The PCA festival of speed?

tevake · 03-01-2017, 04:36 PM

I've never been to any large PCA events like this, but just signed up to help out for the weekend. Also never been to Fontana, so.
Guessing that many here have been there a lot of times.
What can you tell me about the event, the track , RV camping area, etc.?

I've got to admit to being a little trepidatious about showing up in my somewhat Road Warrior looking rig and SC, to a mostly "strictly upper crust event"
But I'm going there to pitch in and help make it happen. Just don't need a lot of derision in the process.

So any stories or insight to put my mind at ease?
I'm expecting to have a good time and hopefully meet a few pelicans while there.

Cheers Richard

Geneman · Geneman's Garage

its pretty low key .. much more low key than the rennsport reuninon. you should be fine

Amail · 03-01-2017, 04:57 PM

You'll fit in perfectly. Everything there from beater 924's to GT1's.

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

We usually party in the RV area. It's quite a spectacle during the day with garage bands playing at night... in the garage.

The track is a super-speedway and it is very fast. I will see 140 in my street car entering turn 1. The cup cars might see 170 into turn 1. Everybody is welcome and there are plenty from every walk of life.

tevake · 03-01-2017, 05:59 PM

Thanks guys for putting my concerns to rest.
Are the RV sites located in the infield? Any particular RV areas a plus to get into?
Should I arrive all stocked up for the whole stay? Or easy access to nearby stores?

If any of you come across my airstream motorhome there stop in for a cold one and a visit.
Here is what my rig looks like, well in dim light so you can't see the peeling clear coat.
I hope to get to meet some of you there.

Cheers Richard

motion · 03-01-2017, 06:27 PM

I'll be there to spectate if I'm in town. Would love to say hello to a bunch of you!

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

For a prime RV spot get there Thurs. We are usually along the back wall across from garage 2. Our rig always hosts a congregation of Caymans. Mine is white #129.

John Rogers · 03-01-2017, 07:56 PM

The RV spots are north of the garages and are sized for those super coaches like Jeff Gordon used to have. The last few times I was there the cable/sat coax was dead as it cost extra for them to turn it on. They have all the other hookups which work great.

Check the Speedway schedule as many times I was there with the vintage guys there were drag races going on the north side of the facility, it has been blessed for the top fuel cars I believe as they extended the run off under Cherry Ave. There is also a great go cart/auto cross course outside the main speedway.

I had a throttle cable break exiting NASCAR turn two so I coasted off the racing line. I got a tow across the infield back to the garage and my Goodyear slicks never got dirty!

tevake · 03-01-2017, 08:12 PM

So is it a deal where you check in and pic from what is available, first come first served?
I'm hoping to be able to stay at the track on wed night as the setup work starts early thurs. if not possible, I may stay at riverside park on the wed night to be close by.

Thanks for the details guys, I'm getting more stoked with each post.

Cheers Richard

John Rogers · 03-02-2017, 07:36 AM

As for checking in, I would suggest contacting whoever you report to or whoever might be in charge? Lots of times at events the whole facility is rented by a race company such as Honda Motorcycles for testing and they don't want "spies". It is a great place to race and here is a shot of us at the first one they held a long time ago. At first they put in a "chicane" before NASCAR turn one as they were afraid speeds would be too high for folks! Testing proved to not be the case and it was removed.

kevin930t · 03-03-2017, 01:03 PM

That really sounds like alot of fun,how do you get involved as a volunteer?

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scottmandue · 03-03-2017, 01:37 PM

FWIW there is a train station at the back of the track.
We took the train to the track when I was gifted a pair of tickets to a NASCAR event.
I imagine you will have plenty to do and see at the track, but just in case you want to get away it is there.

tevake · 03-03-2017, 02:16 PM

Kevin930, I found a link from this site. California Festival of Speed | Zone 8 - Porsche Club of America

They were quick to get back to me and have touched in to answer questions afterwards.

If you have trouble contacting them, shoot me a PM with email address and I'll forward the contact info.

Hope to see you there.

Cheers Richard

kevin930t · 03-04-2017, 02:35 PM

Thanks Richard,I think its about time that i get involved with the cars i love.I have been stuck in my shop going on 10 plus years and starting to feel like a hermit.

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kevin930t · 03-04-2017, 02:43 PM

Yepp i am definitely going

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tevake · 03-04-2017, 02:50 PM

Great, come on out and join us, bring that Buick that you posted about. Or There are some opportunities to get on track too, do you have a running Porsche?

Not sure if you have heard back yet, but Thursday it set up day, then the fun begins.

See you there.

Cheers Richard

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

One of the best ways to "Do" the Festival of speed is to volunteer for 1/2 day. You get free parking, free event shirt, free lunch and other Porsche NA swag. After you complete your shift you have the rest of the event to explore at your leisure. I worked the race grid for several years before becoming a competitor and being in the thick of race cars lining up for each start was pretty rad.

Janice is the volunteer coordinator for the event again this year. Give her a holler.
California Festival of Speed | Zone 8 - Porsche Club of America

FAQ for participants:
http://www.zone8.org/assets/cfos/2017/2017_CFOS_FAQ.pdf