Hey Sidewinders,

Come out and drive with us at Willow Springs.

West Coast Racing, aka the Pantera Club is running this weekend.

Open to all skill levels, instruction available.

Contact Jim Saxton for more info:  626-285-2024 or email: [email protected]

TEST and TUNE is being offered by the track on Friday, March 5.

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

---

HOTEL INFO:

Guys,

The hotel we have stayed at the last couple of times is the Homewood Suites by Hilton.  It's newer, clean, comfortable bed, just off the freeway, about 20 minutes to the track. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster (http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PDLLCHX)
2300 W. Double Play Way, Lancaster, California, USA 93536
Tel: 1-661-940-9194  Fax: 1-661-940-9167 

I want to say about $115 per night w/AAA card - breakfast is included.

OR:

OXFORD SUITES, LANCASTER (http://www.oxfordsuiteslancaster.com/amenities.php)

$99 Per Night with AAA Discount

  * Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet
  * Complimentary Evening Reception (excluding Sundays) featuring appetizers and your choice of wine, beer or soda pop
  * Complimentary Hi-Speed Wireless Internet Access

I had a blast last November at this event.  Spring Mountain is right at the start of my busy season at work.        So I will have to pass.     >o  But you Sidewinders may want to blow out some of the
moth balls from your rides.
Think about it ?   I am marking it down on my calendar!  Plus if I finish off my  PS2s  at this event
I will have an excuse to purchase  fresh
track tires and wheels before the big summer / early fall swan songs for the Viper nation!

http://www.westcoastracinginc.com/WCR/Welcome.html


Just watch out for the sky blue meanie Mazda  instructor dude     ^10 =15 ^11

Yeah,

The little guy in the Mazada would not be my first choice as an instructor for a Viper guy.

Dan

Come on Grease Lightning, tell us how you feel about Napoleon.  I'm sure Mr. Hirko holds him in high regard.

Scott was very gracious with the ' little Napoleon '.  And told him that he was not aware of him on the track
and thought his Mazda was just a bug splat looking out through his windshield!   ^2


But let's talk about Ron Bean the Instructor with the Corvette!   He was kick ass!   Right Scott? 
Of course when I got the honor of our club  savior  Bob "The Bullet" Blizzard to ride with me I found a new meaning to hauling ass.
                                    ^9

Rod Bean is a great guy and instructor.  He knows WSIR as well as anyone around and if you get a ride with him in his STOCK Z06, you most definitely will need a change of underwear.

Amen!

Dan,

got the note from Jim a few daus ago, I'm going to plan to be there.

I'm planning on it too. Were is everyone staying this time?

I'm going to this one too. Don't know where I'm staying yet.
Hey Scott, I heard you got some new brakes now. How do you like them?

Cathy found a newer hotel with breakfast not too far from the track.

I'll ask her for info.

Dan

I'm going to the "Bullets" class then test and tune my Kahonies on Friday. Hope to stay for the weekend.
I know I'm a Greengo but watch me progress this year. 8)

Guys,

The hotel we have stayed at the last couple of times is the Homewood Suites by Hilton.  It's newer, clean, comfortable bed, just off the freeway, about 20 minutes to the track. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster (http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PDLLCHX)
2300 W. Double Play Way, Lancaster, California, USA 93536
Tel: 1-661-940-9194  Fax: 1-661-940-9167 

I want to say about $115 per night w/AAA card - breakfast is included.

Dan

 Another option is the Devonshire Motel 2076 W Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond. 661 256-3454.
It's only 5 minutes from the track and $70 plus tax.

Cathy and I stayed at the Devonshire once.

We nicknamed it the "Dump and Shower".

Bring your air cleaners.

It reminded me of the rooms I used to stay in while playing baseball.

Dan

I signed up for the event today. I'll probably try the Devonshire motel since it's so close to the track and I'll have my track tires on the car.
See you guys there,
Ben

 >8
Sent jim an Email, I'd like to go to this one as well...

FYI,

Bob Blizzard may be doing his 1 day classroom session on high performance driving / cornering on Friday at the track before this event.  It's worth the $$ and the trip if you can make time for it.

Dan

Love to be there with the Sidewinders.  But I'm a weekend worker!.  But  If you are interested in having a great
time at a shorter quicker track,  fast paced  with lost's of time on early apex turns break!  late apex exit go! go! go!, threshold breaking, down shifts from four to two,  and quick straights around 95 MPH this may be for you.
Friday  March 5th.

Give me a heads up.

Ill be there !   Glenn................. <m

 >v I spoke with Jim and I will be at WSIR in yellow group for both days.  >g

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that the rains don't come as forecast this weekend.

If it doesn't rain, I'll head out on Sunday morning to go hang out with the Sidewinders, take some pics  >u, have lunch and then head back.

Let me know if you want to cruise on Sunday.  If it does rain.....then I'm heading to K-1  =15 for some practice  >1
I got waxed last time...  =17

Hey Lance,

Weather forecast looks like 70% rain Saturday / 60% rain Sunday.

I'll make a decision tonight and likely not go.

Too bad, car is ready to go, had a nice hotel and a garage lined up - hate to miss track time due to lousy weather.

Was planning to go for 129.999 this weekend.....

Will post again later tonight.

Dan

Dan,

Been watching the same, hoping for the best but????

Is it possible to cancel and get a refund?  If it rains do you know what their policy is?

thanks,

Mike

We'll all keep our fingers crossed for good weather.

http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/rosamond/93560/forecast-details.asp?fday=4 (http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/rosamond/93560/forecast-details.asp?fday=4)

Really wish we could get more accurate weather forecasts.

I think West Coast Racing will apply your payment in full to their next event or cancel and send you a percentage back.

If I don't go, I'll just let them apply my $$$ to their next event.

Dan

I know , I know.  But Friday looks sunny. >w

I spoke to Jim and the event is running rain or shine.  For those not wanting to attend the two options are 1)they can apply your current entry fee to a future event or 2) refund your money less a 25% fee.

I will be going rain or shine.  They will still be running on the track in the rain.  Everyone will be driving slower and I will just work on my line and a little bit of car control in the wet ;)  I am still running on PS2s so wet is less of an issue for me.

Weather.com seems more aggressive in their chances of rain at 70% and 60% for Sat. and Sun.  While Accuweather.com says 40% and 1%!

Antwan,

They won't necessarily be running in the rain.  When we were there for the November '08 event the rain was fairly hard on and off all day.  I ran in the first session 3 laps under yellow with the hope that the cars would dry the track, on the 3rd lap the rain started coming down hard, in turn 8 the rain came in the drivers side window and exited out the passenger side.  At the end of turn 9 leading to the front straight there was a small stream and lot's of mud.  Long story short, we just all sat around and Jim finally called off Saturday around noon or 1 pm.  I don't think that Dan or Michael VonQ ever got on the track, luckily Michael had a nice warm motorhome for all of us to hang out in.  The good news was than on Sunday we had a great day, 1/4 the cars and decent weather with no rain.

Just trying to say that if it is really raining we won't run, spot shower yes, steady rain no.

I really want to go so I'm not trying be negative.  I'll look again tomorrow and decide.  I also would need to cancel the hotel by midnight tomorrow

Let's hope for just some sprinkles Saturday and a good Sunday!!!

Mike

Wow that sucks!  Did he offer you guys any credit for the next event?  I asked Jim about the window down thing as I said if it is raining I don't want to be driving with the windows down...and he said they could be agreeable to letting people drive with windows up.

I guess we'll just check in again tomorrow on the weather.  I am staying with friends so the only thing I need to worry about is the event fee.  But I also don't want to be out there by myself as the lone Viper  >o

So we'll see.

Hey I don't like you guys talking behind my back!  ^11
Besides I have no idea what your talking about? I never saw a blue Mazda? I did have some blue paint on the front underside of my car? I just thought I got some gum on my car or something. ^8
Anyway this rain thing sucks. The weather keeps looking worse.  60% saturday 70% chance for sunday.
I am only planning on Sunday right now so we'll see..... I wanted to try out my Super Duper brake kit.

Hey Guys,

Here's the latest from Accuweather:

http://www.accuweather.com/us/ca/rosamond/93560/forecast-details.asp?fday=3

They're predicting possible T-showers on Saturday with a 30 - 40% chance and clear on Sunday.

Still planning to go, will check again tonight.

Dan

Y'all are welcomed to stop by my place and wait for the rain, if any, to subside.  WSR is only 45 minutes from my place.

Tamales !!!    >g

Dan,  I'm still in too.  I like the accueweather site better than weather chanels view.

I think Sunday will be fine, and Saturday could turn out to be good.

I'm keeping my eye on you, if you don't come them I have to haul more items like the jack and stands

Also, I can throw my stuff in your trailer, and, stand in your trailer if if gets wet.  If you're not coming that's a game changer for me.

Keep us posted!!

thanks,

Mike

"You Go, We Go"  Kinda reminds of that last scene from the movie Backdraft http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEE49gpezUY  So does that make Mike, Kurt Russell?  Okay so the movie connection was a stretch ;)

Hey Guys,

I hate to be a party pooper and was looking forward to seeing you guys at the track but just made the call. 

We're not going to the track this weekend.

Rain forecast is only 40% on Saturday with 20+ mph winds.  No rain for Sunday but 20 to 40 mph winds.  Not good driving conditions.

We had a garage reserved and hotel rooms which we just cancelled.

Maybe we could get together on Sunday for "brunch"?  Burritos as Lance's house?

Next track event is April 10 & 11 at Buttonwillow.  I've been talking to some Nor Cal Viper Club guys who might make this one.  Hope some of you guys can fit this event into your schedule.

Regards,

Dan

As of now, I am still planning on going. Sat looks iffy but Sun looks ok.
Ben

Okay I just took over the LeGrand garage from Dan and Cathy.  So I have it for Sat. and Sun.  It is the furthest one from the snack bar.  Vipers can all meet here.

So now we have shelter from the rain and a place to hang out.  You guys can all throw your stuff in here.

I drive a lot slower so hopefully the winds will be less of an issue for me ;)

So who is still going?

Antwan/Ben,

I'm in, maybe too windy for Mr. 129.99 but I really want to go and it doesn't seem to be a wash out.
Glad you have a garage, if you need some $$$'s let me know.

Ben, if I get cold would you hold me and keep me warm??  Looking forward to seeing the Orange ACR, I have lost my edge since you got it, maybe you could get your old yellow ACR and chase me for old times sake??

I'm staying with one of Diann's cousin's in Pasadena Friday night, see you guys 7:30 am Saturday.

Mike

No worries on the garage, Mike!  You can bring food ;)

I'll be staying at a friend's place Friday night in Palmdale.  I am doing both days so maybe we can grab dinner Sat. night?

I'll PM you my cell phone, Mike.  Ben already has it.

thanks!! Got your number Accueweather keeps looking better, hope so.

dinner Saturday night would be great

Weather is looking better and better.

Hope you guys have fun.

Besides the weather, I've got more work to do right now than I really want - but will no doubt need the $$$$ this year for tires and other Viper stuff.

Be safe,

Dan - aka "Mr. 129.99"

PS  I'm going to try and run next Saturday at Fontana with NASA just keep up with you guys.

Got your number, Mike!  And yea accuweather is looking better so we'll keep our hopes up.

If you change your mind about coming out Dan, I'll give up the garage to you  <m

Speedventures is also running at Big Willow again next Sat. the 13th.  After that I don't there is another Big Willow track day until June.

Bring warm clothes guys, it'll be cold out there.

See you all Sat. Morning!

Hey how many peps are still in for Saturday or Sunday?

I believe its me, Mike, and Ben so far for the weekend. I've got a garage for both days.

 I believe Lance, Justin, Bruce K. and I are planning on stopping by on Sunday for lunch and watch y'all run a few sessions.

Cool!  Just look for the garage with the stripper pole and the dancing girls!   >j










We'll be in the one next to it  <L

Well I just called Jim Saxton right now. The message say's they are on for both days. No refunds or credits  =16 soooo...
I guess I'm going on Sunday I hope I can make it on my 888's if it rains I may be ice skating my way there. <Z
Maybe I should put my PS2's back on????

Accuweather.com does not predict any rain on Sun. for Big Willow.  You should be fine.  But if you are worried the PS2s are always a safe bet.  I am running PS2s, but I'm going both days.

Did it ever rain this weekend at the track??? >g

Hey Poison,

I only went Sunday and when I got there it had just stopped raining so the track was soaked.
The sun came out and it took a few sessions for the track to dry up and the rest of the day was beautiful.
They said Saturday was cloudy and got a little rain once in the afternoon.

Look forward to seeing you out there next time. I can't keep up with you but it's sure fun trying.
I'd like to learn a few things from you.

Ben

Here are some of the pictures from the track on Sunday.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0220.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0238.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0263.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0276.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0283.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0303.JPG)

It was great seeing all the guys out at the track.  I think there was at least 12 vipers out there.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0258.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0259.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0228.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0421.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0525.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0528.JPG)

No rain at the track, but the clouds were spectacular.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0489.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0509.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0511.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0513.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0532.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/10-4%20wsir/DSC_0533.JPG)

Lance,

great pictures as always!!  Gald you and the guys made it on sunday.

Great detail work on you ACR, rollbar looks slick and you made a number of great enhancements on the trim.

Still owe you and the family lunch/dinner, I continue to get great compliments on the driving suit.

Mike

Nice pics Lance.

Looks like you guys had fun.

Dan

I was slammed with work the week we got back so haven't had a chance to check in.

But yes what a great weekend even with the rain!  It was cold to be sure, but Sat. it only rained once towards the afternoon for about 20-25 mins.  Of course it was in the middle of mine and Mike's session.  I thought about hanging with it, but once I had to use my wipers to see I figured better not chance it and just come in early.  Mike thought the same and we both pulled in.  It was the only session of the day we lost.  By our fourth session, the rain had stopped and the tracked was dried out.

It rained like madness Sat. night and into early Sunday morning.  But it stopped and the track totally dry for my first session at 8:55am.  It remained dry the rest of the day.  A little bit windy, but nowhere near the 30-40mph some sites were predicting.  I only ran 3 sessions on Sunday because I was starting to feel tried towards the end of my run and could feel my reaction time slipping and silly mistakes popping up.  It was really empty towards the end and those who stayed for a 4th session had the track pretty much to themselves.

So it was a great Willow Weekend.  The only bad thing was during the race session when Mike Greenberg's white GTS R crashed.  We were all shocked and speechless when it happened!  Fortunately no one was hurt, but that poor GTS R!  Mike and Bob Blizzard were in a fight for the lead, when Mike pulled ahead and started leading.  As the turns piled up, Mike's lead was solidifying.  At this point they were lapping the entire field and coming up to the slower cars.  Then going down the straight into turn 1, a BMW spun out in front of Mike.  Mike was able to slow the GTS R down, but there was no avoiding it...the GTS R t-boned the BMW.  Bob almost got mixed up in the fray as well, but was able to make it pass.

The aftermath of the GTS R:

(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_01_resize.jpeg)


(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_02_resize.jpeg)


(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_03_resize.jpeg)


(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_04_resize.jpeg)


(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_05_resize.jpeg)


(http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/green_06_resize.jpeg)



We hope you are doing okay Mike and we hope to see the GTS R up and running again.

OUCH!

Hard to look at that.

Cathy spoke with Mike G this week and he was fine.

50K damage to the car though.....argh!

Hope to see some Sidewinders at  Buttonwillow in April.

Dan