Club Arnage

Eh oop everyone! Long time no post .. been a tad busy with work!

A window of opportunity has afforded itself to me and I finally might be able to attend Sebring for my virgin experience  ;D

Anyone fancy a 'tag along'? Willing to share driving/costs etc.

(Now awaiting Big H comments regarding a 'tag along'!!!)

 ;D

Rick me old sausage! Long time no see etc...

You need to speak to Mr S Brown, went with him last year and I'm sure he'd be delighted to share travelling, food, accomm, etc with you. You'll have a great time and I guarantee you meet people you know. And just in case you'd forgoten, you could even call by Kevin Jeanette to get that ride in a 917 you were promised!

Steve, Doris and myself are travelling out together on Wed 15th to Orlando. Meeting Canada Phil & gab (+ mate) out there. Chris24 & Martini from CA will be there too, and maybe more that I've forgotten. Obviously will also be hooking up with the Turn 10 guys who we now have as regulars here on the forum. Pidge is (as usual) hosting us at the track.

Plans are well advanced (car, hotels & post-race holiday accommodation all booked).

Drop me a note with your plans/requirements and we'll see how we can fit you in!  :) (However am leaving shortly for Aberdeen so can't get email until tomorrow night)

Rick, you are awful....
How's the job going?

Rick!
Good to see you back, your presence has been sorely missed.
Fax

Rick,
As Smokie has said, what are your travel plans. I am flying into Orlando Tuesdayafternoon (14th) and collecting the rental car at about 4pm and meeting up with Martini at the airport. We have seperate cars though as Martin is flying home on the Sunday.
I am then travelling to Tampa Sunday morning for a few days, to attend an ice hockey game and go to Busch Gardens before travelling back to Orlando on Tuesday afternoon (21st) for a 18.30 flight home.

If any of these plans fit in with your requirements, then please get in touch as I could certainly do with someone to share rental costs with etc.

Regards
Chris

Rick, me old cock sparra.

If you get your finger out you've got a choice of either bumming a lift to Sebring with Chris / Martini via the Tuesday 14th Virgin flight to Orlando or with Smokes / Doris / myself on the Wednesday 15th same flight.

Flights with Virgin from Gatwick direct to Orlando 'were' about £300 (just checked - still are - bargain!)

PM / email if you want further info.

Hi Rick,
           Good news. Sounds as though you have lots of options for a ride from the Orlando airport. Camping details easy to work out.
Canada Phil

Chris,

where will you be staying during your Tampa visit?

Both Amazing Randy and I live in St. Pete (other side of the Bay)

-Lee

I am thinking about a cheap hotel near to Busch Gardens, but will take floor space if its free and on offer from either yourself or Randy ?

Hi again Chaps! Firstly, thanks for all the kind messages. Was expecting a torrent of abuse/chastisement due to absence to be honest!  ;)

Sebring is still a "might" at the moment so will keep you posted. I have recently separated from Mrs. Rick and currently shacked up with a mate with no internet access while I sort out the new bloke palace. The move is likely to be early March so hence the "might"ness!

And as for the day job .. been here a year next Tuesday .. still can't quite get my head round the fact that I have to work!!! Got the tickets confirmed for June (on MB of course!) though and intend to do tests and Classic this year again too :O)

Jeeezus Chris! Don't be such a frickin' cheapskate!

Chris,

Best I can offer would be a tent in the garden...

But I do have cold beer and a working kitchen.

-Lee

Matt, to be honest, I am probably still bouncing around the balance from one credit card to another from my Petit trip back in 2003, let alone Petit 2005. LOL ;D

That's fair enough Chris - but free-vending off of guys who treat us with so much generosity and friendship is not right in my view. The "I'll stay at your house as long as it's free" bit is waaaaaaay off-side. Don't show-up at turn 10 empty handed and make your fellow Brits look like free-loaders - that's all I'm saying on the matter.   

Matt,

Nice avatar, is that the Truckosaurus that you mention in an previous thread. Be a fine machine to tour around Sebring on Saturday night, could fill that thing with tons of ice and brew  ;)

Now, now...

we don't think of you as freeloaders,
we think of you as english.

 ;D

-Lee

Ditto on that.Love all you guys like brothers.

I'm filling up!! :'(

How's it hanging Randy?  God I need to get out of this friggin tundra and down to FL for some car racing.  Oh, and maybe one or two sips of light beer too.

Let me tell you that these Englishmen (especially the Lads from Liverpool) and Giles from Le Mans have been very hospitalble to me on my 2 trips to Le Mans.  I'm just glad that it works on both sides of the pond for all of us to enjoy the fellowship and racing together.  
You know, what it just gets down to is that we have more in common than separates us and that just makes it better for the human race.  I just wish that could be extended to troubled parts of the world.  World peace and all that good stuff....
I wish Larry and I could be with you guys in Sebring this year for a little Bambi sausage and some chips and salsa.  I will be eating some during the race on SpeedTv.

I hope I'm at turn 10 next year.  We may need a little fridge space and a little barbeque space, but provided we can carry it, we shouldn't be short of supplies.

The main issue is that I shall come with my brother in law, who is not a beer drinker but likes single cask bourbons (if thats what they are called)  Are they freely available?  Can you tell me more so I can bribe him to come.

As for 2005, I'm still trying to escape.

Single barrel, now you talking my language.Plenty available. ;D

What's the choice in say the local Walmart?

Could not tell you  if WalMart even carries Liquor.I refuse to go in the place.
I have a local store that carries a wide selection.All of the usual Dant,Dickle etc..Also some very obscure labels That I cant recall and they are usually the best.Just let me know how I can help.

What about cigars? Does WalMart sell them?


Martini...

Best bet for Cigars are either local tobacco shops or liquor stores. I'm kind of in the same boat as Randy, I try to avoid Walmart whenever possible, not real crazy about their business practices.  They put a lot of small local shops out of business.  We usually bring a big batch of fatties with us (cigars, not us).  Feel the need to shave my tongue by the time the day's over but they hit the spot sitting down at the hairpin.
Fax

Just don't expect Cubans!!!  :o

Over here I usually smoke King Edwards and get them at the duty free (or friends do for me) for £44 for 50 normal shelf price is around £130. They would be extortionate in UK.
Jus wondered if they are easy to pick up over there or should I bring some over?


Martini...

Rob Walton needs to be able to afford the Scarab Mk 1 and the rest of his car collection somehow.

Martini, sounds like you are going to have a grand time, Hope one day to make the the trip to Sebring and Daytona (when it becomes a proper race agan) myself

Yep same place, aim to arrive Wed evening, slightly larger party and some new faces this year.

Not been able to convince the wife that a trip to the USA or to LM for the classic are possible. The words 'family holiday' are now being used and she has wised up to the likey dates when I would like to be in either France or Florida. Maybe next year.

I'll be flying in from Amsterdam March 13th and will be there until the 23rd. I'm travelling with a friend of mine and we haven't decided yet on transportation and accomodation. It'll be either a compact car and tent or, if we can find someone to share it with, an RV. We're aiming for arrival in Sebring on Wednesday early in the morning, to claim a Turn 10 spot.

If you depart earlier than the 23rd, that shouldn't be a problem, just take the RV with you to Orlando and we'll rent something else for the last couple of days.

If anyone's interested: step forward, thou brave young man! ;D

Martini, sounds like you are going to have a grand time, Hope one day to make the the trip to Sebring and Daytona (when it becomes a proper race agan) myself
Hi Nordic DO IT NOW. Aston is IN and Martini is bringing cigars and cake ;D Cold Beer is a Given.
Canada Phil

Right then chaps, finger poised over the mouse on the Virgin page (awaiting authorisation for days off from work and move date - so should know on Monday!!), just wanted to check flights...

Looking at the Wednesday 11:15 LGW-MCO and the Sunday 19:55 MCO-LGW, does that sync with anyone else with some boot space?

 ;D

Rick,
Doris, Smokie and myself are on the VS027 Wednesday March 15th @ 11:15.

Smokie and myself return on 25th.
We can pass the airport on the way back north on Sunday.

We have a SUV so should be plenty of room for you.

Er wait Steve, need a body count here. Should be OK on the way out but after the race there's you, me, Doris, George and his buddy Jim. How many do these seat and how much luggage room is there?

(Phil may be able to squeeze one in his car)

I'm sure we can work it out Rick...see you at Gatwick on 15th! :)

Hey guys enjoy.

I decided that  wek snow boarding was better then a weekend iin the USA !!

I'll be at

www.orangebrits.com

PARTY

Hi Robbo,
                You can snowboard all winter but Sebring comes but once a year. Much like Christmas.  I will be driving  day and night just to escape the cold and snow.
Canada Phil

Hi Rick,
          come on over we will figure outhow to get you back to the airport on Sunday. Strapped to the roofrack if necesary ;D
I thought you were going to Palm Beach after for a ride in the 917 ???
Canada Phil

Robbo, looks more Dutch than Brits ;D

Martini may be able to help getting Rick back to the airport on Sunday as he too is flying home from MCO sometime Sunday, so there should be a ride somewhere from a CA member. I can't as i am heading to Tampa on Sunday and not Orlando

;D

Well coming over again in the summer with the kids for a more relaxing break so hoping to do that one then :O)

Trip is definitely on; looks like I'm coming over with Malcolm from DSC so sorted with the lifts thanks, but nice to know that my freeloading ability is still in place :O) See y'all at LGW on the 15th then!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woooohooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

 ;D

See you in four short weeks.

the DSC team is always welcome out at Turn 10.

-Cheers

-Lee

(http://www.selfstudio.com/images/photos/porsche/650/porsche_029.jpg)

Yeehaaaaaaaa! Booked on the 11:15 on the 15th in seat 54K

In 55A on the Sunday 18:15

Sadly Malcolm @ DSC got his day wrong so back to being without a blagged ride from MCO-Sebring .... anyone? Willing to pay hard cash or perform lewd acts  ;D

Sebring virgin no longer! Which is rather apt seeing as we're flying Virgin!

 ;)

Rick, as I mentioned before, we have room in the Putley Creach Land Yacht going down to Sebring.

However, we're stopping over on Wednesday night in a hotel in Orlando and hopefully having a few sherberts with Mr Harper.

That sounds like a damn fine plan, count me in if you please! I'll even bring the Silk Cut Jaguar overalls again!

This time in four weeks...............  ;D

Hi  Guys and Doris

I thought I would get this going again as there are only 27 days and 9 hours to go (american time)

Is anyone going to get pit box tickets and other than the $10 saving is there any need to pre-order/pay tickets.

I see on last years thread that beer is available at the circuit, does this mean there is no need to buy at the supermarket, if they sell it, or is it as in France a lot cheaper?

What's the price for tent and bag in Walmart?


Martini...

You need to bring your beer/food in with you.[MUCH cheaper].

Small tent and 1/sleeping bag.[$50.00]
[I am sure some US CA members can help you out with
some loaner stuff]

If not I will start searching garage sales.

Thanks Randy

I will see what my small tent weighs but $50 is not out of the way. As far as US CA members kit is concerned I am sure I read that Pidge's tents are wetter in than out when it rains!!

Thanks for the grub tip

Martini...

I thought of pre ordering but there is a $8 handling fee which means that after phoning up to book, I may as well just pay when I get there !

I am taking my 2 man tent as it weighs about 4.3 kgs along with my sleeping bag all in a large holdall and a small suitcase for the other things. Will buy a $3 pillow at Walmart when I get there.

Will you be collapsing on your OWN tent this year then Chris ?   ;D

Hi Martini,
               Right first time no need to book in advance as only a$10 saving which as Chris points out is used up by the $8 fee. Just drive up to the gate and buy a 4 day pass and a parking ticket for the car. Reserved camping is for motorhomes, tents just use the grass. even the Harpers have givenup on teh box tickets as they are grossly overpriced. Paddock is open to 4 day ticket holders if not everybody. you will need Beer and a personal cooler. get ice at the same time as it is cheaper. Pidges Tents are better than any cheapy you would pick up at WalMart. If it should rain like 2 years ago you will be lucky to escape with your life ;D I'll thow  an extra pillow in the car.
Can hardly wait
Canada Phil

Last year we almost drowned.  Pidge's tent was a swimming pool and Chris did collapse his tent.  Wish I were coming down and could bring some gear for you "out of towners". 
Anyway, the Walmart advice is good for cost of stuff.  What we ought to do is just start a EuroAmercian co-op where we store your tents and gear for your trips over here and you store our stuff for our trips over there.  Keep it simple and minimal.  Easier to bring in the car than pack it for plane travel.  Anyway, just a thought.

Martini , dont worry about a thing you are covered either way.Just picked up at a garage sale a brand new 8"x10" cabin style tent for $10.00. WOOO HOOO !!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Thanks Randy, you truly are amazing.

I will pay you for it then donate it to the Euro American Co-op that Johevans3 suggested. What do you think? Unless of course you have another use for it.

Martini...

Last year we almost drowned.  Pidge's tent was a swimming pool and Chris did collapse his tent. 

John, it wasn`t Pidge`s tent that was flooded, it was actually Les`s tent that was afloat. That was only cause Les did not assemble it properly remember he left the top piece off the roof?  As for Pidges tents leaking, with the exception of Les, I heard no complaints...but come to think of it why did Pidge sleep in his car  ??? And your right, Chris did collapse his tent but to be fair it was only because he could not find the entrance to it, I think it was too much JD or was it Southern Comfort Chris? :P

Something that's always worked for me when flyaway camping:

Take the storage sack for your sleeping bag and stuff it with clothes.  Stuff that inside a t-shirt and voila - pillow.

Here's the ENTRY LIST (http://www.hsrrace.com/SVRA/SVRAHome.nsf/attachmentweb/EJEN-6JXQJU/$file/Entry+List+-+54th+Mobil+1+-+12+Hours+of+Sebring.pdf?OpenElement) for the historics in case anyone's interested.

Southern Comfort I am affraid.  :-[Well I did get a 1 and 3/4 litre bottle for the same price as a 1 litre bottle ! ;D

Youare still not supposed to drink it all at once :o
Canada Phil

Chris
I am sure you told me you did not drink much!!

Not long now, 23 days 6 hrs by the Sebring clock

Martini...

...that`s the time till the race, I`m counting down the time till I touchdown in (hopefully) sunny  8) Miami and that is 18 days and 18 hours  ;D  See you there.