Cal Club Autocross Forums

Please excuse an ignorant question from an out-of-region friend, but is there a specific reason why camping is not allowed at El Toro? Has obtaining permission been pursued?

I was just looking at the Tour/Pro schedule and thinking about the pros/cons of bringing the Winnebago down for the two events. I've done it both ways, taking the RV/trailer and just taking the car/tire trailer. When I took the RV, the hassle of moving the RV each night at the Pro kind of was a buzz kill...but, camping at SD Tour was a blast.

Hopefully not taking a poke at a dead horse, here...just wondering. I did go back to the 2010 El Toro Pro thread and saw that the question had been asked, but not answered. I have to imagine that it is a non-starter, as there are plenty of folks who would take advantage of it if it was offered, but I'm still curious.

Because they said no.

Likely because the other tenants (the park, the RV storage, the houseing development) want it to be a secured location and the Irvine PD are only their until 10.

Jay W

Irvine PD watch commander told me it was acceptable to the PD if authorized by the tenant. Perhaps AMCI doesn't want the responsibility. Or maybe just a miscommunication somewhere.

I'd suggest an approach to AMCI with an offer of a 10pm-6am curfew and Event officials staying onsite to monitor with severe penalties on the table for violating curfew.

If they want more, then pool dollars of those staying and offer to pay for a security guard from 10pm-6am.

Just a thought. I'd love to be able to stay on site instead of having our RV there but having to duck out to the LaQuinta each night. The savings on the hotel would more than make up for having to chip in say $25 an RV for the guard.

Steve Ekstrand wrote:I'd suggest an approach to AMCI with an offer of a 10pm-6am curfew and Event officials staying onsite to monitor with severe penalties on the table for violating curfew.

If they want more, then pool dollars of those staying and offer to pay for a security guard from 10pm-6am.

Just a thought. I'd love to be able to stay on site instead of having our RV there but having to duck out to the LaQuinta each night. The savings on the hotel would more than make up for having to chip in say $25 an RV for the guard.

Sounds a lot like the restrictions at Wendover. Count me in.

It would be best to have the Cal Club person responsible for the El Toro site ask his AMCI contact about this. I am quite sure that the only way to do this is to have security, approved by Irvine PD, be on site from 10 PM to 6AM. It comes down to whether the renter can cover this extra cost. Disclaimer: I could be wrong about this as the El Toro rental contracts are handled by another dept at AMCI.

George

George Doganis wrote:It would be best to have the Cal Club person responsible for the El Toro site ask his AMCI contact about this. I am quite sure that the only way to do this is to have security, approved by Irvine PD, be on site from 10 PM to 6AM. It comes down to whether the renter can cover this extra cost. Disclaimer: I could be wrong about this as the El Toro rental contracts are handled by another dept at AMCI.

George

That would be me.

I'll start up a conversation.

I think it should be pointed out that the pro is part of a national series. Around the country we stay at active airports and different types of facilities with genuine concerns, but we've made it work without problems or incidents. The competitors staying know the rules and wouldn't want to put their points or season in jeopardy because of a stupid act. Its a little different at the pro than other groups they may rent to.

Of course, I'd love to see it available to all of our events. But if we have to pay a guard we probably only have enough campers to make that possible financially at the pro.

OK, seeing as I brought this up, and am such a good guy, not only will I run in the Pro, I'll also be the rent-a-cop...make your checks out to "Mike Wood", please.

Seriously, I'd be willing to pitch in $$ for security, if that's what it takes to camp on site. If it is just not possible, thanks in advance to KJ for checking into it, anyway.

I was speaking to a couple of friends from up in the Seattle and Vancouver, WA areas and they are thinking about doing the back-to-back SD Tour/El Toro Pro and camping at El Toro came up...any news, KJ? Anyone? Bueller?

Michael Wood wrote:I was speaking to a couple of friends from up in the Seattle and Vancouver, WA areas and they are thinking about doing the back-to-back SD Tour/El Toro Pro and camping at El Toro came up...any news, KJ? Anyone? Bueller?

Unfortunately, it isn't looking great. The park itself will not allow overnight parking. The people we rent from are going to approach the park again, but I'm not sure if we will get there for 2011. I just sent a follow-up email to check on this.

Thanks for checking, KJ.

I would be security for free. But Im not very intimidating. More of the "Please dont do that" type.

Steve Huffman wrote:I would be security for free. But Im not very intimidating. More of the "Please dont do that" type.

I'm not sure. That "EF'n" dragon looks pretty mean.

KJ Christopher wrote:

Steve Huffman wrote:I would be security for free. But Im not very intimidating. More of the "Please dont do that" type.

I'm not sure. That "EF'n" dragon looks pretty mean.

He represents all the toughness that I wish I had.

Got the official news today. The park will not consider overnight camping at this time. We will revisit for 2012. Sorry!

Thanks again for checking, KJ. I'll do what I did last year...pull the tire trailer and use the Mustang to get around to business meetings the week in between events...Jay, you up for storing my tire trailer again?

Michael Wood wrote:...Jay, you up for storing my tire trailer again?

Probably. But it's likely I won't be bringing the big van to San Diego (Don't need as much stuff for STR as CSP).

Jay W

Michael Wood wrote:Thanks again for checking, KJ. I'll do what I did last year...pull the tire trailer and use the Mustang to get around to business meetings the week in between events...Jay, you up for storing my tire trailer again?

If not, I can probably help you out Mike.

Thanks, guys. I'll be in touch before April!