I refer to Jon Bernardi’s post regarding the Star Summit Alabama event in a nearby thread headed, “Pagodafest 2025?”
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=38578.msg285157#msg285157As Jon has indicated our Pagoda group members are invited to participate in this event even if not members of MBCA. A number of activities being planned by the organizing committee will surely be of interest to our members. These were roughly outlined in my original post. I am providing some further information on the event.
The centerpiece of the event is the MBUSI plant tour. The plant has not been open to public tours for several years due to the major expansion undertaken to parallel production of electric and IC powered vehicles. This tour will provide an opportunity to see one of the most modern production facilities in the world. MBUSI do not have plans to restart public tours, so this is a one off opportunity.
Some of the other planned activities have proven to be popular at previous events here. The Concours will be held at the MBUSI visitors center with judging to MBCA rules. Silver Star judging is also planned however only cars of MBCA members can be certified.
The organizers have developed a series of scenic drives with printed directions. Participants can take one or more of these drives separately or in groups at a time of their choosing so as not to interfere with other activities they choose to participate in. These would be somewhat akin to the drives undertaken at our European events. A group of Pagoda participants for example, might take one of these drives in convoy with a meal stop at the end.
The more brave of heart may wish to try the Talladega banking. For the less adventurous, timed acceleration runs on the pit straight or autocross activities might be of interest.
The guided tour of the Barber Vintage Motorsports museum is a must for anyone who has not previously visited. In conjunction with with the tour, supervised parade laps of the track are scheduled. The Barber track, originally developed as a motorcycle circuit, hosts a variety of cycle events throughout the year as well as an Indycar round each spring.
Performance driving at the Talladega Grand Prix Prix road course will be held on Monday, the last day of the event. Instructors will be provided but drivers will need to provide their own approved helmet.
Evening activities include happy hours, award dinners and guest speakers however, no technical sessions are planned.
The primary hotel for the event is located 12 miles southeast of downtown Birmingham adjacent to I 459 at the intersection with US Hwy 280. From the Hotel,the MBUSI Factory is about a 50 mile drive and the Talladega track is about 40 miles. Barber is approximately 10 miles away.
I will provide a heads up to the group when the event reservation site is up and running.