Al N.

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).

TWO X-POSTS FROM USA@SE7ENS.NET Exciting to see some of the regions starting to rally for plans to meet us all at the Dragon in July. And it looks like Brian and the WCMs will be packing serious heat for the 7-7-7 Auto X...will the best of the East be enough to stop an Ultralite sweep? Actually, it might be good to start a subthread over on USA7s.com, under the ToTD thread specifically about the Sunday Auto X. Should there be a few simple classes (Novice, Stock, Prepared)? Not trying to over complicate, but it seems that there are enough serious folks to warrant at least a dialog/forum about it. On a related note to all of this, I wanted to once again suggest that people try and arrive in Robbinsville on Friday, early to mid-day. This will allow you to check in, get your welcome pack, and explore the area on your own before the Friday night gathering. Saturday I think will be jam packed with to dos (group photo, full group "parade lap" of the Dragon, dinner), and I don't want anyone to miss out on some of the less famous roads in the area. I also suggest, even if you aren't Auto-xing, to either come and watch it and/or spend Sunday doing more driving/exploring of the area. I'm sure there will be many funny stories from the Auto-X that will be passed around the table at informal dinners Sunday night. Basically, I want everyone to get as much out of the event as possible, and I think being there all three days is critical to getting the most out of it. Just my opinion, of course... ----- And this, in reaction to some reports that hotels are fully booked: For anyone still without a room, or for people who are interested in splitting costs...I recommend looking into one of the house rentals featured on tailofthedragon.com. If I were not already staying at Tapoco, I'd probably look into Snowbird Mountain Lodge (except they don't allow kids under 12)...perhaps the most upscale joint in town. Then the Blue Boar. If anyone has made a reservation at any area hotel, but does not intend on using it, be sure to call to cancel so that people on the waiting lists can have a shot at your room. ----- I am seriously shocked that hotels are booked, and am glad that we gave people the heads up back in July 2006. I guess we'll have some large galleries on our drives!

My wife photographs weddings, and she's turned down like 3 jobs already thanks to her husband's little car meet.

Might be nice to connect some novices with more experienced guys...to walk us through the course (literally and figuratively).

I have a G-Tech and it's amusing. There is this more sophisticated one (Trak-Mate?) that seems to be much more accurate/useful...I'll have to look it up.

Dino- We were not planning on having camping at the Tapoco site, but there are campgrounds in the area...check tailofthedragon.com for nearby campgrounds. The homes for rent on Tailofthedragon.com also make sense for groups...one has a large garage/workshop. Also, I can't imagine that Fontana is sold out, nor some of the other motels in the area (like the MicroTel). Be sure to check the ones listed on the initial hand-raising reg page...and please, if people are finding a room shortage, let us know. -AlAl Navarro2007-01-25 09:49:18

I thought I'd start this thread to start a discussion about the Auto-X that's planned for Sunday of the July Tail of the Dragon meet. Since it's event specific, I started it over here as opposed to the Auto-X area (which seems much more nationally oriented). I'm sure Mazda will move the thread if he feels otherwise. Perhaps people can chime in on classes and format of the day...supposedly, we'll get in 6 runs per car. I've never auto-x'd before, so I don't know if the first few runs are "Qualifiers" to put you into a group with similarly paced cars. Would also be kind of funny to have a "constructors challenge" where each distrib/manufacturer/dealer brings his/her "ringer" and competes for friendly bragging rights.Al Navarro2007-01-25 09:50:36

Rob-The wheel that came with the Superlight is so small, and I'm not that tall, so I hardly ever have to remove it.-Al

Having driven behind Frankense7en iin my 200 HP Superlight at speed , I can say that it is CRAZY FAST. Although that might have something to do with its driver! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

Reminder.... Will any manufacturers, distributors, and dealers who are planning on coming to the Tail of the Dragon meet please send me a Private Message via USA7s.com (see button above). I am trying to coordinate a designated area for you to exhibit at Tapoco (under a tent, no less) and want to see how many are interested.

I have seen this newish motor home that has a "garage area" in the back...but I think it was designed for ATVs. Seem to have a few configs: http://www.fourwinds-rv.com/funmover/

Mazda-In the interest of stemming your flow of capital into FrankenSe7en (friends don't let friends spend TOO MUCH money on cars), aren't there beefed up Supra units? I know that there were lots of 600 hp Supras in the street racing scene, so there must be more of a simple solution than switching axle types. Unless of course, all you are really interested in are the swee inboard brakes.-Al

I wanted to thank everyone who's paid the registration fees so far, as well as those who have written to Mazda and/or I with questions or comments. If you haven't already gone to the Event "shopping cart" and still intend on going to the event, please try and sign up before the end of January — this will help us plan things much more effectively. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

I'm going to be driving down the same route, but probably starting from Carlise PA (my brothers) on the 4th...maybe try to see some fireworks in the Charlottesville area or somewhere else off of 81. Since I'm going down with my famiily and the Seven on a trailer (whether rented or purchased, that has yet to be determined) I thought I might break it up a bit. I'll do a bit of reserach on best approaches with trailer (not the Dragon) when I go down in April.

Loren-I have the Caterham branded Tilletts...the kevlar/carpet versions which are a step below the full on carbon ones. The carpet is placed in strategic locations to prevent slipping on the molded seat. I wouldn't say they are that comfortable...especially for long hauls. They're not terrible, but keep in mind that I'm 5 foot 8 inches and about 165, so I'm not the biggest guy. At the risk of sounding vain (okay, I have some car-vanity), I like the way they look in my car...minimalist. Scott L. (who runs Orange's "sister" car pictured in the middle of the banner photo) has the carbons and I covet them greatly, even though the weave isn't exactly a match for the other carbon stuff I have...from discussions with Brian way back in the day, it seems the Kirkeys are narrow in the outside width dimension, while proving roomy enough in the space between the bolsters.-AlAl Navarro2007-01-16 05:45:10

Jon- Is the Sigma what we call a DuraTec over here? For some reason, I think it may be.

A bit inconclusive...and also apples vs. organages. They put a 2.3 Cossie Duratec up against some 150 horsed Caterham Roadsport (looked like the new "Golden Jubilee" paint job). FORUM ADMIN SUGGESTION: A separate video section? It would be great if some of these vids could be made easier to find a year or two down the road.Al Navarro2007-01-15 08:38:35

From my Caterham manual (which, of course, had the tire pressures I had asked about here) cockpit ID width 36.6" wheelbase 88.5" width 62" height 39" (hood down) OAL 122" (no spare)