USA7s meet in Monterey?

[JohnCh]

Anyone up for a USA7s meet at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/2010_Rolex_Monterey_Motorsports_Reunion)(nee Monterey Historic Automobile Races) in August? As Alaskossie mentioned in this post (http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4479), he is driving his Caterham from Denver to Anchorage via Los Angeles this summer. Although the itinerary isn’t yet locked for that adventure, one thing is certain: it will stop in Monterey from 8/12-8/15 for the big weekend. If you’ve never done this event before, it is a sensory overload for the car enthusiast. In addition to the races which feature amazing cars with big name drivers on a beautiful track, there are a number of other events happening over that 4-day weekend, including Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Quail Motorsports Gathering, Concorso Italiano, and various auctions. You don’t need to bring your se7en to attend, but if you do bring it, think about joining us for part of the route as well. Perhaps a few days before/after Monterey?

Finding a hotel room at this stage in Monterey is already a little difficult (not to mention expensive), so locating one that has multiple rooms available is a non-starter. Consequently, we are thinking of looking for a place in an outlying area, and then making a 25-40 mile drive each day to the events. At this point, we’d like to see a show of hands to get a sense for the number of rooms needed so we can scout hotel possibilities. Who’s in?

-John

[Al Navarro]

John, you are the devil. But your sidebar suggestion that I defer delivery of SB1341 until August and meet you all in CA is VERY tempting.

[rnr]

I'll join you for some driving and possibly the saturday of the event. Since I'm local I will not be needing a hotel room. Also I'd suggest buying your tickets via the GGLC (http://gglotus.org/ggshop/ggcorral.htm). You get a discount over the gate price and it includes parking within the Lotus corral.

[Mondo]

I've gone to the MotoGP races for years now and the dates are too close for me. Your right on reservations... A friend books ours 6 months early; and they're are people calling at the same time (mid-night) as that's the earliest this particular hotel takes RSVPs (and they don't raise their rates for big weekends).

But now that I'm off sportbikes and have a 7, maybe next year.

[slomove]

John, you are the devil. But you sidebar suggestion that I defer delivery of SB1341 until August and meet you all in CA is VERY tempting.

Any chance to get the new Seven delivered *to* California? Then you can come back in September and join Ross Robbins for his Hwy50 journey from San Francisco to the East Coast.

Edited to say....yes, I am 95% sure to join for Monterey :)

[Boxologist]

not sure if/when I'm making a trip to SF/Monterrey this year. With ALMS in May this year, thats going to be a no go. Hopefully Historics will be doable.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

I'm in as well, but it's no longer called the monterey historics. They're now the "Monterey Motorsportrs Reunion." I'm also glad to see the F1 cars are back this year. This year will celebrate Dan Gurney. I hope to see/hear the Weslake T1G.

[soareyes]

When Gert and I went last year to the Historics we stayed in Hollister, about 45 miles inland from Monterey. It was an easy drive from the motel to the track. Getting a parking pass through the Lotus club is definitely a good idea as you get to park close to everything. Get there fairly early in the morning to avoid the long line to park.

We stayed at the Weibe Motel (www.weibemotel.com) in Hollister, just a basic cheap room and bed that was clean but could have used some fresh paint. There was a nicer looking Best Western (www.bestwesternhollister.com) a block away that I would look into if I were going again. (edit - I just checked the Best Western rates for that weekend and wow, they really jack the rates up for this event! Average room is over $250/night. The Weibe is well under $100 if I remember correctly.)

[JohnCh]

Thanks for the responses thus far. Does anyone know of other hotels in the outlying areas that we should consider?
...if I were going again.
Stan, not sure what you mean by that. I’ve already put you on the definite list :)

-John

[rnr]

Getting a parking pass through the Lotus club is definitely a good idea as you get to park close to everything.

I should add that the Lotus coral is only open to Lotus cars and Se7ens. If you are planning on a rental car you will have to use the general admission parking.

[soareyes]

Thanks for the responses thus far. Does anyone know of other hotels in the outlying areas that we should consider?

Stan, not sure what you mean by that. I’ve already put you on the definite list :)

-John

The 'definitely maybe' list would be better! We had a good time last year so I will probably go again depending on the family's schedule.

And yes, I should have made clear that you have to have a Lotus or Seven-inspired car to park in the Lotus Corral. Our Birkins were welcome.

[scannon]

rnr's signature line:

"Car Lovers drive Lotus Elises, psychopaths and crazy people drive Se7ens." - Mr Know on Jalopnik

I resemble that remark. :D

[Todo]

JohnCh - I was at the Monterrey Historics last year and it was a 4 day blast. My son and I stayed in Salinis and it was only a 15 minute trip to the track as they let us in from the north side. Keeps you out of all that Carmel and Monterrey traffic after the races are over. Have a great time!

Todo:driving:

[scannon]

Here is some info about accommodations a friend gathered at last year's event.

First off, there are no good deals--with advance reservations--for the week of the Historics and Pebble beach Concours. We stayed in the downtown Travel Lodge last summer and paid $300 + a night and the place was a dump, with a lot of traffic noise all night long. (You know how annoying those V-12 Ferraris at full cry can be at 3 A.M.!) If I were going to the Historics this year, I would be inclined to go and take my chances on finding a room. After checking into "the Dump," we went into Carmel for dinner and found two great small motels with vacancy signs (had never seen that in past years) offering much nicer rooms for a lot less money--and in Carmel! With the current economy, you should be able to find a decent place and pay half the price of an advance booking. It's kind of a pain in the ass to go there without a firm reservation, but I think the economy is working in your favor here. It's real hard for me to justify the room rates for this weekend, especially since you're only there to sleep.


With regards to the Miata weekend, that Doubletree or Embassy Suites (I can't remember which it is) you mentioned as the headquarters
is a nice hotel and in the best location for access to the track. It's also pretty expensive. We really like staying out of Monterey, specifically in Pacific Grove. There are some great older motels on the coast there (very pretty and away from the hussle and bussle) that are much more reasonable than rooms in Monterey or Carmel. Here are several in P.G., all along the coast on Asilomar Blvd.:


a.) Rosedale Inn 800-822-5606
b.) Bide-A-Wee Inn and Cottages 831-372-2330
c.) Pacific Gardens Inn 800-262-1566
d.) Sunset Inn 866-550-7550


There are also several great B&B's in the town of Pacific Grove, but I don't have that info.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

We should all rent a house in pebble beach for the weekend. ;)

Watsonville is probably 35 mins from the track (w/o traffic) and doesn't seem to have the inflated rates of the surrounding areas.

[slomove]

rnr's signature line:

"Car Lovers drive Lotus Elises, psychopaths and crazy people drive Se7ens." - Mr Know on Jalopnik

I resemble that remark. :D

Hmm, that never crossed my mind until I met other Se7en drivers. Maybe I am the only sane person on this list. Waaaahaaaahaaaaahhaaa.

[scannon]

Maybe I am the only sane person on this list. Waaaahaaaahaaaaahhaaa.

Hey "Dirt" Gert,

Did you actually write this or was someone forcing you to say that? :D

I had never driven my Se7en on a dirt road until shortly after you showed up at my place last Summer. And you had already been nicknamed Dirt Gert before you got here.

That said, you and the rest of the band of crazies on this forum are the best car people I know.

[slomove]

Hey "Dirt" Gert,

Did you actually write this or was someone forcing you to say that? :D

....

Oh no....all my own thoughts. But you got to know we are all on a mission from god.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_242PlvPtVpE/S39WrmGehkI/AAAAAAAABVk/H6diM81Co1s/Mission.jpg

[khamai]

Hello,
To add to what rnr said about the GGLC/Lotus Corral. There is a ordering deadline that SCRAMP (the track) has set to order tickets & passes. Please note that ticket and corral pass orders must be placed by May 25th, 2010.

Because of changes set by the organizers it is unlikely the GGLC will be able to get extra corral passes or tickets after the deadline.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[JohnCh]

Been a little hectic at work the last month, so I haven’t had much time to investigate hotels until now. I tried to keep us within 45 minutes of the track, so it is an easy daily drive, and limited my searches to hotels under $150/night. Prices in that area go a little nuts that weekend, so not a lot showed up. Here is what I found grouped by location.

Gilroy –About 40-45 minutes from the track. The Super 8 is just $62/night and has decent reviews. There are also a couple of other hotels (Best Western & Hilton Garden Inn) in the $110-$120/night range that sound okay. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to connect with these to confirm availability beyond a couple of rooms.

Hollister – Same distance as Gilroy. The CCC folks stayed at the Weibe Motel last year, it sounds like it was okay and the price is downright cheap at ~$60/night. The Best Western down the road sounds a little nicer, but is double the price. Both have plenty of rooms at this point.

Watsonville – It’s about 30 minutes from the track, but I only found one hotel under my price threshold. They want ~$87/night on Thursday and Sunday, but jump to $160/night for Friday and Saturday, so the average is about $125 for those staying for 4 nights. Reviews are poor.

Salinas – Less than 15 minutes from the track and priced accordingly. Although I found one hotel that was reasonable ($125/night on Friday and Saturday, $70 for Thursday and Sunday) it is right next to the railroad tracks, and had pretty mixed reviews. The Best Western in that town jumps from $90 for a weeknight to $229 on the weekend. $229/night for a Best Western <sigh>.

I also tried a number of other communities in the area, but struck out with availability or price.

Tickets
The Golden Gate Lotus Club (http://gglotus.org/ggshop/ggcorral.htm) told me that all se7en makes are welcome at their coral. Tickets for the three days (8/13-15) plus a coral pass are $126. That’s only $6 more than a three day pass from the official event site without parking. The only potential downside to purchasing from GGLC is timing. We need to order the tickets prior to 5/25, but they won’t arrive until approximately 1 week before the event. Anyone on the road for more than a week prior to the races (i.e. Alaskossie) may want to have their tickets sent to someone else. BTW the official race site states that they run from the 12th-15th, yet the ticketed dates are the 13th-15th. Although I haven’t found a schedule that explains what happens on the 12th, my guess is that it’s a low key arrival day.


Schedule
As you can see from the list below, there is a lot happening that week. Not sure when people want to arrive, but I will probably time it so I arrive at the hotel on the afternoon of the 12th.

8/10 - 4th Annual Carmel by-the-Sea Concours d'Elegance. www.motorclubevents.com (http://www.motorclubevents.com/)

8/10-11 Automobilia Monterey www.automobiliamonterey.com (http://www.automobiliamonterey.com/)

8/12-15 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/2010_Rolex_Monterey_Motorsports_Reunion (http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/2010_Rolex_Monterey_Motorsports_Reunion)

8/13-14 - RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey www.rmauctions.com (http://www.rmauctions.com/)

8/13 Concorso Italiano www.concorso.com (http://www.concorso.com/)

8/13 - The Quail-A Motorsports Gathering www.quaillodge.com (http://www.quaillodge.com/)

8/13-14 - Mecum Auctions' "Mecum at Monterey www.mecum.com (http://www.mecum.com/)

8/14-15 - Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach Auctions www.goodingco.com (http://www.goodingco.com/)

8/15 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance www.pebblebeachconcours.net (http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/)

So what do people think? Any feedback on Gilroy vs. Hollister?

-John

[slomove]

Gilroy –About 40-45 minutes from the track. The Super 8 is just $62/night and has decent reviews. There are also a couple of other hotels (Best Western & Hilton Garden Inn) in the $110-$120/night range that sound okay. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to connect with these to confirm availability beyond a couple of rooms.

Hollister – Same distance as Gilroy. The CCC folks stayed at the Weibe Motel last year, it sounds like it was okay and the price is downright cheap at ~$60/night. The Best Western down the road sounds a little nicer, but is double the price. Both have plenty of rooms at this point.

Watsonville – It’s about 30 minutes from the track, but I only found one hotel under my price threshold. They want ~$87/night on Thursday and Sunday, but jump to $160/night for Friday and Saturday, so the average is about $125 for those staying for 4 nights. Reviews are poor.

I have stayed in Gilroy a few times, IIRC at the Best Western. Decent hotels there being a major overnight stop for the Hwy101. If traveling with a "normal" car I would probably go there or to the Best Western in Hollister.

With the Seven I prefer the old style Motels where I can park the car right in front of the room door. It just leaves me with a better feeling than parking the car far away in a dimly lit corner of the big box freeway hotel lot. Since I take a bunch of loose junk out of the car overnight it is more convenient, too. Finally, it causes fewer strange looks, standing outside with a beer bottle in hand and chatting about the cars ;-)

Gert

[JohnCh]

With the Seven I prefer the old style Motels where I can park the car right in front of the room door.
That's my preference as well when touring. Besides, the money saved will just cover the cost of a ticket to Pebble Beach - $150 in advance/$175 on day of the show :eek:

-John

[Alaskossie]

John,

I'm presently traveling (Tucson this week, Denver next), so am not internet-linked like I would like to be. Thanks for moving this event forward. Anything you come up with on the accommodations front is fine with me.

I am looking forward to my maiden voyage in the Executive Superlight this coming Sunday at scannon's shop in Erie, CO, at his Colorado Sevens gathering. I'll let you know how it went -- if I've regained the use of my faculties....


Alaskossie

[JohnCh]

If anyone needs another reason to join the group in Monterey for the history races, here you go: The organizers have announced that they will celebrate the 60 years of F1! 38 F1 cars are scheduled to take part, including Jim Clark's Lotus 49, Mario Andretti's Lotus 77, various Ferraris, and even the Tyrrell 6-wheeler. More details here (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-celebrate-60th-anniversary-of-fo/).

Over the next week I plan to place my ticket/Corral pass order with GGLC and make a reservation at the Wiebe hotel. Who’s with me?

-John

[Alaskossie]

John,

I'm with you. I'll try to make similar reservations.......

[slomove]

If anyone needs another reason to join the group in Monterey for the history races, here you go: The organizers have announced that they will celebrate the 60 years of F1! 38 F1 cars are scheduled to take part, including Jim Clark's Lotus 49, Mario Andretti's Lotus 77, various Ferraris, and even the Tyrrell 6-wheeler. More details here (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/09/monterey-motorsports-reunion-to-celebrate-60th-anniversary-of-fo/).

Over the next week I plan to place my ticket/Corral pass order with GGLC and make a reservation at the Wiebe hotel. Who’s with me?

-John

I am planning to be there. Unfortunately I will return from Europe only the Monday before but I should be able to take a day off Friday to drive up to Monterey, be at the races Saturday and return Sunday (like I did last year).

[JohnCh]

This weekend I made my reservation at the Wiebe Motel for the 12th - 15th, and purchased my tickets and corral pass through GGLC. I was told that motel cancellations can be made up to one week ahead with no penalty, so if you are considering attending Monterey with the group, then I suggest you make your reservation now. It will probably be easier to cancel a room in July than to find one that late in the game

I'm still trying to decide if I also want to do Pebble Beach and/or Concorso Italiano, but my race reservations are locked!

-John

[khamai]

Between the Historic F1 races and all of Gurney's Eagles it will be a spectacular event.

As a reminder the GGLC needs your ticket and corral pass order by May 25th.
(sorry - deadline to order tickets has passed)
We use PayPal for payment.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy

[rnr]

I just ordered my tickets for Saturday. However since the wife will be bringing massive quantities of camera equipment I will probably be in the Elise instead of the Seven.

[khamai]

Just a reminder to place your ticket and Lotus/GGLC Corral orders by May 25th!!!

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy

[slomove]

Just a reminder to place your ticket and Lotus/GGLC Corral orders by May 25th!!!

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy

Just tried to order the tickets today but the PayPal checkout web site tells me for 3 different credit cards "This card can not be used for this transaction". As far as I know I am not that broke. Anybody had this problem?

[JohnCh]

Gert, did you get this straightened out? The process worked flawlessly for me a few weeks ago.

BTW for those of you considering joining the driving portion after Monterey, here is a picture of a road in Eastern WA we are considering for the route :)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/47/Washington_State_Route_129.jpg

-John

[powderbrake]

Not to hijack the thread, but I like that road in eastern WA. I am driving from St.Louis to Seattle next month and maybe I can incorporate it. Where is it ,and what is the name of the road?

[JohnCh]

It's SR-129 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR_129_%28WA%29). Drop me a PM if you want to scout some other routes for us, er...I mean if you want some other recommendations ;)

-John

[rnr]

BTW if folks who are travelling need someone local to ship their tickets to I'd be happy to collect them and bring them to the event (will be there on saturday and sunday). PM me for more info.

Also please let me know if you have any issues ordering tickets and I'll check it out on the GGLC end.

[slomove]

Gert, did you get this straightened out? The process worked flawlessly for me a few weeks ago.
-John

Not yet. I suspect I am on the PayPal shit list because I disputed/reversed a payment to an Internet vendor that was not explained properly on my credit card bill. Then I paid the vendor with a money order instead to avoid more problems. Probably a big mistake....Maybe I have somebody else do the transaction for me in the meantime until I figure out with PayPal how to remove the block.

Gert

[slomove]

Well, I got it done. Using a new credit card, my wife's name, disposable e-mail address and setting the browser to "private". Really annoying.

But it means I am planning to drive up Friday 13th on some nice back roads, be there Saturday and return Sunday 15th. I will probably skip the bull rider style Bitterwater Road that we did last time but may try the Parkfield-Coalinga Road.

Anybody else driving up or down from LA these days?

Gert

I believe I will take this road up (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=S+Michillinda+Ave&daddr=34.284453,-118.666077+to:CA-126+W%2FW+Telegraph+Rd+to:CA-33+N+to:Blue+Star+Memorial+Hwy%2FCA-58+W%2FSanta+Maria+Valley+Hwy+to:Shell+Creek+Rd+to :Parkfield+Grde+to:Los+Gatos+Rd%2FLos+Gatos+Creek+ Rd%2FOld+Coalinga+Rd+to:Airline+Hwy%2FCA-25+N+to:San+Felipe+Rd&hl=en&geocode=FRLZCAId3m72-A%3B%3BFWaVDAIdEmLo-A%3BFRAIEwIdulLh-A%3BFTYlGwIdMF7c-A%3BFdjoHgIdjNTT-A%3BFUKRJQIdpLTR-A%3BFTajKQIddOfO-A%3BFWyuLgIdJn_G-A%3BFZzUMgIdPJTD-A&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8&sll=34.370645,-119.042358&sspn=1.575543,2.400513&ie=UTF8&ll=35.590319,-119.849854&spn=3.104318,4.801025&z=8)

and possibly this way back (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=San+Felipe+Rd&daddr=CA-1+S%2FCabrillo+Hwy+to:Unknown+road+to:Blue+Star+Me morial+Hwy%2FCA-58+E%2FCarrisa+Hwy+to:34.881425,-119.279938+to:S+Michillinda+Ave&hl=en&geocode=FZzUMgIdPJTD-A%3BFUSkKQIdBuq8-A%3BFYhBIAId4lvJ-A%3BFYovHAIdsNHV-A%3B%3BFRLZCAId3m72-A&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=4&sz=10&via=1,2,3,4&sll=35.125525,-119.691925&sspn=0.78062,1.200256&ie=UTF8&ll=35.518814,-119.932251&spn=3.107087,4.801025&z=8)

[khamai]

Ah, I see I caught this a bit late. Had I seen in time I would have said the GGLC can take a personal check. Feel free to email me to get the mailing address.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy
webguy"at"gglotus.org

[Hudson]

I have ordered tickets and in an act of excessive optimism a parking pass. If I can get the car back together the plan is to show up the 12th and then after the weekend drive north to Seattle.

I plan on showing up for the weekend even if the car does not.

It will be good to see you guys again.

Ed

[slomove]

I have ordered tickets and in an act of excessive optimism a parking pass. If I can get the car back together the plan is to show up the 12th and then after the weekend drive north to Seattle.

I plan on showing up for the weekend even if the car does not.

It will be good to see you guys again.

Ed

Indeed, good to see you there, too. If you drive up north on Hwy 16, mind the rocks on the road :smash:

[Alaskossie]

rnr,

I am having my tickets and corral pass sent to my son's home in Los Angeles; I hope they arrive there before I do.

[JohnCh]

Sounds like we should have a decent turnout for Monterey! Ed, if the seven isn’t ready, I expect to see the Mini ;)

I’m having my tickets/corral pass sent to my house (Seattle area) and I’m hoping they show up before I take off on the 10th or 11th. Kiyoshi, any advice here? Should they make it by then, or do I need to make other arrangements?

-John

[khamai]

Last year the GGLC received our lot of tickets & passes by the end of July and we able to distribute them well in advance. I suspect that we'll see the same this year because we need to get our order in at least 2 weeks earlier than 2009.

The biggest issue was the USPS, which has been been reliable lost at least 3 sets last year. I'd hate to see a repeat because the alterative is shipping by FedEx or certified mail which would add at least $10 to every purchase.

Worst case scenario is we can look into finding a member in the Salinas area willing to help distribute the tickets by hand on Friday.

Kiyoshi

[rnr]

Worst case scenario is we can look into finding a member in the Salinas area willing to help distribute the tickets by hand on Friday.


Since John is going to be driving south from WA he could pick them up on the way. Could be a great time to have another Sunnyvale lunch.

[JohnCh]

USPS Priority Mail flat rate envelope is only $5 and adding a tracking number is only another $1, so that might be the best option. You can even do this online and have USPS send the prepaid envelopes to your door, so there isn’t even a reason to make a trip to the Post Office. I know I’d be more than happy to pay the extra to ensure the tickets arrive on time. Would GGLC be willing to do this?

RNR, lunch would be fun, but I prefer to have the tickets before I leave rather than pick them up on the drive down. I'd like to keep my route and schedule as flexible as possible.

Thanks,
John

[rnr]

Would GGLC be willing to do this?


You have PM

[JohnCh]

Just a reminder that the deadline to pre-purchase your tickets and corral pass for Monterey through GGLC (http://gglotus.org/ggshop/ggcorral.htm), is next Tuesday the 25th. Also, will those who are planning to attend please PM me and let me know the following:

A) Are you a local to the event or will you be staying at a hotel? If a hotel, are you staying at the Wiebe?
B) Will you be bringing your se7en? If yes, what make/engine?
C) Are you interested in joining the tour after the race weekend is over? If yes, for how many days?

Hudson, Alaskossie, Slomove, & RNR, I already have your details, so no need for the PM.

Thanks,
John

[khamai]

Email was sent out concerning Priority Mail to all those who have purchased tix/passes. Please reply to the message if you prefer Priority Mail vs. 1st class.

Reminder - deadline is 7 days from now for making your purchase.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy

[pierats]

John, I'll be there. Ordered tickets for both days.

[JohnCh]

Great news Tom! I was about to ask if you are also staying at the Wiebe but then I remembered my geography ;-)

-John

[khamai]

Quick reminder...
The deadline for Ticket and Corral Pass orders with the GGLC is this Weds May 25th.

Thanks,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy (and past 7 owner)

[JohnCh]

Quick reminder...
The deadline for Ticket and Corral Pass orders with the GGLC is this Weds May 25th.

The 25th is Tuesday (tomorrow) not Wednesday ;)

-John

[khamai]

And for that reason the deadline has been extended. TODAY May 26 is the LAST day to order tickets/passes.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[khamai]

Ticket/Pass ordered is now closed.

Thanks to all that ordered. We'll be placing our order with SCRAMP later today. I would expect to see the tickets/passes from them sometime in late June or early July.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[khamai]

Turns out we can still get last minute tix/passes. Email me at webguy"at"gglotus.org

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[JohnCh]

The post-Monterey route is locked and hotel reservations have been made for the three confirmed drivers! If you have been toying with joining us for any portion of the drive, but haven’t contacted me directly about it, then please do so right away so I can give you the hotel details. There is very limited space at some of these places so you need to jump on your reservations now.

-John

[khamai]

To all that ordered tickets -
Please check your email. An update email went out a few minutes ago. If you ordered tickets through the GGLC and did NOT receive and email there may be a PROBLEM!!! Please contact me ASAP at webguy"at"gglotus.org (webguy@gglotus.org)

Cheers,
Kiyoshi
GGLC Webguy

[khamai]

To all that ordered tickets -
Hopefully everyone has received their tickets, they were put in the mail the middle of last week.

If don't get yours in the next few days send me an email at webguy"at"gglotus.org

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

[Rod]

I registered early and got my ticket and my gate pass, however my company has informed me that I will be working in China before, during and after this event. My loss is your gain. I will sell my ticket and gate pass to another 7 owner for the cost of the early admission, $90.00.
Please contact me and we can arrange this.

[slomove]

Tom,

are you now going through LA as discussed earlier and when are you driving up to Monterey? Would be great meeting you, but I am returning myself from Europe only the Monday before the race weekend and drive up on Friday.

Gert

[scannon]

Gert,

Tom is at Jeff's in Colorado but doesn't have his laptop with him. I left him a voice mail to respond to your post on Jeff's computer.

I saw him on Tuesday and he said he was leaving for LA about August 2nd.

[slomove]

Thanks Skip, appreciate it!

[scannon]

Tom brought his Caterham ESL to the LOCO club meeting on Tuesday evening. It drew a crowd, people were standing out in the rain to look at the car and talk to Tom about it. It got far more attention than a new Evora parked a few cars away.

[JohnCh]

Gert, last I heard from Tom, he was planning to arrive midweek. I know he'll be there before Friday since we've already planned to hit Concorso Italiano that morning.

I'll probably roll into town early Thursday afternoon. When is everyone else arriving?

-John

[slomove]

Hi Tom, assuming you have a chance to read this...

If you are still in LA on Tuesday night (8/10, that is...), let me know. After 2 weeks out abroad I am pretty sure I will need a quicky blat up Big Tujunga Canyon after work. Maybe you want to join?

Gert

[Alaskossie]

Gert,

Scannon alerted me to the fact that you had posted a mesage to me on the CA trip (I don't have my computer with me).

I am planning to meet my wife at our son's home in Santa Monica on Aug. 6, if I get all my pre-trip stuff done in Colorado. Otherwise, it may be a day later. (We have a one-week-old new grand-daughter in Santa Monica, our son's first child). I was planning to drive to the Moterey area on the 9th to attend the Carmel street concours the next day
(which has now been cancelled due to lack of a sponsor). I have a reservation at the Wiebe Motel in Hollister beginning, I believe, on the evening of the 9th (or it may be the 10th -- I'll have to check). So I was going to be in the Monterey area from the 10th on to the end of the Historics on the 14th.

John Christenson, Ed Hudson and I are planning to attend Concorso Italiano on the 9th in Monterey.

I would love to drive up from LA with you, if it fits your time schedule.

[JohnCh]

Tom, Concorso Italiano is the 13th ;)

BTW According to Autoweek, a scaled down version of the Carmel Concours is back on. Details here (http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100719/COLLECTOR/100719866).

-John

[Kitcat]

Tom:

Congrats on the new granddaughter! Don't hesitate to post a photo of the her snuggled up in the passenger seat of the Se7en:). Sounds like it's going to be a memorable trip, for many reasons, all of them good.

Mike

[supersportsp]

I want pics and first hand accounts of the Lotus T125. http://gglotus.org/blog/?p=1404

[rnr]

All the folks who ordered tickets via the GGLC should have received them by now.

The GGLC will have its usual pre-event breakfast meetup on the Saturday the 14th. We'll meet starting at ~7:15 AM at the N. Salinas IHOP (1075 N. Davis Rd) so we can sit down for breakfast by ~7:30 and be back on the road into the track (via the Ft. Ord entrance) by 8:30.

Everyone is welcome and though we don't have to make formal reservations, but it would be great if you can post here so we will have an idea how many to expect.

[Alaskossie]

Gert,
I am still in Colorado, finishing up the Executive Superlight. I doubt I will leave for LA before Saturday the 7th. I will plan to be in LA from when I arrive through the 11th, then drive to the Monterey area late on the 12th. (I have a reservation at the Weibe Motel in Hollister for the weekend).

So I don't know if we can coordinate a drive from LA to the Monterey area, but I would like to. When are you planning to drive up?

Yes, The Concorso Italiano is on the 13th, Friday. My error...

My cell is 907-317-2600. Let's try to rendezvous. I would like to run across Sean McPartlan also, if it works out.

Alaskossie

[Sean]

I would like to run across Sean McPartlan also, if it works out.

I must remember to not stand in front of your car! :)

[Alaskossie]

Sean,

I hope you at least get a chance to stand in front of my car next week....stationary, of course!

Alaskossie

[slomove]

Hey Tom, that will be tight. I will leave Friday 13th (I don't believe in that supestitious crap and will just take a dead cat with me in the boot so that my car holds together). I suspect you want to take Hwy1 anyway and I will drive some obscure inland route, probably with TheDingo8MyBaby. I have done Hwy1 many times. Very nice but quite crowded and there are other nice roads.

I will give you a call Monday or Tuesday after I return from Europe if you are still up for a short local blat.

Gert

[Alaskossie]

Slomove,

I am still at Jeff's in Greeley, CO. I have an oil leak that we will be investigating this morning. I hope it is not serious -- could put a crimp in my tight travel plans.

Otherwise, I am just about ready to launch.

I had hoped to arrive in the Monterey area before Friday the 13th (no dead black cat for me) because I have a ticket for the Concorso on Friday.

Alaskossie

[slomove]

If it is a slow leak, just take a few gallons reserve oil :) My engine is drooling oil at high revs since I had the car.....

But seriously, I hope you can sort that out soon. I just arrived back home, a bit tired but will watch if and when you are in the area. If it does not work out, we'll just meet in Monterey!

Gert

[Sean]

Gert, John, Tom - PMs sent. See you guys there.

[johnh]

If there is a group dinner of other social get together planned I missed the time and location. It would be fun to meet up with you guys this weekend...

[rnr]

If there is a group dinner of other social get together planned I missed the time and location. It would be fun to meet up with you guys this weekend...

The GGLC will have its usual pre-event breakfast meetup on the Saturday the 14th. We'll meet starting at ~7:15 AM at the N. Salinas IHOP (1075 N. Davis Rd) so we can sit down for breakfast by ~7:30 and be back on the road into the track (via the Ft. Ord entrance) by 8:30.

I'll be the Indian guy in the grey Elise

[slomove]

Some pictures and mini video clips (taken with my point-and shoot camera) (http://picasaweb.google.com/slomove/Monterey2010?authkey=Gv1sRgCIjCwb3Z-tCziwE&feat=directlink) from Saturday.
Great event and again an unbelievable collection of precious hardware.

My favorite (mainly because i have a model of that for 30 years):
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_242PlvPtVpE/TGiPRD2_IfI/AAAAAAAAB4A/doSRQb9YigQ/s1152/P1020330.JPG

[scannon]

Gert,

Great pictures and clips, thanks for sharing for those of us unable to attend.

I really liked the picture of the fellow with the leather helmet, goggles and handlebar mustache leaning on the yellow #4. What car is that?

Then there is this one, what is it? Never seen anything like it before.

[rnr]

My favorite (mainly because i have a model of that for 30 years):
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_242PlvPtVpE/TGiPRD2_IfI/AAAAAAAAB4A/doSRQb9YigQ/s1152/P1020330.JPG


Gert you should have told me about it. The owner is a member of the GGLC and I spent a long time chatting with him on both days. He is a very cool guy and we shot a 20 minute interview with him describing the historic GP racing experience - I'll send you a link when I finish editing it together.

[Mondo]

Thanks for the pics Gert... I like that 6 wheel Elf F1

Think I'm going to this next year instead of MotoGP

[rnr]

F1 cars lining up for the race grid

YouTube - 2010 Monterey Motorsports Reunion F1 grid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQTMGCW-fH8)

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

Gert,

Great pictures and clips, thanks for sharing for those of us unable to attend.

I really liked the picture of the fellow with the leather helmet, goggles and handlebar mustache leaning on the yellow #4. What car is that?

Then there is this one, what is it? Never seen anything like it before.

The yellow car is a 1915 Ford Model T.

As far as the silver one - I only remember that it had streamliner in the name.

[Sean]

Then there is this one, what is it? Never seen anything like it before.

It is a 1956 Avia 750 Mark III streamliner (http://www.classiccar.co.nz/news-7900/1956-alvia-750-streamliner-turns-up-on-ebay). It looks very low to the ground - more so in person than in photos.

[scannon]

It is a 1956 Avia 750 Mark III streamliner (http://www.classiccar.co.nz/news-7900/1956-alvia-750-streamliner-turns-up-on-ebay). It looks very low to the ground - more so in person than in photos.
Thanks for the info. Do you know if the one in the link is the same car as was at Monterrey?

[Sean]

Thanks for the info. Do you know if the one in the link is the same car as was at Monterrey?

No, I don't know for sure, but because part of the article reads: Czech company Avia, now a truck builder known as Ashok Leyland, built two-stroke, two-cylinder cars in the fifties that were converted to racing machines. Czech driver Miroslav Jurca got hold of one in 1956 and turned it into this: the 750 Mk III. it makes me think it is a one-off special. Besides, it has the same purple wheels! I got a shot or two of this car as well. I hope to get them posted here as soon as my print staff finish post-production work on those shots (translation: I am hoping that my wife may be able to help me with the pictures tomorrow! ;))

[scannon]

I also think it is one of a kind. A little searching found this 1956 Avia 350. Doesn't look much like the Streamliner. Another reference said the Czech driver Miroslav Jurca convinced the factory to let him build a race car and the Streamliner was the result.

[rnr]

More videos from the F1 qualifying and race: http://gglotus.org/blog/?p=1482

[Sean]

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/BBL-Sean/Carmel2010/avia750.jpg

[rnr]

I recently had the pleasure of talking to long time GGLC member and Historic Grand Prix (http://www.historicgrandprix.com/) racer Chris Locke (http://gglotus.org/blog/?tag=chris-locke) at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Chris has been campaigning his ex-Andretti JPS Lotus 77 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_77) in historic grand prix for five years and graciously agreed to share his experiences with the rest of the GGLC. The following is a short interview discussing the Historic Grand Prix experience, the history of his car and comparing the 77 to other cars both new and old.

YouTube - Interview with Historic GP racer Chris Locke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trcnFE0U5_I)

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/TheDingo8MyBaby/DSC_0479.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/TheDingo8MyBaby/DSC_0478.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/TheDingo8MyBaby/DSC_0477.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v121/TheDingo8MyBaby/DSC_0360.jpg

It'll take me a while to sort through all of them...but here's a few.

Morgan's old elan is there next to the yellow elan.

[MoPho]

Morgan's old elan is there next to the yellow elan.


Was there a big announcement that was my car or something? LOL
I had several people email me to tell me it was there, but it looks a bit different from when I had it so was surprised people recognized it

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

Was there a big announcement that was my car or something? LOL
I had several people email me to tell me it was there, but it looks a bit different from when I had it so was surprised people recognized it

I just recognized the color. Not many elans are dark blue.

[Sean]

Is it definitely MopHo's old ride, or another Elan of the same color? Just curious. It sure looked good!

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

It was Morgan's old car. I asked the 'gent driving it.

[MoPho]

It was mine, some fellow Elan owners that knew my car had confirmed it.
Not sure if he repainted the whole car, but he removed the number meatball, changed the bumpers back to the original silver paint and put the window frames and soft top back on it. Don't know what else he did