I've been getting a asked a few questions about the weekend and thought I better answer them here for everyone to read:
1. Do I have to be a member of a club or organization to attend the events/activities?
No. The Speedsters Meet Spyders (SMS) gathering is open to any and all who own or are interested in owning a 356 or 550 replica.
2. Is there an entry fee to participate in the meet?
No. There is no entry or registration fee for the SMS weekend.. We cover expenses via a raffle that is held in the hospitality suite of the Marriott host hotel. The raffle is held Saturday evening after the awards dinner. We ask all attendees to contribute items for the raffle such as car care products, related auto memorabilia, books, new parts, car art, etc.
3. Do I have to sign up for the whole weekend and get a hotel room or can I just attend one or two days? What about SMS activities?
Everyone can spend one day or all four days. If you are just coming for one day and want a nametag printed and ready, please send me your full name and state. If you plan to participate in any cruises, the Friday morning tour of the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR) and/or the Saturday Evening Awards dinner you need to complete an RSVP form and email it to “bstumpp at Comcast dot net” or snail mail it to Bruce Stumpp, PO Box 12, Phoenix, Maryland 21131. Seating is limited seating for these activities so it is important we know in advance if you are participating. The RSVP form can be found at the top of this thread. Of these activities the museum tour is free and the Thursday dinner is pay-as-you-go. The Awards dinner is $37 per person (check or money order) and must be mailed to me by May1.
4. What is the Carlisle registration fee for?
The SMS gathering is an event within an event. On the same weekend, Carlisle holds a LARGE import and replica meet at the fairgrounds that we participate in as much as possible. They will have a large turnout of import cars of many different makes as well as many replica manufacturers. In addition, there is a swap meet, live music, cars for sale, new product releases, great food, automotive displays, free seminars, autocrossing and more. The Carlisle registration fee gets you, your car and a friend into the gate all weekend. If you register early you will receive your sticker in the mail before the weekend.
5. My car is not finished and is not perfect, I'm not sure about parking it on a “showfield”.
This is a fun gathering and is not meant to be a “beauty contest”. In fact, Carlisle makes a point of calling the field the “fun field”. In fact, we are working on an award for “Best Patina” this year. So as we say - Drive ‘em, trailer ‘em, tow 'em but get them there somehow!!
6. Can I participate in the autocross?
Yes. Over the weekend the autocross is run by the SCCA on Carlisle's on-site course and you will be able to register there. Questions about requirements will have to be referred to the Carlisle management. There is a fee ($40?) to compete in the autocross. .
7. What is the schedule for allthe activities?
For the Carlisle activities, when you enter the fairgrounds you will receive a program with a schedule of all of their weekend activities. For the SMS activities, people who RSVP will be emailed a weekend schedule a few days before the meet. SMS schedules will also be posted at the hotel and in the showfield tent.
8. I heard MG replicas are being invited to join the SMS weekend activities, is that true?
Yes. Lacking an established group, MG replica owners have joined us the past few years until their group gets organized. They are participating in all activities and registering with Carlisle as “Speedster Owners” club.
9. Must I have a 356/550/MG to participate?
It's understood some people may not be able to bring their car or are in the process of considering purchasing one so not required. There may be open right seats available or you can drive your daily driver on the cruises but keep in mind the most fun really is in having your car on hand.
10. Where do we meet on the Carlisle showfield?
Every year the SMS has its own large tent to gather in and around. Enter the fairgrounds through Gate 3 and just keep following the access road – you can't miss our tent and the rows of 356/550/MG replicas.
11. Will there be facilities to wash my car?
There will be a “live” hose behind the Marriott for everyone's use, Also, just inside Gate 3 at the Carlisle fairgrounds are several free car washing stations for everyone's use.
12. Is there socializing in the evening?
The Marriott has reserved the hospitality suite for our use. Many of the participants will gather in the suite every evening – starting early and running late. Bring along your snacks and something to drink and make some new friends. .
There you go, I hope I answered everyone's questions. If not, please post it on this thread and we'll get you an answer.
