7/7/07 Cruise to Tail of the Dragon

[slngsht]

I'll add a hitch to my seven and pull you up and down the dragon if necessary http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif

[locostv8]

Al, Mazda

 

    I would like to suggest the possibility of a non competing participant. I am in the process of building but don't know if the 7 will be finished by then so didn't feel right about registering as a compeditor when there might not be a car to compete in. 7/7 is our anniversery and my non car person wife is interested in going for the weekend.

 

Jim

 

 

 

???

[slngsht]

Jim, the only competitive part of the event is the autocross, which is an optional event with its own seperate fee. Only about half the participants are going to that. By the way, even the autocross is not limited to Sevens, as the local SCCA will have some of their own cars there.

 

 

 

The rest of the weekend is just for get-togethers and just cruising public roads, which you can do in any car.

[Al N.]

Folks-

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who sent me their up to date contact info and hotel/guest updates. I have been very busy with new business at work (leaving in minutes for another pitch), but will finalize the 7-7-7 database between now and Sunday...look for an email early next week. Also, note that there will probably be 2 "Organizer Updates" in April...one brief one before I head down to Tail of the Dragon for a final recon, and one when I get back.

 

 

 

A reminder that we still have about 12 open slots for 7-7-7 and that the final date to sign up is May 7th. There are a few folks (like Dennis B.) whom I'm fairly certain are coming, but who have not signed up yet. If you know anyone who fits into this category, please let them know about the May 7th deadline....it would be great to get 77.7 cars — a number that would rival the 2005 USA Tour.

 

 

 

-Al

 

 

 

P.S. We received a bunch of info regarding the 7-7-7 Auto-X recently. Hopefully Mazda will post that soon. Thanks again to Bill and Marcy Power, our Se7eners on the ground in nearby Knoxville (well, nearer than MD or NJ!).Al Navarro2007-03-28 08:53:07

[Al N.]

Folks-

 

 

 

FYI, I just sent out the updated 7-7-7 Database. Please check your email and get back to me with any corrections/questions/clarifications.

 

 

 

If you are a paid registrant and did not receive anything from me today, shoot me an email too.

 

 

 

I will be out for most of the day today.

 

 

 

-Al

[Al N.]

!!!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

 

 

[slngsht]

#7 is now taken http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smash.gif

[scottgib]

It seems I left out the registration link in my e-mail to Bill.

 

 

 

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6988&psrnd=.7556811563444495584530643303185690072

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Gibson

 

ETR Solo Chair

 

scottgib2007-03-31 18:14:39

[Al N.]

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

[slngsht]

SCCA has its own class definitions, but for bragging rights, what do you all say we just have 2 classes: Slicks, and DOT tires?

[powderbrake]

SCCA has its own class definitions, but for bragging rights, what do you all say we just have 2 classes: Slicks, and DOT tires?

 

 

 

I registered in D mod, as #1, if we only have dot and slick classes, I will run in DOT, as I have street tires.

[Al N.]

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

[Al N.]

!!! 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

[Al N.]

!!!Live from Tapoco Lodge!!!

 

First of all, although quite rustic (no TV or phone in room), Tapoco is very nice and charming. Since we visited it last Nov., the greenery has naturally filled out and it's quite pretty.

 

 

 

Well, it rained like heck yesterday, so we took the opportunity to go to the Biltmore, which I think is still a good bet for a rainy day contingency plan during 7-7-7. The way there is still interesting enough and you're not on Route 40 until the very end. And the towns of Waynesville and Sylva on the way back are very charming and have good grub too.

 

 

 

I will inquire about getting permission to shoot the cars at the Biltmore (again, this is just a rain contingency plan....however I would totally recommend as a Sunday trip for non Auto-Xers who do not feel like spectating). Adult admission with audio tour was about $54. Worth it though, IMHO. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to get there...tour takes about 2 hours. Route there or back can use Blue Ridge, although it was fogged over something fierce when I was on it, so I got off as soon as I could.

 

 

 

Driving a few good alternate routes today...Route 28 to Franklin and Wayah road...

 

 

 

Al Navarro2007-04-17 13:49:34

[Al N.]

!!!Live from Tapoco Lodge!!!

 

Had a really great day today. Went down to Franklin via Wayah Road and back via 28. I will definitely be doing that drive on Saturday 7/7 after our group pic. Franklin's not as charming as Sylva or Waynesville, but very serviceable...and the roads make it worthwhile.

 

 

 

Also stopped by Ron & Nancy Johnson's to drop off a very belated thank you gift for the dinner they hosted for Mazda and I back in November. Stopped by Fontana Village too, very nice and more modernized than Tapoco...larger too. If we were trying to throw an event the size of LOG, perhaps it would be a better choice, but I like the intimacy of Tapoco for our meet. Hope you all agree come July! I think everyone who is reserved at Fontana will be very happy with their choice of housing - just remember that it's about 25 minutes away from Tapoco, so leave time before our rendezvous.

 

 

 

What else...had a good meeting with Marsha Cody of Tapoco to finalize a few minor details. Our event is the same weekend as a water release on the Cheoah River...so it will be crowded at the resort on Saturday and Sunday during the day - thankfully when we'll be out driving.

 

 

 

Tomorrow, I'll hit the Foothills Parkway on the way back to NJ.

[Al N.]

!!!Live from New Jersey!!!

 

Damn, that's one hell of a long drive to pull in a single day! Got home about 30 minutes ago after leaving Tapoco around 9 AM. A few stops for meals and breaks, after all, the kids have to eat once in a while! (Mazda, without planning to, we stopped at that mall where you and I had Chinese food on the way home in Nov.)

 

 

 

Just a few points for now...Foothills Parkway is a very nice scenic drive...more like Skyline Drive in Shenandoah or the Blue Ridge Parkway. Speed limit 45, and I only saw one motorcycle cop.

 

 

 

Since I passed through today, I would advise everyone to stay as far away from Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area (Route 441) if you can...traffic was TERRIBLE, even on this weekday. We took the Foothills off the Dragon intending to intersect with 40 east of Knoxville. Ate up a lot of time in traffic and at lights getting through Seviervile (reminded me a lot Myrtle Beach, with same mini-golf and go-karting attractions, and similar crowds/congestion).

 

 

 

What else...the S2000 meet is this weekend and I saw a few tearing up the Dragon, mostly in control. They stay primarily at Fontana, but one guy was staying at Tapoco, because in his words "I prefer the peace and quiet here". Al Navarro2007-04-15 17:17:57

[slngsht]

Hey Al, another marathon drive!

 

 

 

Thanks for the updates http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

[Al N.]

Need a good "Book on Tape" for your drive to and from 7-7-7??

 

 

 

Try "Thirteen Moons", by Charles Fraizer.

 

 

 

Laura (my wife) had received the print version of this novel by the author of "Cold Mountain" and brought it along for reading material. It's a historical novel, set in the Cherokee Nation of the 1800s. So far, Laura has recognized quite a few of the town and area names we visited on our recent trip to Tapoco — including Franklin and Wayah Bald (a mountain).

[Al N.]

Was cleaning out my email box today, and found the email below...look at the date — things that you want to happen, happen eventually, I guess!

 

 

 

FWIW, I think I remember more clearly the exact point the conversation that kicked off idea the 7-7-7 meet occured...I'm pretty sure we were talking about how Tail of the Dragon might compare to Skyline Drive, at a scenic overlook - Steve T. definitely brought up the 50th anniversary. Who else was part of that convo...Scott L., Mazda, Ed E., Bart?? Then we picked it up at the bar after our run in with the local constabulary.

 

 

 

While I'm in a nostalgic mood, I want to single out Michael D...who was the very first person to write to me directly back in July 03 when I sent a message to the USA list-serv with the headline "Impatient newbie asks for help..." It'll be good to meet you in person finally, Mr. D!

 

 

 

------ Forwarded Message

 

From: Al Navarro

 

Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 12:40:50 -0400

 

To:

 

Conversation: Tail of the Dragon?

 

Subject: Tail of the Dragon?

 

 

 

Has anyone here done this fabled route in a Seven? Is is worth going down there? Is overly dangerous?

 

 

 

------ End of Forwarded Message

 

Al Navarro2007-04-19 15:03:27

[Al N.]

Just a reminder that the official deadline for registration for the 777 Event is Monday, May 7th.

 

We're trying to give the organizers enough time to finalize arrangements and not have it be too frantic at the last minute (after all, we are Se7en enthusiasts too!).

 

-Al

 

P.S. If you paid for the Auto-X, don't forget to pre-register online using the link above...so far only 1/3 of paid Auto-X registrants have used the ETR SCCA's online form.