yellowss7

I really must be tired, I forgot to add a picture of my next door trailer neighbor Mr. Michael D. Michael, is another one of the Original Gathering members. Michael has attended all 5 years. Michael, his Wife Karen, and his dog Buddy all made the trip again this year and other than a throttle cable issue, he made it thru cleanly. He even brought a special beer for the event. Lucky 7 beer!!! Must have been a good luck charm as we dodged the weather bullet again this year with perfect weather All three Days!!! The Boys from Maryland made a good showing this year!!!

Wait a minute, I forgot somebody! Crap, I must have only half an Fing brain. :smilielol5:My good buddy Steve (S1Steve) and his beautiful Metallic Orange Superformance S1. Steve had been at all but one of our events. First year, Steve, Al, and my late Cousin did the video commentary and were a hoot. Steve, with the help of Dave, figured out how to get a roll bar onto the S1's and he's been on track ever since. I heard Steve comment that he had some really good laps out there, I didn't see him on track more than once or twice so he was definitely hustling that car around the track at a good pace. Good to see you again Steve!!!

Saving the longest drive winner for last, Tom Carlin (TBox56) the Birkin USA importer made the trip our from Eagle Colorado. Tom will end up driving 4000 miles round trip. And other than that cracked windscreen, his Birkin was a beautifully prepared car! Tom is a stand up guy and hopefully sells a lot of those nice looking Birkins. Tom was quick out on track and was a great guy to talk with at dinner. The Birkins' made a good showing this year with two on track, one other guest showing up with his car and Paul (Wemdt) making the trip down from NH again this year to spectate. Hopefully Paul's Birkin will get the parts it needs to join us on track next year. Hopefully Tom and Dave can make that happen.

Norm Beaver, is a National caliber SCCA autoxer who's never had his car on track before. Our new name for him is going to be Norm Duck as he took to the track like a Duck to water. After a few follow along laps, Norm was off and flying. His driving skills easily transferred to the track and by the smiles on his face I think he might be back next year.

Steve M (BBall54) was runner up in the longest drive category. Driving from St.Louis, this was Steve's 4th Gathering appearance. As stated Steve's crossflow was polished to a high sheen. Croc's picture was misleading as the reflection was so good that rear panel looked pitted to me, but was really the reflection of the pavement. Steve also had some interesting touches to his engine bay. The Sock apparently was on the car when he bought it. Strange. Steve's Car wins the award for best sound in a close runoff with Fred's IMO.

Another First time attendee Jim A. (FE07) and his Red Caterham Superlight R. Jim battled a few minor gremlins, with a fan belt getting chewed up and a nagging coolant leak, but he persevered and got all his session in. He took a ride with me in the Orange car and we had a few spirited laps without him Puking. So I must be a smoother or slower drive than Jeff (JBH) who had a passenger give him the thumbs down and promptly puked when Jeff pulled into the paddock.

First timers Dave H (Birkin Boy) and his Son Ryan, made a good showing, Dave was on the fence for quite a while and a little worried that his street car would be underpowered and not able to keep up with all the other cars. Dave's wife was also a little concerned about him going out on track as he had previously rolled this car ON THE STREET!!! I told Dave that it was important to keep the shiney side up at the track. :smilielol5: Well Ryan and Dave took first and second place at the Karting challenge with Roman coming in Third. Nice custom trophys! They really treat us nice at NJMP!!! Dave and Ryan sharing the car on alternate session did very well, although both of them did manage to do some gentle grass cutting and dirt farming. I guess their car was faster than he thought as I didn't hear any complaints from him that he was too slow. :jester:

Another First time attendee, Fred with his BEC Locost. First time on track at NJMP, Fred learned the lines with the help of a few laps following along. He drove nice lines with good quick point bys and seemed to have a good time on track and at the dinners! Fred's Bike engine car made a great sound and you could hear it coming a long way off. Hopefully Fred will be back with us again next year. :seeya:

RGTorque (Roman) and his WCM Ultralight. Roman was back for his second time at the Gathering. Last year as a rookie, he had a few spins as he went out when it was still wet with a couple other nuts. But this year after a cautious Saturday, he regained his form and received the most improved trophy for his clean runs and nice driving. Hopefully next year we can convince another WCM owner to keep him company.

My good buddy Mike M. (Kitcat) with his Zetec powered Caterham. Mike was one of the Original attendees of the first Gathering 5 years ago. Mike as been thru 3 seven's trying to find one that will work. :smilielol5: To his credit he keeps fixing them and has definitely retained his quickness even with his advancing age and mental lapses. Mike had a brand new Carbon fiber helmet for the event and on Sunday morning when he took his car out of the trailer, the helmet was no where in sight. He checked back in his hotel room, no luck, we lent him a helmet and he didn't miss any sessions, but he was obviously crushed. We figured out it must have been a pissed off LIBERAL that stole it as he had the Ted Cruz for President sticker on his car. (my car with the Hillary poster was fine and my helmet was still in the car, proving that Conservatives respect others opinion. :jester: As it turns out Mike's helmet and Hans device were found at the Fuel station on track where he had left them after filling up. Luckily he still knows the quickest way around the track, and which direction to go.

Another Fellow NJMP member Jeff (JBH) with his Blue Caterham R. Jeff, Simon and Seb had some really good sessions together doing pretty quick laps. The nice thing is that with all se7ens in the run group, everyone is quick in the turns and passing on the straights was very courteous.

Fellow NJMP club member Simon and wife Carrie with his R400. I apologize for catching it in its undressed state, But I was trying to make sure I got everyone and it was like herding cats! Get it. :smilielol5: Simon and Carrie were day visitors to last year's event while Simon was building his car. Once complete he joined NJMP and has been to a good number of trackdays and is definitely one of the quickest drivers out there.

Club Presidente Al Navarro, made an appearance on Saturday with his two daughters and his 62 Lotus 7. I can attest that he drives is and is NOT just a polisher as it was pretty dusty and muddy. :smash: Al Next time you need to get there early to make the group picture and Definitely take it out in the Novice group for a session or two. Just to let it breathe properly. Hope to see you again.

First time attendees Paul and wife Lori from Connecticut with his Supercharged Stalker (Storker) V6. Paul's car was beautifully prepared and after a few educational laps, he was off and running. I noticed that he had a smile on his face pretty much most of the time except for when it was time to leave. Hopefully we will see you both back next year!

Sabbot (Stewart) With his beautiful blue Caterham which did double duty as his wife Colleen took it out in the Novice run group. She was a quick learner and definitely should buy my Yellow Caterham so she can play with us in the Se7en's run group. Stewart is worried that Yellow might be quicker than his Blue car. :smilielol5:

Scott L and his Orange Superlight R back again for some spirited driving and paddock fun. There were 4 Orange 7s on track. I think most of the other guys thought we were lapping them constantly. :smilielol5:

Dave D and Bev. Dave was very quick again this year, although he did receive an award for a little over exuberant driving in the Bowl. He really does know that you are not to be facing backwards in the bowl. :driving:

SK400 (Seb) in Red R400 with new aero screen, 13 inch wheels and matching red suit and gloves. Seb joined us on Sunday and was very quick out on track. I'm hoping my video came out well showing his great driving. I'll try to post when I get back from Vacation.

Day two on the track has come to an end. Happy to report all cars made it thru the weekend unscathed. Lots of fun had by all. Heading Back to the track for the final dinner where the stories will continue to grow and become EPIC! Everyone had all the track time they could handle. And we already got the nod for us to come back again next year. Hopefully someone will get around to posting a picture or two. No rest for the Weary. Off to the Bar now!! :party:

Sorry guys having too much fun and too tired. Just got back to the hotel and have to change for tonight's special BBQ dinner. :cheers: I'll TRY to post a few pics after I get back tonight if I don't fall asleep first. We miss Suave!!! Tom

Well, The fun has begun. Croc and I spent the morning washing cars and faffing around his garage. S1 Steve rolled in about noon and BBall7756 made good time coming from St.Louis and after a few laughs, we headed over to the Lightning circuit and timed it perfectly, meeting Michael D, Scott L and Norm B. coming in the entrance. Then it was one after another. TBox56, made it in from west of Denver looking good. Kitcat, Roman, DaveD, Dave Hutchison and son, and then FE07, Paul M, and Fred with his BEC Locost. SABBOT and family joined in on the fun to. We Headed over for some spirited Karting, and Yes there was some Carnage. The new Karts were nice and the competition was fierce. The trophies this year were specially made for our event. Hopefully someone will be along shortly to post a picture or two. Dinner at the clubhouse pool deck was very relaxing and a great chance for everyone to socialize. Early start tomorrow. 7am tech and breakfast. 8 am drivers meeting and a group photo for the Se7ens on track at 8:30am. A few more cars and drivers are expected to arrive in the morning. We just added our 20th Driver with Len Clark in his SV Caterham joining us on Sunday. Smack talk is subdued right now, but just wait until tomorrow!:driving: Updated attendee list. Attendees: 1) Mike (Croc) Registered 2) Tom & wife (Yellowss7) Registered 3) Mike (Kitcat) Registered 4) Steve (S1Steve) Registered 5) Sebastien (SK400) (and wife) Registered 6) Stewart (Sabbot) Registered 7) Jim A. (FE07) Registered 8) Dave D (and Bev) Registered 9) Scott L. (951N914) Registered 10) Jeff (JBH) Registered 11) Simon450 and Carrie Registered 12) Michael D. (and wife) Registered 13) Fred (FMorser) Registered 14) Norm .B Registered 15) Paul M. Registered 16) Tom C.(Tbox56) Registered 17) Steve (BBall7754) Registered 18) Roman (RGTorque) Registered 19) Dave H. (and son) Registered 20) Len C ( NJMP member) Registered Spectating 1) Al Navarro plus2 with Lotus 7 2) Ottcycle 3) Rick Robey 4) 5 Celentano's 5) Paul (Wentd) spectating

Seeing that valve laying on the piston gives me the chills. That sucks. Guess it could have been worse, but must have made quite a racket. Get it fixed. If not on track, big power is a waste on the street. IMO Good luck. Tom

Just heard from another attendee. So We will be at 19 Drivers for Saturday now. One other attendee is Hoping to make Sunday and I should hear from him tomorrow to confirm. That would make 20 Drivers for the weekend. Plus several spectating. I'm assuming some like TBox, BBall and KitCat will be on the road now or early tomorrow for their Friday arrival. Drive Safely!!!! See you on Friday!! Tom Attendees: 1) Mike (Croc) Registered 2) Tom & wife (Yellowss7) Registered 3) Mike (Kitcat) Registered 4) Steve (S1Steve) Registered 5) Sebastien (SK400) (and wife) Registered 6) Stewart (Sabbot) Registered 7) Jim A. (FE07) Registered 8) Dave D (and Bev) Registered 9) Scott L. (951N914) Registered 10) Jeff (JBH) Registered 11) Simon450 and Carrie Registered 12) Michael D. (and wife) Registered 13) Fred (FMorser) Registered 14) Norm .B Registered 15) Paul M. Registered 16) Tom C.(Tbox56) Registered 17) Steve (BBall7754) Registered 18) Roman (RGTorque) Registered 19) Dave H. (and son) Registered 20) Len C ( NJMP member) Registered Spectating 1) Al Navarro plus2 with Lotus 7 2) Ottcycle 3) Rick Robey 4) 5 Celentano's 5) Paul (Wentd) spectating

Mike, I take it that the car is almost ready??? When you get to the main gate, you will sign a waiver. Tech and Breakfast will begin at 8am and continue to 9am when the drivers meeting will begin. When you get there on Saturday morning, you will sign in with Carolyn Watson in the classroom, get your wristband and then go get your car teched. No forms required, they will put a sticker on your cage when complete. Bring your car and helmet or if we can convince them to come over and do all the sevens at once we will. Most of the Members do an annual tech, so we just need to have our logbooks stamped. So it does go quickly. Just remember that this tech is not a true mechanical certification of your car's track worthiness. You are responsible to make sure it is in top shape. It's your butt out there. So don't cut corners!!!

Seb, Take care of Kelli. Family comes first. Do what you need to at home. This is an annual event that you can always get to next year. Sorry for your loss. Take Care. Tom