4:00 PM – Registration Opens

• Registration booth located outside the Aztec Room (adjacent to lobby) – Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Will be open through the end of the Cocktail Reception

Saturday, September 29th, 2012

9:30 AM – Registration Opens

• Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Registration booth located outside the Aztec Room (adjacent to lobby) – Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Will be open through the end of the Judges Meeting (5pm)

9:30 AM – StarFest 2012 Competitive Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Competitive Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• All Competitive Rallye sheets must be completed and submitted by 4:00 PM Sunday, September 30th.
• Participants are not allowed to keep the Rallye course sheet overnight.
• Saturday Rallye Participants: All Rallye sheets must be returned by 5:00 PM
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

9:30 AM – Registration Opens

• Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Registration booth located outside the Aztec Room (adjacent to lobby) – Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Will be open through 4:00 PM

Monday, October 1st, 2012

10:00 AM – StarFest 2012 Practice Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Practice Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• The Practice Rallye allows registrants to partake of the Rallye, or just view some of the sights of the Valley of the Sun.  Ideal for those that were otherwise booked with Track or Concours events over the weekend.
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

10:00 AM – StarFest 2012 Practice Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Practice Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• The Practice Rallye allows registrants to partake of the Rallye, or just view some of the sights of the Valley of the Sun.  Ideal for those that were otherwise booked with Track or Concours events over the weekend.
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

6:30 PM – StarFest 2012 Closing Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Gold Room
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Track Events (Autocross, Acceleration Runs, Time Trials) to be presented
• Awards for the Competitive Road Rallye to be presented

Thank you for registering for StarFest 2012 and signing up for the driving events.  We’re working hard to ensure that the events are enjoyable for all participants.  Participants in Driving Events must have completed an MBCA defensive driving within the last year.  If  you have, please bring your certificate with you. If not, please register for the Defensive Driving clinic on Saturday, September 29th at Firebird Raceway.

Please take special note of the following:

• Helmets must be either SNELL (auto) or MA (motorcycle) approved.
• The prior SNELL standard, for a grace period extending through the end of the calendar year following the year of a newly issued standard is acceptable.
• Example: If the current is SNELL 2010, then helmets meeting the SNELL 2010 or 2005 standard are acceptable.  
• Helmet requirement for 2012 is a 2005 or newer.  The newest available SNELL or MA helmet is highly recommended.  
• For further information refer to page 3.3 of the 2012 National/Regional Rule Book.  The link can be found on the StarFest2012 or MBCA websites.

Don’t forget a PRE-TECH inspection is required prior to arriving at StarFest.  This can be done at your regular Automotive Service provider.  The form must be presented at Firebird racetrack.

There will be a mandatory Drivers Meeting at 7:30 Friday Sept. 28^th in the Valley Room at the Biltmore Hotel.

Thank you,

StarFest 2012 Driving Committee

Defensive Driving

Was your last driving class when you first had your permit and mom or dad was sitting next to you?  If so, then Defensive Driving is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice important skills and to add to your driving abilities when an emergency situation occurs.  In a controlled environment, the training class will show you what your car can do and what you can do with your car to avoid accidents and remain in control.  Please note that completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events.

In the morning, participants will take defensive driving from in-car instructors.  The class begins with a 45 minute classroom instruction, where participants will learn proper seat and mirror adjustment, steering techniques, braking, foot position, tire patch theory and car dynamics.  Then participants will drive their own cars through the various stations set up at Firebird International Raceway, with an instructor at their side at all times.  Drivers will practice avoiding obstacles in the road, the proper hard braking techniques and steering through a slalom course to learn the feel of their car’s handling and dynamics.  They will also experience the feel and sounds of their Mercedes brake system, including the anti-lock system. The ultimate goal is to finish the course with the experience and practice for situations you hope will never occur.

Autocross

Autocross is a timed competition with one car running at a time. The objective is to complete the course in the least amount of time. During each run you operate your car’s limits of acceleration, turning, and braking…and yours, however Autocross is a very safe and fun event as course speeds rarely exceed 45 mph, and most of the time you are traveling between 20 mph and 40 mph.  Approved helmets are required.

Located adjacent to Firebird International Raceway’s drag strip, the challenging Autocross course will be set up in a large flat paved area. The course will be marked out with traffic cones and with lots of turns, chicanes and loops, most cars will take between 50 and 90 seconds to complete the course.  The challenge of Autocross is not only a low time, but also avoiding knocking over the marker cones, since penalty seconds are added to the times for each cone knocked.

Before the competition, there will be sessions to familiarize yourself with the course and to practice.  Participating cars will be organized into classes, pitting cars (and drivers) of similar abilities against each other.

Autocross emphasizes driver skill and vehicle handling rather than just speed. The corners are tight, and there are lots of them, so the driving is exciting and challenging. Skills you learn and practice in autocross, like smooth transitions between power and braking, turning and being in the right place, and skid correction, will improve the safety and skill of your street driving. Autocross is an excellent way to learn to control your car in a safe environment.

Autocross is also a very social sport, filled with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.  The camaraderie of the drivers and volunteers is a special part of autocrossing that is profoundly satisfying.

Acceleration Run

The Acceleration Run at StarFest 2012 will be run under the lights in the cool of the evening of Monday at Firebird International’s famed quarter mile drag strip, which hosts the NHRA Arizona Nationals.  Each run will be professionally timed and an ET (Elapsed Time) slip will be presented after each run and displayed on the tracks scoreboard.  Approved helmets are required.

Just like those nitro methane fueled dragsters, the ultimate goal for participants is to see how fast they can get down the track when they see the green light on the “Christmas Tree.”

Knowing how to launch off the start line and keeping in straight line is key to a successful run down the track.  Keep in mind that wheel spin and smoking tires may look cool on TV and YouTube videos, but it in the real world it actually mean a loss of traction and costs you precious time in that short exciting trip down the track.

New for StarFest 2012 is the live streaming video provided by Firebird International Raceway. More details will be posted soon regarding start time and web address.

Time Trial

Unleash your inner road racer at the Time Trials on Monday’s practice and Tuesday’s timed runs.  Driving a road course tests the driver and car against the clock, rewarding those that know how to pick the shortest route, know when to slow and when to go, and how to wring out the race bred engineering built into all Mercedes Benz automobiles.

On Monday, instructors will demonstrate, both in a classroom setting and on the track, the best way to get around the track.  Topics will include rules, safety, etiquette, and experience based tips on how to handle the course.  All drivers must attend the classroom session and be instructor approved before the timed runs on Tuesday.  The participants and cars will be grouped into classes to assure even competition for all.  All turns and braking points will be clearly marked and staffed with corner workers for everyone’s safety.  Approved helmets are required.

The Time Trials event consists of timed runs around Firebird International Raceway’s main road course, which incorporates 14 turns and a 5/8th of a mile straightaway.  That very long straight will really let your car go all out and then you’ll find out how good your Mercedes brakes truly are.  After the straight you’ll wind up going headlong into “the Looper” which is a huge left hand turn with multiple apex points!   While the relatively flat 1.6 mile course is not very long, it soon becomes very rhythmic and consistency is the key to a good time.

Remember that you will not be racing other cars. You will be trying to complete the event with the lowest elapsed time in your class. Great fun, in a safe and controlled environment!

It is not too late to add one or more of these events to your StarFest registration. Be sure to join us at Firebird Raceway for three days of fun and excitement!

5:00 PM – Cocktail Reception 

• Open to all StarFest 2012 attendees
• Cash Bar

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

6:30 PM – StarFest 2012 Concours d’Elegance Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Grand Ballroom
• Special Guest: Mr. Wayne Carini of TVs Chasing Classic Cars.
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Concours classes to be presented

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

6:00 PM – StarFest 2012 Closing Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Gold Room
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Track Events (Autocross, Acceleration Runs, Time Trials) to be presented
• Awards for the Competitive Road Rallye to be presented

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

8:00 AM – StarFest 2012 Farewell Breakfast

• Arizona Biltmore Resort - Wright’s at the Biltmore Restaurant
• Registered attendees only
• Provides attendees one last opportunity to gather among friends both new and old.
• The Biltmore Café patio (adjoining the Concours field) will host this informal breakfast to provide the necessary fuel for attendees’ safe return home.

7:30 PM – Drivers Meeting 

• Mandatory for all entrants in StarFest 2012 Driving Events
• Valley Room – Arizona Biltmore Resort

Saturday, September 29th, 2012

9:00 AM – Defensive Driving Clinic

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The class begins with a 45 minute classroom instruction, where participants will learn proper seat and mirror adjustment, steering techniques, braking, foot position, tire patch theory and car dynamics.
• Participants will then drive their own cars through the various stations set up at Firebird International Raceway, with an instructor at their side at all times.
• Drivers will practice avoiding obstacles in the road, the proper hard braking techniques and steering through a slalom course to learn the feel of their car’s handling and dynamics.
• Drivers will also experience the feel and sounds of their Mercedes brake system, including the anti-lock system.

9:00 AM – Teen Driving Clinic

• Firebird International Raceway
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• See the Teen Driving Clinic detailed schedule.

Monday, October 1st, 2012

10:00 AM – Time Trial Practice

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• Instructors will demonstrate, both in a classroom setting and on the track, the best way to get around the track.  Topics will include rules, safety, etiquette, and experience based tips on how to handle the course.
• Note: All drivers must attend the classroom session and be instructor approved before the timed runs on Tuesday.
• The participants and cars will be grouped into classes to assure even competition for all.
• All turns and braking points will be clearly marked and staffed with corner workers for everyone’s safety.
• Approved helmets are required.

5:00 PM – Acceleration Runs

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The Acceleration Run at StarFest 2012 will be run under the lights in the cool of the evening of Monday at Firebird International’s famed quarter mile drag strip, which hosts the NHRA Arizona Nationals.
• Each run will be professionally timed and an ET (Elapsed Time) slip will be presented after each run and displayed on the tracks scoreboard.
• Approved helmets are required.
• New for StarFest 2012 is live streaming video provided by Firebird International Raceway. More details will be posted soon regarding start time and web address.

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

10:00 AM – Time Trials

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The Time Trials event consists of timed runs around Firebird International Raceway’s main road course, which incorporates 14 turns and a 5/8th of a mile straightaway.
  • That very long straight will really let your car go all out and then you’ll find out how good your Mercedes brakes truly are.
  • After the straight you’ll wind up going headlong into “the Looper” which is a huge left hand turn with multiple apex points!
  • While the relatively flat 1.6 mile course is not very long, it soon becomes very rhythmic and consistency is the key to a good time.
• Remember that you will not be racing other cars. You will be trying to complete the event with the lowest elapsed time in your class. Great fun, in a safe and controlled environment!
• Approved helmets are required.

6:00 PM – StarFest 2012 Closing Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Gold Room
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Track Events (Autocross, Acceleration Runs, Time Trials) to be presented
• Awards for the Competitive Road Rallye to be presented

 4:00 PM – StarFest 2012 Concours d’Elegance Judges Meeting

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• Mandatory meeting for all MBCA Concours judges
• Please take time to review MBCA Concours Judging rules prior to the event, as part of the MBCA National Events Rule Book
• Judges uniforms (hats, white polo shirts) will be distributed.
• Judges will be required to wear khaki pants during Concours d’Elegance judging on Sunday
• Duration: 1 hour

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

6:30 AM – StarFest Concours d’Elegance – Drivers Briefing & Staging

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Concours Secured Garage Area
• Drivers will enter the field in a predetermined order
• Due to the number of vehicles and limited entry points, please be prompt
• Duration: 90-120 minutes

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Squaw Peak Lawn
• Open to all registered StarFest participants
• Note: StarFest Concours d’Elegance judging will occur between 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. Please be courteous to our StarFest judges, as they must get through the entire field of vehicles.
• Duration: Through 4:00 PM
• Concours vehicles will exit the field at 4:00 PM

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Squaw Peak Lawn
• Free admission to the general public
• Duration: Through 4:00 PM

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Grand Ballroom
• Special Guest: Mr. Wayne Carini of TVs Chasing Classic Cars.
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Concours classes to be presented

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Biltmore Café
• Registered attendees only
• Provides attendees one last opportunity to gather among friends both new and old.
• The Biltmore Café patio (adjoining the Concours field) will host this informal breakfast to provide the necessary fuel for attendees’ safe return home.

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The Time Trials event consists of timed runs around Firebird International Raceway’s main road course, which incorporates 14 turns and a 5/8th of a mile straightaway.
  • That very long straight will really let your car go all out and then you’ll find out how good your Mercedes brakes truly are.
  • After the straight you’ll wind up going headlong into “the Looper” which is a huge left hand turn with multiple apex points!
  • While the relatively flat 1.6 mile course is not very long, it soon becomes very rhythmic and consistency is the key to a good time.
• Remember that you will not be racing other cars. You will be trying to complete the event with the lowest elapsed time in your class. Great fun, in a safe and controlled environment!
• Approved helmets are required.

10:00 AM – StarFest 2012 Practice Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Practice Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• The Practice Rallye allows registrants to partake of the Rallye, or just view some of the sights of the Valley of the Sun.  Ideal for those that were otherwise booked with Track or Concours events over the weekend.
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

6:00 PM – StarFest 2012 Closing Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Gold Room
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Track Events (Autocross, Acceleration Runs, Time Trials) to be presented
• Awards for the Competitive Road Rallye to be presented

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• Instructors will demonstrate, both in a classroom setting and on the track, the best way to get around the track.  Topics will include rules, safety, etiquette, and experience based tips on how to handle the course.
• Note: All drivers must attend the classroom session and be instructor approved before the timed runs on Tuesday.
• The participants and cars will be grouped into classes to assure even competition for all.
• All turns and braking points will be clearly marked and staffed with corner workers for everyone’s safety.
• Approved helmets are required.

10:00 AM – StarFest 2012 Practice Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Practice Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• The Practice Rallye allows registrants to partake of the Rallye, or just view some of the sights of the Valley of the Sun.  Ideal for those that were otherwise booked with Track or Concours events over the weekend.
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

5:00 PM – Acceleration Runs

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The Acceleration Run at StarFest 2012 will be run under the lights in the cool of the evening of Monday at Firebird International’s famed quarter mile drag strip, which hosts the NHRA Arizona Nationals.
• Each run will be professionally timed and an ET (Elapsed Time) slip will be presented after each run and displayed on the tracks scoreboard.
• Approved helmets are required.
• New for StarFest 2012 is live streaming video provided by Firebird International Raceway. More details will be posted soon regarding start time and web address.

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Concours Secured Garage Area
• Drivers will enter the field in a predetermined order
• Due to the number of vehicles and limited entry points, please be prompt
• Duration: 90-120 minutes

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Squaw Peak Lawn
• Open to all registered StarFest participants
• Note: StarFest Concours d’Elegance judging will occur between 9:00 AM and 12:00 Noon. Please be courteous to our StarFest judges, as they must get through the entire field of vehicles.
• Duration: Through 4:00 PM
• Concours vehicles will exit the field at 4:00 PM

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• Part 1: W108, W109, W110, W112 and W113
• Part 2: W107, W114 and W115
• Duration: 1 Hour

9:30 AM – Registration Opens

• Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Registration booth located outside the Aztec Room (adjacent to lobby) – Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Will be open through 4:00 PM

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Squaw Peak Lawn
• Free admission to the general public
• Duration: Through 4:00 PM

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• For owners of classic Mercedes-Benz who are seeking answers to their problems. Please limit model year to 1992 [1995 on E class].
• Duration: 1 Hour

6:30 PM – StarFest 2012 Concours d’Elegance Awards Banquet

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Grand Ballroom
• Special Guest: Mr. Wayne Carini of TVs Chasing Classic Cars.
• Registered attendees only
• Dress code: Semi-Formal/Resort Elegant
• Awards for all Concours classes to be presented

• Firebird International Raceway
• Note: Completion of a MBCA Defensive Driving course within the last 12 months is a prerequisite for participation in the other driving events
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• The class begins with a 45 minute classroom instruction, where participants will learn proper seat and mirror adjustment, steering techniques, braking, foot position, tire patch theory and car dynamics.
• Participants will then drive their own cars through the various stations set up at Firebird International Raceway, with an instructor at their side at all times.
• Drivers will practice avoiding obstacles in the road, the proper hard braking techniques and steering through a slalom course to learn the feel of their car’s handling and dynamics.
• Drivers will also experience the feel and sounds of their Mercedes brake system, including the anti-lock system.

9:00 AM – Teen Driving Clinic

• Firebird International Raceway
• Map from the Arizona Biltmore Resort to Firebird International Raceway - 21 miles, ~ 30 minutes
• See the Teen Driving Clinic detailed schedule.

9:30 AM – Registration Opens

• Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Registration booth located outside the Aztec Room (adjacent to lobby) – Arizona Biltmore Resort
• Will be open through the end of the Judges Meeting (5pm)

9:30 AM – StarFest 2012 Competitive Rallye

• Starts at Arizona Biltmore Resort – self-start
• Participants can register for the the Competitive Rallye upon picking up their credentials at the Registration Booth
• All Competitive Rallye sheets must be completed and submitted by 4:00 PM Sunday, September 30th.
• Participants are not allowed to keep the Rallye course sheet overnight.
• Saturday Rallye Participants: All Rallye sheets must be returned by 5:00 PM
• Estimated duration: ~ 4 Hours

11:00 AM – Vendor Presentation – G.A.H.H. Automotive

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• Vendor site: http://www.gahh.com/
• “America’s Choice for Quality Automotive Tops and Interiors”
• Duration: 1 hour

12:00 PM – Vendor Presentation – Yokohama Tires

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• Vendor site: http://www.yokohamatire.com/
• “Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation”
• Duration: 1 hour

 4:00 PM – StarFest 2012 Concours d’Elegance Judges Meeting

• Arizona Biltmore Resort – Valley Room
• Mandatory meeting for all MBCA Concours judges
• Please take time to review MBCA Concours Judging rules prior to the event, as part of the MBCA National Events Rule Book
• Judges uniforms (hats, white polo shirts) will be distributed.
• Judges will be required to wear khaki pants during Concours d’Elegance judging on Sunday
• Duration: 1 hour