I got up bright and early this morning....big plans for the day. I headed over to Musicman_L7's house about 5:15AM, and picked him up, and we hit the highway. Destination...Topeka, Kansas, and a meeting with John Stricker. Our mission...to scout out and measure the parking lots we are going to be using for the autocross at Heartland Park Topeka, which on June 25-27th of this year, will be home to "Wheatstock"....the CFOG-I National Event.
John, Nic, and I met with the officers of HPT, and had a productive meeting. We then drove out to the track, where we took some measurements and some pics. This is the tentative area we will be using for our autocross...this is only a partial pic, but gives you a little idea of what we will be working with...
Mark, our guide, was kind enough to give us a driving tour of the road course in his Durango, after which, he turned us loose, and told us we could take pictures and measurements to our hearts' content. We measured the area in the photo above, and took a few pictures...and then, the three of us had a discussion about what Mark actually meant by "taking pictures to our hearts' content". We finally decided that he also meant we could take pictures out on the road course...so a lap of that course was in order....
The last turn into the main straight....you can see the staging area for the dragstrip behind the car...
Here's a shot looking back at the bridge in the turns just before you hit the last turn onto the main straight...
And here's a shot of the bleachers along the main straight...
(Sorry for the gratuitous Mustang shots...that's what I drove down to Topeka.. )
For those of you that are not planning on coming....you are going to be missing a GREAT time. The car show alone is going to be a good one...but you're going to miss the autocross on Friday, the Drags on Saturday, and, hopefully...if we can get some more cars signed up...driving on the road course on Sunday. We NEED more cars to sign up....after taking the Mustang for a slow lap today, I'm hooked...I'm going to be signing up for it. For those of you sitting on the fence...what are you waiting for? John was at Waterford Hills, and he says this track is MUCH better, and MUCH faster than Waterford Hills was. We're going to have a great time...c'mon, people...get signed up! You won't regret it...
[This message has been edited by litespd (edited 02-28-2004).]
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01:14 AM
PFF
System Bot
KEV Member
Posts: 2590 From: Green Isle, MN Registered: Dec 2000
Pictures look great Mike, they would be perfect if the "red thing" wasn't in them j/k
So how long did it take to drive down? I'm starting to think that maybe I will register for the track day on sunday. I'm planning on trailering my car to the show, might as well try and break it as long as I can get it back home.
From Lincoln, probably a couple of hours. I think Litespeed said it took 3- 3 1/2 hours from Fremont.
I'm really curious why people think they're going to "break" their car on the road course. You have full control over how hard you run. If you really want to push it, fine, but if you just want to drive fast with some corners and not worry about any tickets (or oncoming traffic) then you have an opportunity to have a great time. Personally, I think the road course can be loads of fun and a lot less hard on the equipment than the drags.
John Stricker Treasurer Director, Kit Car/Re-Body division CFOGi
quote
Originally posted by sluppy123:
Pictures look great Mike, they would be perfect if the "red thing" wasn't in them j/k
So how long did it take to drive down? I'm starting to think that maybe I will register for the track day on sunday. I'm planning on trailering my car to the show, might as well try and break it as long as I can get it back home.
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08:39 AM
R Runner Member
Posts: 3679 From: Scottsville, KY Registered: Feb 2003
Mike and John.... GREAT PICTURES! ........... Wish I was there, but I have LOTS of work left to do on the car.
For thoses of you who think you will break your car on the road course I want to second what John said......
YOU WILL NOT BREAK YOUR CAR UNLESS YOU WANT TO.
I promise that it is entirely up to you. No one will be pushing you to go faster than you are comfortable. It is just like driving fast on a wonderful, twisy, WIDE, road with no on-coming traffic or police. If I thought it would break my car do you think I would risk the thousands (yes , thousands) of hours and thousands of dollars I put in to my pride and joy? To top that, my race car has no insurance on the track. I would never risk damage or injury on the track if I thought I had no control. I am not willing to race my car head to head, but I AM willing to take it to a track day because of the low risk.
There is no reason to think that you will damage your car. I hope that helps put your mind at ease.
------------------ Paul
[This message has been edited by R Runner (edited 02-28-2004).]
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08:59 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 31843 From: Hattiesburg, MS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
First, the only reason I haven't signed up is I'm not sure that I can even be there. But, I assure you, if I can make it, I will be there and I want to run on the road course. Most importantly, I wanted to take a sec to thank you guys for the great work on this project. You are to be commended and I applaude your efforts. Happy Fieroing and thanks for all you're doing.
------------------ Ron 88 Formula, 4.9, auto, daily driver 88 Formula, 3800 SCII/4T65E Swap in Process, almost done. 88 Formula, 5 Spd, 3.4 TDC Swap in Process, just started. 88 Formula, Stock, 5 Spd, T Top, Special Days Only! 02 Dodge Ram Diesel with 32 foot Gooseneck Fiero Transport.
might as well try and break it as long as I can get it back home.
I'm not worried about the car breaking down, more worried about other people breaking it for me. Accidents do happen. I've put way more time than money into the car, making it harder to fix/replace.
I paid up front for everything and don't even have a car right now.. hehehe And I'm registered for track day so if I don't have my car finished by then can I run the track i my lifted 2 door Yukon GT?? Awww come on!!! It'll be fun!!
Man I can't stinkin wait!! Ordered my new front clip yesterday and might be buying a complete and ready 3800SC this weekend. Cross fingers fellas.... I've yet to decide if I'm going to trailer or just go yet.. but I'm only 300 miles from there.. so if anything happens I can hitch a ride back and then go pick her up.
Any info yet on the Camping? take any pics of the so called ""campground"".. Man Kansas is flat!!!! Thank you for the pics and the awesome update!!
------------------ Ferrari 308 GTB rebody on a modified 86SE chasis Soon to have a highly hooped up 3800SC..Ohh yeah baby!! Contacts _ AIM / Zildjianfx _ Yahoo / djdraggin Remember, always brush your milk, drink your teeth, dont do sleep and get eight hours of drugs.
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02:42 PM
Cheever3000 Member
Posts: 12398 From: The Man from Tallahassee Registered: Aug 2001
The event WILL take place IF we get enough participants. We need to have at least 60 cars pre-registered before the end of March. Pre-registration is $30 and is non-refundable if the event is held. If the event is canceled for any reason, the money will be refunded. Right now the full registration price is set at $100, but if more than 60 sign up, we may be able to make it lower.
So, we're taking $30 deposits until knowing if there will be enough entries. If so, then you'll owe $70 more. That's in addition to the show registration.
[This message has been edited by Cheever3000 (edited 02-28-2004).]
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08:21 PM
blackrams Member
Posts: 31843 From: Hattiesburg, MS, USA Registered: Feb 2003
How's this work? I only have an interest in the Road Course, but have not intent to show though I'll probably gawk a bunch. Do I still need to register and if so for what?
I know, I probably should have read something first. ------------------ Ron 88 Formula, 4.9, auto, daily driver 88 Formula, 3800 SCII/4T65E Swap in Process, almost done. 88 Formula, 5 Spd, 3.4 TDC Swap in Process, just started. 88 Formula, Stock, 5 Spd, T Top, Special Days Only! 02 Dodge Ram Diesel with 32 foot Gooseneck Fiero Transport.
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 02-28-2004).]
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08:39 PM
jstricker Member
Posts: 12956 From: Russell, KS USA Registered: Apr 2002
I've seen your car and believe me, I know how you feel. (For those of you that haven't seen Brian's car, you're in for a treat in machine work) I was like a mother hen when Chris had the Finale at Waterford. Finally, just before he left for his first run, I told him to "Have fun, drive as fast as you're comfortable, and don't do something stupid" . He did fine and it was the first time he'd ever really pushed the car. To be honest, as compared to reasonably dense traffic on I80 through Lincoln, your risk of being hit by someone on the track is WAY less. The cars are spaced and it's really much less risk than on the highway. At least you know THESE people won't be talking on a cellphone while drinking a cup of coffee and putting on makeup while they're out there!
John Stricker
quote
Originally posted by sluppy123:
Notice how I said-
I'm not worried about the car breaking down, more worried about other people breaking it for me. Accidents do happen. I've put way more time than money into the car, making it harder to fix/replace.
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10:18 PM
jstricker Member
Posts: 12956 From: Russell, KS USA Registered: Apr 2002
How about the Autocross? Were you interested in that as well? Don't forget that the registration also includes the "perks" like your meal ticket, an additional event entry for another person, T shirt, Dash Plaque, etc.
John Stricker Treasurer, CFOGi
quote
Originally posted by blackrams:
How's this work? I only have an interest in the Road Course, but have not intent to show though I'll probably gawk a bunch. Do I still need to register and if so for what?
I know, I probably should have read something first.
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10:21 PM
Feb 29th, 2004
musicman_L7 Member
Posts: 1149 From: Defiance, Iowa 51527 Registered: Nov 2002
I can say that I'm thinking more and more about signing up for the road course after riding around it. Even though I was stuffed into the backseat of that Mustang in the photos, and Mike didn't hardly get into overdrive (we went pretty slow), it was enough to put a smile on everybody's face.
I will admit, that no matter what anybody says, I'm nervous about something breaking on my car, but I have trouble just driving across town, without something minor throwing a fit. But, I'll most likely sign up, if for no other reason, just to help make the event happen, as I'm sure I can find someone to give me a ride in their car, if I was one who helped make sure that this happens.
All in all, it was a day well spent! Mike, I hope you have more meetings you need to go to at HPT, so I can ride along again!
------------------ Nic 1987 GT 5-spd Now accepting donations for my diseased paint...
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01:08 AM
litespd Member
Posts: 8128 From: No where you want to be Registered: Aug 99
Why should this surprise you? After all, he already has the ear stud!
John Stricker
LOL! That's funny! I actually meant that hair fill-in paint stuff... For those pesky shiny spots. But, I could picture Mike with spiky red hair, and a little bigger stud. The red hair would go well with the red Mustang! Hahahaha...
Man, between this, and how much I was making fun of him while cleaning the car today, I'm really gonna get him fired up! You'll have to ask Mike what brand of detailing products grace the shelves of his garage. Let's just say, the name on the bottle is one that he's openly bashed before... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20030819-1-028669.html
To top it off, I have pictures to prove it... Well, sorta. They're on Mike's camera, or at least they were on Mike's camera, because he probably deleted them.
I'm gonna get it for this reply!
Nic
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02:18 AM
jstricker Member
Posts: 12956 From: Russell, KS USA Registered: Apr 2002
Being old school like I am, guys with studs in their ears is something I notice. Normally not favorably. Mike's never even registered till we were at Hooter's and the waitress was jealous!
Actually, this is the picture I had in my mind that MIke SHOULD dress like (complete with earring).
For those of you interested, this was Litespeed as a child
And you think YOU'RE going to get it!!!!
John Stricker
quote
Originally posted by musicman_L7:
LOL! That's funny! I actually meant that hair fill-in paint stuff... For those pesky shiny spots. But, I could picture Mike with spiky red hair, and a little bigger stud. The red hair would go well with the red Mustang! Hahahaha...
Man, between this, and how much I was making fun of him while cleaning the car today, I'm really gonna get him fired up! You'll have to ask Mike what brand of detailing products grace the shelves of his garage. Let's just say, the name on the bottle is one that he's openly bashed before... https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20030819-1-028669.html
To top it off, I have pictures to prove it... Well, sorta. They're on Mike's camera, or at least they were on Mike's camera, because he probably deleted them.
I'm gonna get it for this reply!
Nic
[This message has been edited by jstricker (edited 02-29-2004).]
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02:30 AM
PFF
System Bot
musicman_L7 Member
Posts: 1149 From: Defiance, Iowa 51527 Registered: Nov 2002
Oooohhh... I'm pretty sure that we're BOTH gonna get it now! That's too funny!
Even though your original post about the makeup and Mike's reply was the first ever written about this... It was me that started poking fun at him, and not to mention, I only live about 7 or 8 blocks from him, so I'm sure it'll be me, that takes the bull by the horns for this one. Especially since, I'm supposed to be at his house again tomorrow night to help with reinstalling his brake rotors/calipers after he's done painting everything. So, that's not really enough time for him to forget about this... It's gonna be great! I think I'd better take Chrissy with me, because he usually holds back a little if there's a female within earshot!
Nic
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02:48 AM
KEV Member
Posts: 2590 From: Green Isle, MN Registered: Dec 2000
Chuck, \I do have an interest in the Auto X and the Road Course, but not the show for my own car. So just as soon as I know that I can come, I will be signing up and sending in my cash. It's hell being born with good looks but poor you know. Having to work for everyihing in life is rewarding, but not as easy.
------------------ Ron 88 Formula, 4.9, auto, daily driver 88 Formula, 3800 SCII/4T65E Swap in Process, almost done. 88 Formula, 5 Spd, 3.4 TDC Swap in Process, just started. 88 Formula, Stock, 5 Spd, T Top, Special Days Only! 02 Dodge Ram Diesel with 32 foot Gooseneck Fiero Transport.
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09:42 AM
litespd Member
Posts: 8128 From: No where you want to be Registered: Aug 99
Nic....John....you guys will pay....and royally...
You guys are just jealous of me and my good looks. You'd be surprised at how many compliments I got on my earring...from women...when I first got it. Maybe I'll even wear my Fiero earring to Wheatstock!
Nic...you can't prove a thing....it's your word against mine...
Paybacks ARE Hell....
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09:59 AM
Boomtastic Member
Posts: 2359 From: Athens, Alabama Registered: May 2000
Chuck, \I do have an interest in the Auto X and the Road Course, but not the show for my own car. So just as soon as I know that I can come, I will be signing up and sending in my cash. It's hell being born with good looks but poor you know. Having to work for everyihing in life is rewarding, but not as easy.
Ron, we understand your position however registration for the Wheatstock event is for everyone, regardless of whether they participate in the extra events (such as drag racing, road racing, or the autocross) or not. (Please see the first paragraph of this URL: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/035703.html ) By charging this "cover charge" per say, we effectively distribute the entire cost of the facilities rental across all that attend. By doing so this allows us to bring quality events to everyone at a reasonable rate. Please email or PM me if you need more clarification!
Eric Schneck, CFOGi President ------------------
[This message has been edited by Boomtastic (edited 02-29-2004).]
I am trying to save up cash for the weekend. Also working on getting a trailer, so I can go and push the car with confidance. I know at the Waterford event, there were some scary moments, but everyone who drove there drove out (I think?). Any Michigan people planning on going? Possible caravan? I really really really want to make it. Waterford was the most fun I've ever had with clothes on, and this track looks even better!
------------------ 1985 Fiero SE Plain Red V6 Coupe
)
j/k
You'll have to ask Mike what brand of detailing products grace the shelves of his garage. Let's just say, the name on the bottle is one that he's openly bashed before... 
