Club Arnage

Not too early to be thinking about this. So who's going?

Just checked Virgin and BA prices, both the same at £602 Rtn. That has got to come down surely?

I'm going. Planning a 3 week holiday with the race in the middle.

The flights will come down, I never can tell if the more you look for set dates/times, the system thinks it looks popular, so holds the prices a bit longer.

Why do you think the prices will come down?  Usually they start off lower and rise, as the demand increases, porbably best to buy now!

Both BA and Virgin usually have a sale around November time. Last year it only cost £510 Rtn when booked in the sale.

That does sound a bit heavy.  I'm hoping to go but at that price I'm not sure. 


What other costs are involved?  To be honest I'd rather not hire my own car but would prefer to share with someone.

I guess I'll be traveling light (i.e. No Lawn Mower :-) so what is the deal?

t.

I've got permisson to go, and will most probably book a flight in November, possibly through Gatwick. Flightplan is saturday before race to Orlando, and back sunday after the race. Anyone who is planning the same, I'll gladly share a rental with.

I'm arriving on the Monday, but coming from Minneapolis and returning on the Sunday.

I've seen the package on the RLM site-car is included (around £600 p/p), but no flights. would prefer to share with folk etc.

  I intened to fly out from LGW on Thursday Morning and fly home Sunday evening. This should means I get to Turn 10 around 8pmish and in time for The WFO party and night practise. I will hire a car at MCO to get down to Sebring. No idea of sleeping arangements yet. The last couple of years we have hired an RV, but that does mean someone has to be in line with it on Tuesday night to drive it into Green Park early Wednesday Morning. Early days yet but I'm sure it will all come together nicely.

Around £380 the two years prior, in the sale.

Not sure I will make it next year, got my daughters wedding to pay for and at £90 a head for the reception it will not be cheap.

One of the positives of living on an island. :(

>Martini...LB

Planning to go, have to skip Atlanta this year, hope I won't have to miss Sebring.

Anyone have a good sleeping option near the track ? Not too fond of camping.
Will be flying out from Brussels, not a clue yet about when to leave & when to get back.

Plan to be there, no firm plans yet though but happy to share car rental if it fits in with others plans wise. Gatwick and Manchester flights are usually within 45 mins of each other arriving at Orlando so that isn't an issue.

 Hi Bob,
           I thought you and I were to Drive from Canada  :o ;D ;D
You will need to be in Toronto the week end before.
Phil
Phil

Hi Tom,
          You can come with Bob & I from Toronto ;D
We can borrow a Lawn Mower for you Florida  :laugh:
You can come in what you stand up in ... we can look after you.
Phil

I really ought to go, but I need to retire to find the time, and it looks like my pension has gone down the toilet again, so hay ho, hay ho, its off to work....  It would have to be a bit of a road trip

By the time I get there it will be ruined

Hi Dottore,
               There are so few motels in town of Sebring you will most likely end up in Lake Placid to the south or up Hwy 27 towards Lake Wales where there are some new motels. Sharing an RV might be an option. Even arriving on Thursday morning would get a spot  though not at the fence.
Hope to see you there.
 Phil

600 quid?  You lucky ba$tards.  It would cost me nearly double that to get to Orlando!   :(

Dx

Hi Doris,
          Costs more because you are coming 1/2 way round the world  ;D ;D ;D
Phil

Rough distances :-

NZ-Orlando 8000 miles
UK-Orlando 4,500 miles.

Neither of us are close but guess the double price is almost justified.

Doris, come over for Xmas and stay, Use the return flight via the US!

Dottore, as Phil said, not many hotels in Sebring, and those that are there are probably booked solid.  Its over a two hour drive to either Orlando or Tampa, the closest large cities.  Sebring as you've probably guessed by now is right smack in the middle of nowhere.  Renting a RV is probably your best option.  I'm not much of a camper either, but at Sebring its definitely the way to go.  There's so much stuff going on all the time, just better to stay in residence.  Bring earplugs if you want to sleep though, this year the Dodge City-Stumble Inn guys had an insomniac rooster, who was obviously confused by the giant full moon. ;D
(attached is photo of above mentioned troublemaker)
Fax

?????????

Just when is Christmas in the Cutler household?

Fax, there's a nice big grill in the back ground of your photo, just short of a bit of chicken cooking on it LOL !

Let me think about that Rick. I missed last summer because I was in the UK.  It's currently winter here and I'm freezing my kahoonas off, and you're suggesting I miss another summer for the northern winter all over again.  Tempting, but... No thanks.   :)

Dx

No worries Tom,I will loan you one here.

And you are worth every bit of it.

Awwww Randy, you say the nicest things.   :D

Dx

Down to £413 rtn inc taxes.

Booking tonight.

Can you stop talking about flights, makes me look all the time

Man-Ord
13/14th-18th - £397.10
13/14th-19th - £377.10

doh!!!!! done it again  ::)

Gatwick parking for free at Zarse Towers, as per usual.

If I don't raise the funds in time then I will plan to run another SAS (Sebring Appreciation Society) Party on race night. Last years (2011) was a success thanks to live streaming and Radio Le Mans and the copious amounts of beer that was consumed!

Venue will most likely be at mine however suggestions of alternative locations will be considered. Broadband speed for streaming being the optimum requirement. I get 24meg during the day but only 4meg when the schools finish!

Still there may be time for me to win the lottery! Better buy tickets I guess.

Just booked for my 11th straight trip to Sebring. Made the booking tonight. Flying out of Manchester on the 13th and returning on the 20th. Virgin direct to Orlando £377.10 Cheapest I have paid for a long time. Can't believe its September and already paid for a flight for Sebring !

That offer sir, might be taken up by me. Flying from Gatwick saves me a 150 euro's at the moment, for that money i can drive over, drink some pints at the Oak with you, and drive back.

BOOKED  Out Wednesday back Sunday. BA cheaper by £80.

Get that Sam Adams on ice

Queen Vic and I are going to book on Monday. Out on 7th, rtn 21st. Get in!

All booked. Final day of BA and Virgin sales so best get in quick (saying that, I think there is another in January).

First set of plans all screwed up. Have to work out a Plan2.

Booked! Wed 14 Mar Gatwick - Orlando with Virgin.

Already looking forward to a cold Guinness at the Harper "Maison Blanche' Bar at Turn 10!

Fax - are you bring any Pernod?

Hey Rich, great news to hear your booked and onboard.  Yikes! Still haven't been able to drink the Ricard since my one man train wreck last March.  Might be able to get it down by next years race though ;)
Fax

Rich, How are you getting from MCO to Sebring? My BA flight lands 40 minutes after your Virgin. I am hireing a car and you are welcome to jump in with me. Just a quick stop at The ABC Liquor Store on the way down.

Thanks for the offer! Actually heading straight to Matt's (Harper) and will be arriving at Turn 10 on Thursday. Look forward to sharing a beer!

Rich - I'm so stoked you guys are signed-up.  Can't wait!  No more silly talk of long-distance drives from Indy.  I'll be flying down for sure - trying to see if I can drop the kids in Sanibel with the Outlaws for the weekend and convince Tonya to come too!  It's all a little more civilized than Le Mans trudgery...

Sebring more civilized?  ??? Did we visit the same Sebring?

Can't bloody wait! Be great if Tonya could make it (sure as hell a way of guaranteeing Nick will be there!).

I don't know if Sebring is that much more civilized than Le Mans, but from my experience of the two Sebring is certainly more fan friendly.
No thieving pikeys, no ten foot high cement walls topped with razor wire, no having to wade ankle deep through trash because the ACO haven't figured out what a garbage can is.
Fax

In that way Sebring is defenitly more civilized.

I was more referring to the familyfriendlyness of certain corners of the Zoo...  :angel:

I was actually referring to the death marches one has to make to get anywhere at the Sarthe.

Spot on there Dave, that is one of the nice aspects of the circuit layout at Sebring, you can walk large distances of the circuit without actually having to travel very far...If that makes any sense.  Agreed LT, if nothing else, I would never describe Sebring as being "family" entertainment.  The sheer number of campsite's displaying inflatable sex dolls would quickly make parents realize would a horrible idea it was to take the kiddies there. ;D
Fax

I'll be there too!

About time I made a guest appearance ;D

Booking flights very soon.

PP

Unfortunately I will no longer be able to go :( But hope to get things sorted for 2013

Hope you all have fun though, and sink a few for me

Finally Green Park is ready for Rex, Lord Pig-Pen, Keen.

May The God have mercy on them ;).

I'd rather say, finally Lord Pig-Pen is ready for Greenpark, may The God have mercy on him!

 :)

[Edit]  Sorry - didn't realize attachments weren't auto-downsized.

Not many US built cars there!

The Toyotas were built in the US.  ;D

Think the Nissan 300 electromotive cars ere built in the US as well.

Looking like the Mrs & I are going to miss Sebring this year, been unsuccessful in getting the week off work, so looks like maybe 2013 will be our next visit (I hope).
Hope everyone has fun.
Fax

Thats a damn shame Fax, will raise one in your absence though !

Hey Fax,
             Develop a severe cough the day before and go Sick ;D lots of Nigerian Cough syrup to fix you up in time for work on Monday.
Phil

Fax,

Could I tempt you further by stating that I'm seriously considering a trip over this year?  Imagine, warm evenings drinking beer and eating american food, whilst engaging in heated discussion of Senna and Mansell Vs. The current crop, and perhaps the opportunity to realise that I'm not the jumped up a***hole I appear to be when discussing such matters......  Although maybe there are a few people who may disagree with that to be honest :)

In all seriousness - I need someone to help me work out what I would need to do/buy/order in order to set Sebring in motion.  it's a pipe dream at the moment, but with the baby on the way, I would like to have some kind of final blast before it's born, and Sebring seems to be the perfect way to do it!

Brad

We will talk about this tomorrow night Brad.
 Rex AND Brad, Christ on a bike they'll have to call out The National Guard

Brad, there's nothing I would enjoy more than a lively, beer fueled chin-wag, and I'll do my best to convince you I'm not the dick-head I sometimes across being.  Unfortunately we bid on our vacation time based on seniority, and for some bizarre reason a bunch of colleagues with alot more seniority than me have decided they want the week of March 11-17, unless someone bails out on that week in the next month or so, I'm afraid I'm screwed.  Chris thanks for the offer, have a few brews for me at the Harper bar.  Phil, perhaps a Mosport trip this summer for Kirsten & I?
Fax

Hi Fax,
         Yes, just in time for the new and improved Mosport. ALMS weeke end is an obvious choice though other dates can work too.
Hi Brad,
           Sebring is amazing  :laugh: so you will have a good time.
Phil

hmmm...i wonder what happens if I look at Harley Davidson rentals that weekend...... :)

Hi Brad,
          I would not recommend it as Motorcycles are not allowed in to Sebring. A special unsecured parking area is available but i would not leave a Rented Harley there. Before or after zooming around Florida is fun,if you like straight flat roads  :) More info available if required.
Phil

My suspicion is that I've made my last ever trip beyond Europe due to the insurance implications of the combination of disability and cancer :(.  Do any of you lot still go stateside with the spectre of uninsurable medical problems hanging over you and if so how do you do it?  I'd hate to think I'll never see Sebring again or, worse still ever do Petite or Laguna Seca.

Termie,

Rex is coming this year apparently - I'm fairly sure he's an uninsurable condition. 

I can't help really - other than to make the general comment, that life is short - too short really.  Live for today, worry about the risk of what might and might not happen, when it's a problem - and as if it was ever in doubt, you'll certainly not be short of friends in Sebring, Laguna Seca, or any other track in the Europe or the US - ask anyone who has ever had a problem at Le-Mans, Sebring, or any other of the big races in the last few years, those friends can often pull amazing things out of the hat to see people right.

Happy Xmas everyone....

And to the Americans amongst us - I'll see you in three months, because my tickets are OFFICIALLY BOOKED :)

Woop Woop, thanks to Brad (with the colusion of others) I am Booked out to Orlando on the 14th and back on the 18th, I believe there is a most excellent motor race in between, Woop Woop.

Hey Rich, thanks to Brads colusion it seems like we are on the same flight, be good to hook up.
Ian

Collusion? Moi?

Conversely, My flights, for anyone interested, are:

OUT: Monday 12th 11:15am , Virgin Atlantic - Gatwick to Orlando.

IN: Sunday 18th 19:30 "red eye" flight - Virgin Atlantic - Orlando to Gatwick.  (I know Wooly is on this flight - any more?)

I'm still looking in to flights, and those sound good to me. I'll have to wait till next week before I can book flights moneywise, if the ratesa are still as good as they are now, it could mean I'll pop over to the UK on sunday, to have the same flights as Brad. Let's see if we van empty that bar together. ;)

Special offers from Virgin Flying Club

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/ideas-lowestfares.html?cm_mmc=UK%20Email-_-Cheetah%20Mail-_-SaleFareFC-_-December

>Martini...LB

Same here, also looking into flights ... and sleeping accomodation. 

Emptying a bar? With a crazy tall Dutchman?  oh that doesn't sound like my kind of thing at all :)  >:D

Hi Kristoff, No sleep till Monday  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Phil

As I appear to have a part time job lined up for 2012 I guess I'd better get busy looking at flights...   ;D

Dx

YEAH, Go Doris, Go Doris Go Doris!!  ;D ;D >:D :angel:

You're dammed right you better!

That's be awesome Doris.... Can we convince anyone else to come? 

Is Turn 10 ready for Hayley and Sander's blow up bed antics do you think?

Brilliant Doris get slogging and booking!

They survived mine....

...and we were made better because of them.   >:D

I said Blow up BED Marius ;) 

It was on a blowup bed..... And no other inflatables where involved.

Regarding further details, what happens in Sebring, stays in Vegas.

ooooh...stopover.... Great Idea :)

Ok, decision made, I'm flying out to MIAMI from Amsterdam, for € 484. the Virgin flight from Gatwick costs 496, and then I still have to spend about € 100 for travelling to the UK. Also means I'm flying home on monday instead of sunday, but I'll find a bench to sleep on somewhere. ;)

A very looooong bench, no options for Orlando?
 so when are your flights, when will you get in?

Guess you booked right on time. 
Planned to book next week, Friday flights Brussels - Orlando were 480 €, today 628 €  >:(

I always found the least popular business flight times the cheapest out i.e. wednesday/ thursday, return is more difficult as untlss you can wait to Monday / Tuesday, you are going to pay in full.

We planned to fly out on Saturday 10th, back home Sunday 18th or Monday 19th. 
Found hotel in Bowling Green, 40 miles from Sebring.

Hi Kristoff,
             If you MUST stay in a Motel. ::)  Try these guys
http://www.travelinnofsebring.com/index.html  they had rooms yesterday. $90 if you took 4 nights
Phil

I fly out on sunday 11th, and returnflight is on monday 19th. This was the best possible combination for the money. Flying home on sunday was either way to early in the morning, or for a ridiculous rate. Booked right on time I guess, return flight is a 160 euro's more now.....

Booked  ;D !

Out Saturday 10th, Brussels to Miami, back Monday 19th from Orlando.

I not bitter and twisted that I can not go - spent me dosh on my Cherry Picker  ::)

But seems to be some good prices emailed to me from KLM

http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/plan_and_book/special_offers/flight_offers/index.htm?WT.mc_id=1928936|6122974|75073887|250309219|653168

Article From the official site for Sebring. 

I have many memories of Sebring, good and bad, but that is only in terms of the racing. That usually tends to go by race results. From my point of view Sebring 2009 is probably one of my best races in my career, it was fighting all the way to the end against Peugeot. The last two hours I had to pull everything out of the bag to make sure that the Audi R15 TDI won its first ever race. I could also look back to 2006 and the pole position with the first diesel, the R10 TDI, and to give the car its first victory, with Tom, Dindo and I, it was really incredible.

But the biggest impression Sebring has made on me is the crowd, the 180,000 or so fans that turn up. The way they create such a carnival, they make this an annual event. The way they get into the spirit of this unique race is just……fantastic. there is no other way to put it.

I do love that at the autograph session you see the weird and the wonderful; someone dressed as The Stig’s very fat brother, then there are the lawyers dressed up as cows, everyone coming along with their families and friends, all being part of this great event.

As a single story, probably the biggest thing that has brought me into this scene was going to Turn Ten, for a photo shoot with John Brooks, one year (2004). To see that there is a club at Turn Ten, where they have made their own grandstands, they have made their own bar, their own restaurant, in effect they have cornered a section of the track as their own territory. They return there every year, like a pilgrimage. They have their own entrance ticket effectively, which is a key ring and I am pleased to say I have been able to build up a collection of Turn Ten key rings over the years. To see the commitment that these guys have put into enjoying the 12 Hours of Sebring certainly matches the commitment that Audi Sport and every other team makes to win the race, that makes Sebring special.

Allan McNish, November 2011

The "fat" Stig refered to is our own Amazing Randy ;D

Phil

thats really cool

Top Man, Hope he has better luck in the Sebring Race than he had at Le Mans (actually he and quite few others had a whole lot of luck walking away from that shunt)  :angel:

Gotcha  ;D

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/fatstig.jpg)

This will be an added bonus

http://www.historicmotorracingnews.com/33.0.html

I'm hopefully flying out on 12th and returning Sunday subject to flights being available when H gets paid by 25th. Sure something will work out, just gotta wait 10 days......... I will be there! >:D

more of that famous racer

Well guys......looks like Ian is not the only one who has family who like to treat their elders.....but in my case the geriatrics have succomed and Mummy has decided to treat me to a trip to Sebring and Wishy junior is coming along as well to chaparone the old man!!!!

Andy

Be good to have another CA member over this year. Look forward to seeing you there Wishy

Billiant Andy, When are you flying and who with? have got any accomadation plans yet?

Hi Ian,

Flying with AA, 1 stop via charlotte @ £360 return arriving at 18:00 Monday and return  on Monday at !8:00 via Charlotte although still shopping around for cheap direct flight.

Staying at La Quinta ....next to Fish on Fire before and after!!!

And have sorted accomodation at Sebring with Randy!!!!!

Andy

Cool, ....Party!

I haven't been on here in a long time, but as it's fast approaching March - and I've received a few messages on faceache regarding hotels, car rental, RV rentals, airport runs etc etc., I thought it might be helpful in some small way to offer some local assistance with bookings and logistics. March 12 seems to be the early arrivals (I have some family coming in from UK on that day too, so a few welcome to FL beers at FoF sounds to be appropriate.
Anyone who needs help, just holler and I'll do what I can. I have a houseful of family over for the race, so I'm afraid I can't offer accommodation, but I'll endeavour to help with any reasonable logistical requests.
As always, those bearing PG Tips, Sure roll-on and Resolve Extra get preferrential treatment.
Not long now.... 

That's really kind Matt, I'm sure we all really appreciated it. 

Woolly, Liz Baker and I will be staying at La Quinta on the evening of Monday 12th, and will be at the Fish on Fire that evening to ease ourselves in gently (did you hear that Mr Harper? GENTLY!) before collecting our accomodation for the week on Tuesday mid morning (or when the hotel chucks us out!). 

From there, I'm told it's no sleep till we get on the return flight.

Brad Z

P.S.  Matt, I've got you a couple of the biggest boxes of PG tips which I could find - might have to find a contraband mule for the rest, apparently I have to bring clothes and stuff.... :)

Gently?
Is this the same Brad as the one over on sebringfans.com who's telling all us lightweights that we need to prepare for the "English Invasion"?
Wheels-down FoF session is pretty laid back - the trick is not to go mental on the flight, then stay up late as you can and suffer a few libations and some nice Flawda vittles to battle the jet-lag. Historically, those who have left the Fish on Fire vertical (and there have been many who didn't) tend to be much better aclimated as a result.
How are you getting to Kissimmee to pick up your RV? Just shout-up if you need a ride (gotta earn those teabags somehow, other than my charming personality).

Although I don't really need an excuse to amble down to the FoF to get hammered, if anyone else is arriving through MCO and would care for Beer on Fire and the best Blackened Grouper Sandwich in the state, before heading out to the track, please let me know.

Just spotted this. Marius - you've always been friendly to me - and in 2008 you handed me a large case of un-drunk Guinness before departing back to the Netherlands - and I don't forget people who've got my back.
If you need a ride back to Orlando on Sunday, we have a place for you - and you are most welcome to sleep in our bad-ass RV overnight Sunday, outside of my house (I wish I could provide a bed indoors, but have a houseful of UK-based family, post-race). We will be having a bit of an after-party that you're welcome to  join, if you're not too wrecked.
We can also deliver you to the airport on Monday, if you need the ride. You been good to us - we be good to you. Deal?

I'll second that.

I'm booked!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Dx

Woop Woop, when and where do you get in Doris?

To all who may be concerned.......
Matt......is quite right with his advice.....Neil and I were picked up by Matt from the airport and deposited for a change of attire at the Ramada just down the road from the FoF and then entertained by Matt at his Local for the evening.......We got to be compeletely wrecked after a 6 hour session at the Fish on Fire and then had to navigate our way to Sebring the following morning.... which I must add was not easy with Jet lag and hangovers the size of Mount Everest....So a word or warning Brad .....is don't unestimate the might of the American way of drinking....If you include Matt as an American......then you might just regret you comments!!!!

Andy

And a small change of plan to our flights.......we are noe travelling via Virgin and will arrive in Orlando at 18:25 on Monday evening........bring it on!!!!!

 Yeah let the bells ring out  ;D
Phil

Arrive MCO 6am Tues 13th.

Dx

Wooooooooooow...easy tiger...I never used the word lightweight....and when I said English invasion, I meant in terms of numbers rather than drinking capacity ;)   

That said...I can't see us being light on the beer....   :)

You see....the Lite beers actually seem like quite a sensible idea for the first day or so, less alcohol, more hydration. 

.....Yeah...the theory is great, but the last time I drank sensibly was 1998.....  ::)

Ha! I'm just rippin' on you a little.
Frankly I'm not proud of the amount of booze I consume - and I certainly don't do it to impress anyone other than myself.
I'm sure you will have a great time and fit in well with the American crowd - just don't lose sight of the fact that some of these guys have been partying hard at Sebring since before a good number of us were born (not me sadly) and have seen many a party-animal blowhard lying in a puddle of his own piss by race day morning.
Looking forward to seeing you all again.

Ha! I'm just rippin' on you a little. -----  LoL

"Frankly I'm not proud of the amount of booze I consume - and I certainly don't do it to impress anyone other than myself".   -------Go give yourself a dam good whipping and wear the woolly vest for a week. You'll be fine.

I'm sure you will have a great time and fit in well with the American crowd - just don't lose sight of the fact that some of these guys have been partying hard at Sebring since before a good number of us were born (not me sadly) and have seen many a party-animal blowhard lying in a puddle of his own piss by race day morning.----- Brad Remember - No Tequila.


Looking forward to seeing you all again. -----We look forward to meeting the Sebring Legends!

[/quote]

Counting down the days. Can't wait to get over there and sample some more of that Sebring magic and madness!

(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m524/team2k/DSCN7524.jpg)

(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m524/team2k/DSCN7466.jpg)

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(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m524/team2k/031.jpg)

(http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/m524/team2k/sebring2011126.jpg)

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Hi Rich,
Have great time, Kirsten & I are still hoping for a last minute opening in my employers vacation schedule that will allow us to head south, it'll be a quicky-14 hour death drive south, but don't be surprised on the Friday night if two travel weary stragglers show up at Turn 10 asking if there's an adult beverage readily available ;)
Fax

It would be an honor to meet you and Mrs Fax, Mr Fax.

Likewise SR, there are several Sebring newbies I would love to be able to finally share a beer with in person, and a few old friends from LM trips past that would be huge fun to reunite with.
Keeping fingers crossed,
Fax

Hope you and Kirsten can make it John.
Great pics Richard - damn, those ribs were good.
RV's booked, Guinness ordered - buying the tickets next week. See y'all soon.

Hope you can make it Fax, still have some goodies lying here for you ! 

Hi Dottore,
I have some for you as well.  Still hoping to be able to hand deliver them.
Fax

Right!   now I've sorted out my moving dates for my new home,  I'm booked VS27 to Orlando on 13th arrive 17:00 returning on the Sunday evening VS28.

What Race ticket do I need to get?


T.

I think we need a planning meeting now that there are quite a few of us going, may be mid Feb?  Any date blockers

That'll be a 4 day Superticket, Tom. Price is $90 (inc. tax) before Jan 31, after that it's $120.
You'll also need $40 for a car (in Green Park) and $85 for an RV.
Ticket info is at www.sebringraceway.com
You can call +1 863 655 1442 and buy with a credit card and collect your tix at will-call (at the main gate).

Thank for that Matt,  BobU already phoned with the ticket details so I now have the 4 day Superticket waiting at the gate.  :-)
Bob also offered me a lift on the Wednesday but of course if anyone else is around on Tuesday and has a spare seat that may be better for me.  Otherwise I'll just rent a car for the day and do some sight seeing before Bob, Ian and the rest turn up on Wednesday.

I don't really want to rent a car for four days and then keep it in a car park.  :-)   So I'm hoping I can scourge a place in an RV and share the cost or I can take a tent and pitch up next to Canada Phil.  (I'm used to his snoring now.  :-)

t.

I'm glad I'm flying in the opposite direction...

Dx

>:D >:D >:D >:D

Hi Tom,
          Well done. sorted before I even knew you were coming. I can bring a tent for you.
Phil

Transport to the circuit sorted as well!!!!

And I'm biting myself in the ass by flying to Miami.  ::)

If I get myself to Orlando during the monday, any chance I can hitch a ride with anyone to the track? Otherwise I'll have to spend lots of money on a rental that will sit around most of the time, money I'd rather spend on alcohol to share. ;)

If anyone needs a sleepingspace at the track, I've got a tent with three compartiments, which I'll be using all by myself sofar.....

I'm flying to Miami too, but won't make it over to the track 'till Wednesday.  Will stay in Miami and the Keys untill Wednesday morning.

A lesson well learnt on the return trip last June.

T.  "Now where are our seats"?
D. "We should be able to find then just head for the noise"!

t.

Well what can I say CA has come though big time.
So many offer of help etc.

So my plan is this.

Arrive Tues Evening meet up with Wishy.
Travel to the Circuit with Wishy Wednesday met up with Phil to claim a tent etc.
Thus, Fri,  Sat  drink beer and watch fast cars.  May even eat something.
Sunday travel back to Orlando not sure who with though.

T.

That sounds like a plan.  I can't do this Friday,  but all the other Fridays are good for me. I'll moved from  Reading by mid Feb but should still be able to get to any planning meetings.

T.

lots of vehicles heading back to mco Sunday if your no in one of them the others  will have run you over!

Dont panic Tom we are flying back on Monday so a lift back should'nt be a problem!!!

Marius......If we upgrade the car we have already booked then we might just be able to allow you to "plank" on the roof for the journey ;D

I might take one of those 'rooms' off you Marius.  Will let you know asap.

Dx

I'll have no problem to pinch in on the upgrade, so I think my plan is coming together. I'll book a hotel in Miami for sundaynight, get me a car to drive to Orlando the next day (and do some shopping on the way). Arrange the car so that I can drop it of in Orlando, book a room in La Quinta, and be on my merry way on Tuesday with you guys. For the way back, I'll take up Mr Harpers offer, and get me a car to drive back on monday to Miami, as my flight isn't due till 21.45 that evening.

Marius, I'm pretty sure Liz, Woolly and I are stopping at La Quinta on Monday night as well - so you'll be in good company :)

Hi Marius,
            I can ask around Pidgeon's group if you want a ride to Miami on Sunday ?
Phil

Hi Phil, the way back to Miami is sorted, thank you. :) I've got a whole monday to spend as the flight home is on monday at 21.45. Might as well do some driving around in Florida then. ;)

ok, it's yours till I hear otherwise.

I might take one of those 'rooms' off you Marius.  Will let you know asap.

Dx
[/quote]
ok, it's yours till I hear otherwise.
[/quote]

Sweet.  I'll definitely take the 'room'.  See you in Florida real soon.

Dx

damn, Doris as well. SWEET! what a road crew!!   >:D

-Lee

Sorry Matt, I've only just seen this - I think we're alright for lifts to and from Kissimmie - Liz will have her car with her, so she'll drive us to Kissimmie, and then it'll either be Woolly or I at the wheel of the RV (or both of us dependant on how jetlagged/hungover we are).  Thanks for the offer though - it's appreciated.

No problem, let me know if there's anything I can do.

And he aqlso stated that he is a first timer, can hardly say that of Rick. I don't think he will be there.

Indeed no Sebring for me this year, maybe no Le Mans either.

Hhhhhmm, Springsteen in Tampa only a few days after Sebring. Mrs U would definately murder me if she knew what I was thinking right now.

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/bruce-springsteen-2012-us-tour/

Volcanic ash cloud please.

I'm with you Bob, it'll be your fault if we get stuck out there! >:D

Can anyone who's making the trip across the pond possibly do a bit of shopping for me?  Just a few bits you should be able to get from Superdrug / Boots.

Dx

Send me a list Doris

You have a PM.

Dx

I've been having a minor panic over where my Passport had gone.  Anyway I've now located it and printed off an updated ESTA so just waiting to get packed now.  :)  :)

t

Bump, How about Friday 10th Feb folks, could do the Gateway or even back to the good old Three Froggs or else where, open to all of course even if your not able to make it to S.... this year.
Mark, did you have any further thoughts about shirts for this year, Brad said you had some ideas?

Although I won't be able to make it over for a planning, I'm happy to be incorporated in any plans. Just let me now what you've come up with, I can even be reached by phone on a fridaynight. ;)

That's good for me.  The Gateway would be best for me but don't let that stop us doing the Frogs.

t.

10th is fine for me as well.... Frogs or Gateway is fine with me.  Perhaps needs a seperate topic?

Tickets ordered, parking spot ordered, new passport on the way ...
Just f*cked up leaving three days early, not making it to Tampa for the Springsteen concert.

Why do we need a planning meeting.........it's simple!!!!!

Land......."Fish on fire"........Race......"Fish on Fire".........Home!.........what more planning is needed ;D

Andy

Your not under the misapprehension that any planning gets done at the Berkshire planning meets are you Wishy?
Even it it did, it's all been forgotten by the time everyone wakes up.  ;)    

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH  ;D

And guys, did you all survive the planning meeting?

Unfortunatly the planning meeting did not happen, mainly down to the weather.

Can't believe it actually happened.  I had given up hope, but the week I need off work for Sebring has become available, so the Mrs & I are in, probably get there sometime early Friday morning.
See you there.
Fax

Hey Mr Fax, good news indeed, look forward to meeting you and Mrs Fax.

Hi SR, likewise looking forward to meeting you too.  I'm not entirely warm & fuzzy about how this has worked out however. I've got big problems with Sebring Raceway and their post-advance ticket prices.  Those thieving bastards are charging a additional THIRTY fricking dollars per ticket for any purchased after Jan 31st.  That is absolute highway robbery! No other way to describe it.  I'm looking at an additional sixty dollars for tickets, simply because I couldn't secure the vacation time until now.
The orginal ALMS slogan used to be "For the Fans".  Seems like its evolved into "Lets see how much we can screw the Fans".  I still haven't pulled the trigger on the tickets yet, and I'm having a hard time swallowing getting ripped-off like this.
Fax

Fax, on sebringfans there is someone offering tickets for a more reasable price, and the regulars there stated it vcan be trusted.

Big thanks LT, I'll take a look at it when I take my dinner break this evening at work.  I'll have to register with them, and then check if tickets are still available.
Tried to register at Sebring Fans and no luck, not taking my registration attempt.  Used about five different computers here at work and can't register from any of them.  Don't know whats going on there...
Perhaps some advice from one of the regulars over there?
Fax

Hi Fax,
         Check PM in a few minutes
Phil

Also sent you a PM Fax.

Thanks guys for the advice, sent you PM's.  I'll let you know how things go with your recommendation.
Cheers,
Fax

So whos staying at the La Quinta in Orlando in a few weeks time ? Matt Harper has just posted on Facebook that its on fire at the moment !

D'oh ! For all those who are staying there.

La Quinta en fuego! :o

The Dutch have arrived early this year

I was! :-(

t

We can always hope that we get an upgrade ;D

A bit of a storm in a teacup - everyone keep hold of your wigs and keys, the panic is over.
We decided to able down to the FoF for a late beer last night - and as we rounded the lonesome corner of Detweiler and McCoy we noted that 4 pumps from Orlando FD were storming into the parking lot, like a scene from The Towering Inferno.
Naturally, we all had a "Phoenix Nights moment", assuming that the FoF was, once again, about to become fully engulfed.
Turns out they were turned-out for the hotel next door - but that too, was remarkably uncharred.
They had a bit of a poke around, muttered something about a dodgy smoke detector and shipped out, so rest easy - the La Quinta flea pit is still standing proud and unsinged, adjacent to the Smokehouse and Grill. See you in there for a pint, in the not too distant...   

We have tickets purchased, ready to roll south.  Thanks guys for the advice regarding tickets, found a great ticket deal on Sebring Fans.  Really looking forward to seeing familiar faces, and new ones alike.
We'll be there early Friday morning.  Brad, better come over armed with your best Mansell defense ;D
Fax

(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLv3AlR7myZYUU91ntt5fchgvWWY7QarMdA5cPBjxM2gzu9wj5)

Leave this in Ohio......

Ugh! Haven't been able to drink that stuff since last years race.  Not sure how much brain damage I suffered drinking that crap, but I often find myself walking in circles...
Fax

I got somethin' for ya ;)

Naturally it revolves around plying you with enough alcohol to sink a small battleship......

Really glad to hear you're going to make it - knew something would come up!

See you down there....we arrive at the circuit on.......Tuesday  :o   (my wife has been going on about this since I booked....she just doesn't understand, that the race is the final crescendo of a massive week!)

BZ

Hi Brad,
          Explain to your wife that it takes a week to watch a 24 Hour Race and 4 Days to watch a 12 Hour.
Gates don't open until Wednesday so everything before then is Just Waiting  ;D
see you in Sebring
Phil

No, bring it with you...   >:D

Dx

Only enough there for one anyway  ;D

>Martini...LB

There has been a tradition for more than a decade in the CA editorial team (Jock, GF, DJet, Tony L and others ) of consuming substantial and mind-altering quantities of pastis, particularly late night after night practice on Wednesday. Despite the fact that I know this does very bad things to my head on Thursday, I still participate. When will I ever learn?

It sounds to me like you are doing it just right.

T.

Hi Doris.
          I'll join you for one of those. We can toast the missing Martini :)
Fond memories of Maison Blanche with Martini & Fran sucking back a few Pastis.
Phil

Oh Boy!  Ricard left me in a dreadful, if probably emusing to our colleagues, state on Friday night.  It kinda crept up on me, one minute perfectly coherent, the next I'm almost knocking over the Harper-Maison Blanche bar with my head.  Funny thing is I didn't feel that horrible the next morning, probably because I started drinking Warsteiner for breakfast before the hangover had time to set in ;)
I'll have to swing by the local liquor store and pick up a bottle for the weekend, just for shits & giggles.  If I can get some others to help me drink it, being silly loves company...
Fax

Well Fax, I was there when it kicked in on the Friday night and it wasn't a pretty sight. But I must admit this is a drink that i know nothing about at all, what sort of drink is it, wine, spirits, whiskey, bourbon or something else.

Chris,

I is a better version of Pernod and is one of my favourite tipples, but it does have a reputation for biting back the next day if you have consumed a tad too much the night before ;D

Pernod Ricard is a French company that produces distilled beverages. The company's eponymous products, Pernod Anise and Ricard Pastis, are both anise-flavoured liqueurs and are often referred to simply as Pernod or Ricard. The company also produces several other types of pastis. 1975 – Old rivals Pernod and Ricard merged.

After the banning of absinthe, Pernod Ricard was created from the Pernod Fils company.

Pastis is king, though they are both good. Strange thing is, for the uninitiated, is the fact that it changes colour when water is added and both have a different colour with Ricard Pastis looking a little browner. You do not drink this straight, add water if you want a little softer taste replace the water with lemonade, I drink both depending on the mood. For a refreshing drink use a fair bit of lemonade and a lot of ice in a tall glass or as below mix with a syrup which is very popular in France.

Some well known cocktails use pastis and syrups, including the following:

    * Mauresque (French for "moorish"): pastis with orgeat syrup
    * Perroquet (French for "parrot"): pastis with green mint syrup
    * Tomate (French for "tomato"): pastis with grenadine syrup
    * Rourou (from "Rousseau-Wiart"): pastis with strawberry syrup
    * Cornichon (French for "pickle"): pastis with banana syrup
    * Mazout (French for "Mazut"): pastis with cola


>Martini...LB

Allez le Bleu

The Sebring 2012 seems to have turned into the 'Pastis thread'.

If you get tired of Pernod/Ricard/Pastis 51... you could try another Pernod product, 'Suze'. It was Picasso's tipple but it is a bit 'Marmite' in the love or hate stakes.

www.suze.com (http://www.suze.com)

(http://m.vcst.net/wines/suze-1.5l-436965.jpg)

But whatever you do, don't google image search 'Suze' at work..

Ha, unfortunately Phil, she has pointed out that I tend to head out to Le-Mans on Wednesday....

I tried "Jet lag" as an excuse, but that only really kicks in when you come home (well for me anyway).....

However, it matters not, I am counting down the hours at the moment - towards the end of this week, I'll start counting in minutes :)

Stop drinking that French poison !
Act like a man and have a real beer, like this :

(http://do69.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/duvel.jpg)
www.duvel.com

 ;D

DUVAL....... mmmmmmm :D

Great beer is that, and after 10 what a Lovely drop from 5' 10"
Comfortably numb and painless

I'm thinking about bringing a huge bottle of Palm over dottore......

Ian and Myself will be driving from MCO to Sebring in a Dodge Charger. Excellent value at £93 and that includes a tank of fuel.

Most Excellent Sir ;D

I haven't heard the likes of Aquavit or meths mentioned in the panoply of the beverage menu yet, but do remember that these are but one short step down the road to ruin from pastis.  Take care out there...

And to you lucky, lucky people who will be there.....yes, I am envious, but may all power be given to your elbows and may you be granted the stamina for the full enjoyment of fine motorsport, good company along with bucketloads of completely inappropriate alcoholic beverages, and a safe trip there and back.... :)

MG Mark

Yikes, no real beer then  ;D

Anyone heading to Sebring or anywhere else outside of the UK try this app for
  i phone or android. As long as you and the person you are calling has it all calls and texts are free. I tried it with my son in Austria last night and a 40 minute phone call cost absolutely nothing.   

http://www.viber.com/

http://axisofoversteer.blogspot.com/2012/03/turn-10.html

See Turn 10 also on "You Tube finds" thread...

Great, it tells the whole story.

Worth the time it takes to watch.

>Martini...LB

I out it on the telly to show the missus some highlights from it but she watched and enjoyed the whole lot. Got me a bit worried that she might want to come with me!!

The jury is still out on this year, it'd be a shame to miss it (it'd be my 10th in a row - well, 10 years in Florida in March, think I may have missed out on being at the track one year!!)) but I'm not working and waiting to hear about a second interview for a job. If that happens this week then I'm expecting to be making a late booking, probably to travel out on Tues 13th, with date of return depending on whether I have a job to rush back for... :-)

Bring it on Smokie. While I do recall you missing the Race one year i think you have been at the track every year.

Last year you even watched
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring%202011/Sebring2011148.jpg)

and socialized

(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring%202011/Sebring2011117.jpg)

and missed some of the action at the hairpin

(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring%202011/Sebring2011153.jpg)

Hoping you can make it.
Phil

Good luck with the Interview Geoff, it would be awesome if you made it !!

Be great if you can come over Smokie.... that way when you and the old man fall asleep, we can play human buckaroo in teams :)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/BradRWills/262281_10150697743415165_753485164_19460873_3205192_n.jpg)

Right then. i am packed... if throwing a lot of stuff in the back of a station wagon is packing ;D
Work in the morning as even my boss told them not to expect to see me after lunch to morrow. I know it's a bit early but a short visit to Georgia and Alabama is planned. Full moon tonight so I will be HOOOOWLLING down the highway to morrow night.
See you in Sebring ;D
Phil   The Moose is loose ::)

See you Wednesday, safe travels.

Enjoy yourselves!
One day I will be on that plane.
I'll switch off the lights after you have all left.

Have a safe trip Phil, I'll see you on Wednesday or Thursday !

Have safe trip Phil, see you next week.  Good grief, and I thought we have an insane drive coming down from Ohio ;D
Dottore, I have a batch of Goodies for you collected from last season, they'll be packed in the Honda (along with everything we can possibly stuff in the little spud).
Fax

Safe journey to all, will be very envious of all who are not working Monday and Tuesday, see you all Wednesday evening.

Start my trip on Sunday via New York and then Houston.  Land in Orlando Thurs evening, meet my Mrs, and then to the track to meet up with what's left of the Nigerian.  Ironically, we drive down to FL the following Thursday for family Spring Break down on Sanibel.  Should be a half-hearted detox.

Same here, all the goodies already packed up (including one for the Honda  ;D) !

@ Brussels Airport, ready for boarding  8). 
First to Miami, Wednesday afternoon at Sebring

Remember to pack the shades & sun block 8)
Have a safe trip and we'll see you in a few days.
Fax

Packed, one last evening with the family, and then off I go! See you when I get there. ;D

Packed.... Unpacked (forgot Towel, Sleeping bag, Sun Block - this is going well!) and now packed again....

Wife taken for dinner to ease the "why am I not coming to Florida again?" questions.
Taxi Booked from Andy Zarse's house, to the airport on Monday morning.
Lord Pig Pen booked to arrive in Reading Station at 5pm.

A couple of bits and pieces to finalise tomorrow....then I'm ready for the off.....

See you all on the other side - I'm SO excited :)

@ Miami beach ... And it's not only the weather that's interesting over here  >:D

Job hunting unsuccessful so far, the one prospect I had vanished on Friday afternoon, so made a last minute booking last night, travelling out Tuesday on VS027 (same as Tom I believe) - arrive at the track (most likely in the Pidge camp) on Wednesday or Thursday. Flight a smidge under £400 which was better than I was looking at earlier this year.

And is better than I paid at Xmas....

Great news Geoff - See you over there!!  >:D

This is for all of you NOT going to Florida this week.

Can you spare a few hours on Thursday/Friday/Saturday, can write in reasonable English? Would you'd like to earn a few euros working with the Sebring 12h ACO/FIA editorial team (working at home over the internet)?

If the answer is yes to both those questions, drop me an email or PM in the next 24 hours.

dave.a.davies@gmail.com

John:

I'm at 33K ft somewhere over PA heading to NYC and then onto Houston before the final leg to MCO on Thursday afternoon.
Tonya will be flying in from Indy so I'll meet her there and we'll drive over to the track.  My flight arrives about 7:15 pm so after scoring the renter (the cheapest rental car I've ever had so it may be like Joe and Tiny from Happs driving in Ireland), I'm guessing we won't be at the track before 10 pm.  The crew should be at a relatively predictable state of reality by that point, so it should be a fun roll-in.  What time do you think you'll pull-in on Friday?  Can't wait to see you brother.  When was the last time you saw Tonya????

Hi Dave,
It'll be late Thursday night or early Friday morning when we get there. We're driving straight to the circuit from Cincy.  Good lord its been ages since I've seen Tonya, probably a GP at Indy (04-05), I've missed her probably alot more than she misses my miscreant ass.
We may be arriving with heavy hearts though, Mooch has gone into full renal failure.  The vet has him this weekend pumping him with IV fluids to get him re-hydrated, but you know how the score usually ends on this sort of situation.  The tuxie's been a good tomcat...
Fax

Were on our way ;D ;D ;D

You lucky lucky barstards.
There were 150 of us whos not going, crammed into our living rooms in our own homes, with a cold beer and  having to watch Motors tv coverage.
You try and telling the Turn 10 folk today and they wont believe you!

Safe journey to you all

Except it's Super Saturday in the Six Nations, for our American friends it's a bit like Superbowl day for rugby union, but with 3 consecutive matches. Sober it is not.
But I would rather be at Sebring.

Tom is picking me up shortly for the first leg. Then with Chris tomorrow night, arriving at the track on Wednesday.

Have a safe journey, everyone who's going!!

We aren't going to be able to make it this year, due to our pet's illness. Really was looking forward to seeing everyone.  Perhaps next year...
I have a pair of 4-day passes and a car parking pass available if anyone is interested, I posted this on the sell or swap thread as well.
Smokie, are you going to need passes? I can FedEx these down there (hell, I work for the company)
Shoot me a PM if interested.
Cheers,
Fax

So sorry to hear about our your pet John, Brad & I were looking forward to meeting you and Mrs Fax.

Well I'm packed, checked in and ready to go, early morning trip up to Blackwater station, then onto Gatport Airwick and Away...Trouble is Bob's already delayed by an hour on his BA flight, have to sit in a bar and wait for him suppose. :-\

Smokie an I arrived at MCO after a very stress free trip.
Wishy pIck me up Smokie was waiting for Chris24.
No one else at the Fish on Fire.

Should catch up with everyone tomorrow.

T

Yes, I am delayed by an hour but no worries, this bar seems a nice friendly place.

Oops

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER6791.jpg)

Night practice

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER8190.jpg)

Beemer

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER6758.jpg)

Great pics Kristof,
Hope your enjoying your first Sebring trip, and your stay over here.  Wish I was there.  Have cold beer for me.
Fax

Sorry, that thing's still not a Sports Car! >:D

Fab as per.  Just saying to Mr T that one of the reasons (and there are lots) I enjoy your pics so much is that they have style but you can still see the ruddy cars.  So many photographers get so far up their own rear ends these days that they forget that's what we want to see. :)

Sebring Qualifying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Qa295CdR0Eo#! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Qa295CdR0Eo#!)

Thanks Fax !  Not the first time I'm at Sebring though, was here in 2008 for the race and a few times at the testdays in February.  Still good to come back here !



Thanks  ;D !

A few Friday pics. 
Found a few good spots for tomorrow, should be interesting  8)


(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER8630.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER9117.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER9306.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER9446.jpg)

great pics :)

Turn 10 sticker still on the nr 4 Corvette I see, excellent :D

My bad Kristof, I thought you were a Sebring newbie, hope your enjoying your Sebring...Return ;D
Great photos, looks like fine weather for this years race as well.
Fax

Some from yesterday during the race ... more to follow next week

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER9992.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER1352.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER1633.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER1352.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER3799.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER3404.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER3647.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/Miami/_VER2542.jpg)

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/news/news/2012/mar/18/l6newso3-sebring-races-have-characters-at-every-tu-ar-382072/

Even one woman from New Zealand!   ;D

Turn 10 on lemons dot org

http://www.lemans.org/en/races/fia-world-endurance-championship/updates/sebring-an-exciting-12-hours-in-prospect-for-race-fans_6528.html (http://www.lemans.org/en/races/fia-world-endurance-championship/updates/sebring-an-exciting-12-hours-in-prospect-for-race-fans_6528.html)

(http://www.lemans.org/wpphpFichiers/Albums/12/70/-dppi-02112801-113_n.jpg)

Mega, Dottore.

Must get down to the Musee. :)

Yes, thank-you for taking the trouble to post

As enough people asked I am lead to believe some of you give a sh*t  :)
After a final round of good byes I left the track at 12 noon on Sunday It was 28 C and sunny.
Hwy 27 North was steady all the way to I 4. The drive through Orlando was better than usual and a detour into Daytona was probably not smart but it was nice to see the remains of Bike Week and a few bikinis to make the traffic jam worth suffering. The coast road up to St Augustine is a favourite of mine but was also slow with a few bikinis  ;D or was that bikes? and lovely seascapes even if I could not stop.
Once back on I 95 it was hammer down and get on with the drive home. Once into Georgia it was dark and time for dinner before it became too late on a Sunday. Fuel stops have become a bit of a challenge as many pumps now require a Zip code matched to the card before they will work. Canada has postal codes using letters so not recognized by the machine. I always push to get past Charlotte NC in both directions as it is a major traffic snarl up for hours either side. I pressed on into the night eventually stopping at 3:30am in Summersville WV as a thunderstorm was just getting started. Managed 4 hours of sleep interupted by a downpour that made me feel i was in a drum under Niagara Falls. as i was warm and dry i went back to sleep. ::) Off  before 8am with a full tank of gas and a coffee. breakfast in Morgantown  with another tank of gas. traffic was pretty light though quite a lot of construction in PA.. Big crash on the highway near my house so had to make a detour which confused the GPS lady until I turned her off  ;D Home at 5:00pm 
That is 2320KM in less than 24 driving hours.
Endurance Drinking followed by Endurance Spectating with Endurance driving too. Those racrers don't know how lucky they are :D ;D ;D
Temp ar home under sunny blue skies......26 C. The Polar Bears are doomed  :(
Sleepy Phil
PS good to meet so many CA visitors . Great pictures as always Dottore.

 ;D ;D ;D

Dx 

Well I haven't really landed yet. Despite the plane touching down early yesterday morning.

JPC is in serious trouble for not persuading me to go sooner.  >:D >:D >:D >:D

A big thank you to all those who help me have such a fantastic time. 

t

Arrived home yesterday and now having a good nights sleep, Iam feeling totally jaded and have a full days work to do ......what a martyr!!!

Timo Bernhard has nasty shunt at Sebring testing new R18 ultra

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-bernhard-crashes-new-audi-in-sebring-testing/ (http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/le-mans-bernhard-crashes-new-audi-in-sebring-testing/)

Phil, I dont know how you manage that drive. I think I am going to try to fly next year.

great to see some of you at Sebring. here are some of my pics from the weekend: http://strassenversion.blogspot.com/2012/03/12-hours-of-sebring-2012.html

Some interesting shots there goodduck.

F

Hi Xander,
             Nice pictures and write up of the race. I am not sure about those 3D though. Sorry I did not stop to chat longer. If I had realised that was our only meeting I would have found a Guinness for you. Mine were back at camp cooling off ;D
One must enjoy driving to make such long journeys enjoyable.
Phil

My pictures of Sebring. Not too bad for a point and shoot and shows something other than cars on track.

Attn MGMark some for you  ;D
Phil

Uuuhhh....alas....where???

Looks like Phil pointed but forgot to shoot!!

Del

Just goes to show there is nothing like being there.   :-)

t

Can't  :(.  Calender fully booked, and when I've got time, photo's will be gone already.

Just at Orlando waiting for my flight home, delayed by a couple of hours. I arrived at the track on the Wednesday and managed to see some racing on the Saturday (only about an hour) before having to take my leave. Since then, have stayed in Fort Lauderdale and Key West. While Sebring seems a long time ago already, it was great to meet up with everyone again, and thanks for those who offered me help and assistance one way or another, especially given the lateness of my decision to attend.

OOPS  Sorry. Del is right I forgot to pull the trigger.
For MGMark
(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring/Sebring%202012/132.jpg)

The rest are here.
http://s858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring/Sebring%202012/

Phil

Absolutely. 'Glad I wuz... :)

heres a little video i took on saturday at dusk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28QTWA15iIY

Nice !

I've put my first batch of pictures online, first practice on Thursday

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6237/7025257359_db228de726_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7025257359/)
Sebring 12h 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7025257359/) by Kristof Vermeulen/Raceshots.be (http://www.flickr.com/people/raceshots/), on Flickr

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjyKo1VG

Enjoy !

I expect those of you on Facebook already picked up on this...

http://www.alms.com/alms-tv/episode/2012-top-5-things-see-sebring

here is another video i took http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QAuT65WGYY&feature=youtu.be

New set online ... free practice 2

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7045620793_4f03dce524_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7045620793/)
Sebring 12h 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7045620793/) by Kristof Vermeulen/Raceshots.be (http://www.flickr.com/people/raceshots/), on Flickr

Link : http://flic.kr/s/aHsjznYrWF (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjznYrWF)

Great shots as always Kristof.  I especially like the one of the #13 Rebellion Racing Lola.

Dx

Pictures part 3 : Night Practice

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7065950375_b10226d97f_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7065950375/)
Sebring 12h 2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/raceshots/7065950375/) by Kristof Vermeulen/Raceshots.be (http://www.flickr.com/people/raceshots/), on Flickr

Gallery : http://flic.kr/s/aHsjzsdYGr (http://flic.kr/s/aHsjzsdYGr)

This is the Corvette we cal NORM

Phil

and getting home without having to use ones medical insurance.
Note for next year.... don't drink everything the locals offer you, especially if it's served in a jam jar :police:
Roll on March13

I'll be there next year, same plan as this one only less moonshine and poisoning. Best racing trip since LM in the crazy days and worth every penny of the not many it cost.
Amazing time, racing and people.... bring it on!!! >:D