2009.....Right around the corner

[mojosvt]

Well, I figured I would go ahead and start some conversation now about next year, as I already am having the winter blues, and miss the sounds and smells of our cobras! My cobra has only been under it's winter blanket for 3 weeks, and I already miss her:(

Anyways, I am hoping even with budget cuts (as my wife and I have put ours under a microscope, and are making serious changes, great for us, not so great for my car hobby), that next year will still include the usual number of shows, both here and around ohio, maybe even woodward or some other shows if weather plays nice.

But the real reason for my conversation is to see who is going to try and make VIR this year. With my budget restraints, there is no way that I am going to be able to do more than one "open-track" event this year. I plan on doing as many local auto-x's as possible, but after missing this year on an open track event, I am going to do everything in my power to get to one next year. And the 10th aniv event at VIR, running 3 days, and full course looks like the best option in my eyes, I just wanted to see what you all think:cool:

[SvilleCobra]

It is on my calendar. Already am saving and planning on it.

May 29 - May 31st, 2009

I also am working on a trailer for my Cobra to tow behind the Redinger family RV. I have confirmed a camping spot ( $50 per night) at the track which will save $$ and I confirmed that VIR has shower facilities available. Food, staying on site, etc...will all be cheaper I think (if gas stays this low!). VIR actually rents RV's to stay in ( $100 per night) as an alternative to driving an RV there - so that is also an option!

Up to 3 additional people are welcome to stay in the RV also....any others are welcome to pitch a tent, sleep in their Cobras, trucks, etc...and hang with us.

Just something to consider as we all begin to think about this event. It would be great to have the entire Buckeye contingent staying on site.

Post your thoughts and plans as MojoSVT started here. I will update the status of my plans as the time gets near. I am considering all options to be there.

Merry Christmas everyone.

[coreseller]

I hear you Michael. What are the VIR dates, I might cruise down with you guys, camp and watch, I REALLY could use a weekend like that.


http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f101/coreseller/StoredPorsche.jpg

[mojo dad]

Mark-is that a porchestang under that cover...hope all is going well. Have a Merry Christmas.

Mark

[mojosvt]

No dad.....


It is a "I wish I was faster and cooler like a Mustang" poooorchaaaaaa

[coreseller]

Alright...Alright...enough lol. The little Nazi Bug may not have the grunt of your guys' car but it goes around corners and stops like stink. Too bad I'm too chicken to drive it ;) . When are you guys thinking about going to VIR? MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!!!!!

Edit....I just saw the dates above.

[psycho43142]

I'll run the you no what out of it for you. I bet the Cadillac could out brake it or come very close.

[coreseller]

I'll run the you no what out of it for you. I bet the Cadillac could out brake it or come very close.
Yeah right. I've ridden with you before, you drive like a wuss.........:rotf:

[tones688]

I'm up for some Cobra gaming! Just got my '97 registered today infact in PA and now have to it inspected - w/ no cats, but I think I have it figured out.. ;)

I'd be up for a weekend at VIR and some camping, rv'ing etc.. I've been up here in PA for going on 1 1/2 yrs now and miss the track!

[psycho43142]

So is who is still planning on going, I'm considering it and don't want to end up going by myself?

[SvilleCobra]

still planning on it and will post up definite plans in the next 30 days.

[mojosvt]

I am going to have to back out. I have decided to pursue a masters degree, and all my free time and money is heading toward that right now. I still plan on attending as many local shows and auto-x's as the budget will allow, but a trip to VIR is simply going to be out of my budget for this year. I am super upset, but there will be more track days....

I am still trying to work it out and save enough pennies, and maybe I can get to a local track weekend, like at Nelson Ledges or something similar.

[psycho43142]

I know where you're coming from Mike, I finnish up the program I'm in in June and am planning a trip out west at starting July 3, going to watch the fireworks at Mt Rushmore on the fourth. So I might not go either, just thought I'd see if anyone was still planning on going.

[mojosvt]

I still plan on getting my speed fix by doing a handful of local auto-x's this year. So I will still see plenty of the CTS-V! Dad and I were talking, about maybe doing 1 or 2 auto-x's up in cleveland this year, just something for you northern folks to think about!

[cobrabitn]

Even if you don't run track, you can come for a day/night and enter the show and catch rides with other club members. VIR is the ultimate road course and it would be a shame to see y'all miss the club's 10th Anniversary. :(

[mojosvt]

Trust me tony, I want to come sooooooo bad. But there is no way I can swing it, you figure a few hundred for gas and food, and with the registration, you are looking at a grand for the weekend.

If mike redinger and chris anderson go down, i am going to try to free up the weekend to head down with them.

[mojo dad]

Tony,

Is there a registration for the carshow. I'm still thinking of coming down with Mike R. Showing the mystichrome and catching some rides.

[cobrabitn]

I understand Mike, I meant to catch a ride down there with your Dad so you can cut the gas bill but with the way prices are now, premium here is still under $2.00 a gallon. Split the hotel bill and you'll save there but if you want to camp out in the club trailer, you can save the hotel bill, too.

Mark, I don't see the registration form in the store, I'll have to get Edmond to get it up there. If you check your newsletter, there is a "hard copy" in the back of the newsletter.

Or just click here for a registration form:

http://www.svtcobraclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6826

[SvilleCobra]

Tony, are you camping at the track? Can you give me any color about that experience and the facilities? I have reserved an RV spot for the weekend and am leaning that way at $30 per night.

The VIR office also told me they have RVs to rent for the weekend on site which I am considering as it is cheaper than a hotel. This option would eliminate me trailering my car down there which I have zero experience doing.

[cobrabitn]

From what I understand, the rooms at the track are very nice and some of them are right where you can see a lot of the track and what's going on so when you want to take a break, you can go to your room and watch. I may be staying at the track this year.

I don't know anything about the RV's there but the track has extremely nice grounds and the cleanest rest room facilities. You won't be disappointed by camping there. :thumbsup:

[mojosvt]

Well, I am going to attempt to put in for a few days. If things work out right, I will be able to head down, if at least for the car show. Might try to talk dad into finally getting the mystic pullied and tuned, and ride down with him, so redinger isn't by himself!

[cobrabitn]

Dan from Pro-Dyno will be there all weekend. :thumbsup:

[mojo dad]

Michael M-you can hitch a ride with dear old dad, and I might even let you drive big Mysti. If you would touch base with Dan about the pully and tune, and I'll secretly budget...don't tell your mom

[SvilleCobra]

Don't tell Mom?!

OK...with that out there...how much money do you have to keep the secret?

You two are very funny and entertaining!

Your secret is safe here...except if Mom corners me.

[mojosvt]

Well, it looks like there will be a few buckeyes heading down south for VIR, and at least one representing on the track and one in the show!


IS IT MAY YET???????????????:D

[mojo dad]

since I manage the budget she'll never know which envelop I'll borrow the money from for the tune. I was hoping to cover the cost out of the annual bonus....but that's not happening this year.

[Stavesacre21]

I was really wanting to try to make it to VIR, but I just can't talk myself into installing a rollbar on the vert. If I'm not going to race, it just doesn't seem like it's worth it to me.

Don't get me wrong, i'd LOVVVE to race the cobra, but it just doesn't seem feasable. Sure wish I still had the 97 hardtop :(

[SvilleCobra]

As Tony said earlier in this thread....come down anyway and take part in the car show and catch some rides around the track with others ( I love passengers and others do to - I am open to letting others do some laps in my car, carefully! ) . This is a great chance to meet a significant # of the club members we only know through these forums. The drive down could be a lot of fun if we coordinate a group to do it together.

As far as expense...I will either have my family RV or a VIR RV rental that sleeps at least 6. I am told that the track shower facilities are first rate. Thus cost wise, you are looking at gas for the trip, cost to stay is free if I have my RV & $25/night or less if I have the VIR RV. The cost of the show registration is cheap too.

To summarize costs....cheap car show, cheap camping, gas for trip, food when there (grill out at RV site - cheap!), and a chance to meet members of this club. Hell, I just convinced myself again why I am going! AND it is the club's 10th anniversary...its time us Buckeye guys w/ these SCMC window stickers on our cars actually attended a big club event as a group!

Hope to see you there and everyone who can get the time off. We will try to coordinate a group drive to VIR and I will post what my exact plans are for camping at the track soon. Anyone is welcome to stay with me at no or very little cost. Thus, the big excuses for not going should be eliminated. I certainly understand though if other factors do not allow Buckeye SCMCers to attend. No pressure from me...just trying to make this simple and cost effective for us. Stay tuned...

[mojosvt]

Well, I have the time off, as does my dad. So we are 3 strong. I agree with the cheap weekend, it is going to be a blast.

[tones688]

I've made the decision to come down and partake. Mike, Mike and Mark, are you guys camping or hitting the hotel? I have a tent and would like to cut costs as I can, and saw Mike's statement with the RV, so I'm game as long as you guys would welcome a transplanted Ohio to Steeler transplant :D

[SvilleCobra]

No Steeler fans allowed! Stay Home!


....you are very welcome to come and stay with us. I am working with the VIR people on an RV trackside that we could rent cheap (far less than a hotel). It would be available from Thursday night to Sunday morning. The Track also has showers available. The idea is that we could all drive our cars there...bring food, drinks, lounge chairs, and anything else we need.. I will bring a small grill and hang at the track for the weekend. Sound good?!

I will post full details as son as I finalize with VIR including cost and # of people the RV can sleep.

OK...we are 4 strong now!

[mojosvt]

Sweet, sounds great to me!

[SvilleCobra]

Details!

RV confirmed. Sleeps up to 5. 3 nights (Thurs. Fri. & Sat.) Cost is $20.00 per night / per person. Full electric & water hookups & nearby shower facilty at the track! All located on the "false grid" at the North Paddock Area. Cobra parking right by the RV, we are just off the Paddock and Pit Lane...this looks ideal.

Grills & Coolers allowed also.

I plan on leaving Thursday morning and coming back Sunday morning - FYI.

Confirm your spot please via post here...

[mojosvt]

Looks like the caravan rolls out thurs morning!!!!


Looks like we will have to do some planning in terms of chairs, coolers, grill, etc.....

[mojo dad]

Great job Mike R...count me in. We'll need to have an organizational meeting, probably with an adult beverage in hand, to determine what we need to bring.

[mojosvt]

Great job Mike R...count me in. We'll need to have an organizational meeting, probably with an adult beverage in hand, to determine what we need to bring.
As long as you give me a heads up so I can be there!

[tones688]

Count me in also! I'll schedule vacation for Thursday until Tuesday and plan on heading down Thursday morning. :thumbsup:

[SvilleCobra]

ok....4 people in. Have room for one more, possibly two if we like you.

tones668....we can meet up somewhere on the drive down.

I am excited gentlemen!

[Stavesacre21]

i tell ya guys, all this talk totally had me looking over my schedule and finances for the ride down to VIR. All was going great until i was informed that my fiance's sister's wedding is Saturday, May 30th :mad:. If anything, the idea of the caravan down there and chillin on the track started to really grow on me.

I'm pretty sure i'm dead-locked out of VIR, but i'm gonna stay persistant on it, just incase. Is there anything else at all slated for us bucks??

EDIT - SOOO apparently labor day weekend ISN'T on the last weekend of the month of may for the first time in ages. I was told the wedding was that that weekend, and assumed it was the 30th. However, as we all know, Labor day is on the last monday of the month, putting it on the weekend BEFORE VIR :bounce:

As it stands, i'm gonna see if I can put in for vacation from thursday to sunday night and we'll go from there. I'd love to join the caravan down and hang with the gang for the weekend...finally making it out for the first time in over 5 years that i've been trying!

Mike, sounded like you had room for 1, maybe 2. Think i'd be able to squeeze my fiancee and i in there? Let me know your thoughts on it. Thanks guys.

[Stavesacre21]

OK, although i'd really like to keep my Cobra as close to stock as possible, i'm now looking into possible rollbars. How many points does it have to be for events such as VIR?

And most importantly, do any of you guys know any roll bars that are removable? I know some need welded, but i'd prefer to remove it when not on the track. I never cared for the way they looked, but if it's the only way to get on the track, then i'm starting to consider it.

Lets hear it bucks. I know you're out there!

BTW - it's lookin good for VIR one way or the other...especially if I hear good news from Mike R!

[mojosvt]

As for a rollbar, you don't need anything welded in. I have installed 4-5 autopower roll bars now, and they are all 4-point bolt in. Although it take a solid hour to hour and a half to pull it out and put in back in, it can be done. You can find them on autopower's website, or maximum motorsports page.

[Stavesacre21]

Alright! This has me totally primed now! Thanks for the info, mike!

So mike, after you remove a rollbar, can you see any signs that one has been installed (such as any gaping holes, cutouts, etc) or is it completely inconspicuous?

Lastly, all the MM roll bars i've checked out, such as http://www.maximummotorsports.com/index.html?http&&&www.maximummotorsports.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=121_126 claims that welding will be required for a convertible. Is this an option? I'm looking into the 14.3 model...looks like it would meet my needs the best.

As for the autopower bar, would the Autopower street sport rollbar found here http://www.livermoreperformance.com/mustang_roll_bars.html
be the one that you've been installing mike? It looks like a winner, and they claim no welding on most installations. Ironically more expensive then MM tho :doubt:

what's your take on it mike?

Hope all's well with the family!

[SvilleCobra]

I was told it sleeps 5 by VIR....could squeeze six I think. You and your better half are welcome which would make six. It may be a little tight and she will be in an RV with 5 guys (who will act like gentlemen for the most part!) if she doesn't mind that.

Let me know your thoughts. I will consider the RV full at this point! Cost is $20 per night.

** One other thought to all - I have been told the RV is nice and that the facility showers are right by us and are very clean. I have not seen them in person and cannot confirm how nice or not nice they are. There is an element of risk here if the information I have been given is bogus....just putting it out there so nobody is mad. Personally, I think the accomodations are as nice as described or I will give you my Cobra!

I will post a new thread in early May to start talking about what each of us can bring and when the caravan will head south.

[Stavesacre21]

Dibs on the car ;)

Well, consider the RV full then bud. My fiancee hasn't decided if she's gonna be gonna go or not, so mimimum, you'll have 5 in the RV. She told me that if I were racing she'd go for sure, but that it might not be that exciting for 3 days to watch cars go around a track. I wasn't shocked by the response to be honest lol.

I'm still up in the air if I'll be racing or not, but i'll be going for the drive and car show for sure. Might be just a lil too much financially for me to pull a rollbar, helmet, SS brakelines and Registration together in less then a 2 months.

Any chance we'd wanna pull together a gathering somewhere in Columbus before then...say April maybe?

Discuss!

[cobrabitn]

The facilities at VIR are top notch as they have grounds people constantly cleaning up everywhere, you will not be disappointed! :thumbsup:

remember, we have a car show Saturday and banquet Saturday night so it will be more than just watching cars going around the track plus she can catch a ride with an instructor which if she likes speed, she'll love riding with one of them.

Why not let her go out on track for one session? We'll be offering that as well for people who just want to try it. My advice would be to just run the weekend if you want to save a few dollars but missing full course would really be a sin.

Either way, you're going to have a blast! :bounce:

[mojosvt]

Well, I can second Tony on the facilities, as I have personally used them, and they were great then!

As for if you should do the track day or not, that is your call, as you won't be alone either way. As Mike R is doing all 3 days, and both my father and I are only doing show. I am not even bring my car, just coming along for the ride. (of course I will be bring my helmet, and catching as many rides as possible!)

Now Tony, what is this about trying it out, and only running one session...details??????? If the price is right, I might consider it.

[Stavesacre21]

ditto on the curiousness of trying it out. Lets hear :)

[cobrabitn]

You can get one session with an instructor for 30 minutes. This year it will be better organized to make sure we have this opportunity available to those that want to take advantage of it.

[Stavesacre21]

As for if you should do the track day or not, that is your call, as you won't be alone either way. As Mike R is doing all 3 days, and both my father and I are only doing show. I am not even bring my car, just coming along for the ride.
Not even taking your Cobra on down there, mike? What's up? Figured the more the merrier for the caravan down there :D