Club Arnage

www.sebringraceway.com

Dates are March 16 - 19.

Just been on the phone to my favourite oceanside hotel in Daytona and it turns out that Bike Week ends on the previous weekend.

Provisional plan is therefore travel from UK on Friday 12th, hire a sports car again, stay someplace grotty on the Friday then set off for Daytona early on Sat 13th to catch the end of Bike Week (which goes on until Sunday).

Then stay in Daytona for the start of Spring Break week, leaving to reach the track on Wednesday afternoon, as this year. Pidge has kindly offered to host the European contingent, as usual.

Anyone else thinking about going? The room at the hotel is a double so unless I get lucky (how many times have I said that?) I will have a spare bed, for a small fee!

However, nothing is booked yet as I am still waiting to see if my free flight would get me to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras! It expires on 28 Feb so will otherwise go begging.

Gilles, George, come on down, you know you'll love it.

I'm assuming that Chris and the Moose will be in attendance.

Still thinking flying across the pond...
... but my professionnal timetable table and my "personnal requirement" may both change my dream !  ;)

Hi Smoke,
Goes without saying Matt, Dave & I will be there come raceday, after our usual quiet evening with a few light beverages and full nights sleep...
John

Smokie:

Just so you know, that wasn't yoghurt on the walls, floor and bedspread left by the Sons of Satan Hells Angels Chapter after BikeWeek the last time you were over!

The hotels I've been in on the strip have left me with nightmares.  About 4-5 years ago we decided to stop at a hotel and looked at about 10 before we found one that didn't have visible DNA.

At this time I think Matt, Fax and I plan to  be at Sebring.  I've lost the plot with Rolex though.

Dave's right - Daytona Beach hotels are skanky and scary - and one or two of 'em have been seriously damaged by this summer's hurricanes (Adams Mark, in particular).
Orlando has a much bigger choice and the hygene standards are more appropriate - family hotels v's stoned bikers/young, dumb, full of cum from spring break.
Sebring is a given - and living so close by, the Rolex is in my plan too.
Not what it was, I grant you, but still 24 hours on the lash, open fires in the infield, racing through the night - and the best tit bar on the Atlantic coast.

" family hotels v's stoned bikers/young, dumb, full of cum from spring break"

...having 1) spent my summer holiday in a family hotel and 2) a week away from the family, the stoned dumb spring breakers are more appealing....

As I saw last year, from my oceanside room  :P :P :P

All power to you Smokes - just leave your black-light at home and wear your wellies in the shower.
Looking forward to seeing you again in't new year.

Okay guys,
Now that the Aston Martin DBR9 looks to be for real, I'm fairly certain that Sebring will mark its debut.  Here's your chance to go wave the flag for a real British racer (not a dressed up Audi) and collect a nice sunburn to boot.  Time to break out the Union Jack shreddies and book those March flights to Florida.
John

Good promo there Fax.  If Aston Martin are to be taken seriously then ofcourse they must be a Sebring. I would like to see it run in GTS as the  Corvette C-6 will also be new so a chance for some graet racing.
Canada Phil

OK I`m in! Just booked Munich-Miami from March 10-21. Look forward to meeting up with some old faces Moose, Pidge, Dave and Les and meeting Fax and the Harpers. Hopefully my old MB Shithouse camping buddy the Smokester will be accompanying me(Smokie, that`s flight BA207 that you gotta book!). Pidge, probably need a ride after the race to Miami and of course looking forward to your world renown cooking. Won`t need a tent or such since I will be meeting up with my brother who lives outside Orlando, he`s got all the gear. Will bring beer money and clean nappies as requested. Anyone else?

Whay Hey - we have a party!!!

George - your flight back is 21st? Not 20th?

I'll call you tomorrow/Tuesday

Excellent news there GAB, looking forward to throwing back a few beers with you in sunny Florida.  Got to admit after looking at the new DBR9, it looks like a GTS car to me.  A bit too burly and trick looking for a GT contender.
Fax

Hi GAB,
           That's a hell of a way to break cover ::)
good to hear you are coming. In case I have not said so already I will be there. Is this brother of yours coming to the race too?
Canada Phil

Fax, beers, sunny Florida and racing...doesn`t get any better.
Smokie, flight back is BA206 on Monday March 21, cheaper for me than Sunday the 20th. flight.
Phil, my brother will also be in attendance, he also enjoys beers, sunny Florida and racing, I have been a good influence on him ;)

Hi,
Nothing booked yet, but you can bet I will be there in March !

Regards
Chris

Oh my god not a Gab mark 2, do not get him on the low flyers just yet, only one place to down them and that is LM, you lucky sods, enjoy and both come back in one piece as we need the german beer in june.
sick as a parrot.
Brian

Actually Brian this brother is GAB Mark 3, and since the Liverpool Boys own the exclusive international marketing rights to low flyers, I shall respect your wish and not introduce him to the magic elixir on grounds foreign to LM :-X. Thanks for your concern about our safekeeping while away, sure we shall be OK as we have planned relatively harmless activeties while in the Sunshine state. Smokie is all excited to try out his new DNA identification kit that he has recently purchased for the Bike Week portion of our excursion :D. If Dave Harper is correct then Smokester should have plenty of fresh samples to analyse ;D. I shall be tending my brothers rose garden, I`m hoping for an early bloom of his recently planted Dusky Dark Lady, should be exciting, don`t you agree ;)???

On the subject of Sebring, looks like the November classic the weekend of the 19th-21st should be large fun.  Matt, Pidge and any of the locals might want to think of heading down to Hendrick's Field for the day.  Nice entry, 250 cars!
Fax

Ok, I have just e mailed Smokie and Pidge but thought I would post a question on here as well.

Is anyone travelling down to Sebring on Wednesday and returning on the Sunday after the race that lives in the Orlando area that could pick me up and drop me off again ?

I could get a ride back after the race Saturday night but would miss all the post race fun and partying, and couldn't help Pidge disassemble the camp site on Sunday.

Thanks.
Chris

Chris, just the man!!!

Smokie has suggested that I ask you about your itinery and for a rough idea of cost. As you go for a shorter period than Smokie does, hence avoiding the car hire and hotel bills, I was wondering what you estimate the cost of the trip to be??

I've wanted to do Sebring for the last couple of years and there's something about seeing the debut of the Astons (and the chance of meeting up with some fellow CA-ers) that's telling me 2005 is the year to do it!!  :)

Thanks

Mark

Hi JP,
        of course 2005 is the year to make the crossing.
the track opens on Wednesday bu for a shorter stay arrive for Thursday afternoon to catch night practice .
As it takes a week to watch a 24hr race it would seem reasonable to allow 4 days for 12 hours. Unlike Le Mans
Sebring has a full card of support races not to mention
the partying. If you want to see anything else of Florida you will need some time either before or after the race.
It's bigger than it looks :o
Canada Phil

Hi JP,
        Can't sleep ??? ???
Canada Phil

Thanks Phil

Sorry I missed you at LM in June. Maybe did meet you at the "poo" bar on Saturday (vague recollection of someone like you) but I really can't be certain!!

Thanks for the tips! What sort of support races are there likely to be? What happens on the Wednesday?? Is there a funfair etc USA style in case I have to bring the missus and kids (girls aged 12 and 8) <very unlikely> Hoping to get the Brother In Law who now lives in Denver to meet me there!!

Hi JP,
        I was at te poo bash however had consumed much Champagne by then. The girls may like the Mouse in Orlando better. Hope your brother in law can make it too no problem with tickets as they sell at the gate and we will have a camp set up.
Canada Phil

Hey Chris,

Not sure what my exact plans are, but there is a chance that I may be able to help you with a ride from and/or to Orlando. It`s a wee bit too early since Sebring is still 4 months away. I will be splitting my prerace time with my brother in Orlando and Smokie in Daytona, just not sure yet on what days. If nothing else comes up for you then PM me end of February or so.

I too can help with transportation/logistics if needs be. I live in metro Orlando. Dave H, Fax and I are not so keen on the pre-race activities at Hendrick Field. Wed through Sat morning out at Sebring would be a little to medieval for me, I'm afraid.
We usually head out there early on Saturday morning and miraculously sober-up and thump it back to O'town after the race. That said, I would be happy to help out fellow CA contributors, by running them down to the circuit from Orlando earlier in the week if that would help.
JPC - if you need to check-out friendly deals on Disney hotels etc., let me know - one of my colleagues has connections - we can usually get $150 per night rooms for around $50 - and we owe you for the Houx favour this year. Let me know what I can do.
To anyone who's interested in doing this race - it is a true classic and flights to Orlando are not pricey in March. Shout-up if you need any pointers, local knowledge, car-rental, advance tickets (not neccessary unless you go for the pit-box super-tickets - worth it, if you want to get right above the action).
Don't forget, there are two airports in the Orlando metro area - OIA is where all the scheduled flights come in - but you can often get a killer deal by flying in on a charter (Britannia, Air Tours, My Travel etc) to Orlando Sanford - 40 mins north of Downtown Orlando.
Like I said, I'd be happy to help, if needed.  

Thought about this one...

But have just confirmed my place for a week in Hing Kong, at the Rugby World Cup 7's in Hing Kong, 15 - 22nd MArch 2005 !!

Yee Har

Gauntlet for Powermite,
                                      Kirk says if you can convince AJ to come to Sebring he will bring and cook the "RIBS"
Adds new meaning to the term "piging out" doesn't it  ::) ;D  A feast with Cars and Beer in the Florida Sun.
Come on you know you ant to.
Canada Phil

Hi Powermite,
                     Any response  ??? Who can resist Pidgeon eggs and Bacon 8) That's Grade A Large Chicken Eggs cooked by Pidgeon. JP Chanet have you got your act together yet?
Canada Phil

Probably won't be abel to commit until nearer the time due to heavy work commitments but it's looking promising!!  ;)

Hi JP.
        Incase you need reminding of the date :o
March 16-19, 2005
Featuring the American Le Mans Series, with support races including the SPEED World Challenge GT & Touring Series, Panoz GT Pro Series, Formula Dodge National Championship, Star Mazda, and the Cooper Championship Series.
The SPEED and Panoz series are both very entertaing
and i am not sure what the Cooper Championship is but pretty sure it's not Mini's or Historic Formula cars. They usually have historic races too so i am a little suprised they are not mentioned. Not much of a fun fare unless you count the mechanical Bull riding ;D
Saint Paddys day is a big celebration with Green beer  8)8) ??? :o
Hope you can make it
Canada Phil

Am giving some serious thought as to how I can justify going. Wrestling with one's conscience is such fun!

If I can wrestle with mine you cab wrestle with yours!!  Besides, it's so much better when you have someone to drink with on a long flight!  ;)

If (and unfortunately it is still only if) I can make it then Rob is thinking about joining me too.

I'll issue the standard disclaimer, Sebring will be habit forming!  I remember when Smokie first went to the twelve hours and said that it was a once only opportunity...Funny, that was a couple of years ago.
Fax

I can't deny that. Sebring was featured in the first of the recent Channel 5 series. Mrs S watched it and even she understood why I want to go.

And...for 2005...to be able to be at Bike Week as well...I can't wait.

JP - if you are really quick there are some seats by me and George on the way out there  :) BA to Miami 10 March, returning BA 20 March.

Its funny that Fax. I said i wanted to go once so made the trip for the 50th Race . Next year will be my forth visit !

Hi Andy,
            No need to justify, wanting to is sufficient ::)
Hope you and JP can work it out. as you can tell from above posts it is a blast and probably the second best race in the world.
Canada Phil
visit www.sebringraceway.com for additional tempting :o

Braselton, GA - At the same time that Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers are reporting to Florida for Spring Training, American Le Mans Series racing teams will have their own version of Florida training when IMSA and Sebring International Raceway host a four-day open testing session Jan. 31-Feb. 3.

The testing session will help teams prepare for the 53rd annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, America's oldest and most prestigious sports car race, that will open the 2005 American Le Mans Series season Mar. 16-19.


Bugger, I'm busy that weekend...  :)

Whats interesting about that four day open test is that the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona is the same weekend.  I would imagine more than a few drivers will be coptering back and forth between Daytona and Sebring doing racing and testing duties.
John

Whoops! I stand corrected, the Rolex is the following weekend.  Does make it convenient to have all the drivers in the same place for a week or two.  A chance to blow the winter cobwebs off and get some testing in.
John

Hi Fax,
          Good call. I expect there will be lots of drivers  doing both events with a few days of R&R too. I will be working away up here in the Great White North making wiskey for Pidgeon ::) so I can go to Sebring in March
Canada Phil

Well as a declared Corvette Fan. The following from a news clip about Aston Martin
"David Brabham along with Tomas Enge and Darren Turner were behind the wheel of the DBR9 during last week's tests."  
Ron has seen off Tomas Enge in a Ferrai before so he is no big threat ::) Anyone know who Darren Turner is ???
David Brabham...a formidable endurance driver.
Canada Phil

Phil, I think Darren Turner has been driving in Indy for the last few years. Think he was quite quick but another one of those "unlucky" Brits with which the series seems to be riddled. Franchitti falls into the same bracket.

Saw Turner race a GT40 at Goodwood Revival a few years ago, the lad looked pretty handy to me.

Whatever, I'd hope you'll agree it's great to see AM making a proper return to La Sarthe.

Andy,
You may be thinking of Darren Manning who drives for Chip Ganassi.  I don't really follow the IRL (or CART anymore) but it does seem to have become a catch-all for Brits (and Brazilians) who can't find their way into F1.  Manning, Franchitti, Wheldon, etc.
Personally I think you would have to have a death wish to race in that series but I suppose if your a racing driver you've got make a buck somehow.
John

Sorry you're right Fax. Too many Darren's, Dan's and Dario's, it's so confusing.

Regarding the safety aspect, as an outsider, it just looks so dangerous. I've always thought I'm missing something important, like are the walls made of foam rubber or sommat?

a part of the answer...

http://www.ascar-racers.co.uk/dturner/dturner.htm

Andy,
To be honest it looks even more hideously dangerous in person.
Many of the tracks are now using what they've called "Soft" walls,
this consisting of a steel barrier placed in front of the concrete wall with some energy absorbing material in between.  Doesn't sound very soft to me.  At the sustained high speeds they race at week after week its not unusal for three or four drivers to leave a race weekend with fractures and concussions.  At those speeds there are no small shunts.  The multiple concussions are what drove Gil De Ferran into retirement.
John

Hi Andy & Fax,
                      Ofcourse I am glad Aston Martin have entered the fray. It's not a race without others to race against. It is an opportune time as the C6 is a  new car and the rules are new so it will depend on which team gets it right first. Attending Sebring shows AM have the right attitude already.
Will make it worth the trip Andy  :o
Canada Phil

Don't know who Darren Turner is ? Shame on you !
He's a very fast and talented driver, that like most drivers just missed out on the big time in Formula 1. He's also very fan friendly and approachable.

HI Chris,
             Unproven in endurance racing then  ???8)
We will have to keep a close eye on him at Sebring, perhaps over a few beers at the safety pin ;D ;D
Canada Phil

Unproven !
Seemed to do ok in the Prodrive Ferrari at LM the last two years. Was leading in 2003  (from the mighty Corvettes) by a long way until mechanical failure put them out. And last year was teamed with Rydell and McRae and finished third in class behind the Corvettes after car trouble etc.

I do think however that assessing his talent at the hairpin over a few beers is a jolly good idea though !
See you in March.

Hey all,

Should be able to drive through the night from a job in S.C. to make it Saturday morning. Never been, any info (other than what the site has), would be appreciated!

Matt

Hi Matt - got your PM on this.
Although a bit of a slog from the Carolinas, it is well worth it. Sebring is a great indicator on what to expect at Le Mans - and is probably THE American classic enduro.
The party atmosphere (now billed as a Spring Break destination, so lots of flange) is great and the weather is usually very agreeable.
Fax, Dave H and I usually meet in Orlando on the Friday and drive down to the circuit early on saturday morning. For the past couple of years, we have met up with Smokie, Chris, Canada Phil and Pigeon, for breakfast beers and a bit of a gossip.
I'd recommend it and look forward to seeing you there, if you can make it - By all means join us in O'town on the Friday, if you'd care to - we tend to get a few practice beers in, to steel ourselves for the day ahead.  

Does Sebring have a food outlet area?

I could fit the chip van with pontoons and tow it over with my old stern trawler.

I'm sure all you ex-pat Brits would fancy some good old dog fish and chunky chips.

Mushy peas anyone?

Well, I've been quietly musing about going to Sebring for the past month or so.
My resolve was further strenghthened at the London Beer session last week when talking to JPC and Andy Z.

Any road up, I casually mentioned going to Sebring to my nearest and dearest and she said "Okay".

So, stand by Florida, Sebring here I come.

Whay Hay...

I think a Sebring planning meeting is called for don't you? Sometime in early dark dank February...

Great time of the year to plan a little excersion out of the foul end of winter weather in the UK. Hopefully the Argyll Arms, or wherever, will be a bit quieter as ruddy Xmas will be over by then, thank god.  >:(

My oh my, that six man tent is going to be cosy ! I guess we won't be cold ! Just when I thought Smokies farts were bad enough !

Welcome aboard guys !

Chris,

My mate Chris Z is a state registered Nutritionologist. He did a masters degree in the digestion processes of the human body. Recently he's been devising a cunning secret cocktail of booze and food, in order to maximise the volume, density and repugnance of farts. We've nearly perfected it now, he's just fine tuning the exact amount of Swiss cheese against volume of Guinness, but with any luck the receipe (which will be a closly-guarded family secret like CocaCola) should all be ready for blast off by March.

Question: Do you think we should invest in another tent?

Would make a bit of sense as (subject to Leffe consumption) I tend to lift the safety valve once in a while.

Glad to hear you guys are making the trek over.  You'll thoroghly enjoy it.  No better way to shake off the winter blahs than soaking up some warm Florida sunshine and catching the second most important sportscar race in the world.  See you in March!
Fax

Steve Brown and Andy Zass (US pronounciation - that's the twist, you see) and vwgtifan venturing forth to FL for 12 Hours of Sebring?
Excellent news!
Are there any others who'd be up for this race, who Ican assist with discounted accommodation, advance tickets etc.etc.
Unlike gluttons for punishment (Smokie/Chris/Phil/Pidge) we tend to stay away from Hendrick until race day - but will help any way I can.
Steve, Andy, let me know if I can arrange 'owt locally for you. I can get high-end rooms at heavily discounted pricing in O'town, if you need 'em.

"high-end rooms at heavily discounted price"

Hmmmm....so why do I choose to stay in a low end room at a top price in Daytona?

Hi Guys, Sounds like the British Invasion all over again ::) I can bring an extra tent. Pidgeon get those hens a laying ;D ;D. Smokie you stay in Daytona because of the Girls & BIke Week and the Beach and the Girls and the Beer at the Anchor Bar and Mustache rides 8)and because it's fun and NO MICKEY ::) :P.
Canada Phil

Phil, can I use your extra tent then? If it has soundproof walls and is vented for gas that would be ideal...   :)

I am thinking of going as well just have to finalise leave at work and then work out how much it will cost!!

This all sounds pretty enticing..............what are the dates, where is it best to fly into and how far from the airport is the circuit ? Or is there an official site ?
Thanks guys.

www.sebringraceway.com or http://www.sebringraceway.com/tickets_sebring.html for ticket info and prices. Track opens Wed March 16. there is a fairly full programme of events before the 12 hour race which starts on Sat 19 at 10:00 am.

Camping on site a la Le Mans is included in the Superticket, extra $10 to take a car in.

Sebring is below Orlando, which would be the closest airport. Can't remember, but probably an hour to 90 mins drive from Orlando?

I've been twice, flying into Tampa both times, but then I go early and hire a car and make a break of it, so getting around is OK. This year I'm flying into Miami.

The dollar is dead cheap. A direct flight will probably be around £330 but you might find a discount somewhere, Chris24 usualy does (or use up some Airmiles). Food is cheap enough, so is car hire, petrol and beer, weather is (usually) good. You'd probably need to buy a tent (cheap enough in Walmart, especially if the cost is split amongst many) and sleeping bag. We might overwhelm Pidge for cooking facilities but food around the track is also cheap and reasonably plentiful. Sebring town (for supplies) is a short car ride away.

And you get to see the Aston...

 

Last time I said this, there were a great number of natural disasters which caused billions of pounds worth of damage, and almost did for the Harper family in Florida, but......

The job I was meant to be on earlier in the year has been (well, almost) rescheduled for Feb and March. Sebring time! If all goes well, and I'm a hundred buck flight from Orlando or thereabouts, then I'll be doing my darndest to join you.

I mean, what can happen between now and then?
H

PS Breaking wind? - wouldn't dream of it.

Wow, this is fast becoming almost as large as Le Mans itself!

Robbo, what about you?

And will you be able to get enough t shirts printed in time???

Your order shall be ready by then. Anyone else will have to let me know.

I wont be thinking of Sebring as i shall be watching World Cup Rugby in Hong Kong. But i shall think of you all !!

 ;D THE PRODIGAL HAS RETURNED ;D
HERE'S WHAT I CAN DO.
     SUPPLY SLEEPING SPACE (TENTS) FOR ALL SO YOU CAN TRAVEL AS LIGHT AS POSSIBLE.
     SUPPLY BREAKFAST FOR ALL(THAT'S A GIVEN) SEBRING HAS MANY FOOD AND BEER OUTLETS SO IF YOU PREFER NOT TO DINE WITH ME IN THE EARLY EVENING I WILL NOT BE INSULTED. ( MY ONLY CLAIM TO PERFECTION IS BREAKFAST) BESIDES, CANADA PHIL WILL HAVE THE TENT RIGHT NEXT DOOR AND HE USUALLY HAS AN OPEN HOUSE FOR EVENING DINNER.
      SUPPLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE MIAMI AIRPORT TO THE CIRCUIT FOR ANYONE FLYING IN TO THAT CITY. I SUGGEST THAT YOU FLY IN ON WEDNESDAY OF THE RACE AND FLY OUT ON THE MONDAY AFTER THE RACE. THAT WAY YOU WILL ONLY NEED ONE DAY IN A MIAMI HOTEL . NORMALLY YOU ARRIVE IN THE US ANYWHERE FROM 2 TO 6 PM FROM EUROPE. YOU USUALLY DEPART FROM THE US NEAR 4 TO 7 PM. COORDINATION IS NEEDED TO MEET IN MIAMI SO ALL CAN TRAVEL TOGETHER. BRING CLEAN UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS.
     I CAN PURCHASE THE TICKETS SAVING EACH $10.00 U.S. FOR A 4 DAY TICKET ($75.00 U.S.) PAYABLE WHEN YOU GET HERE IN DOLLARS, EUROS OR UK POUNDS (EXCEPT FOR CANADA PHIL . FOR HIM .... HE PAYS IN CHIVAS REGAL) SEE SMOKIE  ABOUT THIS. HE AND I ARE IN TOUCH.
      I'LL HAVE A COUPLE OF COOLERS ... BUT .... THROWAWAYS ARE DIRT CHEAP AND ALONG WITH REFRESHMENTS COOLERS CAN BE PURCHASED ANYWHERE ALONG THE WAY (SEE CHRIS ABOUT WAL MART. THAT STORE WAS SO BIG I COULDN'T FIND HIM FOR AN HOUR )
ICE AND BEER IS AVAILABLE  AT THE TRACK. PASSOUT FROM THE TRACK IS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME. THE TOWN OF SEBRING IS 15 MINUTES OUT.  EVERYTHING AND ALL IS AVAILABLE IN TOWN.
       OUR LITTLE CAMP HAD AN AMERICAN FLAG, A CANADIAN FLAG, AN ENGLISH FLAG, A UNION JACK. A BENTLY FLAG, A FLAG FROM THE AMERICAN STATE OF MARYLAND WHERE I WAS BORN, THE ARNAGE BANNER AND A CHECKERED FLAG. IF YOU COME AND LIVE WITH US YOU GOTTA BRING A FLAG SO PEOPLE WILL KNOW YOU ARE THERE FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
       NOW .. SPECIAL TO GILLES AND POWERMITE.  IF YOU CAN'T COME AND JOIN US ........ JOHN, SEND US A FLAG FROM WALES (JOHN YOU TURD, I'VE BEEN AFTER YOU ABOUT A FLAG FOR 2 YEARS ) AND GILLES SEND US A FRENCH FLAG.
     I PREFER TO SEE YOU ALL IN PERSON.

Pidge mate! Good to hear from you.

This Sebringthing is spiralling out of control! Looks like there's no going back now, so hopefully I should see you there. The offer of hostipality is much appreciated.

As to the flags, whilst I don't have a Welsh one, if Gilles doesn't send you a tricoleur, I have one I'll bring along, although there's some goat footprints on it. The appropriation of said flag famously resulted in my (wrongful) arrest in Alencon. I'll try to avoid such problems in the States, I don't fancy being roughed up by the troopers.

Can't wait!  :D

Pidge, thanks very much for your kind offer.

Miami looks to be the cheaper option to fly into at the moment.  No doubt we will (hopefully) get ourselves co-ordinated on this side of the pond first.  Could well be 4 newbies.

We don't have a regional flag here in East Anglia but there's plenty of the Stars and Stripes flying at USAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall.
The flag of the Peoples Republic of Hartlepool features a monkey I understand  ;)

Pidge,
Just to clarify that you will be arrving at Sebring Wednesday afternoon aren't you. As you said it was best to arrive in Miami Wednesday. Most flights don't arrive until the evening in Miami, so hadn't that better be arrive Tuesday evening ?

All the best for Christmas and New Year ! See ya soon.

Regards
Chris

PS. Will Dave, Mary, Lucy and Katie be joining us again ?

 
First ....... :-[ my apologies for starting a new Sebring page. This Polock just don't pay attention.
 ::)    
     8)  I'm thinking that anytime a group may arrive by early Wednesday evening they can be gathered up at the airport and together we can take the 2 hour ride to Sebring. We can set up when we arrive probably no later than 9 PM MAXIMUM. I saw mention of funds possibly being a problem for some of the guys so arriving on Wed. evening saves a cost of a hotel room.
       Remember, I want to make arrangements for the tickets ordered thru me to be left at the 'will call' area so no one will have to wait to get in to the track like they did last year.
     And Andy's Zarse    Geez ........ when Gilles reads that you stomped his flag he's gonna be pissed.
    About the flags ... well,  bring what you think is appropriate. The way there are 20 gazillion Brit flags at LM, there will be 200 gazillion 'rebel' flags and American flags at Sebring.

Damn you guys I really want to come to Sebring!!

I will be checking funds and flights in the next week.

I have a Bentley, Union Flag, St Georges Cross, Heineken Flag and I am sure I can find a few more!!! Not far from wales so shall steal one of those off the severn bridge!!

I live approx one and a half hours north east of the circuit.
With all respect to Pidge (who I've met a number of times now, both at Sebring and Daytona) Miami Int., isn't the obvious airport for Sebring, as far as I'm concerned. I'd use Orlando International, Tampa, or Orlando Sanford. The latter is a 'charter' destination (Airtours, Britannia, My Travel etc). Assuming you're prepared to slum-it with the white-leggers coming over to see The Mouse, you will probably save a good chunk of cash vs a scheduled service. Of the schedule airlines, I recommend Virgin Atlantic, direct, from Gatwick or Manchester into OIA - or US Airways, into OIA via Philadelphia. Both are good value and good service.
I book a lot of hotel accommodation for my US dealers in O'town, so I can get some quite aggressive room rates at swanky Disney hotels or decent downtown places too.
As stated earlier, I don't have the stomach to live at the circuit for several days beforehand - a bit pointless for me - but given that lodging is so dirt cheap here and the pound is so strong v US$, I wouldn't think it's much of an issue. Don't bring tents/bags - they cost piss-all here - but do bring something waterproof. The circuit is quite exposed and can get windy - if it rains, it comes at you sideways.
Dave H and Fax usually occupy my guest rooms on the Friday before and immediately after the race, but I'd be open-minded to putting a roof over the heads of 2 civilised CAers for a couple of days prior to the race. I also have a very large Dodge pick-up, in addition to my 2 seater, so I could do a little fetching and carrying also if needed.
Smokey, if you'd like me to organise something a little more 'executive' than Daytona beachfront, I'd be happy to - though if the lure of trailer-trash, jail-bait and biker-momma's is just too great, stop by Lollipops - it's the best tit-bar in Volusia County (the strippers outnumber the punters, which is pretty f**k*ng funny).
Additionally, I'll be over at Daytona for Bike Week. We've had two 1800cc Honda Runes delivered here, so me and the owner of one (I'm neither!) of them plan to scoot over and see how they sit, next to the rows and rows of Hardly Movingsons.
 
 

f**k*ng Hell!
We're expecting ten inches of snow and bitter cold (lows around zero the next few nights) over the next couple of days...
Is it March yet?
John

Even though its a sportscar race I guarantee that the Earnhardt flags will out-number all the others put together.
Fax

 8)
 I agree    Miami Int., isn't the obvious airport for Sebring, One can use Orlando International, Tampa, or Orlando Sanford as the destination..
But I think it may be the most convenient in how often planes leave from .... the most places in Europe and the UK  ...... and fly non-stop. :-\
Alsooooooooooooo the cost may be less expensive.

Whey Hey! some interest here :o
My views mostly agree with what has been said already.
Camp cooking will be no problem and Paper plates and plastic forks will be fine. I suggest if you have a compact sleeping bag bring it. A decent rain suit as Matt pointed out and Smokie witnessed while it does not rain often it does come down hard for a short time and
a couple of inches in a couple of hours makes a hell of a mess when the wind is just howling. soon settles down and the sun comes out. Then the ground steams for a while ;D ;D Airports, Any Florida airport will do. Tampa is my favorite though on the wrong side of the state still only 1 1/2 hours from Sebring. Rides are easier from Miami and Orlando because that is where people live.
Lots of things to see and do before or after the race.
Shaping up to be a great event CA's and good racing.
Canada Phil  

Hey GAB,    
               Chime in any time. You are still lurking out there aren't you ::)
Canada Phil

I´m here Phil, just watching the Sebring guest list grow and with the peace of mind that my air tickets are paid for, my accommodations are reserved, and best of all I won`t have to sleep in the same tent as you and Smokie! Counting the days down, can`t wait to get out of cold, snowy Munich. See you all soon.

Pidge, again thanks for your hospitality, looking forward to your redneck breakfast buffet. Will be bringing with me a flag from the "Free State of Bayern", it`s a bit nicer looking (in my opinion) than the black, red, gold of the german flag although HGB and Werner may not agree to that. I will be taking you up on the ride offer to Miami after the race, I will be flying back to Munich on Monday evening so the lift will come in handy. Look forward to actually seeing you this time since we never caught up with one another during my visit to Dave and Mary`s place this past summer. If there are any earlybirds thinking about flying in a bit sooner, Smokie and I will be flying on March 10, flight number BA 207 from Heathrow to Miami. Sure there are still seats open, come join us for Bike Week in Daytona.

Thanks to curerency rate between Euro and Dollar, Sebring could be affordable enough to plan an overseas migration.

However, would you appreciate not a Chivas Regal but some Fine wines and/or liquors ??

Gilles

Hi Pidge!
Do you think I should pack my Heat?
H

To Gilles .............. absolutely OUI.  Fine wines will be accepted  BUT  only if you deliver them yourself.

To Big H ... At Sebring the only 'heat' is the weather itself.  You might pack a good stout branch or club 'cause the rednecks will be there.
   But in all of the 30+ years I have been going to Sebring I have only personally seen one fight. It was the year that they allowed a traveling carnival in (probably leased for the occasion). The fist-fight (and it was a good one) was between two carny people.
    The carnival never returned after that because too many people complained about the few simple games of chance (like floating ducks with 'winning' numbers on the bottom ... and race horses running up the wall) were rigged.
     All in all .............. Sebring is a pleasant BLAST.

 8)Speaking of a growing list ...............
I have orders for 5 tickets from three countries and three British 'counties' to be left at the 'will call' area at the main gate.
Anybody else want a ticket payable when you get there??. (ain't I the honest one)  ;D They must be ordered by Feb. 28 in order to save $10.00
Check with Smokie. He and I are in touch. If you do want me to order them for you I'll need complete names and addresses so you can pick them up when you arrive. 8)

Sebring is also a favorite of the drivers and teams.  Last year Matt, Dave & I caught Jan Magnasan drinking beer and hanging out with the Cunningham Corner hell-raiser's after his Vette went out of the race.  JJ Lehto and Butch Leitzinger have been known to frequent the green park during race week as well.
John

Pidge, I never stomped on it, it was the goat who trod all over it after it had become entangled in the Mayor's bed sheets.

The flag is on a pole but I don't reckon it'll fit in my case. Can you buy flag poles at Walmart?

Also, I normally take the Team Zarse Bear (seen below, gettin' it on with Norbert) when I go sportscar racing. He usually sit's on the roof of the Commer and has borne witness to many a classic battle on the track. In fact I think he's seen more racing than I have. He's over a hundred years old and is made out of a real skinned baby bear. I think there's little creepy crawly "things" living in him. I know he'd love to come with me, but do you think the US Dept of Agriculture or US Customs Service would have a problem with him coming into the country? I really don't want him confiscated.

PS I think he's from Canada.

Seen here on the roof at the LMES at Silverstone in August, trying to hide behind a rather famous Jag.

That would be the rather nice Turn 10 crew that you mentioned. They are a great bunch of folk, and if you have a VIP Turn 10 pass, then you are sorted and well looked after for the weekend. I was there last year, when Herbert, McNish, and J Wilson turned up, and it made the main stay of the Sebring article in Motorsport News the following week. After the race i returned there for the post race burning of the furniture and anything else they didn't want, and sat drinking and partying with Johnny O Connell.

Hi Chris,
I meant "Hell-Raisers" in the best possible way, keen, commited racing fans and world class partyers.
Fax

Rival threads merged...just because I can  ;D

Here's a map of the circut you the newbies can start studying up.
Fax

Fax, I think you read my post out on context, i was just providing more info on the Turn 10 crew to highlight how good Sebring is. They provided cold beer or soft drinks for my friends and I, and then sorted out passes for Canada Phil and Smokie as well. Phil, Smokie and i went to their slide show on friday evening too. They also fed me whenever I was passing and was hungry. Had a great time with them after the race when O Connell turned up at midnight and stayed for several beers and he even gave me a lift back to my camp area in his pick up truck.

The only gripe I have with the Turn 10 crew is that they threw me off a perfectly good deck lounger that I was enjoying at 11.30 pm, so that they could burn it on the fire !

Thanks for the map Fax,
                                     for those coming to join us we usually camp East of the PArty Zone and South of the Impound under the Flags as Pidge has already said.
The Canadian Flag  is the highest of the group( i carry a hack saw to ensure this ;D ;D
Andy was asking about WalMart which is in town also a Home Depot where you can buy enough "stuff" to build a house so suplies are no problem.
Canada Phil

Hey Chris,
Nah, I was afraid someone would take mine out of context.
Agreed the campers around the backside of the circut, way out between the hairpin and the tower turn are a hilarious bunch, it wouldn't be a trip to Sebring without a stop by the Stumble Inn.
Fax

And here is said Stumble Inn, in the process of erection

How to find Phil and Club Arnage

And what not to drive - whenever they started the christmas lights up the engine died...

Oh, and there was some racing too.

As you can see, views are generally MUCH better than LM. Shame about the photographer then really...

That car is all american.

Just well over the top, But it works. And quite a good idea really.

(http://www.muchosucko.com/images/avatar/personal/evilelfis.gif)

Yes smokie, but you have to agree that it did look great lit up with all the lights, for the 50 yards it made from its camp site before it died of a flat battery outside our camp area each night ! LOL

It did however cruise around in the day time with no problems at all, was just a major problem at night when the lights drew all the power from the battery.

For the Sebring newbies, this is just one of the many wacky vehicles that you will find driving around the place.

FAX,

I assume just like LM a ticket can be purchased at the entrance?

Matt

Just found direct flights to MIA for £285 on the BA website. Can't say fairer than that. Flying straight to MCO is more expensive.

Yes, tickets can be bought on the gate for $85 for the four day ticket.

Hi Smokie,
                Great photo's. Do you remember the Girl getting out of the convertible and asking if they needed a JUMP ;D ;D
Took her about 41/2 seconds to realize what she had said.
Ah Sebring is wonderful
Canada Phil

Hi Matt,
Tickets can be purchased walk-up through the week, its about forty five bucks or so for Sat. only, but like Chris said,
eighty five for the weekend gig.  Matt, Dave & I usually pitch in for pit box tickets, a bit pricey at $175 but well worth it if you want to be directly above the action, especially for the start and finish ( covered too in case the odd hurricane blows through)
Matt, sorry about blowing you sh*t about the Ferrar,i sounds like you've been through the sh*t in Afghan.
Just jealous because all I can muster is a '97 VW and a 500cc Kawasaki...But I love the sport!
Fax

Hi John, is that $175 including entrance or on top of??

Still sounds cheap compared to Le Mans either way!!!  :)

Fax, your not quite right on the ticket prices. Below are the prices.

Saturday only ticket, $65 in advance, $75 on the day.
4 Day Ticket              $75 in advance, $85 on the gate.

Advance tickets can be bought up to Feb 28th.

Pit box tickets are $180 in 2005.

So $180 all in!!!!!!!  Sounds like a great deal, especially with the exchange rate as it is!!

Do any of the ex pats need any supplies bringing over.........such as PG Tips, Marmite, Heinz Baked Beans, OXO's or Dairy Milk??????

 :) ;) :D  :) :) ;D ;D :-* :-* :) :D ::) :-*
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS,
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS,
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS
AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Merry Christmas all,
Yes Chris your right, shoveling ten inches of snow off my driveway in single digit temps for two hours yesterday left the old grey matter a bit thick.  I was thinking of the Petit single day pass which is $45.  I think the Sebring Pit Box seats jumped to $180 last year so I was having brain cramps all the way around.
Fax

 ;D Santa came last night in a convertible with the top down.  8)
  :D  It's over 70 degrees F in Miami at noon Miami time. 8)
 ;)  To the politically correct   HAPPY HOLIDAZE  :(

Jolly decent of you Mark - however, most of the items listed above, will get you busted by the immigration/FDA sniffers at the airport. Interestingly, all of the above can be found in the ethnic aisle of my local Publix supermarket.
PG Tips (bags), Sure anti-perspirant and Resolve instant hangover cure would all be most welcome, in exchange for an appropriate amount of cold beer.
Pit Box ticket is a must for Sebring. It puts you right over the front stretch, the entire pit complex and has a roof, in the event of inclement weather....

The roof over the pit boxes are not only nice in the event of rain, it's a life saver over those skin-stripping hot & sunny days.  It's frequently very hot for the 12 Hours and we've found Phil out at the hairpin well and truly baked after just a few hours.
John

So, with a good dollar/ pound rate at the mo, a Pit Box ticket sounds like a sensible investment.

I pay about £60 for a LM stand ticket plus the GA so this looks pretty comparable.

Getting excited already.  Us UK boys should plan a get together shortly to sort out flights / itinerarys etc.

Not sure about a get together, that would be approx a 500 mile round trip for me just to meet up

We'll all come to you. How many tents can your garden hold?  :)

Two on the front garden and two on the back garden !

You all get together on your side of the pond. Then let me know if anyone needs some help when they arrive in Florida.  :-\
Can't make any promises until I know what is needed by some of you. ???
It's really terrible . but money is the curse of the drinking man. :( :'(

Hi Pidgeon,
                 8  weeks ??? ::) 8) Is that all ???
This should bring it back to the front page for you.
Canada Phil

Hey all... check out http://www.SebringFans.com

 :)Hot Damn ... I just went to the SebringFans.com site and then it led me on to the SebringBucketBoy site. ::)
FOR ALL OF YOU NEWBIES TO SEBRING TAKE A LOOK. ;D

Was looking through the www.SebringFans.com members galleries and came across a beauty...
Check out 311unity13B's album and look for the Panoz School open track day at Road Atlanta.  The poor bastard with the Lambo clearly got it all wrong exiting turn 12.  Have a hard time explaining that one to the insurance agent.
Fax

I've seen this on another forum before Fax.  Serious shunt there after the bridge.  Car hit the concrete on the infield side and obviously f**ked-up someone's day.  As I've told you before, I bottled out on that turn every time.

Bizarre the way the skid marks veer so sharpy to the right, must have been a huge impact to have f**ked the car like that.  Dave, you obviously know better than I but your hauling along at a pretty good clip at that point...Yikes!
Fax

What I can't understand is why he's losing it where he is - it's way before turn-in for 12 so he either was completely pear-shaped as he crested under the bridge, or he had a mechanical.  I've debated this on another forum and there was no concensus.  It's pretty uneven surface out to the left but nothing that would put you into that much trouble.  Either way, he didn't drive it home!

Given that the car appears to have made a hard right when it should have been being loaded up for an off-camber left. Maybe there was another car involved in this incident - either way, a rather unhappy conclusion.
James Jakes has secured a drive in the Rolex 24 in a Phoenix Promotions 911 GT3 - all areas credentials are assured as a result. Dave, Fax - either of you up for this?  

Hi Matt,
Jesus I'd love to but I'm afraid the bike and a new hot water heater for the house have put the kabosh on my Daytona plans.  The hot water heater crapped out on me a few weeks ago and I'm not rugged enough to make it through a Cincinnati winter taking cold showers every morning.  Sebring's obviously on though.  I'm going to go ahead and call Sebring and get the passes in the mail, if Andrew decides to come along we'll add him later.
John

Hi Matt,
            I found this quote to confirm your point of view.
"The 2 most important events in all of history were the invention of beer & the invention of the wheel.
The wheel was invented to get man to the beer." :o ;D ;D
Canada Phil

 

Hi Pidge

Do you get a $10 discount off the Pit Box ticket prices too??

Andy, Steve and I are meeting tomorrow night to book our flights and confirm plans/dates etc (along with Smokie for his in depth knowledge  ;)) so we should be able to confirm what tickets we need and when by Sunday!!

I'll only be there if you tell me where...  :)

        I will get the discount on each the tickets. But as I said I must order them before the 28 of Feb.
        Coordinate with Smokie and or Phil and or Chris and or me and I'll add to the list. When you are positive, I will send the list to eveybody involved to your home e-mail address for verification..
       By the way . the SebringFans.com site proved interesting.  

I've PM'ed you Andy's address info (as provided to me) - see you this evening.

It was great to see Smokie, Steve B, JPC and Gibberish last night, and thanks for coming over guys. We had a useful night on the computer and think will be coming over on tues returning sunday or monday. Think we know what tickets we want too, will PM Pidge with details soonest.

Need leess to say, a trip to the pub followed. We left somewhat giddy, though mentioning no names, some were more giddy than others, I think it was Gibberish.

The evening ended with a remarkable Le Mans coincidence. We were asked into a friend's house after the pub shut at 1am. Another friend James was there too, he works for a cargo airline. The subject of the Aston Martin came up inevitably and he casually announced he'd flown it over from Stanstead to Chicago on New Year's day. He proceeded to show us some photo's he took of it in the hold of a 747. The lucky sod even sat in it! Probably he's the first person to sit in it whilst it's doing 500 knots!!

BTW. Do any of the US contingent know if Ford have some sort of test facility near Chicago or is there any other logical reason why it would be there??

On the subject of the Aston. I was talking to David Brabham about it yesterday at the Autosport Show.

I told him about the Aston / Corvette rivalry that we have got going on on here. He also said that Prodrive and Pratt and Miller  have also got it on as well.

I asked about if he would be racing it and he said, its pretty much a definate, but he has yet to sign the contract which he did say was about 3/4 inch think !

He also mentioned that Brundle / Blundell still have to find the budget to run their team in 2006 as they don't actually have it at the moment.

All in all a productive night last night (plus we sorted out some Sebring details  ;D)
Thanks to mine host Andy Z; Smokie for his knowledge, Leffe and the lift to the pub; and to JPC and Gib for helping me prop up the bar.

Hopefully we're all clued up now, 2 months today to go.

HI guys, Glad to hear you lot are getting your sh*t together ::) Sorry I could not make it... bit far ;D
Andy on the Aston question. It might be as simple as economics of flight. Chicago is one of the Hubs for flying in USA. All US flights go via somewhere else first.
Thanks for the update Chris.
Canada Phil

Good point Phil. It's like the old saying: Good people go to heaven, bad people go to hell, but everybody goes via O'Hare!

 :( Eventually not coming to sebring this year  :(

Have a 4WD and SUV exhibition and show to manage the same week-end.

Hi Gilles,
             It is a sad day when you would rather WORK an SUV show than PARTY at the second BEST RACE  ::)
 We will miss you.
Canada Phil

Gilles ...........  :'(I was looking forward to seeing you in the good old USA. And your French wine.   As Phil say's 'WORK COMES FIRST???? ' :(
Try again next year.           :'(                  Pidge

Thought I would post something to keep this on the first page.  While snowbound last night I decided to break out The Speed Merchants to get myself fired-up for Sebring, just some great Sebring footage on that film.  The sight of the Alfa mechanics hacking away at their car to get it to pass over the clearance blocks at scrutineering is pretty hilarious, and I'd forgotten that Peter Revson got chucked out of the race for flipping the bird to a marshal.  And then there's the crowd!  The place hasn't changed any in thirty years...
Can't fricking wait!
Fax

Well, was going to thunder down to Sebring in my 996TT for a bit of a haul-ass weekend adventure.

But now will be cruising down in the new Honda Odyssey Putley Creech Land Yacht loaded up with Mrs. H and the crumb snatcher.

I never thought a minivan could be so great.  Just got it today and it's extremely impressive.

Still looking forward to an awesome Saturday - will have to make the most of this as it will be my Le Mans for 05!

Looking forward to catching-up with everyone in March...


Dave

Andy, Steve and I booked our flights today!!!

Roll on March!!!!!!   :D

Wel done all three of you. Commitment thats what I  like. Now as to Dave.: thats the Dark side man what the hell are you doing? Oh and before you ask the old station wagon is doing fine  ;D
Canada Phil

Pratt & Miller are shaking-down two C6R's at Sebring next weekend.
A number of local Corvette Club of USA members are tagging along (me included). I'll endeavour to get the skinny on their race preparedness - however, I suspect they are ready now and just performing a little public sabre-rattling.
I'd love to see some serious competition in GTS (like the Prodrive 550's) - but I worry that the gorgeous DBR9 is going to get shaken to pieces on the punishing concrete of Hendrick Field. Hope not, but we've seen it before.........

Hi Matt,
            I too fear for the Aston Martin. However let us hope it holds together long enough to show it's potential atleast.
Canada Phil

Shaken to bits being the way to describe it!  After all of the years teams have been bringing Saleen's there and they still end up falling to pieces by the third hour.  The Vette's are tailor made for the bumpy old bomber base.
Fax

Some of you might be interested in Ron's answers to questions posed on an open Chat. I think the questions are obvious.
Canada Phil

Ron Fellows:  I don't think you can underestimate Aston Martin because of Prodrive.  Those guys have a terrific organization and I'm sure Prodrive has a learning drive with Aston Martin, but they have proven to be a great organization and we are not underestimating them at all
Ron Fellows:  I personally think this could be the most exciting year yet because there are so many unknowns.  How good is the Aston Martin?  Are we going to see the Maserati's?  How many Ferrari's?  And of course the Saleen will now be on Michelins which will improve their game.

I really do think that GTS is going to be the one to watch this year!!

I hope the Saleens make the effort for Le Mans as well as the ALMS. Not sure whether the Maseratis will meet the ACO spec though, and I hope they don't bend the rules to let them in or that will be a farce.

I know I'm shallow but I just hope Florida warms up a bit. Around 0 degrees today...

At the time of Sebring I will be on a family skiing holiday to Canada. I doubt very much that I will have internet access and maybe It won't be reported on Canadian TV (maybe Canada Phil could verify this). Would one of you lucky people who will be going be kind enough to text me the result and an Aston report.

Found this on Sebring's website. Here's the official poster for this years race.  The artist is Roger Warwick, a local guy from here in Cincinnati.
Fax

Fax, I'm not saying it's going to last the distance or even half way, but don't forget Prodrive cut their teeth in the rally world, where bumps and thumps are the name of the game. I reckon there is no better team for out-the-crate reliability. I would be very surprised if bits and bobs came tumbling off the Aston.

Getting the speed up to competitive levels is a different matter....

Agreed, Prodrive will have the cars reliable.  They've got bucketloads of Sebring experience with the Ferrari 550's so I've no doubt the cars will hold up well.  As I said, the Saleen's are the ones that have an annoying habit of shedding odds & sodds within a few hours of the start, eventually becoming rolling chicanes.
Fax

Agreed mate. Saleen never showed too well either at LM by my recollection.

PS did you know England are 16 - 2 in the last session at Centurion?

Cricket...hmm, still trying to really understand the regs.  A few years ago at the Sarthe one of our number who coaches cricket back in the UK but had played baseball here in the US as well was trying with admirable effort to explain the rules of cricket to me.  I was mostly confused but at that point I'd had about twenty beers so was easily confused.  But I watch the BBC world news on PBS over here and get the scores...does that count?
Fax

7 weeks to get the unofficial version done then Andy!!!!   ;)

Perhaps it should show how the Commer will look with it's new spoiler!

Scooped you on the photo of the test mate! Shows how far GM have had to pare the weight down on the new C6R to remain competitive.

I'm fairly sure this one was being driven by Prat, I'm not sure what Miller was up to at the time.

Thats the short wheelbase version, will be quick on the tighter circuts but might be a handfull on the Mulsanne. ;D
Fax

Excellent! Cheered me up no end this morning, Andy.
I used the phrase, "shaken to pieces" metaphorically. I am more concerned about the mechanicals than shedding body panels. Sebring is particularly hard on transmissions, brakes and steering systems. Some would argue that all races punish those components, but Sebrings combination of challenging roadcourse and rough and ready road surface (a combination of concrete and tarmac) and the pace at which the race is run - i.e. flat-out from the drop of the flag, makes it a legendary car breaker.
I have always had a very soft-spot for AML - and their racing effort in particular, right from the first time I heard a Nimrod on a trailing throttle. It's a shame they have always been so under-funded for such an aristochratic marque. Ford/Prodrive changes all that - but sportscar racing is such a fickle passtime. I wish the very, very beast for the DBR9 - get this, I'd be delighted if they beat GM - but the Mobil 12 Hours will be a trial by fire for them. It's going to be great to see it all pan out - particularly with some new faces/old friends at trackside.
Can't wait!

quote =smokie
I know I'm shallow but I just hope Florida warms up a bit. Around 0 degrees today... ???

Not my part of Florida. :)

Pidge

Fear not, Smokester, it's back up to 77 degrees here in O'town today.
It'll be mid 80's by mid March. Bring your knotted hanky.

What a luv'ly image Matt.
Canada Phil

The first day of testing at sebring times have been posted here.

http://www.americanlemans.com/News/Article.aspx?NewsID=812

The good news is the Aston is straight on the pace, the bad news is the Audi's are even quicker than last year.

Well guys, looks like our trip to Sebring is a GO!   Never have been before but have been to the website and to www.sebringfans.com.  I will be coming in an SUV but don't know where to park.  Will pitch a tent and camp by the truck.   Has anyone decided where they will be camped?  We will be arriving sometime late Wednesday, March 16.  Hope to see Matt, Pidgeon, J P Chenet, Steve, Fax, Canada Phil and whoever else in CA is cominging.  Any planned gatherings?   You guys who are flying over the big pond, is there anything you need for me to bring?  Sleeping bag, ice chest, etc.
john  

Great news John!!!!   :D

It's my first time this year (along with Steve Brown and Andy Zarse) but I'm sure one of the regulars will be along shortly to let you know where the CA camp site will be!

As far as kit is concerned, I think we are already covered thanks but we'll soon scream if we discover anything we're missing.

I Don't think so I just saw the long range forcast, expect some of this

Excellent news John.  I'm sure Pidge / Smokie / Canada Phil / Chris will give you the low down on the camp arrangments.

Just a little over a month and a half...
Fax

Here's a better one.

Hi John,

Welcome aboard the Sebring merry go round !

Drive through the main entrance, $10 unless there is 4 or more in your SUV.
Drive past the first foot bridge over the circuit ,on the right hand side.
Shortly after the bridge, there is a big flat concrete area on the left, followed by a narrow road. Turn left up the narrow road/ track. Club Arnage, Pidge, Canada Phil, Smokie, Me, and the rest of the Brits will be camping on the right hand side of that track. We camp between the big black  ALMS merchandise  tent and the Police impound yard. Depending on what time you arrive , there may or may not be about 10 flags poles up and the Club Arnage banner that Pidge had made.

Regards
Chris

Hi John
This is turning into "a bit of a do", as they say back in Yorkshire. Glad you are able to make it. In many respects Sebring is much more appealing than Le Mans (you can actually see the race, if you're so inclined - and the organisers do actually give a flying fart about the paying guests).
Over the last 2 years Pidge - in fact a whole flock of Pigeons, The Moose, Chris and girly-beer Smokie have established an impressive base camp in the main in-field car parking lot - to the left of the main access road as you drive in - very easy to spot.
These guys have very kindly made space for us to park Truckosaurus within Club Arnage boundries on race-day morning, which means we don't have to lug our rolling cooler quite as far to the pit boxes that we buy for this race. I'm sure they'll do the same for you.
The Club Arnage Corral will be bigger this year with the inclusion of hgb, JPC, Zarse and Cobra-Boy.  It should be a highly amusing event!
See you there....
Matt

Ok,
Now that Sebring is not all that far off now. Please could we make a definative list of Club Arnage members that are travelling to Sebring and plan to meet up at or camp at the Club Arnage camp site area.

I'm starting the list with.

Chris Clark (Chris24)
Smokie,
Pidge,
Canada Phil,
Matt Harper,
Dave Harper,
Fax,
Gab,
jpchenet,
Steve Brown,
A Zarse,
vwgtifan,
Big H,
Johnevans3

OK, who have I missed, fill in the blanks and add them to the list. Also what are each persons travel arangements and  ETA at the circuit etc.

OK, I am planning to design an Aston Martin Racing T shirt in time for Sebring.  I plan on doing a front print and back print which i will then print out on t shirt transfer film and iron on a plain t shirt. When i have done the design, I will e mail the images to anyone who wants it so they can run off a shirt for themselves.

It would look pretty cool if we could get a big bunch of us wearing the same shirt during the race.

Do you want the Club Arnage logo incorporated on the t shirt as well ?

Try again...

B*stad system lost the whole of my previous post...

My plan - meet gab at Heathrow and fly to Miami on Thursday 10th. Collect Chrysler Sebring   :)
Drive to gab's bro's house and stay 1 night
During Friday drive to Daytona where it is Bike Week, meet with Canada Phil.  We are all going to squeeze into a room I have  booked at a central beachfront hotel booked until Wednesday.

Visit Boot Hill Saloon http://tinyurl.com/48w36 and maybe other drinking establishments, and pig roasts and generally enjoy Bike Week until the Bikers leave on Sunday.

Sat night there is some bike racing at the speedway, Phil is keen but I think I'll stick with central Daytona. Also there's some stock car racing at some point somewhere nearby - that gets a maybe...

Sunday is also the start of Spring break, so maybe there will be some fresh looking incoming scenery to replace the old withered bikers...  :P

Monday/Tues hang out with Phil (gab goes back with his bro) and do nothing much. Maybe go driving, fishing but definitely drinking. Also a visit or ten to the Shark Lounge http://tinyurl.com/5pth9

Wednesday pack up and head for the circuit, picking up Chris 24 from a Walmart near Orlando (are you sure this will work Chris?) and arriving at the track mid afternoon.

Enjoy a few days in the sun with ma buddies and some cars then head off Sunday morning for an afternoon flight back to Blighty.

Chris, the CA t shirts should be ready for Sebring, but send me your artwork and I might knock one off  :o if I have time...

John - great to see you will be joining us. The map above is from http://tinyurl.com/5nm5u, and the red spray blob is about where we set up. We will make sure to get the CA banner up early and high.

Phil is helping me with a tent and bag, gab is borrowing from his bro and Pidge has volunteered to provide some gear for the Brits too - however given the potential size of the group a bit of proper planning might not go amiss...not sure how though!

I might add that just to the left of the red blob is a hard top road that can be seen from the main entrance road. If they are in the same place,  as Chris has described, the road will be between the information booth and the large ALMS merchandise tent.
Last year we had the Club Arnage sign placed to be read from the entrance road. Look to the left as you drive through.
Just find your way to the 'blob'. You'll find some of us out cold. ::) ;) :-*

JPC, Andy Z and myself fly to Orlando on Tuesday 15th and will happily accept Matt H's very kind offer of a couple of beverages on arrival.  We stop over in a palacial establishment Tuesday night and will decamp to Sebring arriving mid / late afternoon Wednesday.
Then it's racing / playtime / falling over water on site until Sunday morning when we break camp and head back to Orlando for an early evening return to Blighty.

Andy, Steve and JPC, You are travelling back to Orlando on Sunday morning !

Will I be able to get a lift back to Orlando with you please. I am getting a lift down to Sebring with Smokie on the Wednesday, but hes then driving back to Miami on Sunday.

I have an option of going back to Orlando straight after the race with my friends, who are staying in a hotel in Orlando, but would prefer to stay at Sebring Saturday night and party and get a lift back on Sunday from somebody.

Is this do able.
Thanks
Chris

Hi Chris, the othe guys might wish to add to this and I'm not trying to chuck spanners in works etc. However, we had banked on renting the cheapest, smallest, shitbox Dodge/Ford/Chevy possible.  :-[ So until we pick it up, we're not sure of boot space and we'll have all our gear with us too...

If you were to prepared to pay a bit towards the car, I'm sure we'd have no problem in upgrading to a larger shitbox Dodge.

You can always try and blag a mini van for FA extra. On two out of three recent trips to NC, they have given us a Dodge Voyager and we didn't pay any extra, but then they were short of the car type we had booked though.

I could always send my gear back with my friends on Saturday night, and just have myself and an overnight bag to take back on Sunday.

Hi Steve,
             My favorite Car hire: http://www.nationalcar.com/servlet/DocHandler/index.html?92ad3d98b0762e4c
Note a larger car is only $5 more per week Must keep a minimum of 5 days to get weekly rate.
Note no credit card details taken at time of booking only an email to get a reservation.
Canada Phil

Steve, JPC, Andy Z, and Matt, I will most likely also be in the Orlanda area on Tuesday, if agreed I would like to meet up with you guys for a cold one or two. Just tell me what time and where.

Hi Gab

Of course you will be more than welcome to join us.

Loose plans at the moment are that Matt will meet us at the airport ( we land at 18.15'ish local time) I think we will grab a very quick shower at the hotel then Matt is taking us to the Sho-Boat Tavern. Probably best to liase with Matt re: location etc.

There is a real danger that this could turn into a right tram-smash, if we're not careful.
Given that JPC/Zarse/Steve want to go to hotel first, this kinda rules out the Sho-boat, as it is betwixt airport and hotel. I worry that 4 Englishmen, all fresh and fluffy after an invigorating post-flight shower, all squeaky-clean and smelling of Hi-Karate will get killed in the Sho-Boat.
The Hotel is on I-Drive - which has more bars/pubs/lounges than soft mick.
Chris - I-Drive is where you'll need to head for

Hmmmm, I may be missing something here Chris. The only reason we need a car is to get to and from the circuit, which is exactly the same reason you would need a car.

Therefore surely makes sense that we get a car suitable for 4 people and split the rental and fuel costs 4 ways???

Matt,
They wouldn't be smelling freah as a daisy for very long if they went to the Sho-Boat, especially after the cackling whore at the end of the bar gets through with them.   In the immortal words of Dot "Toto we ain't in Kansas anymore!"
Fax

What's the wheels costing you JPC? 4 days of a 7 seat Plymouth Voyager is £111 on www.airline-network.co.uk. Wouldn't be too much between 4 would it?

Ok in theory, but I am also splitting the rental cost for a week for the car that my two English friends have hired, I am only going to see use of that for 2 days as well, as they are doing Orlando when I am at Sebring . I am sadly not made of money, but will contribute to cost of fuel on the return trip to Orlando.

Thanks Smokie. We were looking at £106 for the "standard" vehicle. The same on yoru site is £93!!  :D

I tried the site and got £138 for the voyager for 5 days. (I think you looked at 4 days for us but we'd be collecting Wed am and returning Sun pm.) Still a good deal though. For only £5 extra you can add on all drivers over 25 and a free tank of fuel too!! so £143 between 4 of us would only be £36 each!

They also have a 4 door Chrysler Cirrus for £111 all in!

Hi JPC,
          Did you try the National site for comparison.
Cirrus is adequite size.
Canada Phil

National work out a little more expensive for us Phil, mainly because all the insurances are extra whereas from Smokie's site they are included. Thansk for the tip though, it's always worth a try!!  :)

I'm afraid I have my reputation to think of  ::) and will need to wear a mask if we are to hire an MPV  :o

I am, after all, an officer and a gentleman!


How about http://www.rentawreck.com/ (http://www.rentawreck.com/)

Better than being a gentlemans orifice.
Mine seems to have calmed down a bit now, by the way.
H

Chris, why are you splitting the rental cost with your two friends when you won't be using that car at all??  They are neither taking you to, or from, Sebring. Maybe they should be staying until Sunday to fit in with your plans!!

I am travelling over with them on Monday, using the car to and from the airport to the hotel, doing whatever, probably a theme park Tuesday and back to the airport on the Monday.

Just not doing Sebring ,Wednesday - Sunday with them.

Phil, Smokie, Chris,
I found this, Lollipops (Its the Daytona location) is on the list with directions to get there....Enjoy!
Fax
http://www.lapdance.com/florida_ultimate_strip_clubs_list.cfm

[http://www.lapdance.com/florida_ultimate_strip_clubs_list.cfm


...sh*t, blocked by the companies firewall, guess I`ll have to wait and see it all in person.

I printed the address...  :P :P :P

Hi Smokie & GAB,
                          I checke map, Thanks Fax, and it is almost into Ormond beach way to far to walk to and the stagger home would never work either will have to drive or content our selves with Sharkys.
Canada Phil

Well, it's time to start finalizing all the stuff we need for camping for a few days.  Does anyone know if ice is available at the track for the ice chest?
I plan to arrive late Wednesday afternoon and hope someone is able to save me enough space to park the truck and a couple of tents.  I don't know how crowed things will be at that time but just in case would appreciate someone getting there earlier to post a flag or something there.   I will probably have an extra tent if anyone needs to use it.  Also have an extra sleeping bag, just let me know whether to bring it or not.

BTW, there is a WFO party scheduled for Thursday evening, my birthday party, St Paddy's day you know.  Surely is nice of TDDWEST to throw a shin dig for me!!!   Here is the announcement.

Second Annual SebringFans.com WFO party
Free Beer... Get primed for the Weekend...WFO... from SebringFans.com,
Thursday the 17th, at TDDWEST's turn 4 spot #11, at 6:30 PM,....

They do have ice avail.on the midway.Getting there on wed.afternoon late
should not be  problem,still should be plenty of room.Things really start
packing in on thur./fri.

Plenty of ice available at the midway, no worries about keeping the beer cold.  If it gets as hot as usual, you may want to save some ice to dump over your head or stuff in your cap.
Fax

As mentioned, ice is available on the midway, but be prepared to part with a limb for a big bag of ice though. Well compared to what you can get it at the supermarket for, anyway. Best to stop at the Supermarket on Wednesday in Sebring and buy a load to sort you out through Thursday night at least.

Would be a good idea to bring the extra tent, as its better to have it available and not need it than to need it and not have it with you.

Hi John,
            As Chris said Ice is cheaper in town WalMart And Winn Dixie were best price last year. Bring the Sleeping bag too.
Canada Phil

Still got the Winn Dixie loyalty card Phil?

Hi Smokie,
                Yes. I was wondering should we risk another Gazebo ::) ??? Tropical storm anyone ;D
Canada Phil

I'll bring the extra tent and sleeping bag.  Will have a couple of ice chests as well.   Anything else, let me know.

Hi John,
            A folding table would be useful if you have one.
If I recall you are in Texas? How far/long a drive is it?
Canada Phil

It's about 1100 miles one way.  I live 100 miles east of Dallas and will be picking up my friend in Laurel Mississippi.  It's about 400 miles to his house and another 694 miles to Sebring from there.  We are bringing a small folding table, four chairs, an extra tent and sleeping bag, and a couple of ice chests and 4 dozen beads.  and guys, don't forget to bring sunscreen, fire ant poison, and skeeter spray.    

Please remind me not to forget my Falling Over Trousers.

Hi Steve you will want to up grade to the Falling Over Shorts as it will be too damn hot for trousers ;D
John bring lots of that ant poison please. I am about 1300 miles. Atleast you will not run the risk of a snow storm. ::)
Canada Phil  

OK guys, this video should heat up the forum and show the non-attenders what they will be missing in 27 days.  Turn up the speakers and enjoy the "music".

http://gscdownloads.com/leh/sebring/GT3RSatSebring.wmv

Nice one. Not long now...  :) :) :)

Please don't fret about amenities like ice, food an beer, camping equipment, or anything else you might hanker for. This is the USA dammit. Unlike Le Mans (or Silverstone, Donny Park, Spa, etc) you are treated more like a customer than an inconvenience, so there's no need for anyone to get their knickers in a twist over ice. There is plenty of ice, I promise you. It's Florida for fucks sake.  

Matt,
Speaking of Sebring...Tickets are on my desk at home.  Four passes to the Gurney Pit Terrace and a infield parking pass for Big Red.
One month to go...
Fax

Good work John!
I decided that it might not be such a smart idea to take the new lads (JPC, Steve and Zarse) to the Sho-Boat, for fear of unpleasentness, so early in their American adventure. However, they will have arrived at the track by the time you get in, on Friday night, so I'll reserve your usual bar stool.
Looking forward to seeing you at OIA - I'll be in Truckosaurus.

Matt,
Gotta admit that I missed the "Boat" over Rolex weekend.  Looking forward to putting back a few with you, Graham, Dave and the rest of the gang in that fine establishment.  Smart move keeping the newbies out of there, thats the kind of place you have to work your up to, pure American hole-in-the-wall dive.
You going to the 500 this weekend?  After watching the qualifiers yesterday it should be a wild one.
fax

I can assure you, in a past life as an old salty sea dog, I've been in plenty of these - mostly just outside the dock gates.

Ever been to Baltimore, Norfolk, New Jersey, Long Beach, Portland, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile, etc .........................?

......... and that's just the USA - I've a whole list of other sh*t-holes worldwide if you fancy.

http://www.311unity13b.com/12_hrs_of_sebring2003.mpg

I expect some of you may have seen this before, 8 min clip so not dial up friendly.

Note: contains naked women and flashing lights.

Steve,
Norfolk, Batlimore and Mobile? Jesus you have been in some sh*t-holes!  I've been to a watering hole in Norfolk that's a big hangout for Atlantic fleet boys when they go on leave and if you got out of there with your teeth intact you considered it a good night.
Fax

Steve
I assure you that I am not suggesting a change of venue, because I doubt your ability to tolerate a skeevy biker bar - I just figured you might care for something a little more civilised. If you'd prefer to have your post-flight piss-up at the Sho-Boat, rather than somewhere a little more appealing (Pat O'Brian's, Marguritaville etc) then I will be delighted to oblige - please let me know.
I made no assumptions about your venue preference. All I'll say is that my first experience of the Sho-Boat Tavern (as a 'what the f**k you doin' in here, ya mutha-f**k*n' limey pussy') was not as warm and welcoming as I'd expected it to be.

Ah what the hell Matt, go ahead and take'em there...
You guys ever seen "Deliverence"?
Fax

Fax, we perhaps ain't as green as we're cabbage looking.

Steve Brown is an ex-merchant seaman, a salty old seadog who's been in more two bit gin joints around the world than Whistling Jack Smith and I used to live in Birmingham and knock about with strange bike gangs. I don't think there's much you can show us that'll perturb us. I'm not sure about JPC, but he doesn't look like he's led a sheltered life, I know he goes to the Basingstoke Flower Arranging Society and it can get pretty lowlife down there I can tell you.

Oh Christ,
Don't take this seriously guys, just some good natured Friday afternoon kerking around. Actually the locals at the Sho-Boat are probably too sh*t-faced to give a flying f**k where your from or whether or not you like to have sex with sheep.
I'm bored shitless here and got four hours to go...f**k!
Fax

I keep telling you, I was an Officer and a Gentleman  ;) and had a man to clean my toilet.

Fax,
I'm not sure about Deliverence or playing a banjo but I can hum the theme tune.
Some parts of Suffolk are like Deliverance country, lots of marrying your sister going on down Shotley way.

[Nostaligia mode ON]
The Shoboat sounds like a few places I can recall.  There was an interesting bar outside the dock gate in Montreal we used to call the Hairy Triangle as there was a strip bar upstairs.  The bosun and a few deck hands got a bit lairy in there one night and a proper, wild west style fight started, with people whizzing down the bar, broken chairs, the works.
I pulled the Radio Officer out after some frenchy broke a chair over him.  Oh! those were the days.
[Nostaligia mode OFF]

Ho hum!

John,
I'm in the comfort of my warm domicile, there's a log fire crackling in the hearth and I'm supping on a cold one.

Aaaaaaaaaaarrh  ;)

See you next month for some more cold ones.

Being serious for second, like Matt said, your going to want to go somewhere nicer than the Sho-Boat when you arrive in O-town.
The Boat is just a typical neighborhood dive, one of those places that usually reeks of urine and disinfectant.  We have a laugh at it because its mostly full of trashed Harley types and rednecks.  Its in staggering distance from Matt's house so there's the charm of it.
Fax

That's a good bit of footage in the GT3 John. I see now what Matt and Fax were getting at when they were talking about 'shakedowns'! The poor driver's bouncing around like a little jobby stuck in the s-bend. Do the drivers try to avoid double stinting at Sebring? - it looks like it would be pretty hard work.
But still nice, if you can get it.
H

Yup, UPS have come-up trumps yet again. Superstretch Corp Hospitality at it's very best - well away from the rednecks. Only downside is being subjected to Dale Jarrett making excuses for how crappy they've been running for the past 4 years. Getting in and out of the Speedway is a bait of a pain in the balls too.
I don't take NASCAR too seriously, so it's a good day out.

Have fun Matt at the Daytona 500, like you I don't get too sucked into NASCAR but any day at a race is a good one, especially when there's free booze involved!
H, it usually seems that the drivers double stint the first shift but after that seems to be single stints, especially during the heat of the afternoon, as you said Sebring is VERY hard work.  Its usually quite hot, the place is bumpy as hell and there's always alot of traffic to contend with. It also goes down like a twenty lap Formula Ford heat.  By the end of the race the drivers tend to look like they've gone ten rounds with Lennox Lewis.
Fax

Matt,
If you see or come across any of the driver promo cards that they hand out at the races, please could you pick me up a few. Both my dad and i collect them and have a large collection.

I would be very greatful.
Thanks
Chris

So they let you back in the country then Matthew?

Man Chris!  I wish I knew you collected those along time ago...
I won't even tell you what I did with a big stack of unsigned ones a few months back.
You can pick those up at CART and IRL races all over the place.  Since the paddock's are open to the public most people grab them and get them signed. The one I've got that's kind of special is one of Greg Moore's cards that Greg signed for me at Mid-Ohio back in '99.
Fax

Steve .....  :(
You must not speak ill of my old home town of Baltimore (unless you mean Baltimore, Ireland .....  then trash it all of your might) The pleasant pubs of Fells Point, Locust Point, Canton or the (in)famous BLOCK  ;D are just good clean fun for a growing home town boy or a traveling seaman :o

Yes, i collect all driver promo cards. I am happy to say that i too have a signed Greg Moore card that i got in my Forsythe membership pack shortly before he died. One of my most cherished as is my signed Jeff Gordon card from 1995.

But a really cherish the signed Sam Bass 7 & 7 print that I have framed in my living room, signed by Bass, Petty and Earnhardt.

Chris,
Let me know if there's anyone in particular your looking for a card or even better, a signed card from one of the American series.  I've got a few connections with teams and in the memorabilia market.
Fax

To date, i have never managed to get even an unsigned Dale Jnr card. They have usually all gone by the time i get to Bristol in August.
Same goes for any DEI cards. Also i would love a Robby Gordon / Jim Beam card and a Dave Blaney / Jack Daniels card. I also have a Jeff Gordon card from every year he has raced Nascar and would like to keep that particular collection going.

Thanks for your help. I would welcome anything you can get really.

Oh, a Boston Reid , No. 5 Hendrick Busch card would be real nice, as I see him being the next big thing like Kasey Kane was last year.

John:
Do I even need to bring-out the Reaper comment at this point?

What are your plans for Sebring?  I need to call you - sorry I missed you the other day.

We're driving down to FL for a few weeks vacation the weekend of the 5th and I'll be going to Sebring with the Orlando contingent (Matt, Hazleggs etc.).  When do you plan to arrive and depart?  I've got to go to NY on Sunday night after the race and will be back on Monday p.m. so Tonya, Stephen and I can head back to Indy Tues a.m. (about the time Phil, Smokie Pidgeon et al have found the last scattered pieces of their gazeebo at Hendricks).

I'll try you this weekend dude.

dh

Matt, You jammie bastard !

I really wish i could have been there for the race today. Man what a race ! Was sat on the edge of the seat at the end (Jeff Gordon fan !)  I really didn't think he could hold off Dale at the end and then Kurt Busch as well, but the boy done good in the end.

I bet Tony Stewart gives his greyhounds a good kicking when he gets home tonight. :) :) :)

Hi Grand Fromage,
                             Are you coming to Sebring this year?
Canada Phil

For those that haven't already seen it, the schedule for Sebring is found here   http://www.sebringraceway.com/schedule.html

:o  Not much going on then eh... ?   :) It makes for an interesting paddock...

It's even better value for money than LM...thought I'd reproduce it below to incite envy from those who aren't going (and maybe encourage more to join us next year! Except - daughter announced engagement at the w/e so I might have to cut back on jollies next year...).

Wednesday, March 16, 2005
8:00 am    -    8:30 am    Practice - Star Mazda Series
8:45 am    -    9:05 am    Practice - SPEED World Challenge Touring
9:10 am    -    9:30 am    Practice - SPEED World Challenge GT
9:45 am    -    10:15 am    Practice - Panoz Racing Series
10:30 am    -    11:30 am    Combined Practice - ALMS (All Classes)
12:30 pm    -    1:00 pm    Practice - Skip Barber National Championship
1:15 pm    -    1:45 pm    Practice - Panoz Racing Series
2:00 pm    -    3:00 pm    Combined Practice - ALMS (All Classes)
3:15 pm    -    3:45 pm    Practice - Star Mazda Series
4:00 pm    -    5:30 pm    Practice - SVRA Vintage
5:45 pm    -    6:05 pm    Practice - SPEED World Challenge Touring
6:10 pm    -    6:30 pm    Practice - SPEED World Challenge GT
Thursday, March 17, 2005
8:00 am    -    8:30 am    Qualifying Session #1 - Skip Barber National Championship
8:45 am    -    9:15 am    Practice - Star Mazda Series
9:30 am    -    9:50 am    Qualifying Session #1 - Panoz Racing Series
10:05 am    -    11:05 am    Combined Practice - ALMS (All Classes)
11:20 am    -    11:40 am    Qualifying - SPEED World Challenge Touring
11:45 am    -    12:05 pm    Qualifying - SPEED World Challenge GT
1:05 pm    -    1:50 pm    Qualifying - Star Mazda Series
2:05 pm    -    2:30 pm    Qualifying - ALMS (GT1 and GT2)
2:45 pm    -    3:10 pm    Qualifying - ALMS (LMP1 and LMP2)
3:25 pm    -    3:45 pm    Qualifying Session #2 - Panoz Racing Series
4:00 pm    -    4:30 pm    Skip Barber National Championship Race#1 - 30 minutes
4:45 pm    -    6:15 pm    Practice / Qualifying SVRA Vintage
6:15 pm          ALMS Pit Stop Competition in pit lane
6:30 pm    -    7:00 pm    Corvette Parade Laps
7:30 pm    -    9:00 pm    Combined Night Practice - ALMS (All Classes)
Friday, March 18, 2005
8:00 am    -    8:30 am    Qualifying Session #2 - Skip Barber National Championship
8:40 am    -    10:10 am    SVRA Vintage Races - 90 minute window
10:25 am    -    11:25 am    Combined Practice - ALMS (All Classes)
11:45 am    -    12:35 pm    SPEED World Challenge Race #1 - 50 minutes
1:00 pm    -    2:00 pm    Autograph Session for all ALMS Drivers in the ALMS Competitor Paddock
1:35 pm    -    2:20 pm    Panoz Racing Series Race - 45 minutes
2:40 pm    -    3:25 pm    Star Mazda Series Race - 45 minutes
3:45 pm    -    4:25 pm    Skip Barber National Championship Race #2 - 40 minutes
4:45 pm    -    5:35 pm    SPEED World Challenge Race #2 - 50 minutes
6:00 pm    -    6:30 pm    Porsche Parade Laps
Saturday, March 19, 2005
7:50 am    -    8:10 am    Combined Warm-up - ALMS (All Classes)
8:20 am    -    8:40 am    SVRA Vintage Parade Laps
10:45 am    -    10:45 pm    5

Chris,
You'll despise me for this, but I didn't go in the end. I gave the tickets to one of my sales guys. Call me a fair-weather fan if you must, but I just couldn't stomach the zoo that is Daytona, for the 500. Last year it took me 6 hours to drive home (should be 1 hr 20 mins) and frankly, I just couldn't face it.
I too thought the race was a blinder. I really felt for Tony Stewart, who dragged the whole freight-train around the speedway all afternoon, only for Earnhardt and Gordon to blow by him in the final few laps. He's a totally committed and very entertaining to see in action. Had the previous 2 editions of the Rolex at Daytona been 23 hour races, he would have won both of them.
I was somewhat confused by the relatively new tactic of "bump-drafting". What's all that about? I think the term should be 'ramming'. Dale Jarrett was on pole and during the opening lap, Earnhard 'bump-drafted' him from 1st to 33rd (totally re-arranging his rear sway-bar in the process) with one deft move - i.e. just rear-ended him hard enough to effectively put him out of contention - all this at around 190mph, aswell!
I enjoyed it from the relative santuary of my living room (not quite the same - but at least I wasn't restricted to sitting with a mini-cooler, only capable of handling 4 beers (as one is, at the Speedway).

Message for JPC/SteveB/Andy Z,  I 'modified your first night's accommodation for your Sebring trip - a nicer hotel, at a better rate. Did you get my email?

Matt

Thanks Matt, yes JPC forwarded your mail. I checked out the hotel website just now and it looks just great. You'll know fine well everything in Florida gives a sense of deja vu, but I've a horrible thought I've stayed there before. It was pretty good VFM if it's the same place, even the rooms didn't smell  of  that "aircon musty" pong usually found in Floridian motels. Top hole!

Anyway, looking forward to seeing you all in three weeks time and thanks for your help mate, it's much appreciated.

Andy Z

Hi Andy
If the hotel is familiar to you, then so will be the surrounding drinking establishments - though most mid-class American hotels are indistinguishable from one another to me. The Portofino Bay Hotel, it ain't - but nor do you need a black-light, roach killer or a personal bodyguard.
It's close by the Orlando Ale House on Kirkman - good eye candy, mediocre beer, Rileys Lantern Pub, Great live music venue, a bit scary, Pat O'Brians - Citywalk, authentic Big Easy replica - a little contrived, but the Hurricanes f**k you up, just like the original N'Orlins ones, Jimmy Buffet's Margurita-ville, if you prefer your alcohol frozen.
If you guys can manage without a rental car, I'm happy to drive you to the circuit the following day. What I can't do is get you back to O'town after the race. If you can square that bit away, technically you won't need a renter - I live close by the airport, so I'll get you back to OIA on Sunday. If you want me to score you a renter, now is the time to take care of that. Let me know,
regards
Matt  

Matt,
You're damn right, I am sat here shaking my head in disbelief. Shame on you ! Queing to get home is part and parcel of the event and has to be expected and lived with.

Never look a gift horse in the mouth, free tickets for the Daytona 500 ! I paid $150 for two backstretch tickets when i went in 1996, and I only wanted the one ticket, but had to buy both just to get the one i needed. I did however sell the other for face value, but the guy who sat next to me had paid double what i had sold it for that morning.

I also recollect hanging around under the grandstand at Charlotte waiting out a 3 3/4 hour rain delay in the middle of the Coke 600. The race eventually got going again and was called at 500 miles (100 short of distance) and finished at 1 am. We got back to the hotel at 3.30am after the race , but i wouldn't have missed it. My man Jeff Gordon won that one as well !

Anyway, who knows, I may well be back for the 500 in 2008, as my dad wants to go to the 50th running since his only other Daytona 500 was the 25th in 1983. I quite fancy going with him and doing Speedweeks again and watching the racing at East Bay, Volusia County and New Smyrna Beach again.

Shame, shame, shame on you Matt.

See you and Sebring in a few weeks for a good slapping !  :'(

Chris,
I don't know if you've ever done this or not but next time your over here you should think about taking a tour of the Hendicks Racing facility near Charlotte.  Most of the NASCAR teams are based right in the Charlotte area and most of them offer daily tours of the shops.  My dept. manager here at the office is like you a die-hard Gordon fan and every year goes to the spring race at Bristol, the Brickyard 400 at IMS and the autumn race at Charlotte.  While in the Carolina's he always tours a couple of the team's facilities, been to Hendicks, DEI, Childress, etc.
Fax

Chris, you got me bang to rights. There were a couple of other mitigating circumstances, but I'll not make excuses for my unforgivable behavior.
I think your gritty enthusiasm for the sport in all it's form is a real credit to you. I'm not as dyed-in-the-wool a fan as I used to be and whether I like it or not, it's one of those things that kind of get taken for granted, because there is so much quality motorsport going on here.
I know this sounds a little trite, but that's how it is. UPS also give me Pepsi 400 hospitality at Daytona - and I like the race under the lights - but there's no excuse really for my no-show at the 500.

Fax,
Been there done it and pretty much bought the T shirt !

Whenever we go to Bristol we fly to Charlotte and spend a day or two going round all the shops. On my first visit to the 600 in 1996, I wrote to Hendricks ahead of my trip asking about the possibility of getting detail pictures of the Corvette GTP. They basically fell over themselves to help, opened the car up for me and then took my dad and I on a tour of Jeff Gordon's shop and the whole facility. And i mean the whole facility. Chassis shop, machine shops, engine building rooms, dyno rooms etc. Was shown what they do to an engine to modify it from a stock block to a race engine etc. Saw them testing one on the dyno etc. You could eat your dinner off the floor in the machine shop ! At the end of the tour they gave my dad and I a free jeff Gordon hat from the shops stock room.

A letter from England can go along way with the Nascar teams. The other year Bret Bodine spent 30 mins chatting with us and showing us around his team shop personally. He is a really nice person and its a shame he hasn't got a ride anymore other than driving the pace car.

I also did the Richard Petty ride along experience at Charlotte and that is awesume and a $99 well spent. My driver was the Busch driver Jimmy Kitchens.

Jesus H Christ Chris!! Try that in the uk and the bastards will probably try to think of some reason to sue you! Why is it we get it so wrong over here? - I once dropped into the Lister workshops near here and when I made a similar enquiry was pretty well told to p*ss off. Now I know one of their engineers, and dropped his name, but to no avail - "he's not in today". I have to add that I wasn't smelling particularly bad that day, nor did I have the five day old winos beard and odd training shoes.
I reckon if I tried that at Woking they'd set the dogs on me, and then send a pair of psychos with pliers and a blowtorch round to visit the remaining members of my family.
Aaah, hospitality. Or maybe just hospitals.
H

You were ahead of me on that one Chris,
The NASCAR teams do a pretty good job of looking after their supporters, as Matt said there is so much quality competition for the motor sport enthusiast dollar over here that you better have something special up your sleave to keep your fans coming back for more.
The NASCAR drivers are every bit as big a celebs over here (maybe even more so) as the F1 guys over in your neck of the woods.  A buddy of mine has spent some time in Charlotte, was staying with some friends just down the street from where Jeff Gordon and his ex-missus lived and said that Jeff decided to move when one morning he was having breakfast and there were a bunch of photographers out on the lawn chasing his cat around trying to get photos of it.
H you mentioned Woking...I've got an invitation to visit Paragon (McLaren's headquarters)  Just have to find a way over there!
Fax

Hey Fax! I don't live far from Woking, let me know if you make it, and we'll have to meet up.
Have they mentioned wearing carbon fibre trousers or anything?
H

Its a deal H, first pint's on me. No mention of kevlar trousers but I suspect Ron does have a few German Shepherds patrolling the place.
Fax

I witnessed some pressure testing of some pipework at Paragon when the place was nearing completion.
The pipework was in connection with the big autoclaves that they cure the carbon fibre chassis structures in.

I was shown around the facility, bearing in mind this was prior to the car bits moving in.

I was lead to believe that they were going to allow tours around the plant (by prior arrangement) as a lot of the contruction areas have elevated glass walkways above and they (allegedly) received grant money because of this.

Throwing sausages at each other, I bet.
H

- We could squeeze a tour of Brooklands in as well, - see it before it's turned into a shrine to Mercedes.

I got a tour around Maclaren (at the old Woking site)  back in 85/86 curtsey of a mate who was a fabricator (in the days when wishbones were made of internally webbed aluminium fabs). Ron was doing a stock check in a store and wanted to know if I had been to any other teams. The canteen was typical Formica tables and plastic chairs, but surrounded by glass cabinets with all the trophies on display, good motivation.
Good old days!

IRW>> you sound like a guy I know from the McLaren-forum; Richard
Those definitely were the days, no limits for real fans :(


Anyway, wishing you guys who go and visit Sebring (BigH, jpchenet et all) lots of fun, and bring back some good memories to share, will 'ya! ;) We'll talk about at MB, sharing a cold one!

It would be interesting to see Paragon but to be honest I would be mostly interested in seeing the collection of historic McLaren's on display.  I have about as much interest in contemporary F1 as I do in underwater basket weaving.  Apparently Ron has spent a few years re-acquiring some of the more important examples of the Mclaren make and I'd love to have a good look around a M23 or some of the early McLaren/Project Four cars, the MP4/1 or MP4/4 Tag turbo would be nice (had a chance to get a good look at a Yardley M19 at the Mid-Ohio historics a few years back).
Fax

Haven't McLaren moved down to Portsmouth now??

Here's the McLaren Tech Centre / Paragon outside of Woking.

(http://www.targetti.com/db/mclaren_img/A_big.jpg)

Yes, they are somewhere outwide Woking now. I'm on the list to visit the new headquarters as a team member somewhere in the near future I hope (should be spring). Pictures will be shared here if wanted ;)

That's the Mclaren Mercedes SLR assembly factory. I'm doing some contract work there at the moment. I doubt Ron even know's it exists!

Whoops!  Just re-read some of the last few posts and realized my cock-up, the MP4/4 was Honda powered.
Nice pic of Paragon, facilities have come along way since Ken Tyrrell ran his team out of a shed in his lumberyard.  Don't know if its for the better though.
Fax :-\

never mind about the 4/4, as long as the Peugeot engine wasn't mentioned :)

how come you got an invitation for the MTC, fax?

I had the opportunity to dine with one of the senior members of the McLaren team recently and he simply gave me his card and said if I'm ever in England to give him a call and he'd show me around Paragon...simple as that.  Terrific guy too, had a great time chatting with him.
Fax

excellent! I'd even visit Ferrari that way ;D

I great the following news with mixed feelings.

IMSA) today announced that it has invited Maserati to enter the MC12 in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) as a guest of the sanctioning body.
Canada Phil

Phil,

Excuse my perhaps dumb question, but does that mean Sebring 2005 also? ??? ? Is it not a  little late for an invite, race is only 3 weeks away.

I believe they will run at Sebring Gab. Full story here:

http://www.sebringraceway.com/story_maser.html

Not long now!!!!  :D

Are you guys ready?I am so ready I cant stand it.Lets try
to hook up wed.afternoon after the camps get setup. ;D

Yup, I'm Standing By to Standby.

We'll be there Wednesday afternoon.
See you there Randy.

Weii i am slowly getting my sh*t together ;D
Are you guys interested in some of site activities ???
How about this one?
http://www.highlandsartleague.com/museum/exhibits.php
Canada Phil

Nice post there Phil,
I would highly recommend to anyone if they ever get the chance to talk to Pete Lyons to do so.  I sat down and chatted with him at the Motorsport Collector in Chicago back in the mid-ninties when he was there signing copies of his superb book "Can-Am".  Really fascinating conversation, he was Autosport's GP editor before Roebuck and also covered the much missed North American Can-Am sportscar series. Knew all of the greats of the sixties and seventies and told me some terrific stories about the days when racers were men and endurance racing equalled F1 in popularity.
Fax

I found this on Pete's website www.petelyons.com
This was his mode of transportation to & from GP's when he was covering them for Autosport and Autoweek in the early seventies.
Fax

Ok, the entry list for Sebring is finally available. See the link below


http://www.imsaracing.net/2003/events/sebring05/entrylist.pdf

Cheers Chris

One gap in a Dyson, one in an Aston, and no JH yet???

I wonder????????????

Here's a little teaser from Sebring last year.  I pulled this off www.petelyons.com
Only a few weeks to go...
Fax

Mr Brown, Mr Zarse. Two weeks today!!!!!  :D :D :D

(And yes Smokie, I know you and Gab are going even earlier!!  :()

Yes JP, I spent the weekend decontaminating the Falling Over Trousers.


(http://www.altecweb.com/product_images/slw38.jpg)

It's not far off now. If those who are going could great the King of Wang (aka Martin Short) and his crew I'd be very grateful. I read in the stars that Joao Barbosa, Michael Krumm and Didier Theys are going to win this.

Ok, just finished off a batch of 4 of the Aston T shirts ready for the trip to Sebring. These four have a little extra so will be slighyly different than anyone elses. I decided to save mine till last so that I could perfect the technique.
 
All was going real well until I went and ironed on the CA logo on the shoulder upside down ! DUMB ASS ! Well I guess mine will be really unique !

Less than two weeks and counting !

And the back

JP, the entry list has now been updated and that last spot has been filled.

The seat has gone to Stephane Sarrazine, which at first i thought was strange as he's doing the WRC this year with Subaru.  Then it clicked, both Aston and Subaru are Prodrive outfits, so clash of interests.

those are great shirts, Chris24

absolutely excellent! :D

funny you should say that as 1 mr r culter himself went and ironed on one of the logos on my t-shirt upside down last year      http://www.24hourlemons.co.uk/pages/lemonaward2004.htm (http://www.24hourlemons.co.uk/pages/lemonaward2004.htm)

muppet!

Just got off the phone from Aston Martin Racing and they are definately still racing at Sebring!!!

<phew>

T-shirts, flags etc should be available the week we go but will be avaibale at Sebring as well!! No prices yet though!

Nice picture, but this is a better teaser for Sebring , taken by me last year.

Well, two weeks from yesterday I will be on my way to Sebring.  We will be driving about 700 miles to get there on Wednesday, March 16 and should arrive about 6 or 7 PM.  Why don't we start a list of who is coming and when they plan to arrive.  It would be helpful to know how much camping space is needed for those getting there early to save some spots.  Also, if anyone needs something that they can't bring on the plane over that some of us here in the States might be able to provide.   I'm bringing an extra tent and sleeping bag if someone needs them.
John Evans

Didn't hear back from AZ, JPC and SB - but the offer still stands - I can deliver you to the circuit on Thursday March 17th, if you'd rather not rent a car.
Fax, Dave H, Hazleggs and myself will arrive as usual on Saturday morning - around 8.00am. If those already encamped can make a space for my Dodge truck (as usual) we would be most grateful (as usual)
Fax - are you bringing R2D2? (as usual)
Not long now......

Thanks for the offer Matt.  The current consensus between JPC, AZ and me is that we'll 'probably' rent a sh*t box dodge from rentacrockofshit and tootle down to Sebring on Wednesday afternoon.

However.........they have designs on knocking a little ball down 18 holes so who knows!

No doubt we'll do an 'on the spur of the moment' thing.

John, basically, we would appreciate it very much if you could make available a tent.  We do have a 3 man tent (with farting vents) but it may be wise to bring yours along in any case.  It might enjoy the trip!

What's the weather in sunny Florida at the mo?  We're currently swapping between sleat, snow, thaw, drizzle and frost.

Not so chipper here either Steve, High 50's overcast with a little rain to come later this afternoon.
It does change quite rapidly at this time of year though. Once this low pressure system moves out (f**k*ng hell, I sound like Michael Fish!) it'll be back into high 70's with clear skies Sunday/Monday.
By the time you guys get here it should be very pleasant.

John, Have you prebooked your tickets, if so have you had them posted or are you planning on collecting them from Will Call. If Will Call, you had better check what time the Will Call window closes on the 16th. If you are arriving between 6pm and 7 pm, it may be shut !

Hi Matt,
Yep, I will be bringing R2 as usual, however I will need to give him a good check-up at some point, seems one of his front wheels has developed a bit of a shopping cart wobble.  Also he's in dire need of a good bath, wearing a fair amount of Sebring sand, Mid-Ohio mud and Road Atlanta clay these days.
Fax

Yes, we have already purchased the tickets and they are being sent by mail.  So we won't need to worry about the Will Call operating hours.  

I will be bringing at least  1 extra sleeping bag, 1 extra tent (possibly 2).  We will have a 10x10 canopy/gazebo, 4 folding chairs, and a small table as well.  We have a small cook top (camping gas bottle).  I will have ant poison, Amdro.   Anything else, if I can get it, let me know.

Whoever gets there Wednesday morning and thru the day needs to try to corral (Texas speak) some space for all of us as we trickle in thru the rest of the week.

Looking forward to seeing some of you guys again and seeing new folks I didn't get the meet at Le Mans.

Re parking for the pickup - Phil and I will make out usual mess of parking on Friday and straighten them out so there is space on Saturday for the pickup...

Appreciate that Smokie - thank you. When do you arrive in Daytona?

Fax - the wobbly wheel, I can fix in my workshop, I'll get the parts. The dirt adds character, I feel. (Dunno if Delta baggage handlers share that view - but I care even less!)

SB/JPC/AZ - I can also help out with camping gear if needs be.
That well known multi-national car rental conglomorate E-Z Cars is located in my neighborhood. Would you like me to enquire of their tariff?  

Yes please Matt. I thin we wnat to ensure we are fully ensured which may load up the price somewhat.

If you have some camping gear too Matt then between you and John it may save us buying a tent when we get there. Only problem is that Steve snores!!!  ;D ;D

Sleeping bags are easy as they roll up small. I'm assumiong airbeds are cheap in WalMart?

As for marking out the area, I'll bring some "Police Line - Do Not Cross" tape. How much do you think we'll need??

It's my understanding that you can't "rope" off an area for camping.  It's in the www.sebringraceway.com   rules.   However, we can pitch our tents and place our cars in a circle like the wagon train folks did when they were under attack.  Circle the wagons.  Anyway that's my thought on the deal.  Maybe someone else knows better.

OK Mark
When you say you need full insurance coverage - I'm assuming that you know what you're letting yourself in for......
This would include Collision Damage Waiver, Uninsured Driver, Personal Injury Protection - the list goes on... EZ Cars have a field full of Kia Sorrento's, Diamonte's and Sedona's plus Chevy Astro minivans and Cobalts. The insurance could end up costing more than the car rental. Why do you require such all-pervading cover - are you planning a little off-roading - or maybe a bank robbery?
I'm presuming no nasty endo's or convictions - how old are you all - or are you planning one designated driver (probably a bit cheaper to do it this way) Alternatively we could just call in on the way from the scareport - I'll call 'em for a general idea on rates.
As for how much space my truck occupies - I'm not sure. It's a Dodge Ram 1500 quad-cab. I'd say it was about the size and width of a Ford Transit - maybe a bit longer - and er, a bit wider.......

I didn't think they allowed roping off of camping areas anymore.  Most circuts nixed that practice along time ago when you always had a few dick-heads who decided they needed an acre for their two man tent. Your best bet is to strategically park your cars to give yourselves a bit of room.  On Saturday morning the parking becomes a three ring circus as all the Sebring vets are familiar with.
Fax

Tüt tüt...  ;D I know it's still some time and far from the ongoing discussion but please, for those fortunate enough to be there (yes, I'm jealous) plruurease, could you go to Rollcentre and wish the King of Wang the very best of luck from the "german cake man".  They will be taking the two Dallaras. The Nissan engined car will enter the race, the second chassis will ba a spare one. Joao Barbosa, Didier Theys and Michael Krumm will be driving.  Thank you, the lot...  

Edited to say: (yes I'm jealous) Have fun and behave yourself as always  ;D

Now off to Robbo...                          

Sorry to hi-jack the thread....


Can i just check these people need their post first as they are leaving the country soon

Smokie
Andy Zarce
Steve Brown
JP Chenet
Rick

If thats so,  Zarce good chap, i need an address please.

Robbo, Rick Cutler isn't coming  :'( (he almost was on the dance floor at Chicago Rock Cafe last week but that's another story!!!  :o)

If it's easier/cheaper, you can always either send Andy's with mine or mine with Andy's!!

Robbo - leave Rick on the list, just in case...  ;)

Mark, how many tents d'ya need??? Pidge has one, maybe two. Haven't you also got John bringing one? Phil is bringing me one so I can fart and snore to my heart's content.

Matt - George (gab) and I arrive in Miami on Thursday Next Week (Yessssss!!!). We stay with his bro for 1 night then to Daytona on Friday. I think C Phil will also be there then. Bike Week here we come... Spring Break here we come...  :) :) :)

Well, now you mention it, I'd remembered Steve's snoring, but somehow forgotten about his methane production. So maybe individual tents isn't such a bad idea!!

I'm sure we'll be OK one way or another. I thought Pidge's spare was allocated to Chris24 and you? He offered to provide another but we were concerned he might be buying one just for us to use! If necessary we can just nip to WalMart for one. Or we might pack one and bring it with us.

I guess the more tents we spread out the easier it is to save space for Matt's Monster Truck  ;D

Tickets are verified for the 8 guys on my list.  ;)
Five blokes from England ... vun from Chermany ... und vun from Canada. :D   Just go to will call with an ID 8)

Hi JPC,
           No need to buy a tent. Airbeds are cheap and i will bring some extras. Lots of tape as we had  10 cars and  a motorhome last year and  add John Evans plus UK invasion and GAB.
Canada Phil

Phil is bringing me my very own boudoir (so I didn't have to slum it with you lot, and be kept awake by your snoring). Pidge's tent sleep 4 I think. Maybe another one is required, I dunno...

Either way I'm sure we'll be fine!!!

There's always the car!

Tent and kit being supplied by my brother, breakfast ala Pidge, beer money exchanged into dollars, guess I`m ready to roll ;D

If I can assist any of you any way please let me know.I will be arriving tues.afternoon and hanging in the pits until weds.morning then its turn10.
Any word on availability of that AWSOME  CA/Aston t shirt  2xxl  for trade
or purchase,would love to have one.

Randy - they aren't being produced - Chris designed them so you can download the images, print them to t shirt transfer paper then iron your own...


I did two but with the cheap paper I used they have not come out at all well...

We will mostly be arriving Wed afternoon and will catch up with you then...

Rumours are afoot that a certain young Mr Cutler may be making an appearance after all!!. He's trying to get a free flight (dad works for United Airlines). If possible he will be arriving at Orlando International on Wednesday afternoon/evening.

Logistics to follow!!

Old, but good, news JP. :)

Yeah yeah yeah. Just because you are off tomorrow!!!!!

He can't confirm until the weekend so maybe you would never know!!  ;)

See you next week!!!!!!! ;D
 

I was up at 06:20 today in training for tomorrow

Mrs S says I'm always like this before my "lads" holidays but never before a family holiday.

I wonder why?  ???

See ya soon.

Hope you guys have a safe trip over here.  Larry (my friend coming with me) and I will be leaving early next Wednesday and rolling in a little before dark, I hope.  Save us a spot if you get there earlier.

Oh, BTW, it looks like I am going to make it to Le Mans again.  I was told it is habit forming.   Another trip with high school kids that ends just as Le Mans weekend is starting, so my engine is really revved up now!!!

The Moose Express is boarding for Sebring. Just a few more things to load in/find space for. What the hell am i going to tell the customs man? when he asks: Just how many tents does one man need to sleep in?
Very cold and sunny so a good day to leave ;D
Smokie, see you in Daytona Friday Morning at the hotel.
After getting settled may I request  a visit to theIron Horse saloon for the 4- 5pm Free Beer :o That should get us started.
Canada Phil

Have a save trip and a splendid time, all you lucky ones who go to Sebring. And please don't forget to tell my best wishes to Martin Short and the Rollcentre crew, thank you. I'm saving up for next year...

Update:  I will be bringing two extra tents and two extra sleeping bags if anyone needs them.  Started my packing pile last night, now all I need is the ice chest packed and I'm ready to roll.  Basically, I'm already there, just waiting for the clock to roll around.

For all the Sebring newbies, don't forget to schedule a visit to Bob Tullis's private collection of cars and aircraft. He has 13 aircraft on display, 6 Group 44 race cars (Jag's, Triumph's etc) and 3 road cars. Its in a hanger next to the airport terminal at Sebring airport. No charge to look around, just a charity donation box on the door. well worth a visit, particularly since its a 1 minute drive from the main gate of the circuit !

Update: The Rollcentre cars (both, the second is a spare car) are off from Heathrow. The crew will follow shortly. All the best to them and please bring back some silver ware.

HGB, how do you know him/them??

Is it worth us CA guys strolling over tp the pits and mentioning your name?? I know you've got into the pits before??

Great news John!!!

Let us know nearer the time what camping gear we can help you out with so that you can travel lighter!! I've certainly got a spare tent available and can probably rustle up an airbed. I haven't got a spare sleeping bag, but I'm sure someone amongst us must have!! We are taking a van down this year so space is no problem at all!!

I know him back from his TVR days. Yes please Mark, walk over to them and tell them hello from Hansgerd aka the cake man. When I meet them I usually deliver some cakes.

Consider it done!!!  And if I can find some cakes forma  local store I'll take  them some over!! How many of them are there? I don't wnat to be supplying cakes for 100 people!!  :o

That's fantastic !!! They shouldn't be more than 15 people. Shorty will appreciate the cake service. :D

Well, I have just booked up ;D ;D ;D.

I am flying standby so not sure what time or if I will make it all the way. If I fly when I want then I arrive in Orlando at 1500 on wednesday and fly home on Sunday afternoon.

See all you out there.

Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

good effort

I'll be working to get the Club Arnage banner up Wednesday morn. Asyou enter coming down the main road look over to the left. If you pass the toilets and medical infirmiry(also on the left ), turn around and look over to the right. Not in the toilet ............... behind it.

What time are you likely to arrive Pidge??  Don't want to beat you there!!!  ;)

Being newbies an' all we don't wnat to mark off the wrong area!!  :)

Anyone heard anything from Smokie, Gab or Phil?? Hope they're behaving themselves with all those bikers and spring breakers!!  ;D

This time next week boys, give or take a few hours, as I recall, I took this shot at around 1pm ish !

Bloody hell Chris, are you going to gun us all down??  What airline were you flying with!!!!????  :o

The red roofed building at the bottom of the picture is the main airport terminal. To the extreme right of it is  the corner of a grey aircraft hanger. This is the home of the Bob Tullis Group 44 collection.

Err, I guess the Collings Foundation airline ! In case you are wondering, yes I did pay $350 for a 25 minute,once in a lifetime flight on a B-17. But hey isn't that what credit cards are for ?

Hmmmmm, just checked he long range weather forecast amd it predicts 30/40% chance of rain Weds, thru Fri!!  >:(

Matt, what's the local report??

Chance of rain Weds/Thurs - should be fine - mid/high 70's for the race weekend. Don't forget your drinking boots.....

Hi Guys,
Spoke with a friend yesterday who has some connections down in the town of Sebring and said that the locals are saying the advance ticket sales have way exceeded previous sales and they are anticipating a raceday crowd of perhaps 250,000.  Everyone who is a sporstcar racing fan should take delight in this, whether your going to be there or not.  This means the sport we all love is alive, healthy and well as long as the classics like Sebring and Le Mans continue to draw massive attendance figures.  To all who are going to be there, can't wait to see you guys, its always nice to share an experience like this with good friends.  Don't forget the sunblock and shades! 8)
Fax

They're all obviously wexcited abouit the Aston John!!  ;) ;D

Seriously though, it's great to know that our sport is thriving. More and more people must be realising that there are still some events where racing takes pace rather than the fiasco procesion known as F1!!

Although I am still in Texas right now, I'm really at Sebring.  I will be leaving Tuesday afternoon for the trip down to Florida.  If there is anything I need to pack for any of you, please let me know today.  I will do the final packing this evening and leave straight from work tomorrow.  I am bringing two tents and two sleeping bags for anyone who needs to use them.
John

We're flying out tomorrow as well John. Like you, I'm trying to concentrate on things to hand but my mind is elsewhere (it's a bit like the whole of the month leading up to Le Mans!!)  :)

Not sure about any of the others, but Steve, Andy and I all have sleeping bags that roll up into a negligable sized bag so we've packed our own. I really don't think it would be fair to put my sweaty body inside someone elses unless it was going to be hygeinically destroyed afterwards!  ;)

The tents will be very much appreciated. Although if they are much cheaer than in the UK I amy buy a new one ready for Le Mans anyway!!  :D

See you all on Wednesday!!!!

Have a pleasant hop over the pond and a cracker of a time. God, am I envious...  ;D

I'm sure there are some deals on lastminute.com!!!  ;)

12.30 Monday 14th Orlando FL
We're having some serious weather here - and no error - absolutely slashing down (this seems to be a total deja-vu on last year) - never mind - the forecast for the weekend is superb - but I wouldn't want to be camping out in this sh*t! (Good foe my lawn, of course!)

For those who intend to golf prior to heading out to the track, I won't know until 5.30pm my time, if I can get the deal on the high-end golf club venue, depends if my contact is working there on Weds - I'll PM tonight.
See you at OIA Tues evening

No problem Matt. I guess 5.30pm your time is 10.30 here so I'll probably be packing!!  :)

We'll play somewhere or other hopefully anyway so we'll need to bring the golf shoes even if we don't get to play at the quality course. Where is it by the way? Is it to far to consider driving there from Sebring on the Thursday or Friday?

I'm not a golfer, but have it on good authority that this course is the sh*t. It's Orange County National - www.ocngolf.com
It's just northwest of Walt Disney World.
I'll know if I can get the discount  in a couple of hours - I'll call your cell, Mark

Alright, you better all confess now. That is the real reason for you to hop over the pond...  ;D Have a good one. :D

I can assure you Hans Gerd, no matter what the weather is like, and no matter what else we get up to, I have no intention of going to see the rodent!!!  ;)

Well, JPC, Andy and Steve made it into rainy O'town last night, in fine fettle and obviously having taken advantage of Continental Airlines in-flight hospitality - apparently they pissed-off a few of their fellow passengers with their communal singing.
We had a relaxed dinner, accompanied by a few cold beers and just when I thought they were falling asleep into their puddings, they got a collective second wind and were very receptive to the idea of visiting one of the local and particularly skanky ("We like skanky" - JPC) Irish bars. Several Nigerian Lagers later, I left them to it. They are still there, for all I know.
We're just waiting for stragglers, Rick Cutler, Fax and Hazleggs and we'll be set.

Have fun there guys. I'll try and spot you on MotorsTV ;D

I'm so jealous of the guys that are going, not to mention that i have NTL instead of Sky and they don't even have Motors TV. Does anyone know any sportscar loving pub landlords in the Norwich area???

As you may have guessed, I am seriously jealous of you guys, but have a good time anyway (of course you will!), Had a serious disappointment on a TVR today (see the other thread) so even more in the dumps. :'( :'(

I guess Eurosport isn't showing anything either. There's only DSC left then. I hope those of us who attend don't only drink and chase fun but have a story to tell and show once they're back.  ;D

I'm also very jealous of those who are going, my other half is out there taking piccies.  

The Motors TV coverage looks great (sorry to those who don't have it!)  

There is the ALMS web radio though, it's got to be better than the GrandAM Daytona coverage!  

http://americanlemans.com/home/index.aspx

Cheers Piglet, at least the weather seems to be better over here. I might as well go outside...  ...and test my own LM facilities ;D Only four weeks until LMES 1 at Spa-Francorchamps... that'll be me life.

I think it's pretty warm and humid in Florida but they have had some rain, i had a text from Happy Snapper yesterday to say that it was 6am and he was sitting on the pit wall watching the sun rise over the empty track.....that made me feel better - not!  

I can't even go to Spa LMES, I stupidly managed to double book myself with trucks at Pembrey  :( :(

I'm going to have my ownnearly 24 hours on Saturday/Sunday anyway  Silverstone all day for the Marshal's club day (I've got a spare ticket for this if anyone wants to shout quickly for it), then home to the sofa for the remains of Sebring - can't wait!  ;D

Don't know wheter this is earth-quacking news, but I just read on motorstv.co.uk>>


Party on, dude ;D

Anyone home yet ? That wasn't the cake, was it ??? Oh crap, I'm frustrated. :-\ Bad result for Rollcentre but there's hope they're still taking something home. I wished it was silverware but instead it's hopefully good faith and lots of new ideas. Roll on Spa... with real Belgian cake it should run a lot better. Heads up for the 1000 KMs in three weeks... where's the Spa thread ?