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+--- Thread: Sharing is caring/Alumni-Current student relations (/showthread.php?tid=4667)
- ScottyB - 08-25-2006
i'm a good example of an alumni that did more of the "motorsports-lite" type of thing. i never had the resources to get into HPDE's, and to this day i'm still planning on that first one. what i did do though, was get into everything i possibly could that would either reward me with more experience or money. as a result, i went to many autocrosses and attended nearly every track day at VIR and Summit. on a flagging weekend i could come home with the memories of seeing racing up close and 350 bucks in my pocket. i can't think of much things better than that.
my car? your everday honda accord. nothing special. i just wanted to get into everything i could, and if that meant going to bed early on a friday night (didn't always happen, haha) or spending less on beer and more on gas, then so be it. i can also say that had i not just jumped in when i joined the club and went to those track days/autocrosses i would not be into the motorsports world like i am.
the alum are moving on with their lives in certain ways and the current students may have their reasons for doing the MM activities they want to do, and thats all good. i just wanted to use myself as an example for the current students that you can get very involved and still not tear your car up or upset your life as badly as you might imagine.
Re: Sharing is caring/Alumni-Current student relations - Maengelito - 08-25-2006
Andy Wrote:I think I can see some of the frustration of members who feel like the Alums aren't as welcoming at track events .
fuck you andy, i'll kill you. :lol:
nah, i really hope no one feels that way, i've been as nice as possible at the tracks but i apologize if i'm short, but instructing keeps you very busy. when i hit group 3 and i could start giving people rides, i always always always tried to take someone who hasnt been out on track yet. i have never refused to give anyone a ride unless i had already planned to take someone else out on track. unfortunately, i have dogged scotty on several occasions but i eventually got him out there. i think i even took thayer out in the wet in the STi and we were sliding even though i wasnt even going fast. i've taken rex out at summit in the wet and we avoided two spinning cars by taking a grassy route between T3 and T4. point being that i dont want anyone to feel intimidated by alums at the track. some of us are busy, but honestly without MMers there, the track wouldnt be nearly as fun as it is.
Re: Sharing is caring/Alumni-Current student relations - CaptainHenreh - 08-25-2006
Maengelito Wrote:Andy Wrote:I think I can see some of the frustration of members who feel like the Alums aren't as welcoming at track events .i've taken rex out at summit in the wet and we avoided two spinning cars by taking a grassy route between T3 and T4.
My first on-track experience was with Maeng in the STi...I'll never forget that as long as I live. We're behind this CRX and this Miata, and you see it coming, right? Like it's in slo-mo, first the CRX starts to spin, then the miata starts to spin, and Maeng can either try to split the difference between them (bad idea!) or go off into the grass...at speed.
It was awesome.
- Maengelito - 08-25-2006
D_Eclipse9916 Wrote:I Found the alumni very welcoming at the actual track but very short, understandable as they are actually very busy during these events, but at least they were very nice and actually gave me the time of day. I think a lot of alumni/current student "drama" is on this forum, as I get into heated discussions with a few people like RJ, but in person we dont get into the same heated discussions.we should get both of you guys wasted and then put you in a room with weapons
Quote: Problem: The current students just dont seem to have the same passion as the alumni, as I have tried countless times to bring out current students to the track and the autocross. Autocross is the big thing I stress with the current students as its only 20 bucks...and wont break cars. But I have gone to 99% of my autocross events ALONE, not even one other current student.although i dont autox much anymore, i do see that you go pretty frequently and the times i do take the STi out to verona, i always see you there. oh and i also see you at the track a few times, even if we're karting at VIR and you pass me... jerk :lol:
That is the current student's choice, not something that is the alumni's concern. But it is ALSO NOT THE ALUMNI's fault for supposedly being not welcoming.
Quote: My first weekend working I had a blast with Maeng and Boobies and all them and would love to do it again.awesome, come on out again and bring your dsm pile
DJ, i agree with a lot of what you say and i'm glad that not everyone has this aversion to being at the track and atleast hangin out if not working or driving
- Kaan - 08-25-2006
In MM, i might be the biggest asshole you'll meet from the OG crew. I'm opinionated and I enjoy sharing!
I never think i'm wrong, i'm mouthy, i love the "your mom" jokes, i'm deadly with a bull horn... BUT...If you come to the track... come find me in the tech shed or Matt on grid. come visit us for one whole day... we'll get you a ride on track (and yes Cobetto will scare you in a busted E30)... If i know you are coming, we'll have widowmakers for lunch! I can tell you some of the best spectating spots for every track we go to... if its a SM/HC/AI race... i'll take you with me to one of them... Hell if you are in an HPDE and the car is "busted" i'll help try to fix it... even busted swapped overheating honda hatchcraps!
when you see us cut each other down, seemingly hurt peoples feelings, well we arent. we've known each other for a while now. Come out and meet us... i dont bite... well i will if your mom asks me too!
We've had some of the wildest times at the track... stories that are modern day legends... "stiffany", the spotless spoon award, cow suits, the invention of the widowmaker, keg stands in Kershaw, Type Rs decorated with pizza boxes, 12 guys stuffed in one room our first event working together, valve cover gaskets/brakes/etc in hotel parking lots, really drugged out hookers and cars full of guys going to her room!
Ask Chad how many people, how many MMers showed up when he went on his lid... no matter what we say or do to each other... in person or on the interweb... we all give a shit... we'll all be there to help... we all care. Come take a hit off the "go fast crack pipe."
- Andy - 08-25-2006
A lot of the talk has been doing things at the track. Is there anything the alums can do make the current students feel more welcomed outside of track events. Should be all try to hit an autox together? Circle jerk? What?
Where are the current students in this discussion?
- Kaan - 08-25-2006
Andy Wrote:A lot of the talk has been doing things at the track. Is there anything the alums can do make the current students feel more welcomed outside of track events. Should be all try to hit an autox together? Circle jerk? What?
Where are the current students in this discussion?
Chili cookoff? at the MM house V.2? does that ring a bell? Evan, Jason, Matt, and I will be opening our new home to the club and friends for good times and memories.
what else do you want? ok ok i'll get some strippers too!
- Jewels - 08-25-2006
Kaan Wrote:ok ok i'll get some strippers too!As long as they aren't nasty Vixen girls. That's fuckin disease waiting to spread.
- Dragon - 08-25-2006
Kaan Wrote:It'll be a perfect opportunity to get to know Alum & Current students, plus for all to get exposure to different forms of the go-fast crack pipe as not only is MM coming, but a bunch of the people that Kaan, Jason and I know from DC Sport Bike.Andy Wrote:A lot of the talk has been doing things at the track. Is there anything the alums can do make the current students feel more welcomed outside of track events. Should be all try to hit an autox together? Circle jerk? What?
Where are the current students in this discussion?
Chili cookoff? at the MM house V.2? does that ring a bell? Evan, Jason, Matt, and I will be opening our new home to the club and friends for good times and memories.
- Sijray21 - 08-25-2006
Jess Wrote:Participating in track events doesn't necessarily mean a driver school. It could be just spectating or working an event (which by the way, helps pay for a school!).
and beer!!! you can't forget that working a track weekend will give you enough money to buy ALMOST 4 kegs....4 KEGS! (i'm just trying to think on college terms....
)Goodspeed Wrote:One thing we shouldn't do is look down upon people that choose not to track their cars, if thats their choice we should respect that. If they otherwise support and enjoy MM that should be enough.
agreed
example: when i first started out my roomate scotty (he's on here) dragged me along to this meeting. i was mostly into the car scene and modifying it while pimping it around (...very difficult to admit this
). After seeing a few pictures and videos of members at auto-x's i thought i'd come out and watch one....this was an enlightening experience. Afterwards i started to appreciate the driving aspect of cars a lot more so i wanted to auto-x. I thought - near impossible to damage your car if it's good working order, a LOT of fun, and it's super cheap! No-lose situation in my eyes. I did a bunch of these. I then worked my first track event. I was REALLY hungover, maybe even a little drunk, and i worked with Mike Collins at T1 at Summit Main. i wasn't much help, but holy crap was that fun to watch. After that i started working for credits with NASA being a flagger. Since i was working for credits i had to use this on-track with NASA for a track weekend. After working several events i really wanted to track my car and i knew that HPDE 1 was a relatively low-risk event as long as i didn't get over my head (self-control). After this i was done, i wanted more and more track time.I'm just hoping more people can start out in steps and really have fun with this type of sport! it's a blast! we all like our cars (if we have them/if they're running) and to watch and really appreciate the sport! I know most of you don't want to lose your car, but i do urge current students to just watch the events. Once you experience the auto-x, the carting event, the track, whatever - you'll want more if that Motorsports passion is with you :wink:
As an alumni now i appreciate everything that MM has done for me and looking back at those experiences on-track and being with these people has really changed my life for the better. Enjoy college, i know i loved it, but don't forget about the other aspects. I think Feersty summed it up quite nicely.
EDIT: instead of asking students to come out, i think we should just post more on how fun it is. they'll follow on their own :wink:
- Evan - 08-25-2006
I have plenty more to add later, but for now I dont have much time and Ill just put this up for discussion and food for thought
It is the current student's club. It is pretty clear that the current students arent as interested in motorsports as the original members.
Now, since the founders started the club as a motorsports club, to what extent do the current students have a responsibility to uphold that, and to what extent do they have the right to change it ? (which so far is more of a generic car guy club)
- Kaan - 08-25-2006
Evan Wrote:I have plenty more to add later, but for now I dont have much time and Ill just put this up for discussion and food for thought
It is the current student's club. It is pretty clear that the current students arent as interested in motorsports as the original members.
Now, since the founders started the club as a motorsports club, to what extent do the current students have a responsibility to uphold that, and to what extent do they have the right to change it ? (which so far is more of a generic car guy club)
yes! something we can argue about over beers tonight, tomorrow, and sunday night... at the track.
- Andy - 08-25-2006
Kaan Wrote:Evan Wrote:I have plenty more to add later, but for now I dont have much time and Ill just put this up for discussion and food for thought
It is the current student's club. It is pretty clear that the current students arent as interested in motorsports as the original members.
Now, since the founders started the club as a motorsports club, to what extent do the current students have a responsibility to uphold that, and to what extent do they have the right to change it ? (which so far is more of a generic car guy club)
yes! something we can argue about over beers tonight, tomorrow, and sunday night... at the track.
God damn it. Now I want to go to the track. :x
- Kaan - 08-25-2006
on of the big things for the OGs... at least in my opinion... is that MM is a well respected organization in the motorsports community. we have grid cheifs, tech inspectors, GOOD corner workers, etc. We have good drivers, fast drivers, safe drivers... we want that reputation to continue... and we want anyone in MM that is even remotely interested in motorsports to learn from the best... meaning us... MM itself.
- Sijray21 - 08-25-2006
Andy Wrote:God damn it. Now I want to go to the track. :x
+1...on a bike :wink:
FYI - i've had a lot of fun with the current students and i look forward to any events that they will host and invite alumni!
- Dragon - 08-25-2006
Sijray21 Wrote:FYI - i've had a lot of fun with the current studentsJason, focus, we're talking about current student mm members, not the current coeds at JMU.
- Goodspeed - 08-25-2006
Evan Wrote:Now, since the founders started the club as a motorsports club, to what extent do the current students have a responsibility to uphold that, and to what extent do they have the right to change it ? (which so far is more of a generic car guy club)
Well, in general I think we still have a very respectable group of members. It sounds like some are losing faith in the club, but until we recruit some icey hot stuntaz with big rims I don't think theres anything to be worried about.
I think one thing some of you don't realize is that when you started this club way back when, that was it...you were the only members. Today, current students and officers have the responsibility of both providing for a great club experience AND trying to live up to OG expectations, and its not easy. Last year we could all tell that the officers were trying their hardest and busting their asses every week for MM, but you're right, its all about the students.
And students are lazy. Thats why I think we should seriously pick out a track event like Gerald said and we ALL go to it, all the OGs/Alumni and the students can carpool to it (Summit, VIR, etc) and we all hang out and get to know each other. You can't really get to know someone over the internet. It was ten times better meeting some of you in person than bickering on these forums
If you want people to live up to your expectations, you need to really get to know them. I know many of you have said "I've always said yes when someone asks for a ride" etc which is great, but don't wait for them to come to you. New members are shy and don't know wtf is going on, so go to them and offer a ride, scare them a little bit, and they'll be hooked!
- JustinG - 08-25-2006
ok.....i know i have been to very few track days, the ones i have been to were amazing, all the OGs were great. I think the biggest problem is the attitude on the forums. some new members are scared off by the jackassery and dont realize that we are all friends and the vast majority of rude comments are ment as jokes. Keeping the comments to a minimum would be great.
As far as getting out to the track i will admit i was lazy and would often find an excuse not to go.I will try to push track events to new members as much as possible. I am going to personally take charge and try to go to as many track events as i possibly can during the school year, and open up my passenger seat and tiny little rear seats to all those unfortunate enough not to have a car. So that new members can see what its like, and i know after their first event and smell of race gas they will be hooked and continue to go..
As far as the direction of the club, with new members diversification comes. No matter what the motorsports aspect of the club will be there, and will be kept as strong as possible. But we must realize that expansion leads to new interests, For example bling and what not, we just need to realize that no matter the interests of certain club members we are all Auto Enthusiasts and love cars and their capabilities.
I hope i made sense?? it did in my head.....
- Dragon - 08-25-2006
Goodspeed Wrote:I know many of you have said "I've always said yes when someone asks for a ride" etc which is great, but don't wait for them to come to you. New members are shy and don't know wtf is going on, so go to them and offer a ride, scare them a little bit, and they'll be hooked!I'm all about helping out people whenever I can, but you can't help someone out who's not willing to step forward. You can't get someone to come out and try a new experience if they're not willing to make that first step. I remember a post from Aaron recently asking Laura about getting current students involved. As I said in that post, if they want to get involved they need to put the effort forth and contact people, do so early, and not wait till the last minute. It's not hard to pre-plan for something you want to do, and if I know someone's making the effort I'm going to lend them a hand. What I have 0 patience or sympathy for is the people who wait till the last minute and then are like "oh I really wanted to work that event" or "oh I'm signed up but I need a ride". The OG's, Alumni, and the non JMU MMers( such as myself, Navin, Seddon, Apoc), we all know what we want to do and when something comes up we sign up asap, we don't sit around on our hands debating.
In short, if interested parties make a little effort initially you'll see the more established members put in a lot more effort to help them out.
Note: this isn't a slam against current students, just meant as an informative post.
- navin - 08-25-2006
Kaan Wrote:Hell if you are in an HPDE and the car is "busted" i'll help try to fix it... even busted swapped overheating honda hatchcraps!
I love you Kaan, and thanks for spotting me $20 to get into the shower-room at Vixens
hock: