9th Annual Detroit Auto Show GTG - NAIAS 2016 - January 16 (aka WINTERFEST)

[VeeDubTDI]

I'm going to be coming again this year. My 8 year old son is really getting into cars (mostly the exotic sportscars), and he wants to go to the auto show this year to check out the cars .

So it will probably be the wife and I for dinner on Friday night, and my son and I on Saturday at the auto show.

Cool! I can remember going to the DC auto show with my dad when I was in the single digits. I really enjoyed it.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

We're up to 23 people for the GTG so far.

I'm still waiting on confirmation about dinner and go kart locations.

Where are the rest of the Michigan people? I saw a bunch of you recently at Kirk's house!

 

[tomo366]

Hockey Kids again this year??

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I'm not sure. Probably.

I made contact with the hotel, The Wurst Bar, and JD Karting today. The Wurst Bar is going to get back to me about a group reservation, but the guy on the phone didn't think a group reservation would be a problem.

JD Karting offers Buddy's Pizza as a catering service, so that's a big win for Matt-98AHU! Their race pricing is in line with Kart 2 Kart; $55 for a three-race grand prix, or $12 per time trial session. We may have to make a 25% deposit in order to place an advanced reservation. More details about that will be forthcoming.

I should have some preliminary hotel information, including pricing, tomorrow. The group booking code will probably take a few days to get.

 

[MonsterTDI09]

The track at JD Karting looks tough to pass clean. I hope the karts hold their speed throughout each race.

 

[bhtooefr]

This is an interesting video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XhccDbK3wI

It's comparing a Sodi GT5 (which has a Honda GX200 in that configuration - same engine as what Kart 2 Kart is using in their Stratos iS_13 karts, as far as I can tell) against a Sodi GTX (what JD Racing has).

The GTX destroys the GT5 off the line, I have to say. And, having reverse will be nice for pileups...

 

[deegingerkid]

I'm not sure. Probably.

I made contact with the hotel, The Wurst Bar, and JD Karting today. The Wurst Bar is going to get back to me about a group reservation, but the guy on the phone didn't think a group reservation would be a problem.

JD Karting offers Buddy's Pizza as a catering service, so that's a big win for Matt-98AHU! Their race pricing is in line with Kart 2 Kart; $55 for a three-race grand prix, or $12 per time trial session. We may have to make a 25% deposit in order to place an advanced reservation. More details about that will be forthcoming.

I should have some preliminary hotel information, including pricing, tomorrow. The group booking code will probably take a few days to get.

Matt hasn't looked at this thread but once...I'll be happy to inform him of the availability of Buddy's Pizza We are SO looking forward to this one!

 

[VeeDubTDI]

The track at JD Karting looks tough to pass clean. I hope the karts hold their speed throughout each race.

See for yourself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBl23HZsy4

 

[1854sailor]

See for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBl23HZsy4

Full contact karting!

 

[MonsterTDI09]

See for yourself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBl23HZsy4

That's the video I was going off of. Looks like there are two passing zones.

 

[JDSwan87]

See for yourself!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGBl23HZsy4

I can already see the corner I'm going to get T-boned on...

 

[MonsterTDI09]

I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer. I'm willing to give it a try.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I'm not trying to be a Debbie downer. I'm willing to give it a try.

It looks awesome to me. I can't wait to try out the electric cart torque.

 

[Jetter_Sprinta]

If IBW and PeterV are willing to put up with my 12 hours of commentary and bringing up non-TDI topics inspired by visits to rest stops (example: why do men pee on the toilet paper holder? Discuss...), I'd love to go.

 

[tomo366]

LOL....and your white knuckle driving also?

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

She drives great. (Could go a little faster).

 

[VeeDubTDI]

If IBW and PeterV are willing to put up with my 12 hours of commentary and bringing up non-TDI topics inspired by visits to rest stops (example: why do men pee on the toilet paper holder? Discuss...), I'd love to go.

We'd love to have you! Hopefully the weather is a little more cooperative this time.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Hotel pricing for this year will be $121 + 11% tax for a total of $134.31/night. This is a modest increase of $2 from last year.

Our initial block will be 10 rooms, as 9 people have already responded to the survey with intent to book a room. This can be expanded as necessary, although it is likely that the hotel will sell out, so don't delay (fill out the survey in the first post). Once I get the paperwork returned, I will be issued a group booking code that I will put in the first post.

 

[millere5815]

Just wondering. I've never been to the auto show before. What is the cost? How do I get tickets to go. I would like to go, I just want to make sure I have everything planned out.

 

[MonsterTDI09]

Just wondering. I've never been to the auto show before. What is the cost? How do I get tickets to go. I would like to go, I just want to make sure I have everything planned out.

If we get thirty people the tickets are $9.00 dollars. Regular price is $13.00 dollars. One person will buy the tickets for the whole group. Then we meet up a set location at the Cobo center to distribute the tickets.

 

[compu_85]

Then after we go for go carts and pizza.

-J

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Auto show tickets & pricing

Just wondering. I've never been to the auto show before. What is the cost? How do I get tickets to go. I would like to go, I just want to make sure I have everything planned out.

As Monster said, I will purchase group tickets in advance based on the number of people who respond to the survey in the first post (it's more of a registration sheet than a survey). We'll meet at the Joe Louis statue in the COBO lobby at 9:00 AM and distribute tickets to those who have reserved them. Bring cash!

As for the other events like go karting and breakfast, you just show up to those. Please indicate that you're coming on the registration survey so that I know how many people to make the reservation for.

Rough weekend pricing:

Hotel: $135/night
Show tickets: $10/person
Show parking: Plan on $10-20/car
Go Karting: $12/time trial or $55 for grand prix style group racing
Food: $100/person for the weekend is usually sufficient
Drinks: Everybody's bar bill is different
Fuel: You'll probably drive a couple hundred miles around town​

 

[VeeDubTDI]

The hotel is offering concierge level (private key card access 8th floor) rooms for $129/night to keep us away from the hockey children. I'm inclined to accept this offer unless there are any major objections from you all about doing so.

It may be possible to book regular rooms at the $121/night rate, as well, but I can't guarantee that right now. Any objections to the proposal above?

 

[bhtooefr]

I have objections to NOT being on the 8th floor.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I have objections to NOT being on the 8th floor.

LOL that's what I figured.

 

[MonsterTDI09]

I have no problem with the price for the 8th floor.

 

[deegingerkid]

The hotel is offering concierge level (private key card access 8th floor) rooms for $129/night to keep us away from the hockey children. I'm inclined to accept this offer unless there are any major objections from you all about doing so.

It may be possible to book regular rooms at the $121/night rate, as well, but I can't guarantee that right now. Any objections to the proposal above?

I know that will DEFINITELY fly for Matt and I too.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

OK by me. My floor was pretty quiet last year, but the year before...not so much.

 

[tomo366]

I had a free Room night last year from the year before it was all good for me last year but whatever is good

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Hotel rooms are now available for booking!

The hotel reservations link has been added to the first post. You must use this link to get the TDIClub discount and 8th floor rooms.

Please make your reservations as soon as possible so that I can increase the room block if necessary while additional rooms are still available.