Al N.

For even more clarification: SA = Auto and SM = Motorcycle You can get a Bell M4 open face for under $300, but I find that the dust really gets me sneezing and my eyes itching...so I'm going to try and find a good inexpensive full face. Or take my chances with the loaners and a stocking. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/blush5.gif Oh, and I know that the Pyrotect helmets are brought in by the former Bell people, so I think they won't be terrible. A preferred helmet supplier would be a good resource for club members (and of course, we should try and negoiate a club discount of some kind)...I'll reach out to the two from whom I've bought: Extremesupply.com and Pyrotect/Bellhelmets.com. Both in California. Anyone have a good East coast source for helmets (one that you've bought from before)?Al Navarro2007-04-10 04:28:04

Box-For clarification, here's the reference from that thread, which mentions both types: Helmets: Required to wear a Snell 95 or later SM or SA certified helmet. ETR (Eastern Tennessee Region...the sponsoring chapter) will have loaners available. DOT certifications are not recognized.

My Schuberth Motorcycle helmet does not have a Snell sticker (that I can see), but Schuberth made Michael Schumacher's lid so hopefully that will be acceptable.

!!! MONTHLY ORGANIZERS UPDATE - APRIL!!! The first of what will be a few April update emails has been sent out to anyone who is a paid registrant of the event, as well people who signed up on the initial "hand-raising" registration page. Please check your email boxes for it! Note that a second brief email was sent out confirming the identity of the journalist from Hemmings who has committed to covering the event. After I return from Robbinsville, I will surely have more updates for this month!Al Navarro2007-04-09 10:12:29

I'm listing this for fellow New Jerseyian, Chas Bernstein. Here are the details: 1997 Caterham Super Se7en deDion with clamshell fenders 1700 Ford Cross flow engine 14k Miles Metallic Blue with red nose flash Jet-hot coated headers & exhaust 5 speed transmission Tonneau Cover, side screen & roof Oil cooler Motolita steering wheel 15” Prisoner wheels Built by Chris T at Sevens & Elans Chas is asking $24.5k. In his words, "the car has been a lot of fun and exceptionally reliable but I guess I’m just getting to be an old fart and I want my garage back!" Contact him at amber1203 at comcast dot net if you are interested.

I really have no idea if I can go to this yet given my wife's wedding photography schedule, but thought I'd throw it out there. I think some folks in the forum have been and can advise as to the best day to go (I think Saturday, right?)

The other day, I was perusing the magazines at my local Borders when I saw a cover with the title SE7EN! I can't figure out what it's focus is...they do cover cars, but all the gambling ads i it kind of weird me out and I doubt I'll pitch our event to them... http://www.sevenmagonline.com/ Would love to know what others think.

Thanks everyone! I should be able to announce something on this front VERY soon.

We are taking his advice...plan on doing the main run of the Dragon Saturday early.

From the journalist, some more details, and some words to assuage anyone who might be nervous about letting someone else drive... "As far as seat time goes, my requirement is a familiarization drive for feature cars. We don't do instrumented testing, or banzai, balls-to-the-wall driving, nor do we ask to; just enough to get a sense of the car. More time is appreciated but in no way required. Usually, I take 45 minutes or so of backroad driving at legal speeds. My credentials do incorporate a certain amount of sports-car driving, including some in at least mild competition. I'll be pleased to be a passenger on the Tail, especially as I'll need to stop regularly for photography." Regarding roadtripping from the Northeast... "I will also offer to share driving time on the way down, but that's just as a considerate rider."Al Navarro2007-04-03 13:12:30

Jeff- So then you got to meet Folis J.? He recently posted on the Se7ens.net list about his experience at VIR.

This morning, Mazda and I were contacted by a national/international automotive publisher you have all heard of. Someone we had not reached out to previously. Don't bother guessing and ruin the surprise if they commit to the event!!! They are very interested in covering the 7-7-7 event, but are looking for specific opporuntities, which I've cut and pasted from the original email in the following thread: http://www.usa7s.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=532

!!!ATTENTION ALL 7-7-7 ATTENDEES!!! This morning, Mazda and I were contacted by a national/international automotive publisher you have all heard of. Someone we had not reached out to previously. Don't bother guessing and ruin the surprise if they commit to the event!!! They are very interested in covering the 7-7-7 event, but are looking for specific opporuntities, which I've cut and pasted from the original email: -We haven't yet had a good, unmodified period 7 in the magazine, and we definitely need one. At the same time, we wouldn't mind putting a Caterham and real Lotus together for a feature story, and it sounds like a GOOD place to find one -For that matter, I'd be more than happy to put a Locost vs. Brunton vs. WCM feature together, as well. [Yes, Dino, we will be sure to tell them Deman will be there.] -We're also always in need of cars for [ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR PUBLICATIONS]. Now, we're not in search of a way-out rotary- or Hayabusa-powered car, but instead, something a little more weekend-garage style, featuring common upgrades aimed at racing (whether AutoX, rally or track, it doesn't matter). It will also have to reflect, at least in part, some period speed goodies. -And of course, event coverage. I've driven the T of the D once--in a 1-ton Chevy van with a trailer--so I think a Tail by 7 story would be terrific. [WE HAVE THIS COVERED WITH THE INITIAL POST ON THE THREAD] -I see there are a number of attendees from the Northeast. If someone was driving their 7 down and had an empty seat...I realize there'd be luggage issues and I'd be in little pieces by the time I got there, but it'd make a swell story. If you can help with any of these story ideas, please chime in here. Obviously, the Lotus/Caterham thing falls into Dean and the other originals' courts...and perhaps Frank F. would show off his CSR 260, the newest latest from Caterham? If you are driving your car down from the Northeast (NY area would be optimal) and have room for a co-driver and bag (narrow bodied cars probably not a great option!), chime in also. Very exciting stuff!

Jerry-Maybe I should cancel my reservations at Tapoco and sleep in your trailer? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

I'm starting this thread as a place to discuss the Tail of the Dragon Auto-X, scheduled for Sunday July 8, 2007 in Maryville, TN (short drive from Robbinsville NC). Although participants will have to register their car under an official SCCA class (most likely D or E Mod), there has been some discussion about having our own categories to award prizes to. Mazda suggested simply having a DOT vs. Slicks (and I'll add the "Novice" category overlay) breakdown. That seems a bit too open to me , but what do I know. All suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

Folks- I'm going to start a new thread in the AutoX area regarding 7-7-7 AutoX and classes...just so that it doesn't get lost. -Al

Bart-I'm sure I'll end up ponying up for some aluminum flatbed jobby when all is said and done. I guess a trip to my local trailer emporium is in order. Perhaps in a few weeks when I'm done with Easter and my last Dragon recon. BTW, are you sure we can't convince you to bring Pepper down in July? There's at least one other "track only" Seven coming. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif

Dang, I thought those BECs were supposed to be quick?!? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif My 9 year old daughter is already looking forward to the day when she can drive "the Orange car".

Okay...so "777" is now taken too. (77 is probably still available!) After some discussion with Mazda, we are asking that everyone who signed up for the 7-7-7 Auto X (actually on July 8th!) please sign up yourself using the link provided above by Scott Gibson (of our host SCCA chapter...the Eastern Tennesee Region). The form asks for your age, car color, car and number preferences (top 3)...none of which we have on file. So instead of asking you then inputting them ourselves, we ask you to take this step yourselves. You do not have to pay when you register online...USA7s will pay in bulk for everyone who chose the autocross option when paying for the entire event. I did have a question when it came to car class...the Lotus 7 and 7a (?) are listed in C Stock. I don't know if the Caterham Superlight R falls into this category, so put my car into D Mod. Mazda and his massive motored machine are in EMod. Here is some info on classes from Scott G.'s original email: · MODIFIED PRODUCTION-BASED CARS - Classes DM and EM contain production-based cars which are permitted additional modifications beyond those allowed in Prepared classes CP through GP. The following chassis are approved as clones of the Lotus 7 and are eligible for competition in DM and EM as modified production-based cars: Caterham Super 7, Birkin, Locost 7, Rotus Seven, Stalker V6, Laminar Concepts Viking, Westfield, WCM Ultralite, Sabre Seven. · Modified Class D - Modified Production and GT cars with engine displacement 2000cc and under. Minimum weight - 1280 lbs. Minimum weight when utilizing four-wheel drive - 1480 lbs. The 12A Mazda and 13 B Rotary engines are permitted in D Modified with the following restrictions: 1. No replacement of cast iron engine case segments with aluminum. 2. On the 12A engine, only side and rotor housings from 1974 to 1986 engines shall be used. 3. No replacement of 12A or 13B sections such as side plates with those from other series engines, i.e. Renesis type parts. 4. On 12A engines, no peripheral porting or J-porting is allowed. Bridge porting that does not cut into the water o-ring is permitted. On 13B engines, 4 and 6-port: Maximum porting permitted is street porting. No bridge porting, J-Porting, or peripheral porting. · Modified Class E - Modified Production and GT cars as follows. Minimum weight - 1700 lbs. Minimum weight when utilizing four wheel drive - 2000 lbs. ---- They are not really enforcing the classes for our Auto-X since it's basically a single car type event...we'll have to invent our own categories, I guess...perhaps a good way to sort out an LSiS-specific set of classes? If you are in doubt and have a motor 2 liters or less, pick DMod. Larger than 2 liters, EMod.Al Navarro2007-04-02 13:59:38

April not as good as May/June for me... I would be up for a NYC drive too. Perhaps 5th Ave from the Upper East down to Washington Square? Though I would be reluctant to park anywhere besides an outdoor lot or curbside where I could see the car at all times...maybe we eat in Hoboken? A good time for an NYC drive would be any Sunday in August, early AM...city doesn't wake up until about 11 and many people out of town.

Jon-I have a wedding in NYC on 5/5. I would be up for getting together some other date in May or June. I have a nice little 1.5 hour route along the Delaware River mapped out already, if anyone cares to travel out that far. The Water Gap would be another good run. We have at least a half dozen Sevens in the NJ/Eastern PA area. Jon-are you willing to travel out this way? We're about 1 3/4 hours from NYC. Anyone have another suggestion? Princeton area? Bear Mountain?

AAAGGGHHHH...too much information, can't process! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/confused5.gif I actually liked that one trailer in the link Boxologist provided...the "Serpent Express"...but it's as much as any full on aluminum one I could buy locally. Plus I bet that tarp top would take a BEATING. Al Navarro2007-04-02 08:23:13

I'm pretty sure that Bart's track-only car is running a non-US spec Vauxhall engine.

What do you guys use for numbers in lieu of magnetic ones? (Can you tell I've been reading various "New to Solo II?" documents?)

!!!7-7-7 Auto-X Info!!! Bill Power forwarded this info from the Auto-X organizers/sponsoring SCCA chapter: The course we will run is the one shown below with a few modifications (improvements). One is to remove a little pain on one of the turns in the back. The course map from last year is shown at the bottom of this post. Some of the cones shown on the drawing will be removed as they are not necessary and just add to the visual clutter. Date: Sunday July 8, 2007. Location: William Blount High School http://www.etrscca.org/directions/wbhs.html To get to the autocross venue from the intersection of 129 and 28 (Crossroads of Time) head north on 129 until reaching Hwy 411. Turn right on 411 and travel 1.8 miles. We highly recommend you arrive before 9:00 a.m. The course should be set up so you can walk it around 9:00 a.m. If you register online, you have until 11:00 a.m. to check in with Registration. [i WANT TO CHECK WITH MAZDA WHETHER USA7S WILL BE HANDLING THE PRE-REG. IF SO, WE MAY HAVE TO CONTACT YOU REGARDING MOTOR SIZE AND/OR VEHICLE WEIGHT] If you register on-site ($45 plus lunch) , you should do so by 10:00 a.m. If you register after that time, you will be charged a $15 late fee. No registrations or check-ins will be accepted after 11:00 a.m. Tech will also close at 11:00 a.m. If you have not registered and been tech'd by 11:00 a.m., you will not be able to run the event, No Exceptions. Mandatory driver's meeting at 11:30 a.m. sharp. First Car Off at 12:00 noon. (There is a church nearby.) Entry number cap: 7’s entries will be capped at 65. Helmets: Required to wear a Snell 95 or later SM or SA certified helmet. ETR (Eastern Tennessee Region...the sponsoring chapter) will have loaners available. DOT certifications are not recognized. Insurance waiver: Everyone on site will be required to sign an insurance waiver, driver or spectator (same as all SCCA Solo events). Workers: For these events to work, everyone will also have a work assignment when their run group is not active. We will have experienced autocrossers with all of the novices if they are assigned to shagging cones. Car Numbers: Numbers and class need to be on both sides and readable at a distance when the car is on course. Painters tape or drafting tape of a color contrasting with the car color works, or numbers on paper taped to the car (not good in the rain). We will have materials at the event. Choose your number when registering on MyAutoEvents.com. Duplicates are obviously not allowed. Do not register in the “Pro indexed class”. We will use this for ETR drivers. Technical inspection: All cars will have to pass the standard SCCA Solo tech inspection. Tech will close at 11:00 am. Be prepared by having all loose items removed from the car including the drivers side floor mat, car un-locked, hood and rear hatch open. Some tech items: Tires should have no cord showing Brakes – Fluid at proper level and firm pedal Seat belts in good operating condition No excessive fluid leaks Wheel bearings, shocks, suspension and steering in good condition Throttle return action safe and positive All wheel lugs present and tight Hub caps and wheel rings removed Cars will be classed according to the SCCA Solo rules. Choose your class when registering on MyAutoevents.com. PAX (RTP) index will be used to determine overall winner No smoking in grid area Please respect the site, pick up after yourself, and leave it in better shape than when you arrived. We want to be able to use the site in the future. Some links of interest: ETR FAQ’s (some info relevant, some not): http://www.etrscca.org/soloii/etrfaq.html Novice Handbook: http://www.etrscca.org/soloii/handbook/handbook.htm PAX (RTP) Index http://www.etrscca.org/soloii/other/rtp.html SCCA rule book for those with too much time on their hands http://www.scca.com/_FileLibrary/File/2007SoloRules.pdf