Club Arnage

I just mailed my money for our reserved spot on the turn 3,4,5 complex and was wondering about you guys and your plans for the race.

I sure hope some of you can make it this year.  We always can find a place to stay as it is not as regimented as LM for camping.  Bring your tent and cash for beer and you are good to go.

You can fly into Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Tampa.  Plan on staying after the race and see Florida in the spring.  There is a reason we fill up with northerners during the spring...it is absolutely beautiful here.  BTW, the orange blossoms will be in bloom so the entire central part of the state smells sweet and the temperature will be delightful.  You might even spend time going to an American baseball game as many professional teams train in Florida during February and March.

Time so start saving up for the trip.  I have the spot reserved already!

Come on over!

Planning on coming over with the GF, just wiating for a decent quote on flights. Usually they are on 'What I wanna pay' in Oktober, so just have to sit it out untill then.

Anyone know whta date the race will be?

http://sebringraceway.com/12hr_tickets.lasso

The 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by “Fresh from Florida” held March 13-16, 2013

I'll be there ...
Hotel hunt is on !   Flights will be like Langtall said, something for October/November.

UK mothersday: 10th of march 2013.

check check doublecheck

hell yeah :)

Audi and Greaves confirmed for 2013 at Sebring.
Rebellion will be there too, 1 or 2 cars.   Now waiting for Toyota !

Should be a great grid again !

I booked the flights BTW. :) Saturday befor race we fly in, and we'll stay a few extra days for some sightseeing. :)

If you get in on Saturday before the race, check out the Amelia Island Concours. http://www.ameliaconcours.org/ (http://www.ameliaconcours.org/) Well worth a visit! 

have been looking at flights today, nothing really exciting yet...

cheapest is Virgin through Gatwick to Orlando for 506 euro's

I can't book yet anyways since i need to get official approval for holiday first...

aiming for the Sebring, Monaco, Le Mans triple this year

That is about the same I payed Dirk, for BA Amsterdam - Orlando.

Amelia looks interesting, I'll put it on the 'To do'-list. Could be a sunday well spent by the looks of it.

Amelia is well worth the visit, I did it a few years ago and you will see some stunning cars in a stunning setting. Rick Ostman from Turn 10 is also very much involved with the running of the event.

Damn !   I probably won't be able to leave before March 12th  :(.
Flights from Brussels to Orlando 575-599 at the moment.

Fly from London or Manchester, it's far cheaper and not much longer.

Yeah, but you first have to get there also. ;)

I remember one year meeting George @ Heathrow to fly to Orlando with BA.

His whole Munich > Heathrow > MCO was 20% cheaper than my single leg of LHR to MCO.

http://www.facebook.com/labombaracing

Not sure if you visitors know, but La Bomba is on Facebook!

>Martini...LB

Already friended with La Bomba....I guess this year (If I can finalise a trip) I might even keep myself sober enough to be eligible for a ride!?!  >:D

Is that Friended, or offended? ::)

Was toying with going again next year but work is backing up with data problems etc. so I will not be able to give myself time off. No time off from Oct - April except for bank holidays... :(

>Martini...LB

Not going to for me as I've got to work.  :(

Hopefully be able to make the 2014 incarnation in between a vintage in Aus and a vintage in Central Otago.

Dx

Booking flights tonight. Looks like out on Monday 11th and returning home on Monday 18th for me.

Holiday approved !

Looking into flights ... probably out Sat 9th (or Tu 12th), returning Monday 25th.

Hope to get to Amelia Island first, spend a few days in Jacksonville/Orlando and then on to Sebring.  Still in doubt about renting a motorhome (and camp up at Turn 10 if they've got a spot) or go back to hotel where we stayed last year.  After Sebring we'll fly on to the West Coast (San Francisco - LA or Vegas - LA) or stay at the east coast and head on to Washington/NYC.  Decisions te be made  ;D ... 

Booked !   Out Friday 8th, back Monday 25th.
Amelia Island, NBA Magic vs Lakers, Sebring, Vegas, Grand Canyon, LA, Nascar @ Fontana (mistake, I know but blame my mate who's coming along  :D).

Should be a nice roadtrip  8)

Hi Dottore,
               That sounds like an excellent trip. Nothing wrong with the occasional Nascrap race. Which day are you going to Amelia Island? I might look at that for Sunday.
Phil

Hi Phil,

We're flying into Jacksonville on Friday, already booked tickets for Amelia Island on Sunday. 
Monday & Tuesday we're heading to the Bikeweek at Daytona Beach.

Everyone have a good time, at this point I haven't been able to secure the time off work, so doesn't look like Sebring 2013 is on our calendar.  We may take a drive down to Road Atlanta in April for the GA race as plan B.
BG-Fax

Hi Dottore,
               I will be in Daytona on Tuesday with Smokie. Do i have to book to get into Amelia Island? I will do some research.
Phil

I don't think you really have to book in advance, but I've booked an "early entry ticket" on the website.   
This is the direct link : https://www.ameliaconcours.org/shop/tickets.asp

I'm saving frantically, I don't want to miss this one!!

Phil, no need to book, I just turned up and paid on the day. Its a park and ride from the local airfield so you park there and they bus you in. It does cost to park though, but can't remember how much, something like $10 -15 though. Amelia is a nice day out, some stunning machinery on show.

If you need anymore info, don't forget that Rick Ostman from turn 10 works the show every year, as one of the organisers.

Having reviewed the website. A bit pricey for my limited budget also a bit of a rush to get to by Sunday.Monday in Orlando will be the start of my Sebring 2013 CA outing.
Phil

Good that I've left Orlando the day before then Phil. ;)

I'll be at Amelia Island on sunday, and drive over to Jupiter on monday to help out the locals there packing things up before we get in line in Tuesday. It will also give me some time to do some necessary shopping.

That's a shame   :(.
Maybe we'll meet up in Daytona during bike week and have a few beers ?

Looks likely that myself, Phil and Smokey will be at Daytona on the Tuesday, so can meet up with you if you are there as well. Staying over on the beach front on Tuesday night and driving down to Sebring on Wednesday morning. Looks likely that a meal at the "Fish on Fire" is on the cards for Monday 11th as well before we head to Daytona either Monday night or Tuesday morning so if anyone else is arriving at MCO on the Monday and wants to join us, then more the merrier !

Blackened Grouper Sandwich - Highly recommended. 

Aligator nuggets, a little less so...

Arriving in Daytona on Monday late afternoon or evening.
Tuesday evening we'll be in Orlando; NBA game Magic vs Lakers

Probably not the best statement to be made when we are going to a place named "Fish on Fire" but I don't like sea food so won't be having anything that came out of the sea ! Hopefully they will have land animal based items on the menu as well.

Food, who mentioned food? I thought it'd be the start of the drinking!! Should have been well fed by Virgin on the way over :-)

Good luck with that.... there IS a reason it's called the FISH on Fire.   >:D





Alright...they do have a few other things.  But you should definitely try the Blackened Grouper Sandwich - It's not "Fishy" - in fact, it's quite meaty.....

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

The menu is on here. 

If you're going to the FOF, there is a game - simple as you like, on the end of the building.  It's a simple game with a piece of string, a ring, and a hook.  The idea is to swing the ring on a string, and hook it on the hook.  Chris - I guarantee you'll be amazing at it - so don't worry about practice.....

The locals like to bet on this game - and they're ALL RUBBISH at it.  Make sure you find one and challenge them to a game - Stick $20 on the table, and boldly state that "there's plenty more where that came from".  You can pay for the cost of your visit easily by betting your spending money on this game.  Never fails.
 

So the plan so far is Smokie and I drinking and Chris chewing on Alligator tail  ;D
Brad are you and Ian coming this year or are you just advising from afar ?
Phil

Unfortunatly it's pretty sure that neither Brad or I will make it this year (unless Brad has a secret tunnel plan), we will however be at LM, look forward to meeting up with you there (assuming you will be there).

As the old man points out below, I don't think I'm going to make it this year - My work life revolves around the UK rail sector, and it has basically been on its knees for the past 5 months.  Its ooking likely that it will all come back to life in late february - and this intense period of activity will last for about 2 months before tailing off....it's basically a case of making hay whilst the sun shines.  I am hoping that if I can get things moving in this little window of activity, it will sort things out for me to attend next year - and maybe pave the way for an appearance elsewhere in the bucket list as well! 

Hi Ian and Brad,
                      Pity you can not make it to Sebring but atleast you have seen it during one of the glory periods.
Petit in Atlanta in the autum is another opportunity (if the loto comes through for you :)
Yes LM plan in the hands of Tom again.
Phil

Hello all - hope your Sebring plans are all coming together - and am interested to learn who's planning on coming over this year - and if anyone needs any help organizing RV's, colonial beers, airport transfers etc. etc.
I've had a couple of Facebook messages but it would be useful to get a feel for numbers, just out of curiosity.
We have a much reduced presence for 2013 - Dave is driving down from Indy and Seth and I will be taking a (smaller) RV + the usual acoutrements in on Wednesday and staying for the duration this time (rather than heading back to Orlando to pick up stragglers and returning Thursday).
As usual, our grill will be hot and our Nigerian will be frosty cold - it will be a treat to see old friends.
Best wishes to everyone - and sorry for not contributing more on this forum.

By the way - the game of chance that Brad refers to is called the Bimini Ring Toss. Offer to take on Seth for large denomination notes - he too is totally crap at it.

Hi Phil,
When do you get in to the UK? a benifit of LM being a week later this year is that the Brooklands Double Twelve is on the Sunday before, http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/double12/ which I might venture up to as we normally miss it.

Hi Ian,
         That looks interesting. As LM is a week later than usual I am thinking of coming over earlier and doing my English part 1st and ending with LM.  If I have not spent all my money on Beer and Racing by then I might be able to waste some on that :) Saturday sounds like the better day for fast cars on track.
Phil

Hi guys, am off to Sebring for the first time this year having been to Le Mans for the last 7 years, have a few questions hopefully you can help with.

Tickets, take it we only need one North Paddock parking ticket per car and this includes the camping? We'll be arriving at the circuit on Thursday morning, is the camping marked pitches like LM is now or a pick your own spot free for all?

Any hints and tips for things to do and see there?

Thanks!

Si

Have to admit, had'nt looked to hard at the schedule, I am still getting used to not working Saturdays so default to Sunday, I'm sure it will be good on booth days, and as you know, I am always up for going to Brooklands. We can develop a plan closer to the time. Mean time have a ball at Sebring.

Hi 20v,

You will need a general car park ticket if you want to camp on Green Park as that is where all the action is.

You can order your tickets online on the Sebring site, but you will have to collect your tickets from the "will call centre" just to the right of the queueing lanes at the main gates as tickets are not posted to overseas visitors.
I you ask somebody they will point you in the right direction.

Andy

Hi H20v,
           Unless you go witha RV and reserved spot ($450) I would not recommend the North Paddock as a camping location. Car parking $40 lets you tent camp in either Green Park lots of action (no sleep till Sunday) General Parking or Spectator Parking. see track map for these areas http://sebringraceway.com/track_map.lasso   Camp sites are unmarked freefor all. Take only the space you need and be aware you can get blocked in. You do not need to camp at the fence in order to watch the race as there is a 10ft reserved pedestrian way trackside.
Your Super Pass gives the same kind of access as a GE at Le Mans PLUS the Paddock right up to the back of the pits.
Remember track action starts on Wednesday morning plan your arrival accordingly.
Phil

 for H20v If this works you will see my tent in "Camp Pidge" in the Genarl Parking area. 2011 This was on Wednesday morning

(http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab145/MaximPhil_photos/Sebring%202011/Sebring2011010.jpg)

by Friday it was no longer visible from the spot I took this picture :)
Phil

Take powder to clear Fire Ants.  Those things really hurt when they bite.

Don't bother with a long lens for your camera - catch fencing is minimal at Sebring and you're almost on the track.

Make sure that at the very least you visit Turn 10 - there'll be a Club Arnage Flag or Banner there somewhere - great viewing at T.10, and marvellous company who will always chat.

Get involved in the Party - The Party Barge, F-Troop and "Hank and Sheilas Frikking Big Tent" are all must sees.  

If someone offers you something to drink from a Jam Jar, don't drink it like Lemonade. (Lesson learnt).

If someone offers you "cherries" - don't eat 9 of them in 10 minutes unless you're sure.  (Lesson learnt).

If someone offers you "Pineapple" - eat it.  It's lovely.  But make sure you're sure.

Sebring 2012 was one of the best events I've ever attended - the people, the track, the noise, the people, the party, the people, the booze, the party, but mainly the people.  You will have an absolute blast.  Be aware that it IS slightly different to Le-Mans - less tolerant of complete Bell-ends from what I can see - but that's what happens when you replace the weedy Gendamerie, with American Cops.  With Guns.  :)

Have a great time!

Hi Brad,
           I am suprised you can remember all that  ;D ;D ;D Good advice.
Phil

Couldn't resist ... booked a warm-up trip before heading off to Sebring  ;D.  F1 test @ circuit de Catalunya (Barcelona) ... out March 1st, in March 4th, should be in the mood then to leave again on the 8th to Florida  8)

Hey Dottore, which lottery did you win? Don't tell me... you are not married. That would explain it.  ;D

>Martini...LB

That last one explains it all  ;D and I've got to catch up those 6 months I lost last year ! (which actually got me up to a nice budget to spend in 2013)
Start of the season this weekend with Legend Boucles de Spa, then on to Barcelona, Amelia Island, Sebring, Fontana, TAC Rally (Belgium), Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Spa.  Then dilemma : 24h Ring or DTM at Brands (budget says DTM), testweekend Le Mans, Le Mans & Rock Werchter.  Plans for July/August : rob a few banks  ;D

This popped up on FaceBook this morning, another pointless expense. However given the approach of law enforcement to those going to Sebring is not always positive, particularly if you are caught speeding, ignoring this new requirement could prove expensive, at best.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/idp.html

USA (Florida) compulsory IDP – 1 January 2013
A law introduced in Florida, USA, on 1 January 2013 requires all persons who hold a licence issued outside of the US to carry an International Driving Permit along with their national driving licence.

Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid licence. If stopped, law enforcement has the options of:

Arresting the driver and taking them to jail
Or giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance

I'd hang fire at the moment as the authorities seem to be back pedalling on this as they hadn't thought it through and it contravines a Geneva convention rule or something and they will not currently enforce violations whilst its clarified or sorted out. They are probably going to ammend it so that if your licence is already written in English language, then you probably won't need the IDP as well as your licence will be ok.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/IDP.htm

Also I am pretty sure that if this is causing an issue at the airports then it would be on the news over here as Brits riot at the airport because they can't get a rental car after being sat on a plane for 11 hours. They would be jumping the counter and knocking the living #### out of the people behind the counters.

That said I have read today that Hertz and Avis will not rent out a car without the IDP but Alamo and Dollar will rent them out and don't want to see an IDP

Funny ... when I showed my IDP last year at the rental company (Dollar), they wouldn't accept it ...

Hi Dottore. Now that is funny  ;D ;D ;D
Phil

Ken Breslauer, the Sage of Sebring brings us an update on the IDP situation in Florida

Statement from DHSMV on International Driving Permits

During the 2012 legislative session, the Florida Legislature amended section 322.04, Florida Statutes, to require visitors from outside the United States to have an International Driving Permit in order to drive lawfully in Florida. This change took effect Jan. 1, 2013.

It has come to the Department’s attention that this requirement may violate the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic (1949), an international treaty to which the United States is a signatory. Treaties to which the United States is a party preempt state laws in conflict with them.

Therefore, the Florida Highway Patrol will defer enforcement of violations of the amended statutory section until a final determination of the alignment of the amendment with the treaty can be made. Non-resident visitors to Florida who wish to drive while here will be required to have in their immediate possession a valid driver license issued in his or her name from another state or territory of the U.S. or from their country of residence. However, the FHP will not take enforcement action based solely on the lack of an International Driving Permit.

The IDP is just an dictionary in a lot of languages and should be used together with your drivers permit of your own country.
available for 10 euro's at the dutch AA. Waste of money

Most credit card size drivers permit have class identifications with images of the type of the vehicle your allowed to drive.
Must be good enough for the Florida police a think.

2007 last time in florida and no problems with credit card size permit.

The problem arises when the rental company refuse to give you a car because of no IDP - which Chris has alluded to above.

That is something I'm going to check. And an IDP costs 19,75 Max, nut just 10. ;-) Last 4 times in Florida no problem whatsoever with my old style pink license, but that was all with Alamo. Have to check what BA hooked me up with.

You must be wrong, as it looks like the Florida police can't read or identify images of cars etc.

I can understand if your licence was in Chinese, they'd want the Pekin AA to issue something in English

Few friends arrived in Daytona yesterday for the 500.  Rented a car at Hertz, didn't get asked for their IDP.

btw ... http://youtu.be/LQVNk6Wu6QA
Wo sind die Käfer ?  ;D

i am not taking any risks

just bought an IDP at the dutch AA for 17,95 euro's

regards

You have to be on the safe side, but what a rip off.  Its half the price in the UK, which comes as a shock.

I have to be a little politically incorrect now, but although I don't think we've met, my guess is that you hold a full driving licence, and there's a far higher chance that some of the locals in Florida don't.

£5.50 here, IF you can easily get to one of the few Post Offices that do it. Otherwise an extra £2.50 for postal app, plus the cost of a photo...

The list of POs (did I do this before?)

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/apply-for-an-idp-at-a-post-office.html

Hi Lorry, yes, I do have a full driving licence, and i have driven through 23 States (and will add 4 or 5 states in march) in the past 5,5 years, which is probably more states than most US citizens have seen in their life span...

Actually we do like to get around a bit.  Americans are great vacationers, lots of stuff to see & do, the National Parks are a favorite of mine.  Seen most of the continental states, and Alaska.  Some states are completely forgettable (Texas), others stunningly beautiful, (Colorado & Wyoming)
Lorry, almost all Americans have a drivers license (there are a great many who shouldn't), its a vast country (England is roughly the size of my home state, Ohio) and tough to get around without one.
Fax

love the national parks!

still need to go to northwest states, washington, oregon... and, according to you, to Wyoming :)

The Pacific Northwest is absolutely gorgeous, I have a good friend who used to live in Redmond, Washington, now resides in Bend, Oregon.  Beautiful area.
If you get a chance to go to Yellowstone National Park, by all means go there.  It will take your breath away.
Fax

We're heading on to Vegas & Grand Canyon after Sebring, will try to add Valley of Fire also.
On the way to Fontana drive through Mojave NP & maybe Joshua Tree NP if we've got time enough.

It seems to me there is a lot of confusion as to yes or no to the IDP, I will just take the chance and plead ignorance

I am not that badly confused, I will invest in a IDP at the FOF.

The entry list for the 12hr has been published here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_12_Hours_of_Sebring

Official entry list : http://www.alms.com/sites/default/files/races/entry_lists/Sebring%20Entry.pdf
42 cars in total.


I'm down since last week ... flue, bronchitis and some kind of infection.  Doctor gave me pretty heavy meds today to get ready for Sebring at the end of next week, but have to cancel Barcelona this weekend :(.  No F1 test for the first time in 4 years, not happy ! 

Hi Not Happy. you sound like Grumpy but if you take all those expensive meds you will be Dopey  ;D ;D
Get Well soon and I will see you in Florida.
Phil

Thanks Phil !   Feeling a bit better today, some new photogear came in  ;D

I LUV national parks - just bring a RV and u are  set

great trips done already - more to follow - in years to come

Just got a mail from Delta ... It's time to check in  ;D.
Leaving in 22 hours, countdown really has started right now ! 

Have a great time at Amelia and we will see you at Sebring on Wednesday. Don't forget to drop by camp Pidge near the sheriffs compound on Wednesday afternoon to make arrangements for the CA evening meal. I'll have a new toy to play with at Sebring as I have been selected to receive A GoPro 3 camera in the contest. :)

Handluggage  ;D

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/529781_10151393511489823_1054289433_n.jpg)



I'll let you know when we're at Sebring, probably late afternoon on Wednesday something like 5-6 pm.
We're in Daytona on Monday and Tuesday, might find eachother there for a beer (or 2 ... or 3 ... ).

GoPro 3 ?  Should be fun !  8)

See you at Amelia probably, I'll be wearing a DfH-polo and a Turn10 hat me thinks. :)

Enjoy yourselves!!!

One day :(

Have a great time guys, you'll have a blast, especially the Sebring virgins.

Yea, to all going to Sebring - Have a great time and may be a few beers

and watch those cars and the fencing, yes,,,,,, you can see them and take great pics with out dam fencing in the way

Hi Dottore,
               We will be at the Hilton on Atlantic ave in Daytona Tuesday evening. Tuesday Lunch is at the North Turn Bar & grill
South Daytona also Atlantic Ave ( towards the light house) However as i will be herding cats no idea what time lunch will be :)
I'll PM you my phone#
Phil

I resemble that remark!

t.

Just thought I would remind all who are going across the pond over the next couple of days...........don't forget to update your ESTA!!!!!!

I've got that box ticked. Also got the international driving permit.

Picked up our car yesterday, wasn't asked for an IDP.
Wanted to show it to the guy at the desk, he just said they didn't need it so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Sorry I haven't been on here leading up to Sebring...but here I am.  Welcome to all CA members to our little corner of heaven.  We have been going to Sebring in one form or another since 1958.  i want to invite any members that are making the trip to our site.  When you see the configuration of the track you will notice that it is in the shape of a horse shoe.  We are just down-track from turn three on driver's left.  You will see a viewing berm at turn three and then you will see a paved road that seems to run into the track but is stopped by the race fence.  Our RV's are parked on that paved piece at the fence.  I would hope you would drop by and have a cold beer on me.  For that matter, if you are going to stay in a tent, you can find places near us for that accommodation as well. 

This promises to be a good race as the rules are changing over the next year and there will be some good cars running for the last time.

I hope you can make it.  My name is George.  See you there!

For you guys not coming to Sebring, here is a little racing porn for you to enjoy from the race last year.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEBLDOeM7f4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

gatordad...Sebring veteran since 1958!

I can't watch it, makes me feel sad...

Anyway lord Pigpen has left the building!

This promises to be a good race as the rules are changing over the next year and there will be some good cars running for the last time.

I hope you can make it.  My name is George.  See you there!
[/quote]

I will no doubt drop by for a cold one with you George, I aint got a clue where I will be dossing but I got your number.......


T-Minus 7 hours for the off
T-Minus 12 before leaving on a jet plane

Safe journey those going.
For those not going,  set up your Feng Shui zone for the race - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5TWPF76eps

TTFN

Well,i'ts silly o'clock....bags just about packed and come 7am we're off to Sebring, provided we can drive our way through the snow drifts on the way to Gatwick  8)

Lucky bastards. Did hope to make a pilgrimage on day, but the new series looks pants. Maybe this is the last good year for Sebring?

Anyway, Mrs S going out, kids at grannies, BBQ fixed up, fridge well stocked, loads of coffee on standby etc. hoping to watch the whole race from the comfort of my sofa.

Roll on June to do it for real.

Have a great time everyone.

Safe trip for all who's coming over !
Don't forget any sunscreen, you'll need it (I didn't put enough on yesterday, look a little bit like a lobster today  ;D).


Amelia Island was porn on wheels yesterday, perfect start of the week !
@ Gatordad : I'll give you a call later on !

Have a great time at the old bomber base, employer permitting we will make it back next year (had to miss it two years in a row now, this really sucks!).  The regs may have gone tits up for next year, but 200,000 crazies will still show up, and raise hell.  It'll still be worth the trip.
Fax

Hi Fax,
         Yes next year the rules will be different some of the cars will be different but oit will still be a good race to attend.
2013 however is the end of the ALMS /LMP1 era and it has been an excellent era. There were good ones before and more to come I am sure.
Phil

I am at the Fish on Fire. After all the stories I have heard I made a special effort to get here for the warm up for Sebring.
However here I sit drinking on my own waiting for the UK contingent to get here. Plane has "arrived" what ever that means. Motel will not let me check in to Smokies room :(
Decision time another Beer or stay sober to collect them at the airport when the reserved car is not ready ?
The Fun has Begun
Phil

Phil, I've been seeing you at these races pretty much as long as I've been friends with Dave, Matt & Rich (which means close to twenty years now).  I miss going to Sebring, but I REALLY miss seeing you guys.  Phil have a cold Canadian brew for me, and we absolutely will be at the Petit, and I hope you will be too, Kirsten sends her love.  Got some catching up to do.
Fax

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/USA%20March%202013/_VER8238_zps347aebb3.jpg)

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/USA%20March%202013/20130315_VER8921_zpse72973c8.jpg)

Nice Pic of Turn 10.

Well, we are up this beautiful morning at Sebring and the weather is perfect.  Not a cloud and temps headed to 75.  The cars are warmed up and the anticipation is high.  Based on nascar's history, this very well could be the last great sports car race at this track.  Enjoy it fans! 

lovin the viper corvette race and the new aero double end plate on the no 2 audi.4 hours to go.
kristof great pics from quali

Just back from Sebring.  Great weather and better GT racing.  The crowd seemed to be a bit smaller this year from previous races but they were shown a very exciting event.  The Audi's are just plain wicked looking and bulletproof in their execution.  Joest does such a wonderful job in preparation.  I wouldn't bet against them for LM unless the hothead gets aboard and puts one in the wall again.  To see six different males of cars in Gt and to see them all being pretty competitive gives me a warm spot for the future of racing.  Now I'm home and just turned on the NASCAR race at Bristol.  this used to be the toughest ticket in racing but now the stands are empty and there are canvas coverings over the whole top tier of the track.

We will need to see how the "brains" at NASCREW will come in and "fix" this race.  Rumor I heard was that they want to pave the front straight so all the bumps go away...what a really stupid thing to do as that is a huge part of the appeal of the track.  We laa agreed to wait and see.  Then when the reserved space renewal arrives we will come down to the track to see what they are doing to make it better.

Where else can you see an 8 cylinder piece of Detroit's finest pounding it out against a 12 cylinder piece of art from Italy for hours at a time while a 6 cylinder engineering masterpiece from Germany rides close behind in case there is a screwup by either of the two cars ahead?  Come on people, it doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Save Sebring from the idiots from Daytona Beach!

Why are you watching Bristol?  The Daytona 200 is on!
I can see why they would want to pave the front straight, from a purist perspective the bumps are part of Sebring folklore, but the way the front stretch pulls apart during the race is pretty dangerous.  By the end of the race all of the patches have pulled out, and there's some damn big holes in track.
The GT race was entertaining, but the LMP races were barely a blip on the radar.  Sadly that's been the story of ALMS in recent years, hence the reason it's being swallowed up by the bunch on Speedway Blvd.  Much of the ALMS's demise has been self-inflicted, starting with amaturish managment.  I don't have any idea what NASCAR's long term plans for United Sportscar are, but its been pretty clear from the past three or four season's that things couldn't go on the way they were.
On TV it did look like the crowd was down considerably, another sign that things are not well.
Fax

Well, you weren't there, so that's one.

Just tuned into Bristol to see the crowd. 

I've been going to Sebring for quite a few years and the real appeal is the access for us and the bupms in sunset to the front straight, imo.

No sense in in discussing it.  they will do what they want and we can vote with our $$...or not.

I've got quite a few Sebring 12hrs in person myself, I get the atmoshpere, the history, etc.  Trust me, there's nobody on this forum that's more into the history, and tradition of the sport than I am.  My comments were looking at it from a safety standpoint,  I can see where they think it might need a facelift.  I've walked down the pit straight at Sebring many times after the race ended, and I wouldn't want to ride a bicycle down it.  I think a solid idea would be to pave most of it, and leave a strip of the old cement at the start-finish, similar to what they did at IMS with the bricks.  Sometimes circuits do need to be updated with the times.
It doesn't matter what NASCAR does there, or rolls out for cars, the fans will still show up, hell in '74 they showed up even though there wasn't a race.
I was just kidding about Bristol, I'm a bike guy so putting in a plug for AMA guys.
Fax

My first Sebring was 1958...Stirling Moss in a birdcage M!

Missed a few during Viet Nam and the 20 years after it but have been a loyal fan ever since.

I was born in Daytona Beach.  My dad was great friends with Marshall Teague and Smokey Yunick.

Used to love the 36 hours of Florida.  Destroyed the engine and tranny at Daytona and then junked the rest of the car at Sebring.

Who knows.  I just love racing and really don't like the DP's.  That's all...

I'm with ya, I think all of us are in agreement that DP's are not the answer.  Its a tough puzzle to solve, we love the high tech LMP1 cars, but then you have conpanies like Audi come in and spend everyone into oblivion, and the result is what we've had in the ALMS for the past several years, very thin proto grids.  I also despise the Audi approach of showing up for one or two races a year over here, and then leaving the series high & dry the rest of the calendar.  With the DP's, they're loud & physical, but they're not a true protoype, very much along the lines of how NASCAR goes racing, spaceframe chassis, big V8's, lots of beating & banging, but not true sportscar racing.
I don't have the time in you've got, but I've been around.  Started with Can-Am and Trans-Am in 1971, been a regular at places like Mid Ohio, Road Atlanta, and The Glen ever since, for everything from Can-Am, Trans-Am, F5000, IMSA, CART to the AMA Supers, and vintage bikes.  I'm a veteran of forty Indianapolis 500's, made seven trips over to Le Mans, a bunch of GP's (both two and four wheeled) a couple of Daytona 500's and about nine trips to the spring Cup race at Talladega, and countless days & nights at midwest bullrings like Eldora and Winchester (we're going up to Eldora next month to see the USAC Sprinters).
Fax

It's going to be interesting to see what tech regs they come up with. The GT class is fantastic, and so just needs stability. Prototypes are a bit if a nightmare to work out though. It needs to be somewhere between the blue collar Daytona Prototype, and the hi tech of the LMP1/2 cars. Either way, it's going to mean the building of new cars, and that's expensive at any time never mind it these days of austerity.

So how about having a loose set of regulations? Teams spend millions finding a tiny aero advantage, when an extra 1000cc under the hood costs little. Yes folks, I'm looking back at CAN AM. Let teams build prototypes. A manufacturer will still want to showcase its efficient diesel technology, it's hybrid technology, it's ultra light technology..... But we could also get Texan Chicken farmers shoving enormous V8s into a tube chassis special and dishing out some whup ass. Call it an open class, and see what turns up. The reason GT is a success is that it's relativly low tech and comparatively affordable to be competetive. Front engine, rear engine, mid engine, 6,8,10,12 cylinders, yet they are all evenly matched. You don't need a set of regs so tight it almost becomes a spec formula to make for close racing.

Not  everyone is going to be happy when the regs come out. Everyone has their own agenda. So focus on the fans. Give them something exciting to watch. Get the grandstands packed, get the TV ratings up, only then will the series prosper.

I see where you are going with the 'loose regs' route, and I agree with your aims. The trouble with sketchy regs is that it makes it even easier for a manufacturer to waltz in and 'buy' the series. Loose rules would work it they were only loose for privateers... but then you have a puzzle to solve with what you do with factory teams.

Organizing a race series is a very delicate balancing act. The book of sporting regulations is  only one element. Endurance racing and sports car racing are particularly European beasts, and are not a natural fit on US tracks... but that is the whole attraction. Like a dog riding a bicycle, the wonder is not that it is done well, but that it is done at all. European sports GTs and prototypes are seen as a bit exotic and exciting, and to have them on US circuits is an attraction to a certain (some would say better informed) group of race fans.

Don Panoz, almost by dumb luck, hit upon a winning formula in the ALMS. By bringing the flavour of Le Mans to North America, it chimed with race fans of a certain age who miss the 'glory days of old', and welcomed the rebirth of a real endurance racing series in their home country.  I'm not sure that the France empire understand that fact. The choice of a racing helmet for the logo of the new series highlights that misunderstanding. As we all know, at Le Mans drivers are essential, but the car is the star.

The "WFO"  Crew in the Zoo, would like to thank all those who came across the pond to say hello and lift a glass and toast the great event that is "The 12 Hours of Sebring"!

(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73493%3Enu%3D3275%3E6%3C2%3E646%3EWSNRCG%3D38989%3A397%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)

There is a rich history of sportscar racing in the US, but it has always been very much a niche sport, rarely gets any mainstream media exposure.
It's occured to me that when the sport has been at its healthiest over here, is when there's been little manufacturer involvment.  The best example of a big make coming in and killing a series was Can-Am.  Even during its glory days, despite the fact that the works McLaren's usually scooped the hardware, a privateer could purchase a Mclaren or Lola, and take on the might of the Kiwi's, and occasionally knock them off.  When Porsche came in with its cost-no-object 917 turbo, the cost of being competitve went through the roof, a cost most privateers couldn't afford, and the series died.
I loved the early days of the ALMS, when you had huge grids of privateer Ferrari 333sp's, R&S's, etc.  I've just never bought into the idea that one needs big manufacturer involvment for a series to have credibility.
Fax

I worry that the France family will look at how relativly unsuccessful the prototype classes have been over the years. The real class of the ALMS field over the last few years have been the GT cars. Will they just cherry pick the popular GT cars from the mix and bin the rest?

I agree that the manufacturers can be damaging to every series. Look at the decline of the WRC over the last 20 years. It started to slide when group B exploded.

Manufacturers can be curbed though. You could include limits on expensive composite materials, exotic alloys, electronic driver aids etc. You could cost cap the engines, a stock block, heads and crankshaft rule, or make it a requirement to supply works spec engines to privateers for say a $30,000 on demand. Add to that a spec transmission, suspension and brake package to again keep costs low.

Yes, I know, a factory team will still spend money chasing even the smallest advantage, but of you create a set of regulations that have lower costs as a base line, then it gives the privateers a fighting chance. The Delta Wing in its current guise might not be a great example, but at Le Mans where it faired better, it proved that left field thinking can produce a competetive car. A relaxed set of regulations could allow some more creative designs to come forward.

 The prototype classes of the new series will only work if there are a decent number of cars competing. If you are going to get those numbers there needs to be a radical change in thinking, a dramatic cut in costs and stability of rules to give the teams confidence to invest. Dumbing down the current cars to the level of the current Daytona prototypes would kill it stone dead before it even starts.

Hey John,

How's life?
I always love reading your musings. Passionate, informed, enthusiastic and definately with a strong view point.
Keep writing my friend!

Hi Nigel,
Good to hear from you, I hope all's well.  Big thanks for the kind words.  I just come at it as a commited life-long enthusiast, I don't work in the sport, no agenda, or party line to follow, just from the heart.
Fax

Once the ELMS started and the appeal of being able to qualify for LM at Sebring was diluted the whole attraction of the
Euros coming to Florida in the spring soon faded away and the fields were left wanting.  I don't know if the average Joe-six-pack will ever fully embrace sports car racing in the US as long as NASCAR is racing like they are.  However, they have been losing fans lately and the new car is a dog.  The Daytona 500 was a yawner from the start and there was very little action and hardly any passing on-track for the lead.  There might be an opening here if those guys are smart.  The folks that are in charge now are all born-rich kids from Big Bill France and have never had to work a day in their lives.  Never have had or wanted to wrench a car and never had grease under their nails.

That leaves us with great GT racing with exciting fields and not much else...field fillers with the Porsche GTC class and the LMPC class of corvette engined prototype-looking cars.
Now we will have to watch the DP cars, arguably the ugliest car ever to race on the track, try to keep up with well-sorted P2 cars.  Lord knows what will happen next.

GD, I totally agree with you, NASCAR's problem now is that the people in charge are third or fourth generation pampered moron's.  It's s big part of the reason the Cup series has found itself in the situation it's in.  There's alot of nepotism, and inbreeding in that organization, and not much in the way forward thinkng, or looking back to the sport's heritage.  I've met JC France, that dude is one short step up the ladder from a Orangutan (and that may being unkind to Orangutan's).  NASCAR is going to run into the same problem that Indycar has, faced with a bunch of third or fourth generation silver spoon in the mouth idiots (like Tony George) running the show...with predictable results.
Fax

Back home since yesterday morning from what was one of the best trips I've had across the ocean so far.

Amelia Island was awesome, never seen such a collection of cars together.  Makes you wonder why I haven't passed there sooner.  Enjoyed Sebring as always, despite massive problems with my camera gear (still not sorted out, getting really pissed now).  After Sebring travelled on to Vegas, Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire and closed off at the Nascar race in Fontana (which was kind of enjoyable at the end).

@ Gatordad, sorry I didn't pass by.   Tought of passing by during the race, but got to the outside of the Ullman straight, which took me a lot longer than expected (and didn't do much good at my still recovering leg).  I'll make it up next time I'm at Sebring.

Will be going through my pictures in the upcoming weeks ... expect a giant load of them.

Next : Silverstone  ;D. 
Will definetely be at the Petit also, still thinking about Austin (2 concerts of Depeche Mode in Dallas & Houston before race weekend might pull me over to make the trip).

Nice how we again managed to completly miss each other at Amelia Island and Sebring!

Especially Amelia Island, how could you miss someone there ?  ;D
Next try at Spa ? 

Yup! We'll be camping in the woods from friday on, and we usually watch the start at Raidillon.

(http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae77/Raceshot/USA%20March%202013/20130316_VER1892_zpsb64a5ea5.jpg)

Getting through my pics ... ready to throw my big lens through the window  :(.  Had it revised earlier this year, result : completely screwed up.  Never had to throw away so much pictures due to unsharpness, out of focus, can't use any convertor on it ... I'm proper f*cked !