Reading 14 Wrap up/Reading 15 Preview

[Hocrest]

Another Reading has come and gone. I want to take the time to thank all of those that helped with the organisation, and more importantly I would like to thank all of those that came out to the event. Especially those that went through a great amount of effort and cost to travel to the event; Armando, Ray, Marisa and Matt. If it wasn't for the effort that people put into attending the event, it wouldn't be worth putting in the effort of putting it all together.

Some of the highlights;
- After all getting down to Valley Forge National Historical Park as a group, we were promptly told that we needed a permit and were not allowed to stay so we took a slow loop through the park and headed back to the hotel.

- Tim Eng did a great "Tech Session" on polishing headlights, Henry now has a set of lights that shine like the rest of his car.

- Something new this year was the presentation of the "Chris Townsend - Spirit of Competition" award. This award, donated anonymously, was a surprise both to Chris and to Harry Newman "NewSVX" the first winner of the award. Congratulations to Harry! And Harry, the more that you tell everyone that you don't deserve it, only continues to enforce the reasons that you do.

- Following the award was the raffle, which raised over $200 for the network.

- Something else new this year was the Sunday autocross. All those that participated had a great time and I think the spectators did too. I got a chance to speak with the representatives afterwards and they seemed excited to work with us again next year. Thanks to Tom for going through the effort to bring the Racer, it did draw some attention to what our cars can do with Elazar's 3rd place finish, both in Raw time and PAX.

- Friday afternoon we had a visit from the marketing department of SOA, he was in the area for something else and heard about our meet. I spoke with him briefly and he seemed to pick up on the level of enthusiasm that the small group of us that were there on Friday had towards these cars and wants more information for next year to see if they can be more involved.


Reading XV (seems more appropriate than 15)
- An idea I've been contemplating for a few years is a concourse event. One of my main goals for XV is to have that set up.

- Return of the Rally, a few of the organizers mentioned that they miss the rally and we're looking forward to getting one set up for next year. The rally was one of the highlights of some of the past Reading Meets.

If anyone wants to help out for next year, please let me know

If anyone has any other ideas for next year please let me know

If anyone had any problems with any of the accommodations this year, please let me know, though PM if you would rather.

[bwb3]

Congrats to all your efforts Dave, you already have me fired up for next year.
Gene

[Crazy_pilot]

Great job Dave and everyone else who helped out! What is the Spirit of Competition Award meant to honour? I've seen it mentioned a couple times now but haven't connected it to anything.

I really wish I could have made it down. Unfortunately my car seemed to feel otherwise. Next year the SVX will probably be in the garage undergoing some serious work, but I'll definitely come down in the Legacy. Other Subarus are welcome, right?

[Hocrest]

Gena and Chris, it would be great to see you both again. Hopefully for XV.

Chris, I posted about the "Spirit of Competition Award", that should explain it a little more.

[newsvx]

Dave,
Congratulations on a very well run event - great job by you and the others.... it is a lot of work, as most recognize. Thank you all for the effort all of you put into it. The autocross was a great addition to the event / meet too. And it would not have happened if not for your effort with the Blue Mountain SCCA group. Well done. Lots of fun, and maybe we can do it again next year. I hope so.
I like your ideas for next year too. I'm looking forward to READING XV already!

Thanks again,
Harry

[Stevebsy]

Do you have a list of the raffle items and winners?

Maybe next year I'll get back out there again...

[SVXRide]

Dave,

Thanks again for all your hard work making this year's "Reading" happen. I've been involved in enough NASA-related conferences/meetings to know all the work that goes into a smoothly run "gathering", most of which most people never recognize.

I'm definitely in for helping with XV, to the extent that work/family obligations allows.

Bill

[SVXRide]

Dave -- very consistent in the RaceCar!

Bill

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by SVXRide

Dave -- very consistent in the RaceCar!

Bill

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE FACT THAT WE HAD AN AUTOCROSS AT READING!
I miss the days that I could go to the "track" and dragrace, "someone young",
(perhaps named Tom)
on The Best Weekend Of The Year!

It was a great weekend/Reading!
Thank you David, Ben, et all.

[ensteele]

This year's Reading sounds like it was another success. Congratulations. It didn't hapapen by itself - good job on putting it together.