I think you've confused me with Downshift.

I do golf, but unfortunately I'm only skilled in the drinking and cigar smoking parts of the game.  Augusta national is a private club, so I'd assume you can't just walk in and play. 

More pics - these by Jamie Sanchez of Champweb.net

Complete album HERE



Steve Brown - take a deep breath. 

Taken by a friend.  Please don't link outside CA.



 

The convenient thing about Sebring is that all surrounding airports are equally inconvenient.    It's really in the middle of nowhere, yet in the center of everything.  Nothing is close, including hotels.  (Not including the chateau).  This means you can fly to just about anywhere - whatever's cheapest.  Compare distance to savings for a risk vs. benefit.

I don't know what the UK equivalent to Expedia is, but keep checking it for rental car rates.  If you're traveling with only 1-2 people, rent the smallest, cheapest car you can find.  I've yet to end up with the car I reserved.  You always get something bigger.  2 years ago, I reserved a Hyundai Accent, but ended up with a Ford Taurus.  While still unpalatable, the 4-day cost was $70.  This year we reserved a Dodge Stratus and by dumb luck ended up with a minivan (which we needed).  4-day cost - $95.  A 4-day camping/parking pass is $10

Shared cooler/grill space wouldn't be a problem, I'd imagine, nor would a borrowed chair.  Just make arrangements in advance.  A stop at Wal*Mart (white trash hell) for food and beer and you're set.

I'd suggest a trip to the Petit as a test run. 

I was there with fellow CA newbie Warlock.  We were on the backside of the track and were kept completely uninformed by the track announcers.  They announced rather emphatically that everyone needed to clear the pit lane immediately, but didn't let on as to the serious nature of the accident.  They initially said that only 2 cars were involved, and asked that no spectators make their way to the s/f area so that track personnel could maintain easy access.

About 15 minutes later, they announced that the race would be cancelled and the rest of the schedule would be moved back.  We couldn't figure out why 2 cars out of a field of 50 would necessitate cancellation, but soon found out why.  One of my friends has some shots of the aftermath that I'll post if I get a chance.  I'll have a bit of video, too (not of this wreck).

A bunch of fantastic old cars there, to be sure.  And that V-12 Ferrari, sigh....

Yep!  You don't need a wetsuit to stay warm, no dive lite,  and every Manatee is 100% cuter than normal! 

I'm assuming you've been to Pennekamp already.  If you've never been to Crystal River, give that a shot.  I've heard the Manatees are a blast.  90 minutes N.W. of Sebring (opposite from the Keys, naturally  ).

http://www.florida-scuba.com/Crystal_River.htm

Sebring is March 15-19

http://www.sebringraceway.com

4-day Superticket - $80 before Feb. 28, $90 thereafter.

This came out a couple weeks ago:

"Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca officials announced today that tickets for Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 of the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix are no longer available for purchase through the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca ticket office. A limited number of general admission tickets will be available for sale at the official 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix ticket outlets while their supplies last. Approximately 53,900 tickets have been sold to spectators for each of the weekend days.

General Admission tickets are still available for the Friday, July 8 practice day, the first opportunity for two-wheeled fans to see the MotoGP World Championship in its first appearance in the United States since 1994. Defending champion Valentino Rossi, his Yamaha teammate Colin Edwards and the rest of the MotoGP World Championship competitors will be on-track on Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-3 p.m. for practice sessions. The sold-out days include Saturday's AMA Superbike Championship race and Sunday's much-anticipated MotoGP World Championship race.

"With almost 150,000 people expected to be here, next week's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix will be the largest event in the 49-year history of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca," said Gill Campbell, CEO/general manager of the historic track. "The combination of MotoGP, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the Monterey Peninsula has proven irresistible. Our phones have barely stopped ringing since we announced the event last August."

Only once before has a sellout been announced at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That was the 1998 Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races with Porsche as the event's featured marque. That announcement was not made, however, until after a large walk-up crowd on Sunday of the event. Next weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix marks the first time a sellout announcement has been made prior to the event weekend in the 49-year history of the world-renowned circuit."

The word on the street is that there's a chance Champ Car will run at Sebring the same weekend as the 12 hours.  Either Friday (unlikely), or Sunday.  That makes a great thing even greater in this guy's book, especially considering a possible 5 days of raceycars is only $80!

Now you didn't hear that from me, because I'm not one to gossip.  

See you there!

For what it's worth....


AUTOWEEK
Published Date: 7/11/05
Honda eyes sports cars

Honda is investigating whether it wants to participate in the American Le Mans Series next year with a new sports car. News of Honda’s interest comes when its future in the IRL is unclear.

Honda had considered a Grand-Am entry where it would take on Pontiac, Ford, Lexus and Porsche. However, there is one big problem: The company does not have a V8 engine in its model range. An ALMS entry could work; its 3.0-liter IRL engine could be the basis for either an LMP1 or an LMP2 powerplant.

Honda U.S. racing boss Robert Clarke met with ALMS president Scott Atherton at Mid-Ohio in May. Honda-backed IRL team owners Bobby Rahal and Michael Andretti, each of whom have made no secret of a desire to expand into sports car racing, also attended the event.

Neither Clarke nor Atherton are willing to discuss their meeting. However, rumor has it Honda is working on a 3.4-liter normally-aspirated LMP2 engine that could be fitted into the back of a proprietary chassis in time for next season and then turned into a twin-turbo LMP1 motor the year after.

You look familiar.  Maybe it's the haircut.

I'll be there with 10-15 friends.  

C'mon now.  No love for Justin Wilson?   I thought I'd at least see a thread about everyone's favorite Champ Car Brit.

He put down a great move to take the lead and was able to hold off the safety car for the final few laps.  

A nice guy, and an overdue maiden victory.

Cheers!!

Thoughts and prayers to everyone over there from everyone over here.

-Rob