ALMS Round 6: Road America

[Mechanic Z]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

ALMS is going to be in the main Paddock, GA will be in the West, and North Paddock, Conti, and everyone else down the hill to 14, overflow into the south paddock as needed.

Thanks, glad to hear that. I thought that they might try to mix the ALMS and Rolex teams. Not until 2014, please!

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by David Land

I think Memo Gidley's crash in 01 really scared them

How so?

When the track was repaved in '96, the AMA complained non-stop about the rain runoff problems from the bridge..in 2005 they made the choice to change everything because the FIM demanded it. At the time, it was still the biggest draw at the place, they bowed, lots of people complained. It's no safer now than it was before.

There have been a number of crashes there as big, or bigger than Gidleys in years prior. It was never scary before that though. You had to really be in a pickle to hit the bridge on the outside of 13. 9.9 times out of 10, you miss the exit at a high rate, and have a massive off. Remember Paul Tracy in '92? 180mph headlong into the tires at 13a.

[TF110]

One of the best tracks in the US here. Definitely looking forward to this race.

[Mac K]

Originally Posted by The Happy Track Fan

I was hoping to be able to do both Saturday and Sunday, but my wife needs to be back for a really early start to the work week on Monday.

So, we are doing Saturday only. Still, should be a great day. IMSA Lites, GT3 Cup, ALMS Qualifying, 2.5 hour Continental race and 2.75 hr Rolex race. What a great day. Well worth $70.00.

I love both ALMS and Grand-Am a lot. I know I am in the minority big time, but I don't care. I have said all along that both series are great in their own right, and I have always supported both. I try to get to at least one race per year, usually two.

Can't wait for next Saturday.

I love both as well, I'll be there Thursday.

[The Happy Track Fan]

Originally Posted by Mac K

I love both as well, I'll be there Thursday.

Hey Mac K:

Where are you going to be set up? My wife and I will try and stop by for a minute and say hi. I am envious that you will be there for the whole weekend, but for me, one day at Road America is better than none!

[Mechanic Z]

Looks like mostly sunny weather for the weekend, although one forecast has a slight chance of rain on Friday. (A little rain wouldn't be too bad, during the race would be preferable!) Temperatures mid 70's all week. Good weekend for a race!

[andy_b]

The Ten-Tenths supported Spotter Guide is now online, just the usual #68 TRG to confirm drivers.



Download the guide at www.spotterguides.com/2013-alms or the official ALMS Site

[Articus]

If Ferrari are supporting Risi? I get the feeling that a good result is only two phone calls away in the hands of Bruni and Vilander...

[PointDSM]

I'd say the West AJR Ferrari has a better shot at a podium that Risi, as Leh Keen is in the car this weekend instead of Sweedler.

[Articus]

I cannot see how being employed by Ferrari, Gimmi Bruni is sitting out the ALMS. Wasting his time unless he has chosen not to run.

[Purist]

If I had my druthers, I'd put Vilander and Malucelli in; have the experienced hand, who is still right on pace, give the youngster some guidance. Beretta isn't what he used to be on speed, and Bruni can also be rather error-prone.

My driver and I should be up there for Saturday and Sunday. This ought to be a lot of fun, with cool cars, good racing, a beautiful circuit, and weather that will be a fair bit more comfortable than what we're experiencing down here right now.

[Mechanic Z]

Originally Posted by PointDSM

I'd say the West AJR Ferrari has a better shot at a podium that Risi, as Leh Keen is in the car this weekend instead of Sweedler.

It'll be good to see AJR with an all-pro driver lineup.

[PointDSM]

Is there interest in a Ten-Tenth's meet-up (other than the Falken Tire event)?

Better yet, would anybody be interested in a Ten-Tenth's karting event at the kart track?

[MitchZ06]

Would like to see another Viper podium here tho the BMWs hopefully should be a bit stronger with more development under their belts. This season has shades of the late 90's all over again....

[Maelochs]

I don't see BMW doing well at Road America---top speed is not their forte. Viper/Vette battle, I'd imagine.

[Tim Adams]

I'll be there all 4 days hauling my camera gear around. Super Photo pass, so I'll be in front of the crowd. I'll also be trying to take as few pictures of Grand Am cars as possible.

[Tim Adams]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

There has been no trace for years. It was one of the worst choices the ****** known as Bruggenthies has ever made. Having been a person who used RA as my summer camp, and have been going there since, '86...there have been many changes. Some good, some bad, others really bad...this was one of the really bad ones.

There was no reason to remove it completely. I think the should have modified it, widened it, and pushed the walls back. But removing it entirely, ruined some of the nostalgia...

It's a really sore subject for me...I can't stand the guy, and he's made some really, really bad choices for that place.

As a photographer it was one of the best things they ever did. It opens up the whole area for shooting, and that damn bridge never gets in the way now.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Tim Adams

As a photographer it was one of the best things they ever did. It opens up the whole area for shooting, and that damn bridge never gets in the way now.

Huh...maybe...I suppose if one is shooting back towards 12...but, beyond that not really an issue..Then again, nobody has ever managed to shoot inside of 12, doubt anyone knows how to even get there. I do, but...I'm not really willing to share that.

[dxk1]

Originally Posted by Maelochs

I don't see BMW doing well at Road America---top speed is not their forte. Viper/Vette battle, I'd imagine.

While this is true, they seem to have a pretty good record on this track with 3 wins in the last 4 races and a second in the only one they didn't win! Therefore, I wouldn't count them out.

DK

[Tim Adams]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

Huh...maybe...I suppose if one is shooting back towards 12...but, beyond that not really an issue..Then again, nobody has ever managed to shoot inside of 12, doubt anyone knows how to even get there. I do, but...I'm not really willing to share that.

If you shoot from drivers right you can get them going away up the hill where the bridge used to be. You can get to the inside of 12, but the background would be crap, so I don't see why anybody would want to go there. You can stand right where the bridge used to be and get decent overhead panning shots also.

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by Tim Adams

If you shoot from drivers right you can get them going away up the hill where the bridge used to be. You can get to the inside of 12, but the background would be crap, so I don't see why anybody would want to go there. You can stand right where the bridge used to be and get decent overhead panning shots also.

You could before too. You just had to be in the right spot.

And I know I can get inside 12...I'll get some pics this weekend and demonstrate...are you on Canon-POTN? Or are you a Nikon type?

[freeballin]

Originally Posted by Tim Adams

As a photographer it was one of the best things they ever did. It opens up the whole area for shooting, and that damn bridge never gets in the way now.

Agreed. The cars coming up the hill towards you makes for great shots.

I'm not sure what there is to complain about when the track takes its income and reinvests it in current infrastructure. The bridge had to go.

[freeballin]

Originally Posted by MoMedic9019

You could before too. You just had to be in the right spot.

And I know I can get inside 12...I'll get some pics this weekend and demonstrate...are you on Canon-POTN? Or are you a Nikon type?

Getting down to 12 isn't finding the Holy Grail. For gosh sake the track maintains the path down to it.

[Tim Adams]

I don't post on POTN any more. People always complained I post links to pics. My pics are too big even at 72dpi. I won't resize just to post on that forum. All my stuff is Canon, http://timadamsphotography.com/tim_a...and_avia17.htm

[MoMedic9019]

Originally Posted by freeballin

Getting down to 12 isn't finding the Holy Grail. For gosh sake the track maintains the path down to it.

Inside of 12 is not maintained, has not been for 15-20+ years.