Al N.

Skip-It's computer animation. I was a Senna freak, and also got chills (and thrills) watching it. I love how they put in all famous GP corners in.

Found it via blat chat...

I was very interested in one of these when I was looking into buying. But the prospect of importing a Canadian car — especially one with a bike engine, was just too much for me. Would be great if Super7Cars had a US distrib to help with sorting out that kind of stuff. Not unlike what Deman USA seems to be doing with Deman. I think Super7Cars uses the SV body for reasons of space and I prefer (and can comfortably fit in) the narrow-body cars (alas, the James Whiting Fireblade wasn't sold directly here). I can't wait to see some of the BECs that have committed for the Dragon meet in July.

I'm pretty sure that's one of the cars made by the Canadian outfit that does only bike engined Caterhams. David Saville Peck?Al Navarro2007-02-07 21:02:46

Thanks for the heads up, Skip. I have 3 thoughts: A) This is why it's good to have the Auto-X as part of the weekend...save your need for speed for that, B) Even at 30 MPH, the Dragon will be a hoot for a Se7ener, C) One of the reasons I'm going down in April is to drive some other less well known roads in the area. The Dragon is fun, a relentless turn factory that I think is one of the highlights of the area...but it's not the only road. I love the Cherohala too.

Organizers Update (not the monthly one...that's coming soon) Thanks again to everyone who has taken the step of paying the reg fees. According to our most recent counts, we have over 50 people paid and ready to meet in July 2007. I did want to reach out and say that anyone who may have signed up on the initial registration page (the one where your name, state, and car type are listed)...please be sure to send an email to Mazda and/or I if you have not received an email with a link to the secure online shopping cart. We will be taking that initial registration page down soon...and eventually be replacing it with some info for people who aren't owners yet but who might want to stop by to check out what Se7ens are all about. I hope to get the formal February annoucement email out by this Friday...there's not too much to update as January was pretty much dedicated to sorting out registrations. Thanks to everyone who wrote with questions, comments, or issues. -Al

There are definitely some slots still available as not everyone who raised their hand on the initial registration page has gone to the next step of paying a reg fee...thanks again to everyone that has! No worries if you can't make it, but it would be great to have another BEC represented...not to mention another Orange Se7en!

Jeff-I think we might be able to find room for you to put your trailer over at Tapoco, so you could keep the car there too...and only take it out for the auto-x. The "car show" will be super informal, and is more of a chance for everyone to check out everyone else's car and chat.-Al

Jeff-Very Nice. Car looks very sano. Love the roll cage. Are you coming to Tail of the Dragon? Would love to see that in person...and there is a veritable posse of Se7ens coming from VA.-Al

The Atom (as available in the USA) isn't so cheap, you know...and then there's the problem of registration/inspection/titling in some states. I know there is no way I'd be able to get one through NJ...based on what I had to do for the Se7en (mine is registered as a new car).

Felin-I've never met you, and I already like you! I hear a Stalker vs. Ultralites friendly rivalry shaping up for the Auto-X, with one very powerful Rotus and a few potent Caterhams, Birkins, Locosts, and Demans just to keep things interesting.-Al

hey, Al, did u mount the wolo lights? how did it look with the Jill Judd hood? We may have covered this in emails or PMs, but...my guys chose not to drill into the bar, and used foam tape and zip ties on the tabs. As for the Jill Judd and the Wolo, on a good day you can see it, on a bad day it's a dim glow beneath the hood. However, this is just a matter of having someone retrim the hood with a higher center cutout. Jill and Nick did not have the luxury of having my car to work on in person, so it's no surprise.

Two points: When the East Coast Skyline group met up last June, the "sticking close" method allowed all of us to get pulled over by the park constabulary, who pulled a U-turn to chase us down (fortunately we were just starting out) and directed us into the nearest scenic overlook. Only 2 of us got tickets, though. The rest got a stern lecture and "strike 2" written warning. I've been on the New York Thruway up between Albany and Canada...the part they call the Northway...and seen Camaros, Mustangs, etc. travel in pods of 4 or 5 police to hunt down speeders. And to be going faster than most traffic up there you need to be upwards of 90 or 100.Al Navarro2007-02-01 13:12:25

This is my semi-regular reminder/suggestion to any new folks (and there are quite a few), to please take a few minutes to write a little about yourself here. As you can see by reading the thread, we don't bite.

Right now, we're thinking of a trip to the Biltmore Estate as a "Continuous Rain Contingency Event" for Saturday (or you could just sit in the quonset trying to set best time on the dragonesque Scalextric course I'm planning on having set up or watch Grand Prix or something)...having driven hundreds of miles in the pouring rain with just a half-hood and half doors, I can say that it makes for a memorable experience. I didn't feel all that unsafe driving at 45 in the right lane with my hazards on. And a caravan of Sevens would be quite a scene. On another note, I wanted to ask people what they think would be a good time to try a full "parade" drive of the Dragon? Friday night before dinner? Saturday AM before/after our group photo? Saturday before our main barbeque?Al Navarro2007-01-31 13:21:44

I don't know about that card, Skip. Why not send an email to Ron and Nancy Johnson? --- X-post from USA@Se7ens net: a reply to Dino Trakas... Dino et al- When I contacted Fontana early on, I didn't take the extra step of "blocking" rooms since we didn't really know how many people would be coming. The last thing I wanted was to block rooms and then have to tell them a month in advance that "Oh, we didn't need them." The woman I spoke with there is Toni Crisp. We agreed that they will keep track of how many Se7eners stay there this year, so we can negotiate a group rate for future events. I will be sure to stop by when I visit in April. BTW, I think Fontana also has larger "cabin" rooms if people want to split something...note that there are apparently 4 family reunions scheduled for that weekend at Fontana. Regarding Trailers, we will have room for trailers in the back lot at Tapcoco. I would plan on dropping that off as soon as you arrive. I hope this helps. Thanks again everyone for you patience, interest, and help. -Al

Mike-someday the east and west will meet in the middle...Indy perhaps? Or maybe Kansas? If possible, I'm going to try and get out to the LOG in Denver this year. I think the UK Club gig in Sept (though I note the Caterham factory sponsored event is also in the Summer!) is probably out for me.-Al

I made a few calls today, and it seems that reports of hotel room un-availability for the weekend of July 6-8 are greatly exaggerated. While the main host hotel (rendezvous point and where our group meals will be held), Tapoco Lodge, is full and has a waiting list, there are several other very good options. According to the person I just spoke to, Fontana Village (which is our primary overflow hotel based on proximity, size, and quality) has plenty of rooms available. Not all room types are available, but they do have space. Also, the clean, new, and inexpensive MicroTel where Mazda and I stayed last Nov also is not fully booked. The only downside of this place is that your car is basically out in the open (parking lot on main thoroughfare) overnight...but I saw a few expensive sports cars parked there when we visited. Either of these choices would be my back-ups if I were not already reserved at Tapoco. Fontana: 800.849.2258 MicroTel: 888-771-7171 --- Based on the calls I made today, I'd assume that most of the other hotels in the area (featured on tailofthedragon.com) have some availability. Check out that site for more info.Al Navarro2007-01-29 15:12:33

After reading Mazda's recent post, I wanted to again thank everyone who's taken the additional step of paying their reg fees...I knew some folks would fall out, but I am truly surprised at just how few have! At this rate, we'll easily have 50 cars on hand...probably quite a few more. The event is still 5 months away. A few people have contacted me via PM or email with questions wondering if their deposit went through or regarding use of the shopping cart. If you were one of the first 77.7 (78) people to raise your hand for the event using the registration page we posted in the summer, you were sent an email with a link to the cart. People from 79 on up will get the link in a few days (Feb 1). Note that in addition to a confirmation email from PayPal, you should have also received an email from Mazda that starts out: "On behalf of USA7s, Inc., I want to thank you for your payment of fees for the 7-7-7 50th Birthday Bash at Tail of the Dragon, scheduled for July 6-8, 2007." If you paid via PayPal and did not receive an email like this, please write an email to both Mazda and I and we will track down your order. With one or two exceptions, the system seems to working as planned. Thanks again for your support. As noted, we will be updating that info page soon — and will have an updated list of paid registrants.

SB427f-Actually, if you can find a room somewhere, it will probably be worth it to come down anyway...it will be perhaps the largest, most diverse group of Se7ens to meet in the US, maybe ever. Stay posted for opportunities for non-owners/future owners.

I told you guys this car was quick! And that was before the cam install. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif I've got to find those CSR rear rims quick!

A few emails from Se7eners this week reminded me that next Wednesday (Jan 31) is the official cut-off date for the "pre-reserved" 77.7 slots for the July ToTD meet. Response has been great so far - thanks to everyone who has stepped up already! If you were one of the first 77.7 (okay, 78) and have not used the shopping cart you were sent a link for and/or written to Mazda and sent a check - you have until this date before we open it up to people further down the list (which keeps growing). Just a heads up before I leave the office for the weekend. Please send any questions via the Private Message tool above...makes it easier for me to check Seven-related mail over the weekend. -Al P.S. I've heard that a few people have used the online sign up for the 2007 PNW tour...way to go!Al Navarro2007-01-26 11:38:22

I'm starting this thread to get a feeling for how many people would be up for any of the following: A) Having a Se7en-less (either under construction or under repair) USA7s buddy ride shotgun for some or all of the event. B) Giving a journalist a ride on any of the various group drives/letting them drive at least one leg of one drive (need to investigate ins. on the latter) C) Letting a journalist drive your car at the Auto-X D) Giving a test ride to someone who is interested in buying your particular marque of car - yes, we'd make them sign some sort of waiver (different from A, because these folks might not be a part of the USA7s community...for example, if Brian has some people on the East Coast who can't make it to TX to try an Ultralite) E) Giving a short "charity" ride to a spectator (perhaps not on the Dragon) who perhaps would make a donation to some charity "buy" a ride --- Please chime in and list which option(s) you are most interested in. Al Navarro2007-01-26 11:41:31

Does anyone know if the 15" CSR rear wheels will work on a narrow bodied car? I ask because I'm pretty sure they are wider than the one I have on Orange now...and it might be interesting to try a wider at the rear tire set up (right now I have 195/45 CR 500s at all corners). I may have asked this before (and may have even asked Cody S. at Caterham USA), but I forget now. Anyone?

Trooper, there was a thread on tire pressures not that long ago...I think many of the owners run 18-25 psi. I felt like a complete idiot, because I followed the pressure printed on the sidewall (and not, admittedly, the pressure listed in the Caterham owner's manual).