchandise giveaways

- e-mails about how we will verify that people don't sneak into meals

- e-mails with additional folks who want to register for the social stuff and get onto the track waiting list (we get a few more sign-ups each day)

And we still have a teleconference call later tonight among all the members of the planning committee.

One of the things that affects me deeply is that there are people who want to come to this event and are willing to pay to do so, and I have to tell them that they can only be on a waiting list (for the track event). Today I spoke over the phone with a club member who has been to three previous NSXPOs, with whom I have become friends (at several other club events as well). He has a lot of track experience and would love to drive Infineon Raceway, which he has never done. I had to tell him that all I could do is put him on the waiting list, where he is now number ten. We're holding an event which is going to be terrific fun, and some people can't even sign up to pay to come, due to capacity limitations (on the track event).

So, as you can see, at a time when lots of folks (not just me, but a couple dozen of us) are working hard to make this event happen, people who want to come without paying to do so, most of whom have never even joined the NSX Club of America, are just not a priority.

However, for those who would like to join in this fun event, please register and come join us! This is the highlight of the NSX event year, and for many of us, the highlight of our personal year. There's still time to sign up. Just do it!!!

 

[Andrie Hartanto]

I appreciate every volunteer effort on NSXPO. I still wish that spectator can come for free to the track portion. This is a great marketing tool for people to join in the fun and be a member of NSXCA.

When I run my own event, I let spectator come for free and even get rides. Hoping they get the taste and want to try it on their own in the future. As far as luncheon concern, I usually give them a ticket to keep track who paid.

That being said, I don't run this event, and I respect the decision even if I don't agree.

 

[sjs]

Well I've been holding my tongue again on this, but now you’ve gone beyond a simple “No”.

A few years back I was new to this crowd and made a similar inquiry about spectating for one day and went a few rounds on the subject. I got pretty much the same answers and then I was even accused of not being as much of an “enthusiast” as others if I wasn’t willing to set everything else in my life aside for NSXPO. Guess what guys, my world doesn’t revolve around my NSX.

Actually as I recall, the rule that year was all or nothing and I first asked about doing just the track days. No dice, too much trouble, take it or leave it, tough crap. I left it. Later, perhaps due to low registrations, they changed their minds and offered a track package. Too late, I was booked. That’s when I asked about an afternoon of spectating but was refused. I got the same hard-sell I’m seeing again. Here’s another news flash for you, there are all kinds of people out here in the real world and they enjoy different things, so I reject the notion that “if you would enjoy any part of the event, you would also enjoy the rest of the event.”

And Andy, your comments fall well short of being constructive in any sense. But you have managed to verbalize the very attitude that leaves me indifferent about ever attending.

Anyway, I didn’t agree with your rules then and I still don’t. I’m sure it is a monumental task to organize these things and from what I’ve read and heard they are extremely well executed. Kudos to all involved. But that still doesn’t make the rules in question here right. For all the effort you guys go to it absolutely astounds me that you can’t, or simply won’t, find a way to accommodate other NSX owners who wish to hang out for awhile at the track. I’ve heard all the reasons and they just don’t cut it. Are you afraid that everyone will show up but no one will register and pay? We’re just talking about wandering around at the track, not crashing the parties & meals, and not looking for an "a la carte pricing" menu of activities. The bottom line is, you choose not to be accommodating. Period. And although I object on principal to the assertion that I should pony up the full fees to do nothing more than hang out for an afternoon to meet other owners and some vendors, don’t think for a moment that this is about the money as such. Think about it, your fees aside the airfare and hotel would make a one day trip anything but cost affective. (No, I don’t have any FF miles) But if I’m to get little or nothing for my money I’d rather donate it to a charity or contribute it to a more deserving person or organization. Hmmm…

Too bad the sense of community that is so often espoused on this fine site is forgotten each year for the very event that could allow more of us to meet and get acquainted.

 

[sjs]

BTW, I did not mean to imply that this site or the proprietor hereof is in any way responsible for the decisions of the NSXCA.

 

[AKUDOU]

Too bad the sense of community that is so often espoused on this fine site is forgotten each year for the very event that could allow more of us to meet and get acquainted.

sjs,Andrie, Hartanto, Litespeeds, daveh, len3.8, 97CTSC,
and several others including myself all I can say is ..well sheeeeeet. My wife and I are going to be in Walnut Creek visiting her sister and mixing a little business with pleasure the week of NSXPO and also celebrating my birthday on the 10th. I guess picking up a bottle of wine and some cheese and watching some fellow NSX members burn up the track is now out of the question. My bad for assuming that we could get in because every other event I have attended lets spectators in. I have paid as much as 20.00 a pop to watch Cobra & Corvette events and ate off the roach coach and had a ball. Well enough said guess we will just have to ride the wine train and get blistered, hell the more I think about it that could be more fun.On a second note a person would be inclined to think that the vendors would welcome interested NSX owners to browse afterall they are sponsoring the event and a $20.00 entrance fee at the gate would discourage just the curious. JMO

 

[Yellow Rose]

And Andy, your comments fall well short of being constructive in any sense.

My comments were not meant to be constructive nor destructive. Merely, they are a presentation of how things really go down, during NSXPO registration.

I STAND BEHIND MY COMMENTS 100%.

Before anyone treads, they should walk the walk. IOW, talk is cheap.

 

[97CTSC]

not that anyone cares, but this 100% take it or leave it attitude will prevent me from ever attending these events.

I have other cars and belong to other clubs and each of them has had multi day events, but you always had the option of being just a spectator or paying for a single day.

Nobody is asking for a free lunch here, we would like to pay, but why not encourage people to come for what portions they can. I like my nsx a lot and this seems like a great event. I also was going to come up from southern ca (fly up for a day) but now i guess i'm also out of luck.. Alright flame me away too.

Thanks

Tom

 

[AKUDOU]

Before anyone treads, they should walk the walk. IOW, talk is cheap.

Ha, now that is the pot calling the kettle black.

 

[NSX 3.0]

not that anyone cares, but this 100% take it or leave it attitude will prevent me from ever attending these events.

I have other cars and belong to other clubs and each of them has had multi day events, but you always had the option of being just a spectator or paying for a single day.

Nobody is asking for a free lunch here, we would like to pay, but why not encourage people to come for what portions they can. I like my nsx a lot and this seems like a great event. I also was going to come up from southern ca (fly up for a day) but now i guess i'm also out of luck.. Alright flame me away too.

Thanks

Tom

I totally agree with you...I cant make this years XPO but if I was in the area for work etc or lived near the Track and was a NSXCA member and just wanted to check out the Drivers School and was turned away I would be really ticked off also. I also go to many other Club Events at Road America and NEVER have been turned away from wanting to come and watch the School. I was just at the PCA event I'm not a member but wanted to go and was willing to join to watch...I emailed the Pres and just asked if I could he replied no problem just tell Registration your a guest of mine and I had a blast for two days. They also had Food etc for the members in there club it was set up in a tent... I asked If they ever had problems with non paying people just coming in line they said never.

Just my 2 cents.



Steven 91 Blk/Ivory

 

[Yellow Rose]

That being said, I don't run this event, and I respect the decision even if I don't agree.

And that is the crux of my contention. Few people actually step up to the plate to make things happen, yet dare to gripe about this and gripe about that if it does not suit their preference. Ken is working his posterior anatomy off, but people still want special exceptions.

Andy, I don't know if your last post about free lunch was pointed at me or not.

I did not point my post at any one person in particular. My comment about wanting a free lunch was not meant to reference food. It was a slang, where people want something for nothing. What I should've done is use quotation marks such as "free lunch" to show that it should not be taken literally.

Ha, now that is the pot calling the kettle black.

Once you have taken on the task of an NSXPO registrar, then you know where I am coming from. Until you do, you have ZERO foundation for this comment. Man, some people just sit back in the peanut gallery taking pot shots at the players w/o a consideration of what it is like. Keep your violin in the closet, but let me tell you something. We worked our butts off for NSXPO last year. Some liked it some didn't. (Ron S. from the Acura dealership - I'm sorry the Texas wine tasted so bad. You really shouldn't speak so loud when you complain about it. My wife heard you. I think you said something to the effect that the wine tasted like vinegar. Guess its the attitude towards ingrates.) I was a full paying attendee and I did not take in half of the social functions helping others (yeah right, Andy helping somebody) because there is that much work going on behind the scenes.

Anyway, I didn’t agree with your rules then and I still don’t. But that still doesn’t make the rules in question here right.

Then get involved to make a difference! Rally the troups in STL and compile a bid proposal for NSXPO 2005. Be a lobbying activist and define the rules of engagement, rather than harboring ill feelings. That is how things change - people get involved and forge ahead rather than sitting around and not doing anything about it other than saying "I disagree with how you are running the show."

 

[Yellow Rose]

Perhaps something that is not so obvious. Planning team members, you are not allowed to participate in this question. Show of hands, who thinks the planning committee has been working on this for twelve days? Twelve weeks? Twelve months? Actually none of the above. They have been working on it for over a year. Now here we are a month from the event and lotsa questions are coming up about this and that. Making special exceptions this late in the game is like stopping a freight train. There is too much momentum to react quickly. Something to think about.

 

[nsxtasy]

The people who are complaining about this might actually have some credibility and influence on this issue - if they were actually working to help plan the event. But of course, they're not. The fact of the matter is that most of them have not even bothered to join the NSX Club of America, so they've never given anything towards the club's existence, let alone bothered doing anything to tailor club events to their liking. Those non-members who feel that it's someone else's responsibility to work for, and pay for, an organization so that they can enjoy its events should take a look at their own sense of responsibility and accountability.

And Andy is absolutely right about the way the events are held. The options and flexibility that are provided are a function of the willingness of volunteers to do the work to implement them. Flexibility takes extra time and work to offer. Those who complain about the lack of flexibility are never the ones who step up to do the work.

As Andy says, if you want the events to be held differently, you do have an option - join the club, and work on the events, and pitch in and do the extra work to make the options you want available. You're only complaining, when you could be doing something about it.

 

[len3.8]

Andy, I am aware of what "Free Lunch" means. That is why I said I asked about paying. Like always this has gotten blown out of sorts. A couple of people asked questions, a few more made statements, and 2 took it personal. No one attacked the registrar, in my situation it was pure ignorance because I hadn't read about Xpo. People stated their experiences and thoughts and you diluted them to make them sound like they were attacking the registrar. No one did. You guys are taking input personal and you shouldn't.

As a registrar I know how it is, trying to please everyone. You simply can't. As a registrar I also know that I wouldn't alienate anyone. When times are fat it's easy to dismiss those that are not in the club, which I am not. Why not ask why those people aren't in the club? Instead you guys are hitting people with intrest in seeing what it's all about with pure insults.

Facts: a lot of car clubs let spectators view their events. Some of those spectators become members. Some of them go out and buy the car. Nick Mattucie at a porsche event running circles around me prompted my purchase.
People will pay to watch the events, they ask questions, they make conversation. You make additional friends, allies.
As someone stated, I am sure the vendors that are sponsoring the event, that sell aftermarket parts would love to talk to anyone that is interested in purchasing them. That is why they sponsor. You think they want to talk to the people that want to leave their car bone stock? Just in passing.

I myself would love to come, but the rules are the rules and I respect that. As far as step up and join in, help the cause, contribute. I think that is what people are trying to do.
I would hope that there is a hospitality area for the event.
Wait spectators aren't aloud so you must not be looking for new members. Just take your words for it and sign up, Oh yeah that's a good concept.
JAO
Len