I only currently see two drivers in Solstice GXP's registered for this event. Both are running the same car (Eric Stemler), and I believe that the second driver is from this board... but not certain, it's just a guess. I see Alex Jones will have his ASP GXP there along with a Detroit SCCA co-driver.
Anyone else from here going to make the event?
I've never done a National Tour event, but I'm thinking of heading down to this. Not that I think I'm going to be all that competitive in A-stock.. but at least to see what I can do against some serious competition.
After upgrading tires (stock to Bridgeston RE-01R's), and attending the Evo School Phase I and II... I'm now consistently setting fastest stock time of the day, and PAX'ing in the top 10 (usually 4 - 6) and the only top 10 car on street tires. Locally I've reached my peak in competition... but on a divisional or national level I'm guessing I'll be in the bottom of the ranks as my car isn't prepped having only a K&N, Solo Street Race exhaust, and the Bridgestone street tires.
None the less looking to see if anyone else from here will be there... I'd love someone who could show me the ropes a bit at this level of an event. I have a feeling I'd be a bit lost looking over the information, etc. Peru is a bit of a drive for me (3 - 4 hours), but certainly nothing like what many of you do.
My goal is to make it out to Topeka this year if I do well enough (no clue as to what that is though) at the National event to not feel embarrassed of my potential results.
I'll be at the event but which class/car I'll actually run is a little up in the air. My co-driver (Jason) is an old S2000 driver and current AS national champion. We might be running against DrJones and co in ASP with his new ground pounder.
We'll definitely be running my car at the Milwaukee Tour (pavement very similar to Topeka...) if you want to make the trek up there in July. Milwaukee region always puts on a great event and well worth the trip.
Wish there were a couple of ASLs registered. My wife having a shot at tire contingencies is the only way it would be worth the trip. We've enjoyed running at Peru in the past, but since Topeka NC changed to running on (gritty) asphalt there is little reason to tear up tires on uneven but grippy and abrasive concrete. Same reason we are not doing Toledo. It is flat concrete but concrete none the less and the course designs there have left a lot to be desired, especially given the size of the lot.
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Spin or win, there's no glory for going slow!
Team Dynamics AX racing
2003 GSL, 2005 HSL, National Champion
2007 GXP ZOK Mean
Solo Performance Race catback
Rick Hendrick Pontiac
Solo Performance
CHARLES FRANK goldsmith
I'm glad to see that there will be a few folks from here at the event. I'll have my Yellow (Mean) GXP out there. I have to register and get a hotel.. but I'm going to go and get my butt spanked none the less. I think I'll be the only AS car out there on street tires, so I don't expect to finish anywhere but last!
Last year at the Huntsville Nat tour the 7th and 11th (out of 13) place GXP in AS was on street tires IIRC. And that was pre ZOK suspension pkg. Get the Hotel first that's usually the most difficult part. Kokomo is ~ 15 miles away. Nothing much closer unless you want to stay at the prison next door.
Word of advice: If you think you are going to lose, you already have...
__________________
Spin or win, there's no glory for going slow!
Team Dynamics AX racing
2003 GSL, 2005 HSL, National Champion
2007 GXP ZOK Mean
Solo Performance Race catback
Rick Hendrick Pontiac
Solo Performance
CHARLES FRANK goldsmith
Last year at the Huntsville Nat tour the 7th and 11th (out of 13) place GXP in AS was on street tires IIRC. And that was pre ZOK suspension pkg. Get the Hotel first that's usually the most difficult part. Kokomo is ~ 15 miles away. Nothing much closer unless you want to stay at the prison next door.
Word of advice: If you think you are going to lose, you already have...
We usually stay at the Grissom Inn. it's on the other side of the base from the prison. cheap rates for SCCA guests (~$49 for a single queen and ~76 for a suiet).
Sure there's not that many places to eat right around Grissom, but we (along with a bunch of other Detroiters) make a trip into down town Peru to eat at Los Tres
They have some Margaritas that hit the spot saturday night you just have to remember to limit yourself as you still have to drive sunday.
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2007 - GXP - White A Street Prepared - Crazy Monkey Racing
DEJON Powerhouse - Wester's Garage
We usually stay at the Grissom Inn. it's on the other side of the base from the prison. cheap rates for SCCA guests (~$49 for a single queen and ~76 for a suiet).
Sure there's not that many places to eat right around Grissom, but we (along with a bunch of other Detroiters) make a trip into down town Peru to eat at Los Tres
They have some Margaritas that hit the spot saturday night you just have to remember to limit yourself as you still have to drive sunday.
I've got a room in Kokomo as the Grissom Inn was full except for the suites, and the hotel was cheaper then. I'm up for Los Tres if that's an invite.
I'd love to meet up with anyone / everyone who is coming down. This is my first National Tour event, all I've done is the local South Bend events and some in west Michigan as well over the last few years.
My plans now are to drive down Friday morning, be there around Noon or so with my drive. I guess I could come earlier, as I see there is a test and tune on Friday that it might be good for me to take advantage of... though, the only thing I have I can "tune" is my tire pressure!
@KK: I get what you are saying, and believe you me... when I'm at an event I'm there to win. I'm setting realistic goals though... I've never competed on this kind of level, and there are 4 drivers from the top 20 of last years AS National's who will be there out of 10 entries. I'll drive hard, fast, smart, and hopefully at least one run will be clean... and the results will show the effort I put in. But, not having a car prepped anywhere near what these other cars are will be a disadvantage... so while my skill and heart might be equal, the cars are not.. and we'll see how much of that I can overcome!
I've got a room in Kokomo as the Grissom Inn was full except for the suites, and the hotel was cheaper then. I'm up for Los Tres if that's an invite.
I'd love to meet up with anyone / everyone who is coming down. This is my first National Tour event, all I've done is the local South Bend events and some in west Michigan as well over the last few years.
Just come up and introduce yourself!
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2007 - GXP - White A Street Prepared - Crazy Monkey Racing
DEJON Powerhouse - Wester's Garage
We are considering not going to Toledo.
you just have to remember to limit yourself as you still have to drive sunday.