Winterfest 07: 1/17-1/21 at sebring [Archive]

johnmdanskin

11-16-2006, 11:55 PM

http://www.sunshinebeemer.com/

4 day event in sunny florida in january. I went last year: 85 degrees (f) & sunny. It's got to be pretty horrible there in the summer, but january is perfect.

I'm driving down tues and weds before, driving back mon and tues after. Sebring is about 30 hours from montreal, a mere 27 hours from rhode island, although I actually did the drive in 26 elapsed hours last year, including 4 hours of sleep. Last year I drove down on my pilot sport cups. This year I'll drive down on my pilot alpins or possibly trailer, although trailering is harder and slower, there is a certain increased peace of mind.

It would be fun to see a bunch of people I know in florida in january, so come on down.

-john

Lee

11-17-2006, 07:17 AM

Well, I am thinking going in January as I will have a few clients running Massive products.

blacksheep

11-17-2006, 07:49 AM

Sebring is about 30 hours from montreal, a mere 27 hours from rhode island, although I actually did the drive in 26 elapsed hours last year, including 4 hours of sleep.???

it took me 27 hours from my place (~1hr North of Montreal) to Boca Raton, Fl (further South than Sebring) with a 2 hour sleep break

I'm there right now, I wish I had a place to store my car :( that way I could fly home then fly back down in January and have my car for this event

silver ride

11-17-2006, 09:13 AM

I already went to Sebring (unfortunately not as a driver) and the track looks pretty fun for the part I saw. It's about a 5 minute drive from the place of someone I know. I wish I could drive down there too one day...

johnmdanskin

11-17-2006, 10:55 AM

I got the driving times from google. I was also wondering why they were so long. They might be a few hours pessimistic depending on how you do going through the toll plazas in delaware and traffic near DC, etc.

It isn't too hard to store cars.
If you want to be inside, you can go to craigslist or try a std storage facility: around $100/mo depending on location. If you can be outside:
http://unclebobsselfstorage.reachlocal.com/coupon/?scid=121769&cid=42597&tc=06111707444796239&kw=1820&dynamic_proxy=0&primary_serv=unclebobsselfstorage.reachlocal.net
in my area, parking was $50/month.
Driving your car up and down is shockingly expensive if you work in the wear and tear, so storing might actually be cheaper.

the track is dead flat except for the bumps, which is bad, but it has a lot of linked turns, there are 17 turns, and there are some straightaways where fast cars can be over 150mph. I like elevation changes, so it's not my favorite track, but it's a good track.

The town of sebring? Warm. Inexpensive. Definitely warm. Lots of religious radio stations and book stores. There are definitely restaurants there. Can't argue with that. Stick to chains like outback. There is one incredibly good used book store, but otherwise, it's a wasteland. The track is cool. Lots of incredibly fast Porsches. Last year I was on the track with gt3 cup cars which made me feel like a cone, even in a straight line.

the chateau elan is booked, but the much less expensive kenilworth lodge has rooms available. More personality. More stairs. Less air conditioning.

blacksheep

11-17-2006, 11:38 AM

I usually leave at 3pm and drive I-87, I-287 NYC bypass then I-95 non-stop through the night. This takes me through the NYC area, NJ, Washington, etc in the late evening or middle of the night, avoiding ALL the traffic. Biggest lineup I encountered was 3 cars in front of me at one toll booth.

I stop near the NC / SC border for breakfast, get a couple hours' sleep then drive on. If it's a weekday I might hit some early traffic through Jacksonville and possibly some late traffic through West Palm Beach but never more than a few minutes' worth.

Gregster

11-17-2006, 06:56 PM

Hmm my place is Port St Lucie is only 2h away. Ill see if I can get some time off from work/funds. My 325is is killer on the pocket

snowmanmtl

11-23-2006, 04:55 PM

[quote=johnmdanskin]http://www.sunshinebeemer.com/

4 day event in sunny florida in january. I went last year: 85 degrees (f) & sunny. It's got to be pretty horrible there in the summer, but january is perfect.

I'm driving down tues and weds before, driving back mon and tues after. Sebring is about 30 hours from montreal, a mere 27 hours from rhode island, although I actually did the drive in 26 elapsed hours last year, including 4 hours of sleep. Last year I drove down on my pilot sport cups. This year I'll drive down on my pilot alpins or possibly trailer, although trailering is harder and slower, there is a certain increased peace of mind.

It would be fun to see a bunch of people I know in florida in january, so come on down.

You were there last year? Me too.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/PBOCSebring2006023.jpg
I was parked just behind Seb. Rochon.
Did the 48hrs of Sebring as well.
Have not signed up for either yet because I don't have anything that runs. Radical is waiting for a Hyabusa and the Pcar needs Tranny, brake and suspension work.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DCP_0128.jpg
I will be there to watch or teach if nothing is running.

Gregster

11-23-2006, 05:42 PM

Mike I should be there, You can drive whatever it is I bring

Maybe a rental V6 Auto Stang

Lee

11-23-2006, 05:45 PM

Hey Greg. Isn't that your car you had at SCP? How come Mike is driving it? :rolleyes:

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/PBOCSebring2006023.jpg

snowmanmtl

11-23-2006, 06:07 PM

I was just warming up the tires and getting the wax off the windshield for him.
Johnmdanskin, let me know what you were driving. I will see if I have a shot of your car.

blacksheep

11-23-2006, 09:48 PM

Gregster

11-24-2006, 12:22 AM

what if we got a little group together (5 - 8 ppl) then hired a transport truck to haul the cars down there? And maybe charter a bus to travel in a relaxing way ...

anyone in?

It would probably cost each driver the same as it would have cost for driving down (gas / hotels / etc.)

Would we have to make stops in Boston and Rhode Island? ;)

one of my clients happens to have a car transporter for 8 cars and he just happens to run the mtl florida route. If I go I will drag my sister along so she can drive 50% of the distance.

and mike thanks for taking care of that tranny issue, I think racing that white M3 is what did her in

johnmdanskin

11-25-2006, 09:27 PM

I was just warming up the tires and getting the wax off the windshield for him.
Johnmdanskin, let me know what you were driving. I will see if I have a shot of your car.
Hi Snowman. I was driving a black m coupe. This was pre-checkers.Here I am parked at sebring last year.

http://mydrive.roadfly.com/blog/uploads/johnmdanskin_sebring_1_320x240.jpg

This year it will look more like this:

http://mydrive.roadfly.com/blog/uploads/johnmdanskin_Mby_Checkers_320x240.jpg

And I'm pretty sure that I'm going to drive my car down (I -hate- trailering, althoug it is nice to have the stuff with me.), so I'll look something like this when I arrive:
http://mydrive.roadfly.com/blog/uploads/johnmdanskin_Tires_640x480.jpg

except with the checkers and wing. I need to get the spoiler off for repairs and winter, and I don't think I'll put it back on just for sebring.

Looking forward to seeing you at sebring!

-john

snowmanmtl

11-26-2006, 12:23 AM

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DSC_126.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DSC_127.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DSC_128.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DSC_129.jpg

Did I get the right car?

Gregster

11-26-2006, 01:17 AM

wow john you put wheels on the roof?

thats hardcore!

Emre

11-26-2006, 02:10 AM

wow john you put wheels on the roof?Comes in handy if you roll the car...

Emre

snowmanmtl

11-26-2006, 04:55 PM

Ahh, yes it makes sense now!
I always thought it was a good idea to have four equal sized tires. Rotation.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/johnmdanskin_Tires_640x480.jpg

I think I remember that car now. It was probably the quickest BMW in the group. Is there a little bit of "forced induction" going on under that hood? The guy in the red GT3 behind me was there on the "Arrive and Drive " program from Porsche Experience out of Atlanta. He had a Pro driver teaching him until he was ready to try a new Cup car.

snowmanmtl

11-26-2006, 05:05 PM

This was on his first lap in a Cupcar ( just ahead of me), turn 3.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d51/snowmanmtl/DSC_0190.jpg

Gotta get those tires warm !:rolleyes:

johnmdanskin

11-27-2006, 02:38 PM

that's the right car snowmanmtl. thanks for the pics! the car does have a wee bit of forced induction. it didn't at sebring, but then I wasn't all that fast at sebring last time either. This time I should be able to drag the cup cars in a straight line, and maybe the car and driver will be set up for cornering a little better too. I had the camber set up somewhere between insane and ridiculous at sebring last time, so the front tires were great except for cornering and stopping. 8-)

I have actually never ever passed a gt3, so I'm looking forward to going to another porsche meet. Of course, I'm not interested in going faster than other cars, only in extending my skills in a safe environment with respect and care for the other drivers. But I hope there is a slow gt3 there. 8-)

snowmanmtl

11-27-2006, 06:24 PM

Of course, I'm not interested in going faster than other cars, only in extending my skills in a safe environment with respect and care for the other drivers. But I hope there is a slow gt3 there. 8-)

Of course:rolleyes:.

Edit: I think I fixed it. Was able to chop it down to two laps
http://www.movedigital.com/go/snowmanmtl/27226

johnmdanskin

11-29-2006, 09:01 PM

For anyone interested in a couple of sessions at Sebring Feb. 2006. PCA.
http://www.movedigital.com/go/snowmanmtl/26719
Very long( I don't know how to edit) but it gives you a view of the track
yow, that's the world's largest video file. 8-)

Gregster

11-29-2006, 09:16 PM

snowmanmtl is new to these fancy computer machines

snowmanmtl

11-30-2006, 09:39 AM

Gregster

11-30-2006, 06:44 PM

I tried to snip a clip out of that thing about 10 times, using Nero 7. Finally got fed up and found a site that hosts for free, to a point. I just loaded it up and walked away. It took three hours to upload! :D
I think it can only be downloaded a few more times before the host crashes and burns.
Gregster, the new Tranny parts for your car are on the way but where do I send the bill?

Send it to the man with the white M3!

What exactly blew in the tranny and will the car be ready for Sebring? Afterall whats the point of going to the track if we can't constantly follow eachother around :p

johnmdanskin

12-05-2006, 04:04 PM

I just noticed that I can drive through the tail of the dragon (north of tapoco georgia on hwy 129) tailofthedragon.com, on the way to (or back from) sebring. This might be the most famous motorcycle/sports car drive in the US (north america?). January isn't the best time, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it. (5 extra hours for me, might be less for montreallers since you are further west).

Emre

12-05-2006, 04:14 PM

I just noticed that I can drive through the tail of the dragon (north of tapoco georgia on hwy 129) tailofthedragon.com, on the way to (or back from) sebring.This was one of the highlights of the "original" Sebring WinterFest trip that Andrei and I made a couple of years back. It was fun and we took lots of pics. Make sure to stop at "The Home Place" and eat some pork chops with fried okra.

Emre

johnmdanskin

12-05-2006, 04:40 PM

This was one of the highlights of the "original" Sebring WinterFest trip that Andrei and I made a couple of years back. It was fun and we took lots of pics. Make sure to stop at "The Home Place" and eat some pork chops with fried okra.

Emre
unless there is another one, "The Home Place" in north carolina is in between 95 and dragon, but sadly not on an efficient path from sebring to (say) maryland. Which is disappointing since I love pork chops and fried okra.

johnmdanskin

12-05-2006, 05:20 PM

unless there is another one, "The Home Place" in north carolina is in between 95 and dragon, but sadly not on an efficient path from sebring to (say) maryland. Which is disappointing since I love pork chops and fried okra.

I see my error. "The Home Place" is a long way from the tod. "Home Place" is right on the way. Now that I can have my fried okra I'm going to be in a much better mood.

Bimmershop

12-14-2006, 08:56 AM

Hey guys, I'll be driving down again this year for the 6 hour enduro and the rest of the races. There is going to be quite a bit of us down there, let's party!!!!

Cheers

snowmanmtl

01-02-2007, 06:57 PM

I was too late to register for the DE but will be co-driving the 90 minute enduro in Group 2 with Isi Popadop.....( one of the Raven group guys) . Is there anybody attending that would be interested helping us with refueling on Fri.?

Bimmershop

01-03-2007, 08:52 PM

No problem stopping with us. We will be set to refuel so we will give you a hand :)
You got in a good ride with Isidore :) Bet your going to have a good time.

snowmanmtl

01-03-2007, 10:23 PM

No problem stopping with us. We will be set to refuel so we will give you a hand :)
You got in a good ride with Isidore :) Bet your going to have a good time.

Awesome! Thanks. If I can help out with anything at the night race, let me know.
Isi is a really great guy. Very laid back and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun(actually he is in the picture on page one of this thread , right on my *ss).
One more favour to ask:o if you can. I know your van was packed last year but, if you have room, I need my other helmet, hans and nomex bits. We are already down in Fl. and I only have my DE stuff. Girlfriend will be back on the 13th and could drop it off. No problem if you can't ,I will have it shipped. Let me know, thanks again for the fueling offer, it takes a big load off. I'll bring the beer on Fri.
snowmanmtl@hotmail.com

blacksheep

01-03-2007, 11:20 PM

I might drop by, we'll see if the timing is good

I'd rather not commit since I'm not 100% sure of going, but if I'm there I'll be glad to help out

Bimmershop

01-04-2007, 08:39 AM

Snowman, I can get your gear down. I'm leaving on the 14th. We have plenty of space as this year we are comming down in the Bimmershop Express Bus.

snowmanmtl

01-04-2007, 10:56 AM

Snowman, I can get your gear down. I'm leaving on the 14th. We have plenty of space as this year we are comming down in the Bimmershop Express Bus.

That's going to be tight but could you email your contact info and address and I'll see if I can get someone in Mtl. to drop it off. Thanks .
Mike
snowmanmtl@hotmail.com

snowmanmtl

01-05-2007, 09:04 PM

Spent the day at Sebring today for the SCCA Nationals "test and tune" and will be there for the weekend races. Not one session went to the end, all were black flagged to clear up the debris. 380 cars expected for the weekend. It's going to be like Rollerderby! One group has 80 cars.

snowmanmtl

01-15-2007, 08:57 PM

Okay, who's coming?

blacksheep

01-15-2007, 11:51 PM

finally we're not going due to special circumstances

have fun!

Bimmershop

01-16-2007, 11:38 PM

Hey guys, just to let you know that we just arrived at the track and setting up camp :) The weather is nice and warm.. we will have clouds during the next few days but i can live with that!!

Cheers

Seb

Lee

01-17-2007, 07:12 PM

Okay then. There is snow, and it is damn cold here. Wish you were here. :D

Have fun in Sebring.

snowmanmtl

01-17-2007, 07:21 PM

Seb was camped in the infield last night and had Internet access. Today he moved into the paddocks and I think the track shut down the wireless so, I will have to send in the reports I guess.
It was overcast today and kinda cool. It barely made it into the 70s.:D

Bimmershop

01-18-2007, 11:01 PM

We just completed the 6 hours enduro. Wow waht a race. 29th overall and 1 rst in clas. We were running really well but had a little overheating problem when the car was shut down right away comming from the track. This got us down 9 laps. It was a great experience and are now doing the rest of the races this weekend.

I will upload pictures tomorow.
Great warm weather.

cheers

seb

p.s. Thanks to Mike for being the no. 1 fueller during the 6 hours!!!!!:)

Bimmershop

01-20-2007, 09:41 AM

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF3002.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF2996.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF2976.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF2985.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF2989.jpg

Bimmershop

01-20-2007, 09:55 AM

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF3008.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF3006.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/pmiracing/DSCF3018.jpg

Lee

01-20-2007, 10:02 AM

Wow. That seems like fun. Guys. I swear. Next year, there will be a 2002 with S14 and 100 litre fuel cell... Only 3 fill-ups.

mightydread

01-21-2007, 09:02 AM

wow , nice job seb.
any pics of the bimmershop bus???

cheers
mikie

johnmdanskin

01-25-2007, 10:53 PM

in case anyone asks, I didn't pass a gt3 at the event. I'm not even sure that I saw a normal gt3 at all. There were huge numbers of porsches, but all the gt3s I remember seeing were cups, americas, rsrs, whatever full out racing gt3 you wanted to see was there. I also saw carreras, 914s, 944s, a 928 I think. You name it except for gt3-street. Oh well.

There were two slow radicals which cornered like rocketships on rails, and then there was a fast radical which dropped my supercharged m coupe on the straightaway like a very fast thing dropping a very slow thing. And it cornered like a rocketship on greased rails.

Bimmershop

01-29-2007, 09:15 AM

More pictures:
http://www.chriszakin.net/pics/Winterfest2007/winterfest2007.html

enjoy

Bimmershop

01-29-2007, 11:16 AM

Link to Sebring article.
http://www.bmwcca.org/node/6713

drive4fun

01-29-2007, 05:11 PM

Very nice!
Congratulations on a job well done!

mightydread

01-31-2007, 06:27 PM

nice dude,
i like the driving in this video too:):):):)

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=1233170513639014892&q=seb+rochon

Lee

01-31-2007, 07:10 PM

nice dude,
i like the driving in this video too:):):):)

http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=1233170513639014892&q=seb+rochon

He, he. Ça ressemble à "Le Mans" ave Steve McQuinn. Il y a même le flou artistique dans la caméra. Super.

johnmdanskin

01-31-2007, 09:12 PM

He, he. Ça ressemble à "Le Mans" ave Steve McQuinn. Il y a même le flou artistique dans la caméra. Super.

I remember an evening when I was roughly 17 when I was riding my motorcycle after taking acid and the lights were just as they are in this video. This was roughly as smart as shooting arrows straight up in the air when I was 7.