Wallpaper

[Mr. Rick]

Just changed the wallpaper on MB for those interested in such things to brighten up the old desktop.

To download (in various sizes up to 1280x960), go to http://www.maisonblanche.co.uk/download.html

Latest offering is:

[Fax]

Rick,
Great photo!  I remember that car well.   McNish & Kelleners had a tremendous scrap with the Rob Dyson R&S during the opening hours of the race that year.  Dave, Ricardo & Nick, remember that year?   I really miss the 333SP's, they made such a lovely sound up on the banks at Daytona.  It used to be great to walk right down to the wall, stand and watch them scream by at full tilt boogie.
Fax

[Mr. Rick]

Thanks Fax. Was my one and only year at Daytona (so far), really glad I made it to see that gorgeous car in anger on the banking. Did indeed look and sound soooooo good.

Two things that really struck me about the place as I was driven through the tunnel were 1) the size of the place and 2) the angle of the banking - awesome! Bleedin' cold though that time of year. Was it 2000 (the Viper year) where it was freezing in the night?

Other major memories of the weekend include spending some time underneath a Gulf 917!!

[Dave H]

Hey Rick:

Was cold that year wasn't it?  One of the most magic things about that place is the garage access during the night.  You really feel part of the event don't you?  I too remember the first time I entered the Speedway - a true feeling of awe.  And to see WSCs thundering around on that banking is one of those amazing sights.

Any plans to come back?

[Mr. Rick]

Well, I was there as a guest of Gunnar Racing in 2001 (as well as keeping a watchful eye on the Pilbeams which were handily camped in the next garage) and Kevin Jeannette keeps inviting me back, but it's difficult to get time away from the business.

No plans as yet for future years at DIS (the DSPs don't quite do it for me I'm afraid), but keep promising myself to make it to Sebring one year.

Gunnar Racing gave me a brilliant jacket which kept the ravages of the climate out and it's still my choice of pit wear at Le Mans too - ideal for the chilly 4am pit lane stints!!

Access to the garages is indeed great at DIS during the race, except when Corvette were involved! Big bunch o' heavies on the door!

[Fax]

2001 was kind of raw & drizzly most of the weekend but in 2000 it was actually sunny & pleasant during the day but the temps plummetted at night. Got really fricking cold. I remember waking up at about 8:00 am or so to the sound of a car clearly in its death throes.  It was the leading Dyson car of Max Papis!  Eventually the ORECA Viper caught it and put it out of its misery.
Fax

[Canada Phil]

Hi Fax And Rick, Thanks for the memories. Corvette chasing the Viper for the lead after 24 hours and needing maybe 1 more lap to get it done great race much better than the Corvette dominance the next year. 333sp wfo on the banking has to have been one of the great moments in motorsport anywhere.  Spectators allowed on the grid before the start made it very unique too. Not what it used to be.
Rick Sebring is so worth it how about next year??
Petite on this week end and me stuck at home. poverty truly sucks
Canada Phil

[Mr. Rick]

Hey Phil

Good to hear from you but sorry to hear you won't make PLM today.

Of course Daytona 2001 was also memorable for me for the fact that I saw you on almost home turf for once rather than in France!!

Cheers

Rick