Thanks to a big helping hand from MINI of Sterling (the new sales manager, Mike Arata, in particular), the long-rumored event is finally a reality!

When: Sunday, October 30th
Time: Arrive 1:30 - 2 pm
Where:
Allsports Grand Prix (Website)
45915 Maries Rd.
Dulles VA 20166
(Directions) (Note: Take the directions with a grain of salt! Please try to verify all computer generated directions with a paper map, or have one with you, before traveling!)
Event Fee: Only $25 per person! Please bring cash or a check made out to DC Metro MINIs. I will be handing out tickets of some sort (what kind is a surprise! ) as 'proof of purchase'. Pre-paying will not be available for this event.
RSVP: Closed, sorry!

Now these aren't your typical seaside/mini-golf-course karts. These are serious little racing machines with a top speed of about 35 MPH! See what Scott Berg of the Washington Post has to say about them here! We will be participating in the 'Team Racing' format, which will provide everyone with a good deal of track time. And for only $25 a head, it's a heck of a deal! See the above website for details. And feel free to invite friends and family!

The track is indoors, so this will be a rain-or-shine event!

---
For those interested, we will meet for lunch at Wegmans in Sterling, VA, right around the corner from MINI of Sterling. Wegmans, for the uninformed, is an upscale supermarket with a fantastic 'market' attached. The market has all manners of freshly-prepared food available for consuming on premises. They have a deli, specialty sandwiches, sushi made on-site, a buffet, and a bunch of other stuff that I'm forgetting.

The lunch is open to all, including those who just want to meet up for a friendly chat and will not be attending the go-kart event. And of course, those who want to skip lunch and just meet up at the track, that's fine too.

It's not necessary to RSVP for the lunch. Just show up! :smile:

***And since that the weather looks like it's going to be beautiful (if a bit chilly), Halloween costumes for the MINI and/or owner are encouraged! ***

We will meet at about 11:00 - 11:30, and at about 1:15, we will caravan over to Allsports.

Wegmans (directions)
45131 Columbia Place
Sterling, VA 20166

*Note on directions - Rt. 28 has been recently modified. There is no longer a turn onto Commercial Drive from Rt. 28 (Sulley Rd). To access Wegmans from Rt. 28, take the exit onto Rt. 625 (Waxpool Rd) heading west, turn right onto Pacific Blvd (first light), and then turn right at the stop sign onto Columbia Pl.
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The latest and greatest info will be posted in this thread, and reflected in this top post!

RSVP List (as of Oct. 26)
Paul B. (Paul!)
Matt L. (CmdrVimes)
Tom C. (W3IWI) [+1 spec]
Mark M. (mmatarella)
Alden E. (golden_child)
Alan F.-D. (Scavenger) +1
Carolyn & John (MoonPie & MINIMiller)
Paul W. & Page Z.
Katie & Paul (kgdblu)
Matt Z.
Jeff H.
Derek F. (Mugami)
Mark W. (mpwald05) +1
Dillon & Leah B.
Bruce P. (Mty_mini) +2
Sally K. (ssallykat)
John D. (DaCrema)
Kevin C. (zippy2) +1
Marty & Barbara M. (MiniZoom)
Mark S. (MDSBrain) +2 [+6 tentative]
Marshall C.
(suprcoopers) +1
Haemish (Edge)
(JustDandy)
Will (Wagnbat) +1


Any questions, comments, or concerns, please ask in this thread, or shoot an email to events@dcmetrominis.org!

Hope to see you there! This event won't be one to miss!

-Paul!

 

OH YEH!!!! I'm definitely planning to be there! As long as nothing pops up on my calendar within the next few days, I'll have my RSVP on the way!! This is gonna be a blast!



I've taken a first place trophy from there, so watch out!!

Scavenger

 

Sounds like fun... but it needs a handicapping system, based upon driver weight. I'll probably come anyway, just like Alan (Scavenger) I'll have to check my schedule first.

 

That sounds awesome! Perhaps we should all dress in costumes being as it is Halloween season.

 

Count on me! Sounds like a lot of fun!

john

 

Sounds like fun. Last time I was there it cost me around $80 so $25 is one heck of a deal!

I'll have to check my schedule before making any commitments also..

 

I rsvp'd

Thanks, this should be a blast. Help me come down off my track day high...

 

Yes, this is also intended to be our Halloween Event this year, so costumes for you and your MINI are encouraged but not mandatory.

Sorry that I would be able to join in....I will already be on temporary assignment in Mexico.

 

Nice sig xcaligali I wish mine was taken @ the Tidal Pool in spring ... I kinda miss the cherry blossom

 

All,

There's one problem with the costumes though! You'll have to wear jumpsuits and helmets during the event, which could hinder or be uncomfortable depending on your costume.

At the least, maybe we can have something funny to stick on top of our helmets?


I just RSVP'd!!!! WOOHOO!!!

Scavenger

 

Hmm... I could turn the pre-lunch into a Holloween themed lunch...

-Paul!

 

Oooooo!!!! What a gooood idea!

RSVP for my wife and I please. If she changes her mind, I'll post ahead of time.

 

Helmets, yes....I dunno about track suits. We've been there before and didn't have to wear suits.
I say we dress up the cars....?

 

Great idea! Wife and I are in.

Marty

 

Paul and I are in as well...he's very excited about it.

 

I was hoping the Karting rumor I heard wasn't just a rumor. I've already e-mailed paul with my RSVP.

 

Im in!!!, sounds like fun!

-sally

 

I should be able to make it as well Just hope i can remember what that funny little red thing is on the left side of the Kart

 

If interested i did a dry run up to all sport today so i could

a) see how long the trip took to estimate when i need to leave : just over 2 hours with the traffic today so i need to leave around 11 am to give cusion

B) to see what type of karts are used and the track condition: OG reg cart with the most front to back staggered width ive seened in a long time .. Track wise very slick and suited for the Sprint car / Drifter style of driving that i do.

When i got there i did three run. first two were in standard road racing driving style to figure out the track for the first time. It's my understanding you need 4 laps under 25.60 to qualify for the Super karts. I did 4 25.5's in the first run but wasn't a member so no super kart yet. Second run (still not a member) excluding traffic all runs were under 25.5 with fastest 25.3. Third and final run (now a member) and running my helmet cam i was testing out. Going all out drift style. I had 1 lap in the 25.0's all rest were in the 24.7-24.98 . I think ill do ok for the event.. even if im 205 lbs

 

Mugami,

Cool! I've been to the track to have a look around, but haven't actually raced. Glad to hear that it's as fun as it looks!

-Paul!

 

Sounds like we're going to have a great time. For the 2 hour trip, where did you leave from and what route did you take?

Thanks,

john

 

I'm coming up from Richmond,VA doing the 95, 495, 7 route . was worried about belt traffic since i don't make the run up that way often

 

I can see why that took so long :smile:

Did you look at possibly cutting across on Rt 17 from Fredricksburg and then heading North on Rt 28 to Nokes Blvd to Cascade Parkway?

Or Rt 234 from Dumfries over to Rt 28 N?

Just some alternatives for you. Rt 7 can be a bear sometimes. Even at that point, you might save a few minutes by skipping Rt 7 and taking the Dulles Toll Road to 28 North. Rt 7 through Tysons Corner is . Especially since they just opened the new wing of the mall this weekend.

john

 

Count me in with my son (21yrs).

 

I just followed mapquest since i dont know the area well