Kids at The $2016 Challenge

I just wanted to say that it was really great to see so many kid's at The $2016 Challenge. I don't remember seeing so many in the past. From Pro-Driver John Thomas' twin boys preforming scooter stunts at the autocross, to Pat Culkin's son, Sean, who bested me at the Valve Cover races. I think the other Pat, and Ben also brought kids, all of whom seemed to be enjoying the event. (Plus they were all really cute kids, because that's how GRM-ers do it.)
Tod and I are not drinkers. We are always asleep by 10 pm at The Challenge. So seeing signs of this event being really family friendly makes me feel good.

I agree; I have decided that I want my wife and daughter to come with me next year. My wife has already been there before and I know that my girl will be well received by my old friends.

My girl will be 2-1/2 by then and big enough to see why my car spends so much time up in the air on jack stands (which she already finds quite amusing!). Earlier today I purchased her "Race Car Driver" Halloween costume to which I plan to add her very own 10mm wrench, I just need to see if I have a GRM hat clean enough for her to wear!

I too enjoyed seeing more kids there this year. This was the second year for Sean and he's hooked.

Thanks again to both you and Tod for lending Sean the ringer valve cover racer you built. He had a blast and is already drawing pictures of the racer we have to build for next year. I will also say the Creepy Clown Trophy has been found in various places around the house since we've been home...my wife is thrilled!

Looking forward to seeing you and Tod again next year.

tb wrote: Earlier today I purchased her "Race Car Driver" Halloween costume to which I plan to add her very own 10mm wrench.......

Buy two. We all know how 10mm wrenches seem to disappear into the ether.....

-Rob

Add to that the next generation of upcoming builders, Paul's (SVrex) son was into everything and was an active participant.

Good stuff indeed, a big positive for the future of the event

Asa loves coming and even gets out of school for one day as a "Field Trip".

I don't have kids so can I bring my dog?

My kids had a great time. My only lament is I didn't have another team member to pawn the car off on for a while so that I could just go enjoy the event with my kids. I'm going to have to recruit at least one teammate for next year.

In reply to bigben:

Thursday evening at the hotel is great for that. We walked all the cars with me lifting him up to see inside the ones on trailers. Asa also spent a good hour Saturday morning detailing the car. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I didn't need to go over his stuff.

My kids had a blast. They had fun with you cobra kai guys at dinner too. Watch out in 11 years when Colin turns 16, he's hooked.

It is fun to watch from the other end. Your kids will thank you for it someday. The things I have learned and experienced from the challenge are priceless.

rob_lewis wrote:

tb wrote: Earlier today I purchased her "Race Car Driver" Halloween costume to which I plan to add her very own 10mm wrench.......

Buy two. We all know how 10mm wrenches seem to disappear into the ether..... -Rob

Ha! That's funny, I was going to say give her an oddball like an 11mm. Don't risk losing the valuable 10mm.

glueguy wrote:

rob_lewis wrote:

tb wrote: Earlier today I purchased her "Race Car Driver" Halloween costume to which I plan to add her very own 10mm wrench.......

Buy two. We all know how 10mm wrenches seem to disappear into the ether..... -Rob

Ha! That's funny, I was going to say give her an oddball like an 11mm. Don't risk losing the valuable 10mm.

Funny! I was planning on a very strong tether to make sure it does not vanish... maybe I should switch it up to the shiniest, least used tool at the bottom of the box!

Is there an age requirement for the challenge? I'll be 16 by the 2017 challenge and would love to get out there!

In reply to NoPermitNeeded:

To drive you must be of legal driving age including any restrictions like adult riding etc. No age requirement to watch.

How did I miss this?

I've been bringing my 5 kids plus other homeschoolers since 2004, and was really happy to see a few more young ones there this year!

I still say that front grassy parking lot would make a great spot for a go kart challenge!!

Stampie wrote: In reply to NoPermitNeeded: To drive you must be of legal driving age including any restrictions like adult riding etc. No age requirement to watch.

That may vary by year.

Up until 2 years ago, anyone could do a ride along and if a driver had only a permit, he had to have the required co-driver, etc.

Last year the track officials changed that and said you had to be a LICENSED driver (not permitted) to be in the car at all, including ride-alongs.

My son drove in 2004 at 15 on a permit only. My younger son was not allowed in the car last year at 16 with a permit, but this year he drove on a license at 17.

Actually, the first time he ever drove a stick was 5 minutes before the autocross event. He then drove both the autoX and the drags the same day he learned! (8)

My new clutch is shot, but it was well worth it!!

I bring mine for a few hours every year (living close is nice for that). My son got a treat this year when Team T-Bone invited him to sit in, start, and rev their car. They all talked for months about being allowed to climb all over the cop car last year. The event and the builds surrounding them have been a big presence in my children's lives (from day 1 for the older two ). My oldest (10yo) is showing lots of interest in the building aspect lately so I can't wait to get him involved in some future projects.

The mag seems to have a relationship with The Ocala Gran Prix kart track. Maybe a Kart challenge could be arranged in the future?

I wanted to thank all of you that let my daughter Alaina drive their cars. She had a blast! Alaina has been coming to these events for most of 10 years and likes it as much as I do! Samantha will be back next year with me.

Alan M

In reply to admc58:

Alaina and Samantha go back to the days of my car trailer being transformed into a nursery at the event! Lol!!