Al N.

Dave- I had my car (Caterham) converted to side exit by simply replacing the pipe that comes off the silencer with a 90 degree bend. It's worked fine so far (2 years of ownership). I had to do this to get past NJ's ground clearance rules...but probabably would have done it anyway. I would bark up Woody Harris' tree at MSI Motorsports in Vacaville CA...those guys prep race Birkins, so he'd probably know best. Also, I think some guy from usa@se7ens.net (a list serve worth joining if you aren't already a member) has made his own carbon fiber can...was it Pierre Demartines? -Al

[ANOTHER X-POST FROM USA@SE7ENS.NET] I received an email from someone after sending out my previous message to the list. Here is the exchange: ME: >C) I got an email today from someone who signed up on our original >"handraising" registration form...but who hasn't gotten any of the monthly >updates regarding the costs and schedule. HIM: I might fall in that category. I've gotten some mailings, but I think I've missed others. I'm not sure if I'm still registered or not. I've never paid a registration fee...don't even know how to. ---- FOR CLARIFICATION: The easy way to know if you are officially signed up for the Event: If you've paid any fees, you are registered. If you have not, you are not. The original "handraising" registration was set up to get a feeling for how many people we might expect to commit to the event. Back in January, we sent an email out and posted in several places how to pay the reg fees. Note that we are now taking registrations manually, since USA7s.com switched forum software packages. The good news is that of the original 90 or so folks who raised their hand that they were interested, about 70 have followed through on paying.

Oddly, I'd be interested in this position...but will wait to see if there are other noms.

If no one steps up, I guess I would continue...but I would really rather step down and let someone else fly the flag for a while. It's really about continuing the momentum, and I think whomever is the next Prez will inherit A) a financially sound org, and B) one that is coming off a lot of good press. If possible, would be good to have someone who is NOT a dealer/mfg. so as not to bias things too much toward any one marque.

Since a few folks have dropped out of the 777 Auto-X, I thought I'd start a post for alternate plans for the day. Keep in mind that I would love to get together with as many people as possible Sunday night after the Auto-X. Either at Fontana or maybe somewhere in town? Anyone care to take up the organization of this particular cause?

Folks- Since founding the Club at the end of last year, Mazda E (slngsht) , Jerry E (powderbrake), and myself have served as acting officers (needed 3 for Club incorporation). Mazda will be staying on as Club Treasurer for at least a year more for continuity. We are looking for a new club President and Secretary to serve 2 year terms. As a reminder of the Club's goals: USA7s, Inc. is a new marque-inclusive Club dedicated to the appreciation, ownership, and enjoyment of Lotus Seven-inspired Sportscars (LSiS). Members of this non-profit organization are entitled to participate in national, regional, and local events — which may include some or all of the following: group drives, tech sessions, shop visits, car shows, and autocross events. Members who organize and run USA7s Club events are eligible for umbrella liability coverage for non-autocross events under the Club’s insurance policy. Out of pocket costs for the events are to be shared by all participating members. Additionally, USA7s Club members are entitled to access to members-only areas of the USA7s forum, hosted at USA7s.com. This site is one of the primary sources of LSiS information on the Internet, and is the only national-level site that is truly marque-inclusive. Whether you own an original Lotus 7 or one of the many cars built in the spirit of Colin Chapman’s “four wheeled motorbike”, USA7s.com has something for everyone. If you are thinking about buying an LSiS, are looking for advice or support for a car you already own, or just want to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, USA7s.com is a great place to start. Finally, members of the USA7s Club will be eligible for any group discounts negotiated from vendors, as well as access to any Club publications (newsletter, registry, etc.) — whether online or printed. ---- Here's a stab at the job responsibilities of the Secretary: • The Secretary should keep the club database updated and also take and distribute minutes from any meeting of the officers or the club. Feel free to post nominations and comments here. You may nominate yourself or someone else (as long as they know and are fine with you nominating them!)

Folks- Since founding the Club at the end of last year, Mazda E (slngsht) , Jerry E (powderbrake), and myself have served as acting officers (needed 3 for Club incorporation). Mazda will be staying on as Club Treasurer for at least a year more for continuity. We are looking for a new club President and Secretary to serve 2 year terms. As a reminder of the Club's goals: USA7s, Inc. is a new marque-inclusive Club dedicated to the appreciation, ownership, and enjoyment of Lotus Seven-inspired Sportscars (LSiS). Members of this non-profit organization are entitled to participate in national, regional, and local events — which may include some or all of the following: group drives, tech sessions, shop visits, car shows, and autocross events. Members who organize and run USA7s Club events are eligible for umbrella liability coverage for non-autocross events under the Club’s insurance policy. Out of pocket costs for the events are to be shared by all participating members. Additionally, USA7s Club members are entitled to access to members-only areas of the USA7s forum, hosted at USA7s.com. This site is one of the primary sources of LSiS information on the Internet, and is the only national-level site that is truly marque-inclusive. Whether you own an original Lotus 7 or one of the many cars built in the spirit of Colin Chapman’s “four wheeled motorbike”, USA7s.com has something for everyone. If you are thinking about buying an LSiS, are looking for advice or support for a car you already own, or just want to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, USA7s.com is a great place to start. Finally, members of the USA7s Club will be eligible for any group discounts negotiated from vendors, as well as access to any Club publications (newsletter, registry, etc.) — whether online or printed. ---- Here's a stab at the job responsibilities of the President: • The President serves as the main contact for people inside as well as outside the organization, and should strive to promote and enhance the profile of USA7s. He or she should work with other officers and club members to coordinate club meetings, discounts, and communications. Feel free to post nominations and comments here. You may nominate yourself or someone else (as long as they know and are fine with you nominating them!)

[X-post from USA@SE7ENS.NET] A few points regarding the event... A) Some folks have emailed with minor changes in plans (adding Auto-X, dropping Auto-X, etc.) We've been handling these requests as they come in. Please note the following refund policy, which we sent out when you paid: DUE TO THE SCALE OF THE 7-7-7 MEET, THE REFUND DEADLINE FOR THIS EVENT IS JUNE 7, 2007. YOU MUST NOTIFY USA7S, INC. IN WRITING AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL/LETTER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. We're totally fine with people changing plans, just be sure to get any changes in before June 7 — otherwise we cannot guarantee you a refund. We have to make firm arrangements/commitments and headcounts with vendors, as I'm sure you understand. Refunds will be made by PayPal if applicable or by check. B) I'm happy to report that there has been a flurry of new sign-ups in the past week or so, which we are handling manually since the migration of USA7s.com to new forum software. I have to look at the numbers (some folks who signed up are in build), but I think we're at about 71 cars...which means there are less than 10 open slots left. C) I got an email today from someone who signed up on our original "handraising" registration form...but who hasn't gotten any of the monthly updates regarding the costs and schedule. If you are in a similar situation, please write to Mazda and I directly or visit the appropriate thread at USA7s.com: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=137 That's about it for now. -Al P.S. We're holding elections on 7-7-7 for a new club president and secretary, so if you feel like nominating someone or yourself, find the appropriate thread at USA7s.

Loren- Awesome job and recap! Now take a few weeks to recover physically,mentally, and financially, then load up the trailer (the one that hitches to your Ultralight) and let the rest of us see the Se7en that runs One Lap! No worries if you can't make it, of course. Thanks for representing the world of Se7ens in spirited fashion. And for those of you who have not done hard miles in the pouring rain...I highly recommend it. Nothing helps you bond with your car like an epic drive that requires literally bailing out your cockpit afterwards — and I think Loren's car doesn't even have the benefit of a half-top.

A note on alcohol...and no, I'm not going all temperance on you. For those staying at Tapoco, they sell beer and wine out of the Lodge. They owners have asked that we use them for our onsite group beer and wine needs (which I think is fair). If you wanted to bring some beer for your personal "on the porch of your cabin" consumption, that's fine too. Full on keggers I think are not. Of course, should anyone want to bring some scotch or other mixed drink elements, they are totally open to that since they don't carry it. I think an informal microbrew exchange would be a very cool activity...perhaps for Sunday night after the auto-x? Up at Fontana before/after a final ad hoc group dinner? Of course, I need not remind folks that drinking and driving don't mix.

When I drove down to Shenandoah in torrential thunderstorms, I drove 40 mph in the right lane of 78 and 81 with my blinkers on whenever it got bad. I found that trucks gave me a wide berth and often gave me a friendly honk or wave when they passed. I think the BEC part of your situation is the true limiting factor. As noted, I will have the kids with me so no Se7en. If I'm stuck in Traffic (I've heard it happens during the shows), I'll call Mazda. I had sent one contact list of 777 attendees around a while back that had phone numbers on it. FRS radio channel 7 (and subchannel 7 if there's interference on the main line) for contact at the show.

Jon- I was really LOL on that one. Not that I know from experience or anything. I agree there are different types of owners. Probably as many as there are types of cars. Some folks think they want to get one and then fall out of love in the first few years...just look at the number of semi-recent cars we've seen on the second hand market. Then others fall in love and stay there. Some, like Tony V., are tempted by a newer better looking model (his Elise), but keep on pining after a Seven. Obviously, I think the majority of folks who chime in here regularly are the long term type. I was truly an early 911 fan (66-73) before I had my first ride in a Se7en. 3 years later I bought Orange. And this will be my second anniversary. And unless some financial hardship forces me to sell it, I will have it for a very very long time. -Al P.S. I documented my first year or so of ownership pretty well at my blog: gardenstatesevens dot org slash wordpress.

Skip- I don't know if this makes a difference whenever you figure the sensor thing out, but I do know that the dip switches on the back of the speedo make a difference in terms of how the speedo reads. There's a certain combination depending on your final drive and wheel/tire combo. Be sure to sort that out down the road using a GPS, mile markers, or pacing a known accurate vehicle....mine read on the optimistic side of things until I got it sorted (which probably means my odo is on the high side of reality too).

How about shooting for 11 am rendezvous? FRS radio channel 7. At the Westfield booth. With wigs on. (Wigs optional.)

Via radiose7en.com http://news.windingroad.com/motorsports/one-lap-of-america-40-world-class-roadster/

Tom- It will be good to meet you finally. Perhaps I will wear a wig now that you've "outed" me on my love for the XI (and the XTR). It's all about purity of purpose, IMHO, and Westfield products have it.

Keith-I saw on GRM's online teaser page that there was going to be something about Se7ens in the next issue. I guess you were part of the hijinx. Just don't tell me you take on a r500 evo or JPE and leave it in your exhaust.:cry: I'm still slightly miffed that Tim couldn't spare any staffers to come to 777...oh well, their loss and all that.

I'll be seeing you at Carlisle, right? We should set a rendezvous time. When can you get up there by? (post over on the carlisle thread) I wonder if Dennis Brunton is coming. I know that Dino/Deman is...

There's a car show in Bethlehem PA that weekend. My wife has a wedding on Sat, but I may be able to get coverage for my kids...if that doesn't work out, how about an informal meet up on Sunday to ogle the metal? http://www.concourseast.org/default.shtml

In their "Road and Trackday Car of the Year" article. The new R400 (with Ford/Cossie power) gets nipped by a Porsche GT3 RS for top honors, though it's admittedly 4 times the price. But the authors say something about the Se7en being the purest, most entertaining, best use of 200 HP, blah, blah, blah that we already know chapter and verse. The regular Roadsport 125 and new Westfield Miata do pretty well too. The Atom (bane of my existence...so many people talk about it over here like it's A) cheaper than a Civic and B) 1000 times better in every way than a Se7en) is considered entertaining and definitely quick, but still has some handling gremlins that make it less confidence inspiring than a Se7en.

Rob- Thanks for the update and coordinating a meeting. It's these smaller, impromptu get togethers that will keep the momentum of the club going. Any pix? Also...see if Mazda can move this to the appropriate regional forum. There might be other people in the Atlanda area who'd want to meet up. -Al

Does someone with a relatively recent vintage narrow bodied Caterham similar to mine (wide suspension and 15 in wheels preferred) have the time, inclination, and access to their car (mine is getting the water rail put in) to fill out a short form regarding certain dimensions of the car? It's stuff like overhang, etc. Send an email to me if you can help. Thanks in advance.

NIce 13" wheels there, A.C. Can you provide the specs of your trailer? Mostly, I'm interested in the bed height and ramp length. That will help me determine if the cheaper, non-brake equipped option is viable. -Al

I'm up for the Pokenose too...not so far from my neck of NJ. Jon-we should switch this over to the NNJ/NEPA/NY blat? thread..

Aw shucks... It's been fun seeing it all grow. And of course, I couldn't have done any of it (nor would have I wanted to) were it not for folks like Bill & Marcy, Mazda, Jerry E., the rest of founding club members — not to mention all the forum/club members at large. FYI, I just sent out the May update. So check your email boxes. Forgot to mention that we were not able to get the 100 octane fuel thing lined up...price would have been about $9/gal. However, we will have Texaco Super Unleaded available at Tapoco, an upgrade from the Regular fuel they generally carry.