Who is going to PRI, Orlando ? [Archive] - Improved Touring Racing Forums

1stGenBoy

10-13-2005, 10:04 AM

[quote]Who is going to PRI, Orlando ?
And does anyone want to get together for some IT chat and some libations after one of the show days?

I'll be there Tue late through Sat. We have lots of meetings with vendors planned and I think we are going to the Midget race Fri pm. Maybe we can all meet at a Bar/Grill one night for some relaxation and bench racing.
I do not know the hot spots in Orlando around the PRI show. Any ideas?. In Indy it was no problem you could walk to 20 different places.

Bob Clark
Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

gsbaker

10-13-2005, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by 1stGenBoy@Oct 13 2005, 10:04 AM
...I do not know the hot spots in Orlando around the PRI show. Any ideas?....

62530
How hot do you want to get, Bob? :)

racer#10

10-13-2005, 12:27 PM

Stop by the Holliday Canopies display abd say hi B)

Maurice LaFond

gsbaker

10-13-2005, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by zracre@Oct 13 2005, 12:02 AM
Do you have to be a vendor to attend? Will there be any general admission? I could use my company name but am not sure how to get in...

62505
In general, it's for sellers and buyers. It is not open to the public. If you are a "manufacturer" who is not paying for a booth, they will charge about $75 if you walk up. I *think* it is free for racers and race teams.

Manufacturers must provide documentation showing that 1) the company is real and, 2) the individual is with the company. Tax ID info and a business card will do.

I'm not certain what docs are needed for racers. In your case an SCCA ID may be enough. Check the Web site for details.

PRI wants the maximum number of hardcore racers, and companies who sell to them, so if you have something to prove you are real--and not some street drifter--they will work to get you in.

Everyone should preregister online if possible. You can always do the paperwork when you get there.

gsbaker

10-13-2005, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by 1stGenBoy@Oct 13 2005, 10:04 AM
...In Indy it was no problem you could walk to 20 different places.

62530
That won't happen here Bob, unfortunately. It's a 1,000,000 square foot convention center in the middle of suburban theme parks and tourist traps. Plan on driving to the watering hole of a local hotel or restaurant--which is fine, there are plenty of them.

Bildon

10-13-2005, 07:07 PM

>> I *think* it is free for racers and race teams.

You have to register with the PRI ahead of time and show them that you have a racing related business. You can not just walk up and say I'm a racer. :unsure:

zracre

10-13-2005, 08:45 PM

I think I can get in with my business name...so sounds good!! :happy204:

SilverHorseRacing

10-14-2005, 12:12 AM

We'll be there, booths 5636 and 5638 (Machinery row).

We're planning right now to bring our new 2005 Mustang out as the centerpiece, but #93 might make an appearance depending upon how it all works out over the next couple of weeks.

This will be our first time at the show, we're interested to see what it is all about from both sides of the coin.

1stGenBoy

10-14-2005, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Oct 13 2005, 02:15 PM
How hot do you want to get, Bob? :)

62532

Hot is good Gregg!! Last year at the show I think we wandered in to the hotel around 2am on Fri night. Not good for Sat's morning meetings but we, only had one at 10am and then we were on our way home.
We are looking for a GOOD steak house though. Thoughts?

To get in you have to supply a buisness ID,Pay check stub, buisness card,etc.
They are picky about who gets in and the lines to register at the event are long.
Pre register and make life easy. Check the PRI web site for exact details on what you need to get in.

Bob

gsbaker

10-14-2005, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by 1stGenBoy+Oct 14 2005, 10:49 AM-->
Hot is good Gregg!!

62662
[/b]

Are we talking the Small World ride at Disney, or the Classy Chassis at Indy? I'm a happily married man, so I wouldn't know much about the latter. <_<

<!--QuoteBegin-1stGenBoy@Oct 14 2005, 10:49 AM
We are looking for a GOOD steak house though. Thoughts?

62662

Funny you should ask. I was in South America last week and had the best beef on the planet by people who really know how to do it. Amazing. Try La Brigada in Buenos Aires if you ever get down that way.

We have the chain Ruth's Chris (sp?) and another small chain, Flemmings. IMHO, the best one in town is at Enzo's. It's not on their menu, but if you ask they will prepare a filet the size of a softball for $48.

Your best value for good steaks is probably Del Frisco. A family run operation that's been around forever. Nothing pretentious, just lots of good dead cow.

Your problem is going to be location as all these are on the other side of town. There are several near the convention center, I just can't recall offhand. Don't worry, Orlando handles 50 million visitors a year and they all get fed.

EDIT: There is a second Ruth's Chris near you. Continuing with the chain theme is Mortons. Also Charley's Steakhouse is nearby. Burp!

gsbaker

10-19-2005, 05:52 PM

The calendar is starting to fill up. Is anyone setting aside a time for the "IT.com Bash"?

OTLimit

10-19-2005, 06:28 PM

Chris is going to miss going to the PRI show. By moving it to Orlando they have priced it right out of my budget.

We did the SEMA show for a couple of years. And then it conflicted with a race weekend, so we quit that.

Darn, I guess there won't be anymore boxes of mostly worthless, never-to-be-looked-at-again product flyers moving into my office anytime soon. I'm all broken up. :D

lateapex911

10-19-2005, 09:44 PM

Orlando has no Don Shulas??? tisk tisk...

Rachels has pretty good steaks too. Their meat is fresh, or so they say............

gsbaker

10-20-2005, 05:20 AM

Jake,

What do you think of the buns?

lateapex911

10-20-2005, 08:22 AM

Served hot, but unwrapped.....

1stGenBoy

10-20-2005, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Oct 19 2005, 09:52 PM
The calendar is starting to fill up. Is anyone setting aside a time for the "IT.com Bash"?

63020

I'm up for it if anyone else is.

Despr8dave

10-20-2005, 01:24 PM

What is the schedule for the show? (dates) and what is the website address...I live about 30 minutes west of the convention center and can supply some transportation to the local races at night if needed (small car tho), or we could work something out for a group "coach" from my employer if we can justify it to the owners! (ha)
David

gsbaker

10-20-2005, 02:04 PM

Dave:

http://www.performanceracing.com/

That's Thursday through Saturday. It looks like most folks are setting aside Friday night for socializing.

Despr8dave

10-20-2005, 04:59 PM

As usual, thanks again Greg.
David

gsbaker

10-20-2005, 05:16 PM

David,

Anytime, sir.

Many are arriving early, some as soon as Sunday for set up and the SAE conference on Tuesday and Wednesday. I know we are tied up through Thursday. I fully expect that by Friday night a lot of folks will be ready to let their hair down.

The question is, who wants to do what, where, and when? Suggestions anyone?

1stGenBoy

10-21-2005, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Oct 20 2005, 09:16 PM
David,

Anytime, sir.

Many are arriving early, some as soon as Sunday for set up and the SAE conference on Tuesday and Wednesday. I know we are tied up through Thursday. I fully expect that by Friday night a lot of folks will be ready to let their hair down.

The question is, who wants to do what, where, and when? Suggestions anyone?

63108

Fri pm is OK with me. Maybe a pub/grill because I will want to eat. Like I said before I have no idea of where to go for these type spots. It looks like we have a rental car so it should not be so bad getting around.
Any indoor go kart places around Orlando?
Bob

gsbaker

10-21-2005, 11:58 AM

No "real" racing kart tracks, but there is an amusement park-style place nearby: http://www.magicalmidway.com/parkinfo.htm. Could be worth a grin.

On the food side of things it's just a matter of interest and budget. You'll have available the wallet-friendly pub stuff like Friday's, Applebee's, Bennigan's, Chili's, etc., the steakhouse options at $40-$60 per (Charley's and Vitos are in the neighborhood) or the really high-end places that are probably not what folks have in mind.

I'd hate to see someone bow out because of dress codes or budgets, so the pub approach may be best.

And there is always Race Rock (http://www.racerock.com/). :)

Thoughts?

Despr8dave

10-21-2005, 02:04 PM

I vote Race Rock!....a little loud, but where isn't.

gsbaker

10-21-2005, 05:15 PM

I'm good for Race Rock. I want to try their "crashed" potatoes. :)

1stGenBoy

10-21-2005, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Oct 21 2005, 09:15 PM
I'm good for Race Rock. I want to try their "crashed" potatoes. :)

63190

Let me check with the other guys in my group. I'll let you know on Mon.

Bob

Chris Wire

10-22-2005, 10:42 AM

Well, there is always Fun Spot Action Park or Fun 'n Wheels, both nearby.

Fun Spot Action Park (http://www.fun-spot.com)

And what ever happened to Malibu Grand Prix? I did a search and found the website, but there was no longer an Orlando location listed.

As far as a gathering, we may want to gather a head count and possibly try to make a group reservation somewhere. Six or eight people probably would be no problem, but 12+ would likely have us waiting a while to be seated.

Chris "Not going to the show, but a fun night out couldn't hurt!" Wire

Despr8dave

10-22-2005, 03:17 PM

I believe the Malibu Gran Prix was or is under an Andretti Gran Prix or something like that but I can't find any info on it. You can see it from I-4.......not sure it is still open.

Mazmarc63

10-24-2005, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by Despr8dave@Oct 22 2005, 07:17 PM
I believe the Malibu Gran Prix was or is under an Andretti Gran Prix or something like that but I can't find any info on it. You can see it from I-4.......not sure it is still open.

63233

That Malibu GP has been gone for years. It became a shooting range and the overpass to the entrance of Universal Studios. We lose another racetrack in favor of a theme park. :D

gsbaker

11-02-2005, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Chris Wire@Oct 22 2005, 10:42 AM
As far as a gathering, we may want to gather a head count and possibly try to make a group reservation somewhere. Six or eight people probably would be no problem, but 12+ would likely have us waiting a while to be seated.

63226
Chris,

I called Race Rock and discovered that they do *not* take reservations. If we try for Friday at, say, 8:00 during PRI the place will be a circus. However, showing up early and waiting in the bar for a table might not be too painful, but the magic word is "early".

Thoughts?

vwmann1

11-02-2005, 03:46 PM

I'll be there Thursday, so I guess I will be out for the party. I would love to meet some of you guys.

1stGenBoy

11-02-2005, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Nov 2 2005, 06:30 PM
Chris,

I called Race Rock and discovered that they do *not* take reservations. If we try for Friday at, say, 8:00 during PRI the place will be a circus. However, showing up early and waiting in the bar for a table might not be too painful, but the magic word is "early".

Thoughts?

64324

I'm in for Race Rock but I, fear your right Gregg. It will be packed.
I do not mind waiting a while for a table but a couple of hrs could be a problem with the drinks and lack of food. I'm still game though.

Bob

gsbaker

11-02-2005, 04:46 PM

Here's one option: The show closes down at 5:00, and by the time everyone gets packed up, out the door, and drives the 1/2 mile or so to the restaurant it will be pushing 6:00. At that time the wait is, what, and hour, maybe? It's still risky, but an early dinner gives folks time to go out and play later.

Here's another option: Get reservations elsewhere. As a test I just called Charley's Steakhouse--a popular, mid-priced operation also nearby--and was told they are accepting reservations for that evening. There are other places, of course, but I would make reservations soon.

I'm good either way.

Richy Gonzalez

11-13-2005, 12:49 PM

I'm game and also vote for Race Rock. It's probably one of the easiest place for everyone to get to.

Chris Wire

11-14-2005, 12:27 AM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Nov 2 2005, 04:46 PM
Here's another option: Get reservations elsewhere. As a test I just called Charley's Steakhouse--a popular, mid-priced operation also nearby--and was told they are accepting reservations for that evening. There are other places, of course, but I would make reservations soon.

I'm good either way.

64350

I'd be good w/ Charley's as well. It has a great reputation, and I think that waiting around for smaller tables in a packed house like Race Rock will limit the amount of "quality time" the group might have.

Maybe Charley's would have a room similar to Steak & Ale or Ruth's Chris where a group might be better isolated rather than a crowded, noisy bar scene like Race Rock.

gsbaker

11-14-2005, 09:15 AM

How many people for reservations?

1stGenBoy

11-14-2005, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Nov 14 2005, 01:15 PM
How many people for reservations?

65304

Gregg,
3 of us from Pegasus will be there. Is this place on the PRI map?

Bob

gsbaker

11-14-2005, 01:55 PM

Originally posted by 1stGenBoy@Nov 14 2005, 12:25 PM
Gregg,
3 of us from Pegasus will be there. Is this place on the PRI map?

Bob

65313
Bob,

I haven't found it in the PRI book after a quick glance, but it's on International Drive, same as the Convention Center. The Website is here (http://www.charleyssteakhouse.com/).

Sounds like we are seven people minimum, with Chris, Richy, Bildon and myself included. Anyone else?

Chris Wire

11-14-2005, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by gsbaker@Nov 14 2005, 01:55 PM
Sounds like we are seven people minimum, with Chris, Richy, Bildon and myself included. Anyone else?

65324

I'm spreading the word in CFR. Richy, would Ray be up for it? Hollywood? Fred? Junktech? Raymon?

Mike Guenther

11-15-2005, 01:02 PM

The Chopping Block in the Mercado Plaza is within walking distance of the Convention Center and they have excellent steaks. I highly recomment them. Baker aslo mentioned one of my favorites, Del Fresco. Great steaks there, but I disagree with the unpretentious comment. They are good but pricey. Reminds me of the N.Y. Athletic Club.

There are hundreds of watering holes. If you want a local bar with several pool tables, darts and maybe a band sometimes, there's the Orena in the shopping center behind the Steak & Ale off International Drive down closer to Sea World, but still within walking distance of the Convention Center.

Please tell me though, what are the dates of this show and where is the preregistration website?

gsbaker

11-15-2005, 02:56 PM

Mike,

It's in two weeks: http://www.performanceracing.com/

Al Seim

11-16-2005, 12:14 PM

Slightly off the topic of dinner reservations, but I'd like to invite anyone coming to PRI, interested in data systems, to stop by our (Race Technology USA + Action Digital) booth at 613-615 and see our expanded (DL1, DL2, Dash displays, etc) line of GPS data systems.

Al Seim
Action Digital / Race Technology USA
www.race-technology.com
804 358-7289

vwmann1

11-16-2005, 01:16 PM

Is anyone going to be there on Thursday??? Or is everyboday going for the weekend. It feels like I will be all alone :(
Not like there isn't enough to look at. :P

gsbaker

11-16-2005, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by vwmann1@Nov 16 2005, 01:16 PM
Is anyone going to be there on Thursday???

65543
I'll be in Orlando all week. :)

1stGenBoy

11-17-2005, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by vwmann1@Nov 16 2005, 05:16 PM
Is anyone going to be there on Thursday??? Or is everyboday going for the weekend. It feels like I will be all alone :(
Not like there isn't enough to look at. :P

65543

We arrive Wed midday.

Richy Gonzalez

11-22-2005, 04:00 AM

Originally posted by Chris Wire@Nov 15 2005, 03:16 AM
I'm spreading the word in CFR. Richy, would Ray be up for it? Hollywood? Fred? Junktech? Raymon?

65400

I'll let Ray and the others know.

p.keane

11-28-2005, 11:31 AM

Where did you guys decide to meet? I will be at the show all three days and would like to get your input. I am a maybe on dinner, but would stop by for a drink. PK

1stGenBoy

11-28-2005, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by p.keane@Nov 28 2005, 03:31 PM
Where did you guys decide to meet? I will be at the show all three days and would like to get your input. I am a maybe on dinner, but would stop by for a drink. PK

66816

Hey Pete!
Let's at least meet up at the show!! I'll talk to you tonight on the con-call about it.

Bob

gsbaker

12-01-2005, 04:48 PM

Having more fun than you are... :)

SilverHorseRacing

12-04-2005, 01:04 AM

Had more fun than all of you, and hardly had to leave my booth!

BTW, everyone who stopped by, it was great to meet you.

And Peter, what about the Mustang in Prod? That was the only thought I had after you left that might make any sense...