MP3/MP5 National Meet

[big_ben]

Someone on the MP5 yahoo groups site has been trying to get together a MP3/MP5 national meet. The only suggested place right now is Dallas since it is a central location in the US. Would anyone want to also do this. I have an Aunt who has owned several Miata's since they first came out. The nationwide club she is involved in goes all over the U.S. They went to Dallas for a week long meet in 1999 and Mazda got involved in it. The went to Texas Motor Speedway one day and were allowed to take a few laps and they also did an auto cross out there. She got pics of her on the track and everything. I think this is a good idea, and if enough people are involved, say around 100, Mazda will do the same for us maybe. Maybe if we all email Mazda NA about this they'll be into it. It's good publicity for them after all. Tell me what you all think.

[MP3TLH]

I think some one should contact Mazda and see if we can do a plant visit as aour meet or Mazda NA Headquarters meet. I know other car companies have done this and the car companies love it and give free things away.

[TightMP3]

ill help, i dont know about dallas though...just private message me.

[derrick1623]

i'm down, but dallas is far as hell.

[mp301guy]

dallas is cool with me i am like 30 min from it

[mazdamp3_18]

i can tell you im not going to drive to dallas. its too far from michgan. but thats my opinion. but since im the only mp3er in michigan i have no choice in the matter.

[KurtMP3]

Id be into coming all the way from Canada...but im not going all the way to the United States...I could likely get some other people from Toronto down too...why not in the MidWest or something....just farther north than Dallas!

[YellowMP5]

I think the location is not as important at this point as getting mazda to join in on this idea. We all must be enthusiastic so there will be a greater chance of involvement. Plant visit is a very good idea, saturn did that with the homecoming. Mazda should choose the location, the are the only ones that know where majority of mp3/mp5 owners live and organize this. Then probably most of you who right now say its far, will consider driving since it would be backed by mazda and thus more people, cars, vendors? and fun! Start calling mazda everybody. 1-800-222-5500 if i am not mistaking.

[big_ben]

I agree with YellowMP5, Location means nothing. I'll go to Michigan if I have to. I'm not going to whine about a road trip. Road trips are fun. But I also think Mazda should say where it will be. I think this would be a hell of a lot of fun. So if you are reading this, get out a pen and paper, write down 1-800-222-5500. Then tomarrow call Mazda NA and ask about this Protege get together. Tell them everyone is talking about it on these boards, and give them the website to all the boards. Do it tomarrow.

[mp3girly]

Name the place and the time and I am there.

'nuff said.

[teresa]

sounds good to me :D

[KurtMP3]

OK just let me know whuts up when its happening

[chitownmp3]

gimme a time and place and Ill be there!

[<jayrcr>]

count me in sounds like alot of fun all the texas people could go in a group thing if its somwhere else. :D

[PaulMP3]

id go if it were closer if it was in dallas thats a hell of a drive plus lots of $$ to stay overnight.

[MalkavianMP3]

Hey count me in. I'll bring the hamburgers. lol. give me a time and place and I'll be there, no questions asked.

[TightMP3]

I submitted an email to Mazda about the meet. As soon as they reply i will put it on the site.

[MP3TLH]

TightMP3 - I guess since I suggested a possible plant visit I feel kinda obligated to help. Keep me updatd I will try to help out. My name is Kurt also so it fools me every time I see KurtMP3 post anything.

[mrblk]

Why not do this in Montréal? ;)
Dallas is far but I could take some vacation over there.

[mp3girly]

Montreal? Hehe.. that to me is like one of you Canadians coming to Dallas. Ah well, road trips are sure fun.

[KurtMP3]

Malkavian I'll bring the hamburger Buns!
So im not the only Kurt on this board! Sorry to steal the name buddy...cool to know theres another Kurt somewhere enjoying the sweet car I am....Thats too cool and too freaky...I'll help out as best I can as well if theres anything I can do let me know, but Im in Canada so i dont have the same US connections...
Also I realized if we do a large meet we'll have to have some sort of paper to put in the Back window of our car.... something that has mazdamp3.com on it then out names below it "KURTMP3"...I only know everyone on here by their posting names!

[KurtMP3]

Hey Kurt (MP3TLH) i just looked at your profile....saw your email....does your last name start with a B as well?!!!! Crazy sheeeeeeet! :eek: :D

[KurtMP3]

I just emailed Mazda NA about this interest in a meet as well......Everyone else go an do the same on their site. Start a chain of emails to get on their a**!
This is what I wrote, pardon the bad format, i hate writing in those little boxes they give you!

Hello there...I know some other people have been emailing Mazda North America about some support for a possible car meet...With the creation of the MP3 and Protege5 you at Mazda have drummed up some serious interest in your make...With this has come (as I know first hand) discussions and friendships between people who own your cars...As a result of some interesting sites popping up dedicated to your cars (mazdamp3.com namely) there has been interest in a large Mazda P5/MP3 meet somewhere in North America. Many have expressed an interest in getting Mazda NA in on this. I think if its possible you should take a serious look at this, with the increasing interest in your make due to the recent additions to the Mazda family this would only drum up further support. Lets be honest, other than the Miata groups there has been nothing like this before for Mazda. I know of quite a few who are already committed to coming to this meet, myself included. I know at least 10 others I could bring with me from Toronto and I'm sure the others could bring many with them from across North America as well. If youre interested in seeing the interest thats being drummed up just stop by www.mazdamp3.com (http://www.mazdamp3.com) and take a look at the forums. Discussions about meets are in the General Forum. Let me know what you at Mazda NA think as well, id be happy to pass any word onto the group of North Americans who are enjoying your cars.
Thanks - Kurt

P.S. If it works out I work in sports television and am already interested in filming this event for broadcast as well...just an added tidbit.

[Mac Daddy]

I'am up for the meeting. Oh well, I do live in Dallas, hehehe. But seriously, I think this is possible. Done it plenty of times for the Prowler Club. It just happens that everyone chooses Dallas as the best meeting point between the west and the east. Plus tell you the truth hotels can be cheap.

Hope to see all! :p

[MP3-Owner]

Count me in for this!
Sounds very cool.
It would be AWSOME if we could get some of the after market vendors for our cars to show off thier products. :D

[NCMP3]

I am with you guys on this. Let me know what I can do to help, plus I will e-mail Mazda tonight.

[Antoine]

Hello Guys and Gals...I'm very excited about the idea of a national meet for the MP3 and P5. MazdaMP3.com and Protege5.com represent not just an online community but also a sort of Family...linked by a love for the MP3 and P5. I greatly appreciate everyone pitching in and e-mailing Mazda NA. I believe it is vital everyone help in getting this event to happen. Some of you have already posted great ideas...such as:
Also I realized if we do a large meet we'll have to have some sort of paper to put in the Back window of our car.... something that has mazdamp3.com on it then out names below it "KURTMP3"...I only know everyone on here by their posting names!

I would like to thank KurtMP3 for mentioning the site in his e-mail to Mazda NA :D

and….

I think some one should contact Mazda and see if we can do a plant visit as aour meet or Mazda NA Headquarters meet. I know other car companies have done this and the car companies love it and give free things away.

Check out what the Miata peeps are up to

The nationwide club she is involved in goes all over the U.S. They went to Dallas for a week long meet in 1999 and Mazda got involved in it. They went to Texas Motor Speedway one day and were allowed to take a few laps and they also did an auto cross out there. She got pics of her on the track and everything. I think this is a good idea, and if enough people are involved, say around 100, Mazda will do the same for us maybe. Maybe if we all email Mazda NA about this they'll be into it.

We need to organize the details (location, city, venue). Remember, this event would be an awesome opportunity for everyone to meet each other from the site and to increase our online family…the more people we have…the more support and resources will be available…and maybe Mazda NA will help us out!

[KurtMP3]

Antoine I mention the site to any P5 or MP3 drivers I see, this site is my bible!
As for what youve said, I couldnt have said it better myself...make sure you email Mazda NA with those comments as well

[big_ben]

That was an awesome letter Kurt. This site is also my bible. I spend so much time on this site that all the grades in my college classes are suffering. Who cares as long as you pass though. I emailed Mazda also and I'm going to email them tomarrow again. So everyone out there, if you haven't emailed them already, do it now. Here is the address. www.mazdausa.com (http://www.mazdausa.com) If you aren't already signed up in this site you will have to to email them,(I think). The site keeps track of your mileage and tells you about recalls and thing such as that. It's a good site. So, everyone, sign up on the site and write them a letter. Here's mine.

I recently bought the Protege MP3. I can't say in words how much I love this car. I am a member of several internet MP3 clubs, one I'd like to mention is www.mazdamp3.com (http://www.mazdamp3.com) . There are hundreds of others that share the same love of this car like myself. Lately we all have been discussing a North America Protege MP3 and Protege5 get together. Many, many people are interested and more are becomming interested everyday. We were curious if Mazda North America would like to get involved in this by suggesting a few meeting places that we could choose from. I know mazda is involved in clubs like these because I have an Aunt that is a complete Miata freak. She has owned several since thier release. She has shown me pictures of her Miata get togethers in Dallas(1998), and several others in the past years. She is the reason I bought the MP3. Her enthusiasm and also the enthusiasm of others with the same car made me want a limited car such as the MP3. I was also hoping there would be a following for the MP3, and there is a huge one. I am looking forward to your reply, and if you have time, check out the MP3 web site. Others include www.protegeclub.com (http://www.protegeclub.com) , www.mp5online.com (http://www.mp5online.com) , and the most important, best MP3 site, www.mazdamp3.com (http://www.mazdamp3.com) . Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ben Cordle

Your's doesn't have to be this long but you get the idea. Hell, if you want just cut and paste it,...just do it.

[aphat01mp3]

well guys dallas charlotte atlanta shoot i really dont care where just as long as it will happen hope we can do it i am emailing them tomorrow

[KurtMP3]

Well said Ben...geez I just emailed them through the site through customer relations or something, hope that was the right way :)

[<markmurray77>]

Sounds do able for me and I'd be comming from Canada

[LinuxRacr]

I'm 20 minutes from Dallas, so you KNOW I'M DOWN! :D

[LouisianaMP3]

I'm willing! Doesn't really matter where, as long as it's during the summer while i'm off!

[MP3TLH]

Yes Kurt, my last name starts with a "B" also. I know that you, me, and TightMP3 have been in contact with Mazda. If the three of us want to help organize it, I would be willing to help out. Keep in touch - I check the board a few times each day.

[<WeeBieP5>]

Awesome idea. I am in for sure as long as it isnt REALLY REALLY far away. Toronto here.

[Antoine]

Okay everyone, cross your fingers! I should be recieving a call from someone in Mazda NA about the National MP3/P5 meet. I will let you guys know whats happens ASAP!!! :D

[KurtMP3]

Why who did you call Antoine????

[Antoine]

I called their customer service number...got through to a real person and told the kind lady I was the webmaster of MazdaMP3.com and Protege5.com and also mentioned MazdaMP3.com was the largest and coolest MP3 site on the net! I basically spoke of all the things we posted in the thread (miata meets etc) and how many MP3 and P5 owners would love to have a national meet...and it would be wonderful if Mazda NA got involved.

She took my contact info and told me my message would be forwarded to the proper person in the company and someone would contact me. What we need is numbers and support…aren’t there some 15000 p5 owners out there and another1500 MP3’ers. Lets get it together people…..you have strong rx7 and miata clubs with Mazda’s support…let’s make it happen for the MP3 and P5’ers…

We could really use Mazda’s help…think if they just put the word out on a press release or something…through the promotions department…it would be HUGE! This would work to benefit everyone! MazdaMP3.com and Protege5.com is to play a vital role in all this…we represent a sort of family here and lets make this family grow…not just in numbers but in quality….resources…etc.

We need to be motivated and show support or this won’t happen…tell everyone…your dealers, other owners, other forums, websites..everyone

Now who’s with me… :D

[KurtMP3]

Well done man! Im with you Ive already hit up a few other forums to get people into this thread! Im here to help in any way if you need it man

[big_ben]

I just got a reply from Mazda! I posted it on a new thread "Mazda's reply to MP3 club and meet". Everyone read Antoine's previous post and their reply. This could attract the aftermarket to our cars like flys on sh*t! Especially with so many P5's out there. So everyone start emailing them once a week untill it gets going!!!!!! :D

[R_Man_5K]

I would love to get this going...I am in the Chicago Il area and am willing to travel up to one day to get to an event. Dallas is cool with me. I grew up in east Texas....

Thanks for the support on this. I run http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/mazdaprotege5
and was am very excited that lots of people are intrested in doing this......

R_Man_5K

[YellowMP5]

I am in the same club with keepinitup. I helped to setup the club and now we have 15 protege5/mp3. I might be of some help guys.
Email me for info and tell me how i can help, besides calling and emailing mazda.
Hey mazda, were in south florida but we will drive to Alaska or even hawaii (ok, ok :) )
to the national meet. Ford holds its mustang celebration every 5 years in charlotte, north carolina. (i am a proud mustang owner too). THOUSANDS of people come to it.

[KurtMP3]

Ive said some of this in the response to the email thread Ben started but for here ill repeat it...OK seeing the response I think I know where Mazda sits with us...I have a feeling Mazda NA wont set it up but if we get numbers and people interested and plan a good amount of it that theyll get involved once dates and places are set with events/whatever the heck else we would have there...I think we need to get some serious numbers (I have I think 5 people into it up in Toronto in our protege club) that we need to plan where and when on our own...Once we have this set up and some other details then Mazda will likely see our commitment and then jump on board...Anyone thought of what kinda things we would have at our meets? Im new to this but suggestions would also help get the ball rolling...Im figuring obviously maybe a Friday-Sunday thing...sometime in the late spring-summer...Someone mentioned North Carolina - I like that idea...Saturday a day to just show your rides off, some night time events (who knows what?)...what else would we have? Get some aftermarket and car parts manufacturers to show their crap on these days....Ideas people! Think of em and lets brainstorm...Once we have some ideas then we can plan...Then we can look into places that can hold us, Hotels we can book, etc etc...If you have ideas or are thinking of anything put it down! Lets put our heads together and think...Cuz Im new to this like I said and I wanna see what we're thinking...OK thats my very long 2 cents for now! :D

[StuttersC]

I think it would be fun to have a meeting, but seriously, going to the factory is not going to include the cars.

All new Protege's are built in Japan.

A Mazda NA trip would be better. If they don't set it up, it would send a message if we all SHOWED up to the Mazda NA headquarters...Take up the whole parking lot.

Would that be a message that Mazda could see?

[ 12-14-2001: Message edited by: ChrisS ]

[mx6929]

No folk mentioned about Mazda Raceway-Laguna Seca? :D

[cfbjr]

It would be cool to see if something could happen around the Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. The Monterey is probably one of the most beautiful parts of California. I have been to Laguna Seca a few times and it is really cool. The only problem is the $$$ it would take to rent that place and a time when it is available. Since it is a world-class track it gets booked for the year very quickly and obviously the regular race series like CART, ALMS, Vintage, SCCA and NASA get priority over everything. I know that for reg fees for SCCA road racing it costs double when the race is held there. It is premium land and location. Plus there are TONS of safety things that would have to be done to satisfy the people eho run the place and we may not even get the opportunity to run our cars on the track. The RX-7 club does a thing called Sevenstock in Irvine, CA and they have a huge turnout.
Here's a link to an article about it: http://rotarynews.com/ss4/
It seems this takes place at Mazda's R&D center in Irvine. And they had some serious Mazda people there. If anything maybe we should all go next year and "crash" their party a little bit! It would be sweet to see a huge line of MP3's and P5's rollin' in there!

[KurtMP3]

Thats not a bad little party for the RX-7 crew...it was a cool aritcle to read as well cuz it seems like they started just like us..it mentioned how alot of people who had never met and only knew each other threw the net got to meet each other and how the day built out of basically what we're trying to do

[YellowMP5]

Well nothing is going to happen if people don't wake up. There are 442 members on this forum. I don't see 442 messages in this thread. Come on people, wake up and smell the rubber burning from hundreds of mp3/mp5 in one place. Get off your ass and call Mazda :D

[MP3TLH]

I know I haven't been doing my part, but is this topic dead or is there still any interest?

[KurtMP3]

I know im still interested!

[Antoine]

Argh...They never called me back...(not surprised)...bet they still haven’t checked out the site yet!

Bottom-line is they don't take us very seriously. Damn bean-counters/executive’s. Not to worry...we have almost 500! people here..doesn't anyone have connections with Mazda or other clubs/events (** Contact Me if you do!**)...we need all the help we can get to jump start this baby!

I call on all MazdaMP3/Protege5.com members...we have to pull it together!

[aphat01mp3]

just trying to keep this fresh on you guys minds