SPRINGFIELD, MO
Talladega Trip
July 1 - 4
Host: Joe P
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It is impossible to describe the feeling when you go into a corner at 130 MPH and all you see is a vertical wall of asphalt in front of you, or hitting 149 MPH on the straights (I would have gone higher then that, but David would have been mad at me if I ran into the back of his Grand Sport. Of course, he had to slow down to keep from running into the back of Ed who was running behind the Pace car who was doing 90-100 MPH. Believe me, those 33 degree banked corners aren't for the faint of heart. Several of the ladies refused to go on the track, while others were having a time of their life. To each his own. I know that I'll be back next year. We (Vintage Vettes of the Ozarks) will be featured in Corvette Enthusiast magazine and the issue should be out in 5-6 months. They took a bunch of photos of our cars, etc, and got background info on us. I will be working with them over the next month to answer their questions about our club etc. I took one of their staff with me on the second run, so he would know what it's like to go through the corners. He was a young man and he was grinning ear to ear. They said we could use any of their photos for our website as long as we didn't sell them. There is one photo where they had us staged before going on the track with us standing next to our cars. I specifically asked Chris for the use of that photo. Each of us got a pro photo while passing (driving, not dieing) in front of the Talladega sign (on the wall) at around 100 MPH and again in Victory Circle. Comment from Steve P: " What a great trip to Talladega. Joe did a great job planning everything from potty stops, restaurants, gas, hotel and side trips! The track was in great shape and the track crew sent us out on the track without any delay, the whole event was smoothly run. Coming on to the track from pit row, we came into turn one which was a very steep 33 degree bank, it really made your heart start beating and the adrenaline flowing. Opening up the throttle and sling-shoting onto the back straight away was exhilarating and as I approached turn 3 my brain kept telling me to slow down but the steep bank made it easy to stay on the throttle and enjoy the traction holding power of the down force generated. It was all over too soon, but you can bet I'll be there next time we go!" Comment from David & Carolyn W: " I'd like to thank Joe P and let everyone know what a terrific job he did organizing the Talladega trip. He put a lot of planning into the routes, gas, food, and rest stops. He even researched fuel prices, which roads were good Corvette roads and where to go for a side trip. This was all printed out with exit numbers, directions and details so if we got separated we could get back together. I just can't compliment him enough for the great job. We were all well prepared and the trip came off very well thanks to him. We had a fantastic time at the track. It was a new experience for Carolyn and me and it turned out to be some great fun. It was so cool letting the Vette stretch out and run like we can't do on public roads. We enjoyed spending time and getting better acquainted with club members. We are definitely looking forward to doing it again."
Arriving at the hotel
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