Interested in an SA F1 Club?

[danscanlon]

I am thinking about organizing a Formula 1 fan club based here in SA.  I have been visiting with the folks of the Austin Formula 1 Club for these past 2 weekends.  I plan to got back up again this weekend, too.  Basically what they do is organize Formula 1 race watching parties at local restaurants & sports bars.  The cool thing they've worked out is to have the establishment DVR the early broadcast for a pleasant Sunday afternoon race watching experience with friends, some food & your favorite beverage.

I would be very curious to hear of your interest... 

Here's my most recent blog post about last weekend's AF1C (Austin Formula 1 Club) meeting at Wild Bubba's in Elroy, TX (just down the road from the Circuit of The Americas entrance)!  There are also some BIG panoramic shots of the track, in development...
http://racingready.com/2011/06/21/1st-annual-austin-f1-club-meeting-overview/

I look forward to your feedback!

[Speed3]

I think it's a good idea, but right now we all should be focusing on getting everyone that is a member of SASCA to participate in all facets of our organization.

[danscanlon]

I DO plan on attending next Wednesday's meeting, but not sure at what level I'll be actually able to participate.
Thsi Formula 1 activity has taking my attention away from some other initiatives in my life currently...but I'm not complaining.

My propsed SA F1 Club is more of a social, fan-based activity - social networking on a face to face basis, if you will...

[DeRFmAN]

I like the idea. My buddies and I try to catch the races when we can.

[NitroMidgets]

I moved here from Maryland and yes the coming F1 track was one of the reasons for the move. I'd be interested.

[Pants!]

Anyone interested in a Baby Seal club?   

In all seriousness I plan on camping out at the track for the first race.
Renting an RV and the whole shabang.

Who else is going?

[NitroMidgets]

I will be going but not likely to do an overnight. Cibolo is close enough to just drive.

[danscanlon]

Regarding local/regional group viewing of Formula 1 racing, here's what took place at Wild Bubba's today in Elroy, TX, just around the corner from the Circuit of The Americas.

http://racingready.com/2011/07/24/f1-german-gp-watch-party-fun-at-wild-bubbas/

Once again, this is the sort of local Formula 1 racing club activities I am working to organize, here in San Antonio...

[Speed3]

Have you found a place in San Antonio to host viewing parties?

[danscanlon]

Eric (et al),

I have not dedicated the time to find a place, as yet.  I've been busy calling on businesses for AMSOIL consideration. I do this in the late afternoon, after my day job.  Therefore, I don't afford the time & effort, for now...

If you (or others) have some suggestions as to places to consider, here are the general criteria:
- multiple TV monitor screens
- possibly a separate area with room for at least 30
- the ability to DVR broadcasts for later playback
- Sunday mid-afternoon availability
- a decent beer & food menu

I'm guessing there a number of sports bars (or other facilities) in town that would be worthy candidates.  If any of you would like to mention places that I could follow up upon, I could make a list & follow up with these locations.  Driving to F1 racing fan parties up to Austin is getting old!

Thanks in advance for your crowd sourcing help!

[GottaMiata]

Mulligan's
281 north and Redland Rd ('bout 1/2 mile north of 1604)

[Leo]

Red Robin @ Alamo Ranch. Although I've never been there, I see a bunch of Corvettes on a Sunday afternoon.

[danscanlon]

Okay guys - glad to see some of you already pitching in on venue selections!

These drives up to participate in the Austin F1 Club viewing parties are starting to get old.    I'll be doing 1 more this Sunday, for the Hungarian GP.

Thankfully there's a few week break in F1 races...

Keep the suggestions coming & I'll start making the inquiries !    

[Pants!]

Red Robin @ Alamo Ranch. Although I've never been there, I see a bunch of Corvettes on a Sunday afternoon.

I'm pretty sure this is the worst Red Robin in existence.
Really terrible food and only a few televisions.

They're more oriented to show teletubbies than motorsports.

[danscanlon]

This afternoon I stopped in to Buffalo Wild Wings, on De Zavala.  Nice venue & layout with a varied menu.  The assistent manager there was new.  They have 12 DirectTV boxes, but he wasn't sure about DVR capability - he will have to query his boss.  They have many LCD monitors of a variety of sizes.  But, there would be a major conflict of viewing options during the football season (sorry, I'm not a fan).  The asst. manager said he'd get back with me...

After tomorrow's Hungarian GP race, there are 8 more Formula 1 races slated for this year.
Here the events/dates list:
12 - 2011 FORMULA 1 SHELL BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps), 26 - 28 Aug
13 - FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA 2011 (Monza), 09 - 11 Sep
14 - 2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore), 23 - 25 Sep 
15 - 2011 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka), 07 - 09 Oct
16 - 2011 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX (Yeongam), 14 - 16 Oct
17 - 2011 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF INDIA (New Delhi), 28 - 30 Oct *
18 - 2011 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina Circuit), 11 - 13 Nov
19 - FORMULA 1 GRANDE PRÊMIO PETROBRAS DO BRASIL 2011 (Sao Paulo), 25 - 27 Nov

Hope that helps!