Well, The Illinois VCA maybe one of the most dynamic if you live in or around Chicago. Since most memebers live up there, that's where everything takes place. If you live in downstate Illinois the Illinois VCA is basically meaningless. (Yes for those not from Illinois there are things south of Chicago)
They might as well call it the Chicagoland VCA instead of Illinois because not much happens south of Interstate 80 that I am aware of. I think they held an autocross in Pontiac this year (approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes away), but I think that was about the closest thing). Oh, well...
GTD, thanks for the comment. I'll give thought to renaming our region.
Ahh yes, one of the virtues of living in our large state and having several surrounding states as part of our club region creates a heck of a challenge in trying to appease all members. Though I know the feeling my friend. As president of the club, I rarely drive less than an hour to any one event, I go to all 30 events each year... and love every second of it.
We spend considerable time planning locations, and we make every effort to span all directions. We have been in Pontiac this year (as wo do every year), and we plan on being there twice in 2009. We also spend considerable time at Autobahn, so that rounds off both autocross and road racing being about 1 - 1.5 hours from you. In addition this year, we are planning a southern cruise, so we'll be heading down your way. We also have Putnam Park and US 41, those bring a total of 3 driving events hours from the north and closer to you (I drive 5 hours to get to the mid Indiana events). So there are a few events within reasonable driving distance for you. Of course I'm always open to receiving any advice you might have on an event idea that would make sense to have closer to your area. My ears are always open!
But a valid point you bring up, one I'd like to share another view to. No matter what location we pick, there will always be people far from that location. Travel is always relative and it's hard to make it work for everyone. We have members that drive 3+ hours to every event we do. We have WI members who brave the traffic even on a weekday evening to come to each monthly meeting. MI members drive around the southern tip of the lake to visit. And some of our most known and active members actually come from your exact area! Even at our last meeting we had more than 25 people drive over 100 miles to join us!
Why? I think it's because they know we have something special. We invest in our members and we have great pride knowing we put on some special events, have some special people, and have an exceptional culture. The VCA is a great place, one that you CAN'T compare to any other club. I'm a member of many clubs, this is by far the best when it comes to the price, the people, and the exclusivity... even before you take part in events. It's worth it!!
Feel free to PM me. Always willing to listen to a member. One person matters. That's what we built our club around.
~juli
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