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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| MBCA StarTech 2013
If you're a member of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, they are holding their StarTech 2013 in and around the MB Assembly Plant in Vance, AL on May 18-22, 2013.
http://www.mbca.org/event/2013-05-18/startech-2013
Lots of things to do, including the NASA Space Flight Center Tour, Barber Motorsports Race Track and more.
Might be a nice event to have a mini-G-Treffen, but you'll have to be a member of the MBCA to participate in the activities.
If you'd like to organize or participate in a mini-G-Treffen, in conjunction with the StarTech 2013, jump in here. I'm not a member of MBCA, so I won't be able to participate. |
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ace10
Regular
Date registered: Dec 2012
Location: Rural NoVA
Vehicle(s): '13 G550 and other stuff
Posts: 85
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Back in 2009, I went down for to Birmingham for another marque's national gathering. Some of the events were held jointly with Heimatfest. Hats off to that region's organizers.
Barber is my absolute favorite track to run on. And the museum is totally worth carving out a good chunk of time to explore. |
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AGuess
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Holly Springs NC
Vehicle(s): 93 500GE, 93 500GE, 2002 G500
Posts: 717
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Dutch, I would be interested in this. What does it cost to become a member of MBCA?
AGuess |
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heinz
Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2006
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Vehicle(s): G500, MY 2000
Posts: 176
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
The price for one year MBCA membership is $49. It's worth it. I plan to participate at the MBCA StarTech May 18-25 at the Mercedes factory near Birmingham. |
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heinz
Veteran
Date registered: Dec 2006
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Vehicle(s): G500, MY 2000
Posts: 176
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Here is the MBCA membership website: http://www.mbca.org/join-today |
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ace10
Regular
Date registered: Dec 2012
Location: Rural NoVA
Vehicle(s): '13 G550 and other stuff
Posts: 85
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
The MBCA cash on new MB purchases is combinable with other offers such as USAA programs, factory cash and dealer discounts.
The only fine print is that your MBCA membership must be active for at least twelve months. |
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
I'd be interested in a treffen if anybody is around.
Is there a minimum speed your vehicle must reach to be eligible to get on Barber's track? |
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ace10
Regular
Date registered: Dec 2012
Location: Rural NoVA
Vehicle(s): '13 G550 and other stuff
Posts: 85
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Regarding the track at Barber:
Most of the rules governing drivers and their vehicles are set forth by the organizers of track day programs. Very few groups run at Barber due to the high cost of renting the facility. Barber contracts with outside groups to run events that are open to amateur drivers looking for some time on the track.
For 2013, aside from the on-site Porsche school, you can look at Chin Motorsports, PBOC, PCA (Porsche Club) and BMWCCA for driving opportunities.
This is Barber's 2013 track day schedule. A good number of bike organizers use the track, too.
http://barbermotorsports.com/indy/calendar.php
Two very frequently mentioned rules concern the specific use of convertibles and SUVs. Most groups do not permit SUVs, unless it's a safety program, and some groups mandate the use of arm restraints if a convertible is to be driven.
Vehicles are always subject to a safety inspection and drivers must be fitted with appropriate personal safety equipment. Usually just a recently-stickered Snell helmet and proper clothing (no shorts or short sleeves).
Beginners will always be paired-up with an in-car instructor. Please don't think anyone needs to have a P-car or BMW to do these events. I've instructed in some very pedestrian daily-driven iron. These programs are about improving driving skills and confidence, not setting lap records.
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dalexa001
Veteran
Date registered: Feb 2008
Location: Anniston, Alabama, USA
Vehicle(s): 2011 G550, 2012 Sequoia
Posts: 157
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this. |
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MudMonkey
Veteran
Date registered: Jun 2013
Location: CO
Vehicle(s): '03 G500
Posts: 274
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
dalexa001 - 8/14/2013 11:28 AM
I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this.
Good idea. Where and when? How 'bout somewhere in the mountains? North GA? |
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
dalexa001 - 8/14/2013 10:28 AM
I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this.
I'd love to get one together.
Have you ever driven the Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest? I haven't had a chance yet, but I found this blog (link) that has a decent writeup on the road/trails. I think it could be a good time.
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stevegsmith
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SF Bay Area, CA USA
Vehicle(s): 82 300GD WVO, 06 Jeep Lib CRD B99
Posts: 1301
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Don't forget, if you join the MBCA, you also get the Star Magazine. |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
WEBIII - 8/14/2013 1:20 PM
dalexa001 - 8/14/2013 10:28 AM
I'm ready for another Southeast Treffen!!! We had a great time in 2008. I have sold my G to my neighbor and I bought another so there will be one more G ready to go!! Lets do this. I'd love to get one together. Have you ever driven the Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest? I haven't had a chance yet, but I found this blog ( link) that has a decent writeup on the road/trails. I think it could be a good time.
Has anyone run the Skyway? Its southern points are only a hundred miles away from me. I need to get off the beaten path soon, September?
Edited by Aircruiser 8/27/2013 8:46 AM
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Some of the members of caos4x4.com have run it. It's supposed to be very scenic with great views. Also, I understand its trails offer a variety of level of difficulty.
If it's as scenic as they say, then later in October may be a better time. I'd be game anytime -- only about 60 miles from my house. |
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Aircruiser
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta GA
Vehicle(s): 2000 G500, 1986 300GD, 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
Posts: 364
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
I'm thinking about Sunday 9-8-13. Start at the southern end and dive it north. I saw some pictures from a fj cruiser site, it looks to be just what I need. October is always better, but my plan then is the N. GA mountains. |
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WEBIII
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Oct 2010
Location: Inlet Beach, FL
Vehicle(s): 461.318, 463.241
Posts: 315
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
I have to fly to Cleveland that Sunday  |
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fernweh
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
| Re: MBCA StarTech 2013
Hi guys,
please continue to post about a East Cost Treffen in a new thread:
"Skyway Motorway in the Talladega National Forest - Treffen"
Thank you 
Karl |
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