Al N.

Congrats Jeff! Give 'em hell. Depending on where the challenge is held, perhaps some USA7eners could crew for you?

Steve- Car is still in the shop for the water rail (was waiting for a hose from UK). As I recall, they just drilled out the leading most popper and replaced it with a one way boss...then replaced the snap on the boot cover fabric with those back to back snaps. When I get the car back, I'll shoot it for you.

I could have two breakfasts? Or you could come to Mrs. Rowe's? I seriously doubt my family will motivate all that early, so I'm most likely eating breakfast at Mr. Taylors! (BTW, I thought you'd be glad to be rid of those Navarros.)

Charlottesville about an hour from Ms. Rowe's...I will (God-willing) have the trailer, as well as the family with me. I don't want to slow you guys down, but a rendez at Ms. Rowes would be fun (and fitting). What time do you project you guys could there by? Hopefully, I'll have the trailer in time to try taking it through some twisty bits so I'll know if I feel comfortable driving the dragon with it. The access over from the Skyway isn't much better than the dragon in terms of sharp blind corners. If I'm not feeling confident, I may head over to Asheville on 40 then back across. Though, if we caravan, I'll have you guys to be my "flag cars".

I'll be leaving Charlottesville around 7 am or as soon as the family can motivate. I will probably stop by Ms. Rowe's before getting on 81.

It looks like only about 20 people are going to participate in the Auto-X on Sunday. Due to logistics of the Auto-X, these folks are going to be tied up for most of the day on Sunday of the USA7s at the Dragon meet. And we would love to have some spectators to laugh at us/commiserate/cheer. It would also be very nice to regroup with anyone who is staying in the area though Monday AM. Let's think about meeting up for dinner, perhaps at Fontana so those not staying there can get a feeling for what it offers. Also, just because you're not Auto-Xing doesn't mean you should get the heck out of Dodge Sunday AM. Please take the opportunity to explore one of the other routes in the area and give the rest of us a report. One trip that I think makes some sense is a trip over to Asheville to see the Biltmore Estate. You can pick up a lot of the Blue Ridge on the way over and back. I encourage the non-Auto-Xers to talk amongst yourselves on Friday and Saturday to hatch a plan.

Two options: A) Sign up as a regular full participant anyhow and kick some tires/ask questions/put faces to names. We'll try and shake loose some passenger seat time for you, too. I wouldn't mind signing a few folks (could even be spouses or friends of LSiS owning participants) up as chase cam/support car drivers too B) Come as an event volunteer on any one of the days. I have one guy from Knoxville who is a commenter on Jalopnik who wants to hang out with us at least one of the days. Note that we probably only need one to three non LSiS volunteers each day (Friday - set up, car show vote tabulation, general running around..."Can you drive over to Robbinsville to get some Mini DV tapes?"; Saturday - the "long day", general event gopher stuff, group photo coordination, camera car drivers/camera operators; Sunday - Auto-X and take down. If you're interested in either option, drop me an email.

Any other folks bringing cams and or cam mounts? I just bought a triple suction cup mount so we can get some down low "fenders that turn" footage, but primarily I think I'm going to have one rollbar mounted facing backwards (if I'm near the front) or forward (if I'm near the rear). Would be great to get vid of every sortie...have a camera car on every drive. Oh also, Mini DV is preferable...makes it easier to digitize and download/upload.

Steve, my brother just called me with the same message. I think that R8 was down there when I was in April...some bikers who were staying at Tapoco told us about it and also, that was the S2000 weekend, apparently they are mentioned/shown in the pix. The only question is...where will we go next that has the same concentration of twisties? BTW...I think I was able to score the club a loaner Digital recorder and lipstick cam for the event. We'll have to make sure to capture some of the drives for posterity.

!!!ONE MONTH TO GO!!! To make it easier to get the message out to everyone, I'm posting an interim MONTHLY UPDATE here instead of sending a long bulk email. Everyone who paid a registration fee (as well as a few who merely raised their hand a while back, and the handful of folks who have dropped out) will get a brief email directing them here. Minor admin details first: 1. If you have not sent me your T-shirt size by now, you will get an XL or the option to order another size at the meet. 2. If you have not pre-registered for the Sunday Auto-X, but have paid and intend to participate, please click on this link and pre-register: http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6988&psrnd=.7556811563444495584530643303185690072 Cancellations and Openings: There are 8 parties who have officially withdrawn from the event for one reason or another. Meaning we received an email from you and sent you a confirming email. Not too bad, really...and a few new folks have thrown their hat into the ring. So our overall numbers are about the same. Note that the June 7th refund deadline has officially passed — any cancellations from now until the event are non-refundable. Just so that everyone knows where they stand, here is a list of the people who have withdrawn from the event: Fred S. Skip C. Bernie L. James W. Bob R. Sal F. Mitch L. Steve W. If your name is not on that list and you thought you had withdrawn and waiting for a refund, please write to both Mazda and I for clarification. Likewise, if your name is on that list and you still intend on being there, let us know. Here are the folks who have withdrawn from just the Auto-X: Michael D. Jim G. Cherik B. Graeme G. Rob M. Again, if you feel there is an error, please write to Mazda and I. Finally, I want to say that just because your car is not ready or running does not mean you shouldn't come to the event. While we would like to have as many LSiS vehicles there as possible, the camaraderie and networking is worth coming for, IMHO. And I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to grab some passenger seat time from fellow Se7eners. So if you are still intersted in coming, whether you had paid and withdrawn or are just finding out about the event and want in, here's what you should do: 1. Call to find a room for at least Friday and Saturday nights. Tapoco, Fontana, MicroTel, or any other place in the Robbinsville area. 2. Send an email to Mazda and I, Mazda will tell you how to pay. A reminder that the cost for 1 individual is $100, including memorabilia, insurance, and 3 meals (Friday Dinner, Saturday Breakfast, Saturday Dinner). Additional Memorabilia and Meal Packs are available. That's about it...things are really coming together and rain or shine, it promises to be a fun event for all Se7en enthusiasts.

In the interest of maintaining a happy marriage, I will not disclose exactly how much the ATL cost when all was said and done. Let's just say adding a zero to your figure wouldn't be enough to cover the tank alone, not even including the install cost. :cry:

Oddly enough Mazda, the only mod I have any second thoughts about is my gas tank too. Because I take my kids in the car on the road, a few people suggested switching to a bag tank/fuel cell for safety's sake. And I know it was the right thing to do for safety's sake...a mod that I won't regret should it ever come into play. But it was pretty darn expensive (I choose to "do it right" and run a new A/N fuel line too...not the easiest solution) and the 55 liter ATL tank eats up nearly half of little boot space I had. My second thoughts are mostly...hmm, I could have bought a trailer for the cost of that tank.

Try this page for research... http://www.itgairfilters.com/megaflowcarburettor.asp?section=megaflow

Mike, I don't know what the induction system on your car looks like, but ITG makes some good oiled foam filters.

Have you watched the You Tube of Mazda driving my TT on the Dragon or did I erase that to protect my reputation. I probably should have just kept quiet like your Aunt! Great story.

Many years ago, my wife and I were on a trip in the 4 Corners area...headed from Durango to somewhere in Utah at night I came around an uphill corner to see a huge herd of deer in the trotting across middle of the road. Over 100 animals. Fortunately we were not going that fast and I was able to slow down. Once they realized I was there, the deer took off like a school of fish. I'll never forget that.

For Steve T... I found this shot of my engine bay where you can see the cooling hoses...the shiny black pipe that runs near the side as well as all the hoses are part of the system. I'm pretty sure all of those will be replaced by the water rail. Also, because I don't have a heater, it eliminates the need for another hose. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/777025402_OrangeEngineBay.jpg

Would any of new folks care to tell us a little bit about themselves in the "tell us a little about yourself" thread? Posting pix of your LSiS would be great too/in lieu. Thanks to all the new folks who've done so already.

Speaking of harsh, Tom....

One of the best sorted and prettiest Se7ens in the country, IMHO. Thanks for posting, Gert.

The prize for the Dragon Auto-X arrived last night. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1602770954_AutoXPrize.jpg

Keith- Could you revise the title of this thread to include "SOLD" so people know. Also, I'm curious who bought it...anyone from this forum? -Al

Perhaps...wonder if Keith Barrett's car was sold to someone who lurks here? Keith?

Congrats! I've always loved the paint on that car. Maybe after this road trip, you'll be inclined to meet up with a few more Se7eners...maybe the first full weekend in July?

Don't I wish Rob. I'd have to win the lottery or tell the kids to find good state schools or full scholarships if they feel like going to college. And maybe even risk my wife leaving me for a saner man! I actually knew nothing about this car before I saw it on Jalopnik. It looks very cool, although I bet it would run close or over $80k once you got it over here.:cry: I have considered some of Richard in France's nutty carbon bits, but came to my senses.