Club Arnage

For those that may be interested. Dates and prices.


http://www.sebringraceway.com/tickets_sebring.lasso

Thanks, but I'm skipping this time. Something to do with the seven-year old and snow in the Swiss Alps :-\

Sebring?

right around the corner.

 ;D

-Lee

No brainer, I'll be there.

Of course you will, and not only for work :P

Paddy, did you know BobU is a born-again, 100% pedigree bastard?! In the space of about ten weeks he went:- ski, Sebring then ski again. In Canada. Like I said, a bloody bloody bastard, I hate the man!!!

Heard you were busy at Spa as well Pieter.  ;D :o

>Martini...

very hard work :D

This from the man who bemoaned the fact he couldn't make it to Sebring this year then turned up in a Corvette!!!

Surely a case of pots and kettles...    :-*

Dx

And he got an upgrade on the way home whilst wearing a baseball cap ???

Moi?  :angel:

Yes Bob, but we were only seated in Premium Economy, so it hardly counts as there was no champagne on tap, you actually had to ask for it. Also, you only got reclining seats and more leg room, not the proper lie-flat bed I'd have prefered, though Premium's quiet as it's positioned in front of the engines. However, what we really wanted, and could have rightfully expected, was Upper Class. Unfortunately the aeroplane was full to bursting, as you might have noticed, and the check-in staff gave us some flannel about full fare paying passengers having preference, or some such nonsense. So Premium it was, and I can say I felt very let down at being seated there instead of Seat 1A in Upper.

You might also recall I came down the back to say hello to you guys mid-flight. I was horrified at the cramped conditions you economy travellers have to endure, stuffed in with all the unwashed "ordinary" people, farting and snorring. I've never seen, or smelt, anything quite like it. It was quite an eye opener I can tell you. Is that what it's always like back there, all crammed in like common veals in a crate? Dear God, never let me have to endure this wretched class of travel.

Andy. As you are obviously a connissour of a finer class of travel and accommidation perhaps you would like to take a glance at this place if you are thinking of doing your usual Bah Humbug thing and going away for Christmas.

http://www.jaegerhof-ischgl.at/ehtml/index.htm


I am sure that Mrs U and myself would be happy for The Gimp and Yourself to join us for the festive season, even willing to pass on a few helpful hints to improve you skiing technique ;D

Bob, the jaegerhof looks seriously swish! I've always fancied skiing at Ischgl, so I'll put it to the gang. Can't make it at Xmas this year I don't think, but I am green with envy. What a fantastic place to spend Xmas!

PS Seeing as we're talking about wretched Xmas, I just thought I'd take the opportunity to get a quick early Bah Humbug in here:-

(http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/time1994-wmaster.jpg)

Brilliant- someone who hates Christmas as much as I do. Before I married and had to endure over cooked turkey and over bearing inlaws, you would find me at work as on any other day. The phone off the hook and the sodding radio in the bin so as to avoid hearing f**k*ng Slade 50 times a day.  I'll raise a glass to all fellow haters of yuletide bollocks!

Back to Sebring: are there any CA first timers expected?

I must admit I'm with you Dr Cream Tea, cannot for the life of me see what all the excitement is about 25th December.  It's just another day, when you work shifts like me, the last thing you want after coming off a week of 12 hour nights is to fight your way through the supermarket queues to get a few girlie essentials.

Mind you the best Xmas break I had was in NSW, Paradise Beach just outside of Sydney, absolute bliss.

With regard to Sebring, that's a bit like Christmas as well, isn't ???

If you get absolutely wasted with christmas while watching cars race by, then yes, it is a bit like christmas. But what comes to my mind is: Mardi Gras

We'd better let this one get back to Sebring.
 I'm going to start another thread so we can list the stuff we all hate as well as christmas and people who get to go to Sebring every year ;D

probably best to leave that to the thread originator...don't you ::)

I'd love to be a Sebring newbie in 2008.

It would need to be short though probably Wed or Thurs out and Sunday back, pretty much straight to the circuit and straight back.

I've got some KLM/air France  or BA miles to use so need to fly from Amsterdam, Paris or (Heaven forbid )Heathrow.

So if anyone needs a co driver we could see what could be worked out.

Stu. This year I flew out on Thursday morning and back on Sunday evening. I was back at work 9ish on Monday morning. I was knackered but it was well worth it.Doris did the same. I will be doing it again in the same time next year,as will, I presume Doris, maybe we could work out a link up and car share nearer the time.

I'd like to be but finances and holiday won't permit sadly  :(

I'll combine Sebring with skiing in Vermont next year, if there is any snow at that time (global warming sucks). So I will try to do it same as this year, get in line on tuesday, stay at the track till sunday, fly out monday, work on wednesday ;D Recover for two weeks at work :P

I might be going again.
I'm not sure for how many days.

Indeed same time frames for me Bob.  Would love to do a longer trip but bloody college seems to keep getting in the way! 

Dx

Bob, Doris

Sure we can link up, Which airports did you fly in and out of ? and I can see how my plans could look.

cheers
Stu

Virgin Atlantic  LGW/MCO. Doris flew BA 1 Hour earlier than me but the same airports. There will be no problem with having to wait a while for you at MCO if you arrive a bit later.

Now I know I said I was not going, BUT, I thought I would look at the flights anyway... bloody hell BA £100 more than this years, Virgin another £120 on top of that... Best wait until October/November sales.

>Martini...

This year I didn't book until February. £250 return inc taxes.A bargain.

BA have been advertising their September sale. I got a quote,this is not what I call a sale price. As usual a high percentage is tax



 

 
Your price quote
 

Your shopping basket Flight: Departing Gatwick (London), 13 Mar 2008
 
Total price (GB Pounds, GBP, £) £428.10
Check your flight itinerary details
Outbound - Thursday 13 Mar, 2008
 11:40
13 Mar 17:25
13 Mar Gatwick (London) Orlando BA2037
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 £ 428.10

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Inbound - Sunday 16 Mar, 2008
 19:35
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Price breakdown
Passenger Price Taxes, fees, charges and surcharges* per person Inclusive total
1 Adult £ 262.00 £ 166.10 £ 428.10
We promise that if you find exactly the same BA flight cheaper on another UK website we'll refund the difference.
BA Price Promise

The price quoted excludes a surcharge that will be levied if you pay by credit card

BA Sale my @r$e  >:(

I was booking tickets for a skiing trip to Colorado over Christmas and New Year (oh, and to see the sister in law and brother in law who live over there)

Got a price one day, got a BA email the following morning saying about the BA Sale so excitedly went to the web site to see how much cheaper the tickets were in the sale, only to find the total price for the four of us had in fact gone up by £150!  >:( :o

I guess we'll have to wait a few more months until the March flights start to get discounted!

A fine looking new avatar you have there Mark  :o

I've booked the hotel in Key West already - using Holiday Inn points from Aberdeen (silver lining and all that stuff...)

I also have enough BMI miles to get the flight to Florida (with Virgin, who are a Star Alliance partner) - but there will be tax of about £200 to pay.

Blimey, what's with all the extra stars and fancy title? I really should come here more often...  :)

Hi Sebringers

BA now have flights to Orlando for under £300 there is also an extra £10 off to sign up to their email news.

I know I said I was not going but...


>Martini...

Martini said Sebring!, I heard him. See you there.

-Lee

 ;D

Hi Lee, have to use up some carried over hols b4 end of March so I may have to do Sebring as it is better than doing the decorating at home!

>Martini...

Hi Martini,
             "Do a U turn as soon as safe to do so" at leasr right after we pick up the BEER ... and Vodka  ;D  Did I metion I am coming on teh bikr this time ??? 8)
Phil

"Did I metion I am coming on teh bikr this time"

Sorry Phil, I cannot understand Canadian, please translate...

>Martini...

translation_  the bike

Thanks Randy,
                    I really must get a keyboard that can spell ::) The quote is from Martini's GPS last year when we went to town to pick up beer.
Phil

Flight now booked. Used air miles, so only cost was tax at a whopping £159.

Just calculated the tax on Gatwick to MCO £205.80  !!!

beat that!

This may interest some/all/none of you.  ;D

Just checking at Budget for a rental car and they have convertible Corvettes (guaranteed) for $195 USD, taxes included, for a 3-day, Thursday to Sunday rental.  I didn't check other dates.

http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/home/home.ex

Looks a good rate, but probably assumes you are a US resident with your own US insurance, which costs us more.

When I looked it up I tried it with U.K residency and the rate was the same.  I know nothing of the differences in insurance.  Do you guys get some sort of coverage included with your regular auto insurance or credit cards?

I didn't check your link, but one year I thought I'd found a stunning rate (I found a code for veterans or somesuch). On further investigatoin, it included no insurance included at all, as it was for US insurance holders only.

For us Brits, there seem to be all kinds of insruance options which we are encouraged to take out, over and above the standard - SLI, CDW etc.

Still, I'll check it out when I have time!

Just pay with your credit card, instant insurance!

Only certain cards I think - gab thought his Amex got free insurance. Also need to be sure that it gets you the right level of insurance.

That is true, with my american lisence, they do not seem to offer all the extra insurance options, they must think I already have ample protection. Usually, master card covers the normal protection, except of course for the LDW.

...wrong Smokie, :-X GAB didn`t think that he got free insurance with his AMEX card, GAB thought he got additional insurance with his motorclub VISA creditcard ??? and since he was not 100% sure he and Smokie were bluffed into not using the card by a fast talking salesman at some rinky-dink no-name car rental agency at MCO. >:( GAB has sinced verified with his motorclub that the purchased insurance was indeed an overkill and will never again pay for redundant insurance.  ;)

Hmm.
Now that we have that settled. ;D

Who's going then?

Anyone booked yet?

I might have to go as I have to use some hols before April.

I just remembered my tent got thrown this year as it proved not to be waterproof, the ducks enjoyed swimming around in it though...

>Martini...

Yep, gab and I are booked - might only be there Fri night and Sat though (other fish to fry...)

I am going for sure, just have to figure out my schedule, cause I am visiting New England first.

Key West again boys.. ;)

>Martini...

Do you even have to ask? ::)

Hey, anybody going to Sebring 08???   I've made my plans to go and hope to see some of the crew there. 

I'd love to go, but personal circumstances prohibit that.  :'(

Hi John,
           I Will be there. Are you bringing Larry and his Bambi sausages ???
Phil

Hi John,

I`ll also be there and looking forward to catching up with you and also hope you bring Larry along. A couple of deer sausages for breakfast is also not a bad idea.

Key West again boys.. ;)

>Martini...
[/quote]

...got that right Martin, this time for the whole week  ;D

I'm going but will not stay at the track.  Bringing the Misses and Larry (deer sausage) and his wife but the girls will be staying in town.  Their loss.  But Larry and I will be there Friday and Saturday then off to the Keys for the first time.

We will be coming down with our wives in the motor home.  Will be staying in town but Larry and I will be coming the the track Friday and Saturday.  I'll see if he has any deer sausage to bring.  I'll bet he does.  Hope to see you guys in March.

I will be there. 8)

Randy? At Sebring? Whatever next?  ??? ;)

Anyway, seeing as John Evans is putting in an appearance, I'd better try and see if this one fits on the calendar, although I've got a horrible feeling it's gonna clash with the proposed cricketing trip to New Zealand being discussed with some pals at the moment.  :(

Nice to have that kind of dilemma Andy

I think I would choose NZ, no contest really.

>Martini...

Hm, same here. I might want to go to the Bathurst 1000 in '09, but need some time to save up. Sebring '08 is off anyway due to skiing and PLM will clash with Zantvoort A1GP (no competition, but that's already booked). So I might as well keep saving untill there will be enough for a fortnight in Oz ;D

Andy, hope "S" fits the calendar, but I understand the lure of down under and NZ.

There's also a dilemma in the Brown household.  A friend in Queensland, Australia is getting married in the spring and the Great Barrier Reef is calling again.

How dare these people scheduling minor events that interfere with "S"?  Aren't they paying attention to the important things in Life?  Smokie will be late, Andy and Steve may not go.  I guess with Canada Phil, Gab and whomever else???  we will just have to make it by ourselves.  But somehow, there are a few missing pieces....

I'll be there with the usual group of miscreants.  :angel:

I also have a dilemma. I have only just realised that Sebring is the week before Easter (Why is it so early this year?) and we usually go on a family skiing holiday at that time. I have to be very careful here as Mrs U is browsing brochures and suggesting hotels and suchlike. If I suggest that I go to Sebring instead of taking her skiing my bollocks will be in a blender faster than you can say "two beers please"

Decisions Decisions

Bob, this is really a no brainer, no decision needed here.  Just don`t think about expanding the family, so you won`t be needing your bollocks anymore, decision made, you`re going to Sebring.

Hoo Ray! ;D

Bob's going to Sebring ! 8)

Yeah, luckily when my O/H found out I wouldn't be home until the middle of Easter weekend I'd already booked everything...  ;D ;D ;D


I will confess that I had no idea Easter was so early. Nor did I give it a second thought when booking...  ::)

Don't talk so loud the wife might hear...

>Martini...

[[/quote]
I also have a dilemma. I have only just realised that Sebring is the week before Easter (Why is it so early this year?) and we usually go on a family skiing holiday at that time. I have to be very careful here as Mrs U is browsing brochures and suggesting hotels and suchlike. If I suggest that I go to Sebring instead of taking her skiing my bollocks will be in a blender faster than you can say "two beers please"

Decisions Decisions
[/quote]
Hi Bob,
        So after Sebring meet up with the rest of the family Skiing in Colorado Utah or even Whistler BC Where you can go to heaven and Ski like hell.
Me.. I will be escaping the damn snow and cold for some fun in the sun.
Phil

I also have a dilemma. I have only just realised that Sebring is the week before Easter (Why is it so early this year?) and we usually go on a family skiing holiday at that time. I have to be very careful here as Mrs U is browsing brochures and suggesting hotels and suchlike. If I suggest that I go to Sebring instead of taking her skiing my bollocks will be in a blender faster than you can say "two beers please"

Decisions Decisions
[/quote]
Hi Bob,
        So after Sebring meet up with the rest of the family Skiing in Colorado Utah or even Whistler BC Where you can go to heaven and Ski like hell.
[/quote]

Yeah right. I turn up at Sebring with a pair of skis and the world thinks I have finally flipped ;D

Don't worry, you won't be the only one, I am going skiing the week before Sebring, then turn up with all my snowgear in Florida and stay for a week ;D

Do you really think if you showed up at Sebring with snow skis on,that anyone would even notice.

Course not, that's the beauty of the place ;D

They let people in cow suits in every year ::) No Problem
Phil

I talked with Larry last night and we will be bringing some deer sausage for the Club Arnage campers.  I just need to know how many are going to camp?  We will arrive late Thursday at the motor home park in town and come to the raceway on Friday.  We will see you then.

Just out of interest (since I wont be at "S" next year) - is this the same as venison sausage?

F

No, it's more expensive.






(Deer / dear ...................... get it.                I'll get my coat)

I'm decided to make a different curry for Le Mans next year ----- Chicken Tarka.

It's like Chicken Tikka but a little otter.


Shall I get my coat too?

Not more expensive Steve.....................just more exclusive!!!  ;)

Hi Fran,
          Let's just say: Worth crossing the Atlantic for ::)
Served with Pigeon eggs makes a great breakfast.
 Pigeon eggs are the same as chicken eggs except cooked to special order by Pidge. You order what you want and you get a fried egg either whole or broken depends how it turns out ;D
Phil

One of these times at Sebring,I will have to make it for Pidge's famous english breakfast.

John,that deer sausage sounds pretty good also.
How bout I invite myself for some of that. ;D

... and tomato, bacon, hash browns, sausages, beans and bread... and a big smile and a cup of corfeee

>Martini...

Wot no vodka  ???

We will be bringing a good supply to enjoy...and Randy, you and Canada Phil are right about Pidge's breakfast, it is worth "the crossing" or the travel to make it.  DON'T FORGET THE HOT TEA WITH MILK IN IT THOUGH!!!!  Larry and I will be making the delivery sometime Friday morning to the CA campsite.  Hopefully, there will be some left for breakfast on Saturday morning. 

Bringing this thread back to the front page, I booked my flight last night. Flying into Orlando on the Tuesday and going home the Tuesday after the race. Will arrive at the track either wednesday or thursday but not sure yet. Won't have a car as my mate is going to drop me off and then drive back to Orlando. I will be leaving straight after the race though to go back with them to Orlando.

Book now as prices are getting silly to Orlando with Easter being the next weekend.

Sebring here i come for the 7th time.

As most of you who have been to Road Atlanta will be interested in this thread I include this opinion of Road Atlanta the site of Petit Le Mans.
Phil
Quote from interview with AJ Allmendinger
who just switched from ChampCar to Nascar. He drives a Toyota

"I did get to test the car at Road Atlanta, which I'd never been to before. And I tell you, that is a ballsy track in a stock car! Trying to get that thing stopped for a corner, coming down the hill sideways... phfff... That was the most fun I've had in a stock car so far."

Paddy.... If you are up for Bathurst.... so am I. We shall discuss in June!
My Mate in Perth will join us for sure. Show em how its done eh!! ;D

Prebooked ticket some time ago, made it solid last night, amsterdam-boston, boston-orlando, orlando-amsterdam is my itinerary for this trip. Dirt cheap these days at only 306 pounds!

If anyone will be at Fish on Fire in Orlando the Wednesday night before the race, we'll see you there.  :angel:

Sorry, I will be at the track already! Drank way to much yuenling there last year anyway. Fun place though!

I didn't know there was such as thing as 'way too much Yuengling'   ;D

Dx

Ohh yes there is, my stomach is not used to inferior products you know ;)

Yuenling?

I wonder how much this will cost in the States ;D

(http://www.selfstudio.com/images/photos/Rennsport_III_07/Rennsport_III_19.jpg)

I just saw the mini keg in the grocery store for about $9.50...seems too small to me!

But thats just for morning breakfast - is it not?

Sounds like it's cheaper than here in Holland!! :o

It contains 5 litres by the way, enough to get from Turn 10 to Turn 7 :-X

;)

Love that, never seen beer measured by the distanced travelled !

It is al depending on the carrier! For me, cause compared to Paddy I'm a lightweight, it would last me one turn more ;D

and my bladder is trained better ;D

.....and here's the proof!!

How unsporting.  You're supposed to fill it

Just had an advance preview of the artwork for the official poster for Sebring. Sorry i can not post it though as it was a sneak peak courtesy of the artist Roger Warrick as i am friendly enough with him to be on his e mail list. But its different than the previous years to say the least. Whats the term, Artistic license !

Is that a case of 'Bin there' or 'Bin Laden'?

The 2008 Sebring Media Guide is posted on his Warrick's website....the final lap of 07 with fireworks in the background.
(http://www.kineticnet.net/roger/2007.html)

http://www.kineticnet.net/roger/2007.html

Sorry, here's the link

Thats also a really nice painting, I hadn't seen that one till now. But its not the painting that he has done for the program cover and poster though.

At least they've fixed the website so George can get on and order my ticket. Order entry page was bust last week.  8)

...tickets ordered and paid for.

 :-* :-*

Right. At the moment we're with a group of five (MarcQV, Dirk3D, jc_nl-Johan, Floris and I) which will fly into Denver on the 8th, rent a car from the 9th onwards to do a Road Trip from Denver to Sebring in approx. 4 days (1900 miles). Arrival at Sebring most probably Wed late or Thu daytime. We have hired two Ford Mustangs for this trip, but ideally would like to get a third car in (2 persons per car).
Anybody interested to join in and share the costs of the third car?

Flight is about the same price as a return to Orlando, journey should be somewhere £250 ex motels, food etc.

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/RouteDfH.jpg)

Cannot make it this year... the wife wants an extra holiday out of me...

So, although I was not going to go to LM24 only the Classic, I will now be doing both. EXCEPT I do not have tickets booked!

Anybody got spares for either or both?

>Martini...

Yo Paddy. Check this out.

Mark and Shar Rau challenge you to a race to Sebring from Denver.

They will ALSO be flying into Denver on the 8th.
Coming back into the good old USA from Cabo san Lucas, Mexico.

They say they can get to Sebring before you.

What do you say, Accept the Challenge?

Lee

 :)

Well Lee, it would be really nice to see them again - but I don't think I'll stand much of a chance against them. Never been to Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tenessee nor Georgia in my life. So even if they challenge me in their van, I will never win it in my hired low-powered Mustang Convertible. Besides, we were supposed to be on a Road Trip - not make a replay of Smokie and the Bandit ;)

Would be nice for them to join in maybe, create a bit of a convoy (breaker 1-9, here's the Rubber Duck ;D). We haven't really planned a trip itself yet, but will definitely be with three vehicles (at least, by the looks of it!). My thought was to push it a bit on day 2 (800 miles in a day?) and create some breath to visit Graceland in Tenessee. Gotta be done once a lifetime! Hail, hail, Rock 'n Roll! 8)

i will make it a task for me to plan the route

By the way Lee, hasn't Mark got another birthday to celebrate on his way? That calls for drinks! Yiihar ;D

Why not?

 ;D

Actually you wouldn't stand a chance. They are flying from Denver to Tampa. You lose.

But, for real, when do you arrive? Maybe you can pass off a sticker, like a baton, and he can have it on his van when he arrives trackside.

Graceland. A must do!!! been once, laughed my ass off.

Have you considered the weather possibilities for Denver in March. Ever heard of the Donner Party? (google it)

Cheers.
-Lee

Our plan is to arrive at Denver Airport on the 8th of March somewhere the end of the afternoon. We will book this Wednesday so I can confirm exact arrival time then. I would be pleased to hand over a sticker to Mark and Shar, have a beer and a smoke together and meet again 1900 miles down the road again ;D

Sounds good already. Most at DfH are RnR-people, so it shoudldn't be too hard to convince all.


Sure, why do you think we're opting for convertibles? ;)

Woohoo, spooky! :o

Thanks Lee, keep those handy suggestions coming in! ;D

Maybe that shoud be Rubber Dick, this is Sebring after all. Don't know what i mean, just ask Andy Zarse, Rick Cutler and JPC and i sure it will bring back a few memories of a Priest and a Nun on the Midway ! ;D

You had to have been there Chris (not in a bottle of JD)  ;D

I thought you were there, but wasn't sure. sorry for missing you out but I guess you do remember what I am talking about.

those Donner's really knew how to party :D

A little bit of snow never hurt no-one ;D I am actually hoping for a big noreaster when I am in Vermont, the week before sebring, skiing will be awesome!!!

Just got a call from Mark. He's in Denver airport.

The race has begun, happy planning and booking!

Cheers

-Lee   :)

Yiihar ?  LOL  :laugh:
 
YeeeeHaawww ! 

Pat,we can have you speaking "Florida Cracker"in no time at all.

That could work out a little tricky this year as we'll probably only arrive by Thursday, Randy!

Road Trip will probably look something like this:
Sunday: Denver - Roswel 500 miles 
Monday: Roswel - Fort Smit 650 miles 
Tuesday: Fort Smith - Memphis 290 miles
Wednesday: Memphis - New Orleans - Pensacola 580 miles
Thursday: Pensacola - Sebring 500 miles

Yep, it looks like we're gonna kick some Mustangs arses! ;D

I know its not the point, but I am glad they invented aeroplanes ! Whats the point of driving if you aren't going to have the time to stop and enjoy any of the sights along the way !

You can enjoy the sights from the car ;D but I must admit, their trip is quit ambitious to say the least!

500 miles a day through some great scenery, stopping only to empty the piss bottle  :o

OK, I did some drinking over the weekend

closest comparrison I can come up with for the length of your little jaunt.
is if I were to fly into Moscow to drive to Le Mans....

 Then I did the math.

Moscow --> Le Mans  approx 2,000km
Denver --> Sebring   approx 2,500km

SWEET!

-Lee

Lee, we're off far worse. The guys did some planning and proved to be logistic disasters. Current planning is 4040 km in 5 days, including half a day off at Graceland! (http://forum.drinkingforholland.com/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif)

ahhhhh, I think I see my error.

2,000 KM  vs. 2,500 MI (4,000 KM)

so Peking to Le Mans then?

 ;D ;D ;D

Nowt wrong with doing a Smokey and the Bandit. At Sebring last year Matt Harper tried to convince us to get properly loaded on Jack D, pack some heat, fire up our hired Corvette and then "run from the law". He assured me it would be a right laugh, the police would enjoy it too and there'd be some back slapping, mutual congratulations and a free lift in a squad car to Orlando International airport when we eventually ran out of road. I nearly believed him.

it's more like Madrid - Rome - Munich - Le Mans: 3975 km (2485 miles) ;D
(that would be a nice drive too, by the way)

Damm right, that would be a nice drive!!! next year?



On a moped ;D

Do Easyjet accept mopeds as luggage? ;D

Maybe, but I think for logistics, we should do Munich, Rome, Madrid, Le Mans. Can we actually go through the mont blanc tunnel on a moped?? ;D

To do that kind of mileage each day i would imagine that you will need to use the interstates rather than the scenic roads, so I hope you like the nice scenery of billboards, trees, petrol stations, and even more billboards. Oh and the back of 18 wheelers !

I could think of plenty of other things i would rather spend five days doing in the US. Like sticking forks in my eyes ! LOL !

Graceland is worth the vist though, and if you have the time, the original Memphis Belle (the first B-17 bomber to complete a 25 bombing run tour of duty) is on display at Mud Island on the Missisippee River in Memphis.

we have adjusted the route a bit to be a bit more scenic and relaxed :)

including the top gear part :)

indeed ;D

day 1: Denver via I-285 to Santa Fe. 360 miles (mountain roads)
day 2: Santa Fe to Fort Smith. 715 miles (full driving day)
day 3: Fort Smith to Memphis. 275 miles (Gaceland and bluesbars)
day 4: Memphis to Pensacola. 450 miles (fresh fish and cold beer at seaside)
day 5: Pensacola to Sebring. 520 miles (last stretch)

Total 2320 miles (3700 km), 36¾ driving hours in 5 days. Plenty of time to drink beers in the evenings 8)

That's an average of 63.1292517 mph, which would be pushing it a bit in the US.  Don't forget they have many 'Bears in the air' over there  :police: :police:

It's a good thing they've only got half a race at S****** 'cos you wouldn't last a full race after that itinerary   ;D ;D

Del


Del

sounds like you have planned one hell of a road trip. Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? No. My family drove from washington, DC to Alaska way back in '95, sold the car and flew home. some 8000 miles in 30 days packed in a 'yota minivan. some called us crazy but we did it.
Its too bad you wont be stopping in New Orleans on this trip to pick me up!  :D  im trying to figure out if i can make it to Sebring this year. it falls almost perfectly in my spring break, but i might not get the cash to get rental car there, and the greyhound bus doesnt seem to be a great option... none of my friends are crazy enough to want to spend their spring break at the 12 hours of sebring.   :(  maybe ill hitch-hike.

Goodduck: if you can make it to Pensacola for Wednesday evening March 12th, I'll gladly take you down to Sebring. We fly out of Orlando though, so you have to find your own way back :-\

FYI:




No idea if this offer applies to non-U.S. residents or not.  ???

wow thanks for the generous offer! i may take you up on that in the end. the only problem is that i have classes thru friday. if i have no exams or assignments i will find a way to Pensacola.   ;D

Wings of gold ey? ;D

nah, just Ride Like the Wind ;D

Duckie.
 Try the AmTrak train,there is a depot in Sebring. ;D

plane ticket is booked whoooohoooo ;D ;D ;D ;D

Indeed, cars are reserved (2 Mustangs and one Grand Marquis) and plane tickets are booked.

Only 5 million seconds to go! :o

the amtrak website tells me that i would have to take a train from New Orleans to Washington, dc then a train to Sebring. i find it hard to beleive that there wouldn't be a simpler way. i have tried to reenter the information several times and it has come back with the same info. they have to be kidding.

EDIT

just got off the phone with amtrak and apparently "thats the way the tracks run"  ;D

i guess we dedicated all of our resources to the interstate instead of rail.

I think the DfH caravan can think of something if you want to go to Sebring. we expect to pass through Pensacola on the wednesday :)

planetickets have been booked, cars have been reserved, so don't worry yet :)

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere. Is it too good to be true?

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/alms/42349/

I take it you didn't mean this:-

Don't know if you really want the peugeot's to run sebring, they are more like the audi than anything else, no sound, dead quick but boring. Maybe Jaques Villeneuve will run it at Sebring 12 hours, expect a lot of canadians at the track then!

Not as boring as Audi racing themselves.  :P

... or Corvette racing themselves in GT1  ::)

or Aston Martin's GT1 not racing at all... (over here)

Well, Corvette won from Maserati at Petit... ::)

 ;D

I'm selfish. I want the notion that you must finish Sebring to win Lemans reinforced as much as possible. I don't care where the care is built or how it sounds.

Quiet and quick works for me. Besides, the turbo era GTP cars weren't terribly loud. I wonder how they would compare on the meter.

sunday 03.41... why can't people just be nice...

the babbling...  >Martini

Did you lose a day somewhere Martini??

Can't remember... maybe, perhaps, sometimes I did

>Martini...

Will the Club Arnage group be camping in the same spot as years past.  If so, I need to know how many people will be in the campsite.  Larry and I are planning to bring something on Friday for Saturday morning's breakfast and it will need to be iced down until it's cooked.  Anybody got a count yet????

John,

As far as I know we will be, that being Team Pidge, again in the same area as we were the past years. I have already purchased tickets for Smokie, my brother Glen and myself and I am sure Pidge, Les and Canadee Phil will also be there. I am not sure who else from Pidge`s group or the Club Arnage will be attending. A few of the CA group moved to the Turn on a few more guests popping in. Let`s see who responses.

Later,
GAB

Thanks for the offer! We are going to stay over at Turn 10, that is me, Doris, Roy and Pieter. We will be camping there mainly due to Drinking for Holland also being in that area.

Will certainly drop by for a chat and cold one! Really looking forward to my third Sebring!

Not this year, unfortunately.

The wife wants an extra holiday so I cannot do three races this year, only LM24 and Classic.

>Martini...

Neil, Paddy, Johan, QV, Floris and me will also be at Turn 10 probably, if we safely arrive after our mad road trip :D

Not me this time around either  :'(

Probably not on the cards for me either, the Mrs has talked me into a Daytona 500 trip next month, and two trips to Florida in as many months isn't in our checking account.  Mid-Ohio and Road Atlanta ALMS later in the season are in the plans though.
Fax

I will as per usual be camping at Team Pidge again. :)

Under the thumb already John???  ;D

Ditch the Daytona and come to Sebring!. Come on.........you know it makes sense!  ;)

Hi John,
          I too vote for Sebring John. Take her to Atlanta for the fastest NASCAR race and as it is in Georgia will remove the problem of two trips to Florida  ;D
It does too make sense.
Phil

Believe me, I'd rather be going to Sebring.  But she has her heart set on the big D, flights are alreay booked, etc.  LeMans may be on the cards though, if the vacation schedule at work falls in my favor.  I should know in a few weeks.
Fax

would be very cool to see you at DfH and LeMans!

Thanks Dirk, I hope we can make it.  Its been about five or six years now since I've been to the Sarthe and would love to get back and catch up with some old friends, and make some new ones.
Fax

I haven't booked a flight yet.
Still looking at how to get to Sebring and where to stay before Sebring.
I've emailed MiCarr maybe he can help me with some things.

This will be our Sebring shirt for this year 8)

(http://www.drinkingforholland.com/Paddy/sebring08ashirt.jpg)

We will make these ourselves, vinyl cut like our 2005 shirts.
Costs will be minimal; £8.00 or $15.00. Closing date for orders will be February 10th. Please PM me with your size if you'd like to order.


[edit:] We think it would be better if only people can order who are actually going to Sebring. This would be more fair. Decision taken as we will make the shirts ourselves, and there's quite a number to produce already.
No consequence for those who already ordered.

wow that shirt is too cool! there is still a chance that i will make it to sebring. *fingers crossed*

I'm still toying with the idea of going to Sebring.

Best flights would be out Thursday morning via Gatwick and back Sunday night from Orlando with BA.

Is there anyone else going on these flights and could do with another team member?

Stu

*bump*

We're gonna cut the vinyl for the shirts on Saturday. So in case are going to Sebring and would like a shirt but haven't ordered one yet, please do so before tomorrow (Friday) 18.00 UK time. The vinyl will be cut to order, no extras available afterwards.

Up 'till now 63 shirts have been ordered, quite an amount!

sorry to bump but i just thought i would post that unfortunately i am not going to be making it to sebring this time around. what a shame ill miss those 908's R10's and RS spyders.  :-[ i thought it could happen but alas i couldnt really justify the costs of getting there and back, plus the mum wants me to be home that week so ill be posted up in a bar saturday for sebring at sunday for melbourne. thanks for the offers to help me get to the race, this place is really great.

i can say right now that i fully intend to be at sebring and le mans in 2009!

I've just realised why Its good that I'm not going to Sebring. Its my Daughters 3rd Birthday next Friday and we are having a party on Saturday.
 This only clicked with me last week when I was told about the party!

Whe you say 'next Friday' do you mean the 7th?  If so, what's wrong with flying out to Sebring after the party?

Dx

indeed - gates don't open 'till Tuesday! ;D

Eerrrrr! Wednesday I think you will find. The party starts on Tuesday outside the gates.

Yeah - you're right. But who's counting days/hours/minutes once you're at the gate? ;D

True, This time next week I am sure I will be pissed as a fart with a certain M. Harper!

That was great fun last year at the Fish on Fire, send him my best regards and I hope to see him at Turn 10!

ATC Greg, Matt and I will be at the Fish on Fire on Friday evening! We have four hours to kill until Julian lands!  :)

^We'll be there Wednesday the 12th.  Guess we'll see you at the track. :cheers:

To those FL bound this weekend - bring your slickers, it's blasting down right now. It's going to be a little soggy at The Fish on Fire this weekend.
It can rain all it likes this weekend - as long as it's blown itself out before the one after.
Safe travels all of you who are on the way over - sorry to miss those that aren't.

Only 2 1/2 hours left at work. :)
Flying tomorrow. :D

finished work, back home, beer in my hand whoooohoooo!!

How does that feel?

relaxed and good :D

Finished packing up the motor home and will be heading out in about an hour.  Will be stopping along the way to pick up Larry and arrive on Thursday night.  Will be checking in at the CA site on Friday morning.  Have a safe trip all.

'Kin ell. I have a sore head this morning. Well, best laid plans all went piss-shaped, as usual.
The plan was that Greg would scoop JPC up from the scareport around 6.00pm breeze over to FoF for a little light refreshment and a bite to eat, before picking up Julian from MCO and driving off into the boonies. That was the plan.
So there I was, sipping my lemonade when Every showed-up in a cab. Apparently Greg's truck had thrown a wobbly and Greg was going to be a 'bit late'. The recipe for disaster was just starting to simmer.....
During the waiting period, there was nothing to do, so we resigned ourselves to drinking like utter bastards. The waiting period went on and on.....
Greg, who was due in at 5.30, showed-up around 9.00. Greg seemed pretty determined to catch-up with us in the inebriation dept. and quickly switched from beer to strange looking green shots. It had the desired effect.
Every's eyes started pointing in different directions......
Julian, who was due in at around 8.30 was still in Philadelphia at 9.00pm. Greg and Mark (who was now telling anyone who'd listen "I love you - you and me, against the world, eh?") toughed-it-out and said they'd wait for the arrival of Mr Woodenshoes.
And so it went on........and on.
Julian's flight got in around midnight (I think). I sent my manservant (son-in-law) to collect him. We killed the time by having a couple of 'slotters'. At this point, the ballcock in Every's stomach switched his brain off.
They finally dragged their asses out of there at around 1.30am - destination? I don't think anyone knew.
No food was consumed. The tab was impressive.
This morning, the tapping of the keys on my laptop is deafening me.
Rick Cutler arrives in less than 6 hours - for fucks sake.

Good work Mr Harper & Co - start as you mean to carry on! :)

F

I remember how Every was looking last year when you showed up with him at the hotel. ;D Good to hear it was likewise this year. ;D

There's nuthin'  like pacing yerself...  ::) ::)

All 6 arrived safe n sound in Denver. Going out for something to eat and drink now, collecting the rental cars tomorrow. No snow here, temps are just above freezing level. Houston was so much better as for immigration than Orlando last year... :-\

Will check in later, regards to all being hit by thunderstorms in FLA ;)

Are you sure it isnt just JPC snoring?!

F

The Moose is loose ;D one more sleep and off to the airport. See those of you that are coming when we get there. To the rest see you in Le Mans.
 Canada Phil

Quick update from FL:
Rick Cutler arrived (surprisingly sober) on Saturday evening. It seems that Virgin Atlantic keep their fares down with the old, "Sorry sir, we've run out of beer" caper. Cheap bastards.
Seth and I hurried Rick down to FoF and filled him up with Yuengling which seemed to render him more familiar. Meeting people from this forum when sober is a little un-nerving, I find. Anyway the accompanying suitcase-full of tea bags (and a honking great bottle of Absolut Wodker) earned him bed and board at Chez Harper. We took him to a baseball game on Sunday. We didn't get to see a whole hell of a lot of the Braves/Cards spring training game, preferring to examine the inside of the bottom of lots of Heineken tins. Embarassingly, we all got 'orribly sunburnt, earning me the usual slapping from 'er indoors.
On Monday Rick disappeared and later came back with a f**k*ng humungous RV, after which, we swung back around to the airport to pick up Doris and another three hundredweight of PG Tips. Predictably we ended up back at The Fish on Fire - it has become somewhat of a tradition, it seems. They both left late on Monday morning to see the launch out at the Cape with Every and Julian. Sounds like they enjoyed the biiiiiig firework.
Just when I thought I could have a quiet night in, it transpires that Hardpoint (YFDS) and 7 of his buddies are coming in from the icefields of the North on Wednesday and heading for.....you guessed it - my local boozer. I think it would be churlish of me not to put in an appearance and welcome them back to the hi'billy state.
Thoughts of f*cked-up tee shirts seem to have faded (like the aforesaid teeshirts themselves apparently! - sorry, I just couldn't let that one-liner go to waste) in favour of cheap beer, chicken wings, driving on't wrong side o' thoroughfare and meeting likeminded American racefans/piss-artists.
Apparently, the road-warriors have passed through Memphis TN and are still on schedule to land on Green Park, sometime on Thursday night.
Roll-on race weekend, eh?
 

I'm with GAB at Glen's house, we met Chris24 at the airport. See y'all at the track on Friday.

No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous! No, I'm not jealous!  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

AAAArrrghhh, you lucky b*stards!!!

 ;D I wish all of you much fun at Sebring!

Cheers

Werner

The last of the MCO outbound CA mob (Rick and Janine) will be wheels-up and homeward bound in about 20 minutes. At risk of rubbing faces in it, this was probably my most enjoyable 12 Hours of Sebring. By the look of things, plenty of others felt the same way.
My man-servant and I arrived at the circuit unusually early this year - I have finally abolished my day-fag status and can hold my head up at Turn 10. Friday night was a particularly pissy-kacky do, Seth's "Liquid Meth" shots, competing with the Tropicoma for bragging rights. Sadly, for each shot that Seth dished-out, he necked one himself, so by and by he became quite incapable of anything verging on coherent. The Turn 10 slide-show was utterly spectacular and a very jolly evening was had by all.
Race day was warm and sunny. It was also loud, drunken and laughter-filled. The food, drink, hospitality and friendship was genuinely a thing to behold and those crazy 'mericans (Jupiter John, Randy, Greg, Lee, MiCarr etc. etc.) make this race so much more fun - particularly for those who travel from overseas to see it. Kudos to you all guys!
For my part, it was a real treat to see so many old friends and to collect such a vast quantity of tea bags from people who clearly do give a rat's ass about me. I'm very, very grateful. I also got to snag all the left-over liquor that can't be flown back to Blighty - so thanks for all that too. I hope all that everyone who made it over had a good time and that you'll all be back again soon.
Special thanks to Rick for helping me with my erection (tent) on Friday night, La Bomba for a piss-funny drive around the car park and to Penske for giving us a race that wasn't a foregone conclusion.
Finally, one of the coolest things I've seen in a very long time (well - a year, actually) was at races end, on the cool-down lap, when Johnny O stopped his C6R on the track across from Turn 10, spooled-up the motor so that it was bouncing on the rev limiter and put down a f*ck-off smokey burn-out right through the curve. Pure class from a team that recognises it's fan-base. Awesome sh*t.   

Matt,

Can you post any photos please.

Leftie

I am just uploading a movie on Youtube of that happening: will be there in hopefully a few minutes

Sounds 'kin great... can I come next year?? ;D Please...

here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsPzPR4GRxM

Cool ;D

Harper.  Take photos.  Now there's a sight to behold.  He'll be too busy hanging onto a cold nigerian  ;D

Can't argue with that one Steve. Equipped with a camera, I'm about as much use as tits on a fish.

Photography tends to compromise the finer aspects of sustained drinking in my experience. Now you mention it - and the more I mull it over, I think it's fair to say that all those folks with fancy cameras with those ridiculous phallic lenses - and f-stop this and focal length that - they're all beer pansies (probably gay too).

Good old Johnny O ! He also did one almighty burnout coming out of turn 17 and down the front stretch. Much more smoke than at Turn 10. Was a joy to watch and smell. ;D

Beer pansie yes, but gay NO !

The Moose is back in the frozen North  ;D Great racing great weather great friends and too much Beer well maybe nearly enough beer  ;D
 Lord PP you can come next year. 8)
 John Evans Sorry i missed youand Larry's sausages ::)
 For those following the plot the bike is back in Atlanta. Wow what a ride ;D
Canada Phil

Glad to see everyone has made it home safely.
Phil I can tell the sausage was excellent.
We had some with the Turn 10 comunity breakfast Sunday after the race.
Mark let me sneak a couple pieces home.Had some for dinner Sunday and cut the other up and mixed it with some fresh collard greens.Damn was that good.
Thanks John and Larry.

Right now it is midnight here,I am enjoying a spot of British tea right now[thanks Neil and Mark] in preparation for the F1 race.
It starts at 2:00 am here.

Anyone else awake?

i dont know if im going to be able to stay up for the whole race  :( 

here is a link for those without TV access like me.

http://itv-80.vo.llnwd.net/d1/broadband/f1/simulcastPlayer.swf

Yup, me up too Randy. Don't want to be up but that's the jet lag from travelling from New Zealand via Oz and Singapore. Flight from Singa was 14 hrs due to strong headwinds and a sh*t slow Boeing 777. The 747 that left 10 mins before us got to UK over an hour before us!

Anyway, Doris kept me up to date with events at Sebring and I told her how we were thrashing NZ at cricket. What a great place by the way, how a country should be.

Arrived back today, I am ever so glad I have tomorrow off work to recover... The whole trip - Daytona, Sebring, Key West - just gets better every year. More when I am less tired...but thanks to all for the hospitalities...

Andy, you can big up NZ all you like but please don't mention the cricket.   :-[ ;)

Dx

Which cricket? Do you mean the cricket where we are 501  ahaead and Blackcaps have two whole days to bat out, and when they don't you owe me a pint? You mean that cricket? God I wish I was in Napier!

here's a couple of youtubes showingh the boys having fun. There were 6000 england fans drinking all day and night for five days. On the first day I saw three policemen, I think they were just skiving. Never saw another for the next four days. Like LM, it shows we can behave ourselves, drink AND have fun without causing trouble. What made my day was the Head of security coming across the pitch at the end of the game and applauding us all. I was proud to be a Brit Abroad.

This is as bad as it got, bad light had stopped play unnecessarily; time for Mr No Nonsense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUWv3hZcdvc&feature=related

Pie Jesu! The Lion Sleeps Tonight. I think he was from Wokingham.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAcsoM5npnQ&NR=1

Jimmy Saville and We are the Army!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoW179SUIuo&feature=related

Yes, that sounds very much like the cricket I asked you not to mention. 

Looks like the Basin was a lot of fun.  God I'm jealous!

Dx

Have put a few pics from the Road Trip online. See http://forum.drinkingforholland.com/viewtopic.php?t=1187

Over 100 pictures, take your time ;)

Paddy, just viewed it, looks like you guy's had a ball.
top job my man.
Brian

Paddy,

It looks like you guys had a brilliant time stateside. What with finding QV had his oil company and filling stations. Did he pay to give you lot a freebee?

One of these days, I'll make it a mission to visit the big S

Cricket???  Never heard of it....

Great job.  Probably the best photoblog I've ever seen.

Have you ever cycled through Chernobyl?  ;D

I'll get my wallet! 

Dx

Great stuff Paddy, good variety of shots, thanks for sharing.

>Martini...

thanks for all the thumbsup guys 8)

Great photo blog Paddy, really enjoyed reading it.  :D

Good work ;D

Pleeeeeeeeease can I come next year?

I think I now know what makes the secret recipe too....

Hi
Did anyone stay with Pidge and how is he and the redneck families

>Martini...

Martin,it was not the same without you. ;D

Lord,all you have to do is get there. 8)

Rex my boy, I think it's only right that the bus makes a trip to Sebring next year. Imagine all the multi gyms we can try out  ;D

I think a Dorset contingent should be organised for next year.

Hey Randy

Appreciate that thought
Next year, pretty much for sure, I was still on holiday that week with the full intention of painting the house, re-flooring the shed and utility room etc.

Unfortunately I was totally screwed by a flu virus from Egypt, imported by our HR manager.
Spent most of the week in bed or on the settee, until friday when I dragged myself down the club for some ale & vodka and to win some money at snooker, both achieved.

Cheers buddy, looking forward to 2009

>Martini...

So true Dear Boy... I am sure such a vehicle and said facilities are available freely over there and at a very low cost. Marvlous. Cant wait for a work out. Ha Ha

HI Martini,

Yes there was a contingent staying with Pidge,

Canada Phil travelled up from Miami with Pidge and they arrived Wednesday afternoon. I got there about 11.20 am and grapped the spot and taped it off for everyone. Set up next to Mike with the big motorhome again.

Gab, Glen and Smokie arrived on Friday, as did Gale, Danny and Josh. Also arriving Friday where Dave, Mary, Katie and Lucy along with some of their friends. Pidges daughter Teresa also came along too.

Dave was meant to be the advance party Thursday but had a big problem when he discovered his truck on fire outside his house. Don't know the cause but probably electrical and its a right off as it totally burnt out the front end and melted some brand new tyres. So he had to travel up with the rest of the family on Friday instead.

Pidge and everyone seemed to be doing fine, except that Pidge forgot to bring the corner pieces for the car port, so now big cover this year. He did go into town to see about getting some but with no luck.
Discovered he was gout of gas thursday morning so no breakfast. Managed to sample his famous breakfast on Friday though and it was up to usual standard.

Sadly had to give it a miss on race day though as i wanted to do the grid walk so decided that I could have breakfast anyday of the year but could only do the grid walk one day of the year, so breakfast had to be sacrificed . It did smell good what i got to spell though.

I saw Pidge abit later on in the day around the camp, and then went back to watching the race.

That was the last I saw of Pidge as he wasn't around the camp site when i returned about 30 minutes from the end of the race. So unfortunately I didn't get to say any goodbyes, as i was leaving straight after the race finished to go back to Orlando with my friends.

Thanks Chris

Glad you had a good time.

>Martini...

Hi Martin,
            Pidge and I debated wether to fly the Guensey Flag and decided
A) We missed you.
B) You should have been there.
C) Other than our happy crew nobody would know what it was anyway ;D
 So Yes we did fly the flag for you.
Canada Phil

Cheers Phil.

I was there in spirit, I actually watched a lot of the race on TV, which made memiss the place even more. It was actually lucky that I didn't make the trip because the first four days of the week I was ill in bed. Thanks for flying the flag.

Pretty sure it is on the agenda for next year.

See you at LM

>Martini...

There seemed to be a lot of "action" around Turn 10.  Mr Termite and I blamed the orange smoke for the state of the surface there. >:D

Termi we missed yall this year.Weather was alot better.Both of your tents survived and were appreciated.Say hello to Mr.Termie and Paul as well.

Randy