41 replies to this topic

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Wow, does a year go by quickly. It's once again time to prepare for battle at the R4/5. As always we are doing everything we can to make number five the best yet. In the following week I will answer all your questions about this years format, etc. Rest assured that only minor tweaking is being done. The basic information is:

Race dates: March 9-11, 2012

Classes to be raced:
GT Coupe-FK (hand-out Falcons) and GT Coupe-PD - Friday, March 9
Retro F1 - Saturday, March 10
Retro Can-Am - Sunday, March 11

Entry fees: $20 includes "Track Pass" and lunch
Hand-out class add $10 per motor

One difference from last year is that there will be NO "Racers Choice" class run on Friday night. While last years Retro Stock Car race was exciting it left too little time for practice with the premier classes.

The Holiday Inn is once again our headquarters hotel as well as "Ground Zero" for the Bench Race party Saturday night. Unfortunately, due to corporate rate hikes the new rate is $20.00 higher than last year at $95.00. Local hotel management has been working closely with me to try and work out something closer to last years but couldn't make it happen. In fact that is why I somewhat delayed this post. We were trying one last time to squeeze a bit more from the home office. They, as well as I, understand that the higher rate may effect how many of you book with them. But, ask anyone who has stayed there and they will tell you it is a very nice place, just a couple of years old, sports a great "adult watering hole" (bar), and is only steps away from the place to be on Saturday night - The R4/5 Bench Race Bash.

The Holiday Inn is located at 5495 Maxwell Place Columbus, OH 43228. It is located in the center of the cluster of hotels that many of you had stayed in for past R4s. Swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and bar/lounge are just a few of the amenities they offer. Hotel Reservations : 1-614-335-1150 (Mention the R4 or Tom Thumb Hobbies)

I am currently posting from my iPad while I am dealing with some computer issues. Detailed information is coming later this week.

[The Groove]

That's too bad. $95 is way too much, I know its a nice place but...

There are too many other choices around and I am sure they would let you use a room for the bench race. We stayed in a Holiday Inn in Chicago for the Scale Nats and the Sano for $59.00 and the rooms and amenities were very nice and at the Scale Nats that also included a full buffet breakfast!!!

Forward this to them and see if they will match that??? And if not, how about a list of the other hotels in the area?

[Ron Hershman]

There is always the Red Roof Inn at the same exit... last year was 45 bucks plus tax per night plus if you smoke you can smoke in your room at the Red Roof.

They have both smoking and non-smoking rooms at the Red Roof.

Ohio laws have been changing regarding this so one would have to ask the Red Roof if they still have smoking rooms or not.

A Red Roof we stayed at in Canton, OH, in Nov had no smoking rooms... smoke-free property.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

That's too bad. $95 is way too much, I know its a nice place but...

There are too many other choices around and I am sure they would let you use a room for the bench race. We stayed in a Holiday Inn in Chicago for the Scale Nats and the Sano for $59.00 and the rooms and amenities were very nice and at the Scale Nats that also included a full buffet breakfast!!!

Forward this to them and see if they will match that??? And if not, how about a list of the other hotels in the area?

Working on the list of other area hotels. We have lost two. Part of the reason for the higher general rate is that March is "in season" for this area with Ohio HS Basketball Championships, The Arnold body building competition, among other activities. As far as meeting rooms they have the ONLY one within ten miles with adequate size. The only other is in a space shared by the hotel front desk and we would need to be fairly quiet... and that is not going to happen .

The hotel GM is good with last years rate of $75 but the corporate bosses won't budge. I signed the contact over five months ago and we both have been working ever since to lower the rate. The hotel knows (as do I) that this will affect bookings but there is nothing we can do. It is what it is. You can bet that I will be looking for alternatives for the R4/6 next year.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

FWIW I just checked redroof.com and the published rate for the Red Roof just down the street from the Holiday Inn that Ron is talking about is from $85 to $95. At 4530 W Broad is a former Holiday Inn recently turned Red Roof Inn that shows $65 to $80 rates. I will do more checking.

[Bob Appelle]

It's all about supply and demand, they don't need us due to the demand from other events. A 27% increase is excessive as far as my wallet is concerned. How many rooms did we take last year, 25 to 30 x 3 nights. Rick and I will be looking elsewhere.

Bob

[Mopar Rob]

I also stayed at the Red Roof Inn last year. It's everything a cheap hotel is supposed to be; cheap, safe and clean. I walked the the 100 feet or so the the Perkins next door for breakfast. I'd stay there again.

WOW, price goes up $30 a night when I input that week. Must be something going on in the area?

[The Number of]

Booked the Motel 6 #4618 on line for $37.80 a night, then they will add on 17% tax after you get there. Still works out to about $44 per night. It is basic motel, no breakfast or Speed Vision (won't see Rande there!). It is within stumbling distance of the Holiday Inn, with many restaurants close by.

Bill

[Ron Hershman]

Here ya go... Super 8.

[Noose]

I booked there and did the advance to save the extra 15%.

[Ron Hershman]

Another option... HERE.

Yep, the local Red Roof Inn has raised its rates... not just the weekend of the R4/5... but other weekends as well.

Sorry Rande... no more Speedvision for you... LOL.

[Ron Hershman]

So the RRI at HIlliard and 70 is 85 bucks plus a night...

This RRI on West Broad St and not too far from the raceway is 65 bucks on Thur night and 75 bucks Fri and Sat nights.

[Noose]

If that Econo Lodge is still open it's cheap and you will see why. LOL.

[Ron Hershman]

Yeah, it's still open and they have remodeled since the last time we all stayed there... LOL.

It may be a "tad" better than the Motel 6.

[Mopar Rob]

It might be remodeled, but I still have nightmares from the sound of trucks engine braking non-stop until about 3:30 AM. Then it went spooky quiet for about two hours and promptly started back up again. You couldn't pay me to stay there again.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

I personally think it is a WAY excessive increase. But there is nothing I can do at this point but use their room and drink their beverages the night of the bench race.

As many have found out many area hotels have had significant increases. I have no idea why as there are no more events in the area than the last several years. At least none that I can find. There are several other hotels within easy walking distance of the Holiday Inn so coming to the bash should not be a problem.

My apologies for this situation but it is beyond my control. By all means find a hotel with more reasonable rates if you can. Hopefully I can find a solution for the next R4.

[Jacob Shiplet]

Comfort Suites about seven minutes from track is $85.95 a night for two queen beds( fresh waffles, assorted hot items, bagels, cereals, muffins, fruit, juice, milk, coffee, and more.)

The La Quinta Inn next to Holiday Inn is $71 a night (there is a 16.75% tax) for two queens.

[John Miller]

I have no idea why as there are no more events in the area than the last several years. At least none that I can find.

The hotel industry is a tight knit group. They network (and pay a fee per occupied room) with the local Chamber of Commerce for marketing and additional services. They also know the exact number of rooms available (for their market) and the revenue generated based upon occupancy rates.

On a quarterly basis they all get together to discuss target markets, up and coming events, and rate increases. So, if they decide that everyone should consider a rate increase, then they institute a rate increase.

Well, that 's how it's done for the rooms in southwestern Michigan.

[Ron Hershman]

On a quarterly basis they all get together to discuss target markets, up and coming events and rate increases. So, if they decide that everyone should consider a rate increase, then they institute a rate increase.

Well, Super 8 and Motel 6 must have missed that meeting or didn't get the "memo". LOL.

The Valueplace or palace is a super deal... their weekly rate is as cheap as three days elsewhere... except for Motel 6.

[Ron Hershman]

As many have found out many area hotels have had significant increases. I have no idea why as there are no more events in the area than the last several years.

The new C-A-S-I-N-O!!! LOL.

[Jacob Shiplet]

The Value Place is supposed to be pretty nice. Having a full size fridge and stove also helps. I dont know how early some people are coming in, but if you are staying more than three days, should be a no-brainer.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

The new C-A-S-I-N-O!!! LOL.

Nope. Not open until later.

[Ron Hershman]

Yep and agreed, but usually the hotels increase prices months ahead anticipating the "increased" revenues the Casino brings in... LOL.

[Mopar Rob]

There has to be something going on in the area? The Red Roof inn is $49 until mid-February then it increases in price to $79 until the first week of April and then drops back down.

[Jacob Shiplet]

Same thing that happens every year. High school swimming, wrestling tourneys, Arnold Classic, NCAA tourney games (new this year)