Doc1647545523

Cornfields give me the creeps. But, I might be out anyway. I need to see what the weather's like.

I would have laughed at you, too. Inertia isn't the force that caused you to accelerate down the hill. I suspect the force you were attempting to reference was gravity.

Considering where SLS's spend a lot of their time, I imagine a few more will be catching golf balls. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/window-golf-ball-joke-250.jpg

Some of the CR drivers/co-drivers http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Tallylineofpeopleinside.jpg From left to right: Aaron & Jess, Justin, Kyle, me, Justin, Joe Some swapped in/out http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Talladegadrivers.jpg L to R: Dave, Kyle, Joe, Peterson, Justin, Justin, Deley, me Kyle drove the Celica and we both discovered it had a limiter at 200 kph (about 119 mph according to the Garmin). Although you have to stay behind the pace vehicle and not pass other cars, some strategic lagging at certain points allows you to play high-speed catchup on parts of the track. I'm sure Kyle will be posting some video of this event. Although Farkas and I went around Darlington last year, I was shocked at how steeply banked Talladega felt. It was a great experience, and one I highly recommend. The day ended at the Ramada Resort in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The Resort is on the Miracle Strip Parkway on Okaloosa Island at the Pier and Boardwalk. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Beachandocean.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Beachandpier.jpg Although the grounds and the parts of the hotel are impressive, http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Ramadaentry.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Ramadalobby.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/ramadacourtyard.jpg grotto pool: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/grottopool.jpg some of the rooms (the most expensive, oceanview ones) were unfortunately below par. Ours was in a bad location, but a decent room. The ones in the oceanfront tower were stinky and nasty enough that one team left that night for home. An awards ceremony capped off the event, and the Columbus teams did an outstanding job. There were nine podium awards (first, second and third for each of three days) and four special awards. Justin (Cbus FRC) and Dave took 2nd place on day 2. Aaron (MkVAaron) and his wife took 3rd place on day 1. Joe & Justin were awarded 2nd place on day 1, but declined to accept because they were stopped for speed on day 3. They received the loudest applause, because they weren't caught by rally officials but disqualified themselves as a matter of honor. In an event this competitive, it's a pretty rare event for someone to take himself out of the award level to allow others to step up for the prize. Joe kept it classy. :thumbup: The old blue Firebird and its chase vehicle were not forgotten, either. They made it to the checkpoints and events, and the S10 was even allowed on the Speedrome, although it wasn't an actual entry. The Firebird was pretty janky, as it had been stored in a barn for a decade, had cat pee in the fabric, headliner hanging down. Quite a few things didn't work, including the gas gauge. As a matter of fact, they ran out of gas in the one-hour trip from the hangout to Urbana. :lolguy: I believe they also ran out other times. Additionally, they had oil spraying out of the motor, overheated, caught fire once, and installed a new carburator en route. Considering their difficulties, and their courage in taking an old junk car on a rally on short notice, they received the Hard Luck Award and a standing ovation from all. The Columbus winners at the awards ceremony: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/winners.jpg L2R: Aaron & wife Jess, Peterson, Justin, Dave, Diley, and Zubur (S10 driver) Congratulations to you all. Final Thoughts Well, for the third year in a row, CR rookie teams have taken major awards in the national rally. I'm quite impressed by that. Our veteran teams are competitive, but don't quite make it back onto the podium. I think we all had great times despite a few frustrations and hardships. We enjoyed each other's company and made many new friends. Days were spent driving on some great roads to some cool sights and unique experiences, and nights were spent with good food, good drink, and good people. I enjoyed this rally more than the last two, and that's saying a lot. My own special thanks to the Columbus team members--you're all winners in my book. Thanks to the Rally North America volunteers, and to organizers Scott and Tony. Thanks to the CR members and sponsors who donated to the charity. Sean (Crossle) at the North End Wrench did the pre-rally service and inspection of the Celica which was much appreciated. Hats off to Kyle, who was a great teammate, trusted driver and navigator, and displayed tremendous patience by being in close quarters with me for four days. If you're thinking of going on the rally next year, it looks as though it will be partially in Canada. Bookmark the Rally North America website and watch for details and registration information. http://www.rallynorthamerica.com/

We were given time to do figure eights at the Indianapolis Speedrome. Some of the drivers were killing it, thankfully Kyle drove spirited laps but without problem or drama http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/CelicaatSpeedrome.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/celicainturn.jpg We also hit a veterans' memorial, Churchill Downs, the Dizzy Whizz (couldn't miss that while we were in Louisville) and ended up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Although the weather was great 95% of the time (only rain was one evening), the cars got their share of dust from some of the roads we were on. One covered bridge was on a steep, winding gravel road (which I bet was fun with the lowered cars) which left Aaron with some cleaning to do: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/DirtyVW.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/DirtyVWwheel.jpg Team Mercedes, Paul-Michael and Nikki, had unexpected circumstances that required they leave the rally early and return to Columbus at the end of day one. Day 2 began at the National Corvette Museum, which a number of teams toured: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/vettemuseum1.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/vettemuseum.jpg We drove from Kentucky into Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, and our checkpoints included the Clarksville Speedway, the Jack Daniels distillery and a number of scenic points. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/view.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/lake.jpg Me getting spanked at Clarksville http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0010-1.jpg Fastest reaction time from each pair got a 10 minute bonus on the day's time. Of course, I had my worst reaction time at the track in two years, .79 seconds :fuuuu: Lots of good weather and good driving that day before finishing at the Hampton Inn in Gadsden, Alabama. Day 3 was a "non-compete" day for most of us, who had either already won a podium finish from one of the first two days or else just decided to take it easy and sightsee. The first checkpoint, Noccalula Falls, was tricky to find, but Aaron and Jess got a good shot of it: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/NoccalulaFalls.jpg Although checkpoints included historic buildings in Old Alabama Town, the Alabama State Capital and the first White House of the Confederacy, the high point for us all was Talladega. We were taken out in paced groups onto the track, the longest and steepest banked in NASCAR. We had the place to ourselves. :grin2: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0095.jpg Drivers' meeting. Memorable quotes: "Your cars are not designed to hit the soft wall. They will be destroyed or at least seriously damaged if they do. That is why we have all these emergency vehicles standing by." http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/driversmeeting.jpg

Fully costumed Supertroopers, Team Cream 5.0 brought this car: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/TeamCream2.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/TeamCream1.jpg which got a close inspection by the real cops at the starting line http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/realcops.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/smartcar2.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/smartcar1.jpg An Ohio bimmers mod had last minute car problems and brought a rental http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0001.jpg Perhaps the best navigators of the rally, a father/son team in this Porsche http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Porsche.jpg My favorite car of the rally, an M6 belonging to Dan, one of the originators of Rally North America http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/M6.jpg Each morning, teams are handed a pamphlet with clues to checkpoints along that day's route. A starting time is recorded and the clock ticks until you hit the finish line at the end of the day. Clues are usually just a photograph, although sometimes a place name or city is included. The fastest drivers of the day must produce a timestamped photo of themselves at the checkpoint landmarks. Time bonuses can be earned along the way. Sounds simple, right? Example: One checkpoint clue was a photo of the Parthenon. That's it. Where do you go (presuming you recognize it as the Parthenon), Greece? Well, if you knew there was a replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park in Nashville, you could use your internet and nav skills to find it. Kyle @ the checkpoint: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Parthenon.jpg Day one started in Noblesville, Indiana, where they closed the downtown for our staging http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0068.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0056.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/downtown.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0053.jpg Day one was heavy with covered bridges as checkpoints, which offer the additional challenge that they don't have addresses. For example, the reference on the internet may just give you, "....spanning Bent Tree creek, just east of the old Shamley mill pond." Try inputting that into your Garmin. The Ramp Creek two-lane covered bridge in Indiana: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/coveredbridgewithdatestamp.jpg

This is my story, and I'm stickin' to it. I assume responsibility for any misrepresentations and welcome corrections/additions from other rally teams. What is Rally North America? Rally North America started in 2009 when a group of car enthusiasts planned a fanboy cruise in support of a major road rally along the east coast. The group put on its first independent rally in 2010, The Route 66 Rally: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80707 and followed up with Rally Appalachia in 2011: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94628 Although one of the founders of the Rally, Scott Spielman, is a member of CR (Spieldawg) and joined because of knowing the late George Staton through Buckeye Goats, Columbus Racing came late to the Rally scene in 2010 when there were last minute openings in the roster. From its inception, Rally North America has kept its entry fees low and has raised significant money for charities. Many volunteers, working all year long, make it possible for them to accomplish this. Here is their home page if you'd like to know more: http://www.rallynorthamerica.com/ How the rallies work Beginning about 10 months in advance, rally locations are announced and teams (two co-drivers each) beginning registering their cars. Hotel reservations are locked-in, and events are scheduled. Teams follow the developments on Facebook and on a Forum. Each team makes a required minimum donation to the chosen charity (this year it was the Accelerated Cure Project, $50 per team) and begins fundraising. Each team pays registration (around $200 for registration costs and the decal kits). So, total cost for this rally was $250 per team plus gas, food, and lodging. Compare this to rallies charging $10,000 or even $50,000 per team, and you see how affordable this is. This year's Columbus Teams This was my third Rally North America, and I had Kyle (Mahle) as co-driver of Team Toyota. Team Mercedes was Paul-Michael (FyrhzrdGT)) and girlfriend Nikki in his MB 300D. Aaron (MKVAaron) and his wife drove their GTI, Joe and Justin (Mojoe, 35RFTW) took his Subaru because his RX7 had some last minute issues, another Justin (Cbus FRC) and his friend Dave drove Justin's 'vette. Three soldiers fresh from deployment with Joe stepped up to fill spots that came open at the last minute. Non-CR members Diley and Peterson drove a Firebird and Zuber brought an S10 chase vehicle (more on that later). The Itinerary The Columbus teams met at the hangout in Delaware and drove together on US 36 to the starting hotel. We wanted to avoid I-70 (which a number of us drive frequently) and take in some of the countryside. For example, we ate lunch in Urbana at Crabill's, a little shack with the best sliders around, cooked in a pond of grease: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/18631.jpg This year the Rally launched from Noblesville, Indiana, where there's a drivers' meeting the night before the rally. It's great fun seeing what the other 70 or so teams did with their cars for the rally: Paul-Michael's Benz and Aaron's GTI http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0006.jpg My Celica GT4 WRC http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0034.jpg Justin's vette http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Dscn0625.jpg The Firechicken http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Dscn0668.jpg Some of the rest of the field: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0020.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0048.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0047.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0045.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0040.jpg http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k204/stangsn95gt/Rally/DSC_0004.jpg My friend, Jon, from Maine, who used his good car (a Mini) on the last two rallies, but decided to bring his toy (Corrado) this time: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Corrado.jpg Canada well represented by Mike and his Dad (52 EH): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Canadianmiata.jpg

Welcome, Austin. Good intro. I hope you can make it out to our meets and track days. I owned a 1970 Monte SS 454 Turbo-Jet, red like yours, and I regret ever letting it go (needed the money). I hope you enjoy yours as much as I did mine.

Blue Ginger on Sawmill? Jason's Deli on Polaris? W.G. Grinder's on Sawmill? Noodles? Edit: Oops, didn't see the time. Won't be able to make it out that early. Maybe catch ya later at Sawmill.

Rally just ended today. CR rookie teams took three top awards. Many great tales to be told, but that will have to wait until we return. We're partying now at Fort Walton Beach and won't return to Ohio until the weekend. Everyone's had a great time.

Sounds a lot like this Benzo: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/PaulscaratDarlington.jpg (Paul-Michael & Nicky took first place on Day 2 of last year's rally) http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/firstplaceceremony.jpg Of course he's on CR http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/member.php?u=6703

The six teams of drivers from Columbus Racing (and friends) leave Monday for Indiana for the start of the 2012 Rally North America. I think we're all pretty excited. I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to our charity. Team Toyota (Mahle & Doc) raised $1,297 so far for The Accelerated Cure Project. I'd like to thank the CR individual members who contributed: Jones (Sean) & ForeverMaker (Ryan). Numerous CR sponsors and friends stepped-up to donate at the level to put stickers on our car. Many thanks to the following: Bryce & the crew @ WheelMedic (what a kewl logo) http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/WheelMedicclose.jpg and on the car: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/WheelMedichood.jpg flat tire (Josh) from Thiel's Wheels (very generous, thank you ol' friend) http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Thiels.jpg Corey, Wyan and the guys at Slow Motion did up a windshield banner and vinyl for the bumper: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Slomowindshield.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Slomobumper.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/Slomoclose.jpg Twentyone Pilots (Mike) Panduh: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/21large.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/21close.jpg And, last but not least, Kyle, Brady, Justin and the crew at Pickups Plus Cars wanted the wing: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%202012/PickupsPluswing.jpg I appreciate that you all were willing to join us in our efforts. For anyone who may still wish to donate, here's the link: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/dox/rally-north-america-dixie I'm sure we'll have a photo thread up this coming weekend when we return. Thanks, CR!

Welcome, Jon. You'll need to get some pics up before the dragons arrive. Pics of your current daily, past toys, almost anything will do, but it's hard to get repped-in here without a good intro, and good intros have pics. Good luck! Edit: beat to the punch by a mod ..... even more amazing, Paul's post only had a few typos.

An outrageous car. Lots of guys have seen this car run, but not many have seen what it will run flat-out. You gotta pay to see those cards. Giving test rides for qualified buyers? :masturboy:

Welcome to CR. It looks like you have some fun with your car. I hope to see you at some CR events this summer. + rep

Congrats. I love the Mustangs of the last few years. :thumbup:

Hike with someone slower than you = bear solution. I would be mindful of snakes in your campsites and on the trails, but that's just me. I've dealt with brown and black bears and with rattlesnakes. I much prefer the bears to the snakes.

Owned by Phil. Now that's gotta hurt. :dumb:

As I approach senility, I'm finding that I'm increasingly "mixing up" details about my cars. I guess I was having a senior moment at the entrance when I claimed that the car was a seldom-seen 1960's prototype of a BMW 1-series. Thanks. The spectators and participants were all very kind ..... not at all the snobs that some folks think attend Timmayfest. That car brings a grin to everyone's face and children flock to it (prolly because they think clowns are about to emerge from it).

The Quaker show was a good time. Enjoyed chatting with the dozen or so CR folks who showed up to see some great cars. Thanks to Wheel-Medic for providing the shade on a hot day. And of course thanks to Tim for organizing all this. Especially for you, Jones: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/braveviewt.jpg The Brave Little Viewt @ Timmayfest: Bolding going where Audi TT's fear to tread

Ito-San will be there to give drifting lessons http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/ItoSan.jpg

No, they won't let his beetle in. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/emoticons/violin.gif The Viewt, on the other hand, is an exotic. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/emoticons/party0024.gif

Plan to come by with the Viewt, then head up to Timmayfest.

I'm aware that some members and some mods have issues with the organizer of this event, but if you're into BMW, Mercedes, and a few exotics, this event gives you the chance to see some great cars for free. I plan to stop by QSL after Cars & Coffee Saturday. They plan to show cars there from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. When: June 8th and 9th, 2012 WHAT: Timmayfest is a Nation Wide BMW/Mercedes Benz/Exotics car meet put together by true enthusiasts. It is not a car "show" and there is no entrance fee. It is just a gathering of people who share a passion for high performance driving machines. We had 130 cars in 2010 and over 200 cars in 2011. We have people attending from all over the country, CA, GA, FL, NY, MD, PA, MI, IN, MN, KY, TN, VA, for example. It is a chance to finally meet some of the people we talk to every day on this forum..... Friday June 8th - Dyno Day, 9am - 2pm - We hard holding a Dyno Day at IPS Motorsports. They have 2 dynos for us to use. They are offering 3 pulls for $35. Come and put your car on the dyno or just tour the shop and check out some of the other cars strap in and put up some numbers. IPS Motorsports 833 Green Meadows Dr. North Suite C. Lewis Center, Ohio 740-657-3278 Friday June 8th - Drag Night, 4pm - 11pm - Eurocharged has graciously PRIVATELY RENTED the Marion County International Raceway for our use. MCIR is a 1/4 drag strip. There is no charge to attend and watch, but there will be a $50 fee for anyone wishing to race to help pay for the track rental. Remember, this event is for BMW/Mercedes/Exotic cars only. We had a lot of fun last year. It is a great chance to line up against your friends and put your cars to the test. This is not overly formal. There are plenty of safety rules, but you don't have to be an experienced drag racer to participate. Last year was my first time ever on a drag strip! PLEASE REGISTER HERE: http://www.eurocharged.com/index.php...ment&Itemid=91 Marional County International Raceway 2303 Richwood-Larue Road La Rue, OH 43332-9293 Saturday June 9th - Timmayfest 2012, 10am-4pm - We are meeting at the same venue as last 2 years, Quaker Steak and Lube in Polaris. It is a very convenient location with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and the Polaris Mall right across the street. We will of course have a DJ spinning some tunes, and plenty of vendors with items on display. Quaker Steak and Lube 8500 Lyra Drive Columbus, OH 43240 Saturday June 9th - Post Meet Dinner/Police Escort, 6pm-7pm - We are hiring a police escort this year to travel to the restaurant. We will meet behind the Hilton Hotel (8700 Lyrad Drive) at 5:45-6:00pm to be lined up by our police escort, departing at 6:30pm, dinner scheduled for 7pm at La Scala Italian Bistro. This thread has some pics from last year: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93425&highlight=timmayfest&page=2 And here are the drama threads for those who missed it: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99123&highlight=timmayfest The CR Oven, true to form: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=99090&highlight=timmayfest

Oh, I don't know, I think that interior just needs a little detailing and it will be indistinguishable from a genuine Bentley. http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98828&highlight=bentley