I'm still planning on meeting up with you guys in Knoxville. Going to the speedway still depends on whether we go to it first or last. If it's last, I'll be there. I may bring two cars, depends on if I can get the wife to come or not. I got a new car (well, new to me) on the way. That makes 4 now. I know, I'm one sick fieroholic.

We are planning on being there. weather is the only factor that might keep us away.

Quit making with the negative waves.
Name the Movie.

WOW!! work all week long, and see Dave's post and well . AS far as I'm concerned Dave, you've earned the right to be the Pace Car if by chance we can do a lap or so around the track.

As for the schedule, since it may be dependant I say we just start in Newton and adjust as needed to the tracks wishes and just plan for a liesurely pace where with no real time table.


As for my caliper, got the new one and hope to be putting it on next weekend. Cause, D@mn if we can go on the track I sure don't want to do it in a minivan.

Dan

quote Originally posted by partsman: We are planning on being there. weather is the only factor that might keep us away.

I'll be there even if I have to put my windshield wipers back on.

quote Originally posted by LAMBO: I'm still planning on meeting up with you guys in Knoxville. Going to the speedway still depends on whether we go to it first or last. If it's last, I'll be there. I may bring two cars, depends on if I can get the wife to come or not. I got a new car (well, new to me) on the way. That makes 4 now. I know, I'm one sick fieroholic.

You could always sell the 87 back to me

Ufda, Woot, Great Googamooga, Sheeeeat.
I made it to the first race at the Iowa Speedway and I took my Camera. But first a little background, The Newton Rotary Club was asked by the Speedway if they would like to operate 1 of the 3 permanent concession stands as a fund raising, profit share, effort. Rotary was going to be a few hands short so they asked Kiwanis members if they could help, and thats where I got involved, flipping Black Angus 1/3 pound burgers for 4 hours on and off. It's been 30 years since I've worked in a burger joint, but compaired to the Rotairians, I considered myself the 'Pro from Dover', Kiwanis uses the same type grill for our Pancake breakfast fundraisers. So I gave them a class on 'How to Clean Grills and Fryolators 102', the Rotarians were half way clueless.

But here is the best part, to get into the speedway, I needed some type of credentials so Rotary gave me a concession workers pass which may be FOR THE SEASON!!!! Thats right, for the races last Friday, the races today, the Southern Rock concert, and the other 2 races that'l be on October 14th and 15th. All for flipping burgers for 5 hours.

Now for the good stuff, notice how well lit the track is thanks to Musco lighting. The fact that no lights are in your eyes, from the infield lighting, truely amazes me.

One of the many yellow flags. All told 11 flags, 94 laps under caution. Note the Pace Car and drivers headed for the pits. Also note the cleaning trucks?



Pole thingee, tells you who's leading. The track is kinda D shaped with the curve of the D infront of the Grandstand. This part of the track is banked and allowes you to see the driver, instead of just the top of the car.



Ground level photo note the cheap tickets are below ground level, more expensive seats above ground level, prices reversed for the Southern rock fest October 1st. The Newton Club, season tickets, are just under the Sky boxes, just above the finish line.



Pit road, 1 pitted, 2nd headed twords crew. Good picture of the safety wall with styrofoam between the wall beams and the anchored posts.



Another view of the pits.



I tried to get pictures of the cars as they went by, between shutter lag and the speed of the cars, I found it isn't going to happen with my camera.
I'm supposed to talk with the powers that be on Monday.They have just had a busy 4 days of racing, and learning what works and what doesn't. It seemed that they spent more time cleaning the track than actual racing, I swear the longest stretch of full tilt boogie was 15 minutes. After seeing all the track cleaning they did, it kinda made me think we might not get on the track. Must keep making with the positive waves, so everybody keep your fingers crossed. I plan on giving the track folks a break, cool their heads, by calling them on Tuesday instead of Monday.
Dave

[This message has been edited by DtheC (edited 09-22-2006).]

Weekender's bump.
I couldn't talk with anybody at the Track this week, they must'a busted a hump getting the track ready for the races last weekend. Seams that either I was too busy or they were in meetings or were off property, prolly getting some well deserved rest?
I went out on Thursday, relatives in town, they were still paving the parking areas. The overlook area is now RV parking. Lots of construction still going on particularly cosmetic, landscaping signage etc. As Soil & Water commissioner, I wish they had more soil retention practices in effect, but it looks like some grass is taking hold. The amount of dirt and boulders they've moved in the past year and a half just boggles my mind (pretty easy to do in my case). I guess I should cut them some slack considering the economic impact this will have on Newton.

Race, Dan, Edzards, should I say 50 Fiero's? How many would want track time, 35?

Dave

------------------
Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto.
Turning white on top, like owner.
Leaks a little, like owner.
Doesn't smoke, unlike owner

[This message has been edited by DtheC (edited 09-22-2006).]

35 sounds like a good estimate, but as usual, who knows how many we'll have show up. On the good news side of things, I got my brakes fixed today (I hope, I still need to put some miles on it to make sure I didn't screw anything up), so if all is well, Tweety should be there and not the minivan.

Dan

DtheC, I would guess that everyone who shows up would like some track time. Does it actually look like that might happen?

Just a bump since the date is fast apporaching. Took Tweety for a test run or 2 and the brakes seem to be all better now . If anyone from the C.R. area is interested in caravaning down I was planning on maybe hitting the road by 8:30 a.m. if anyone would like to tag along??

Dan

Dan, I will meet you Sunday...weather permitting. Perkins??

Well, if it was a month later, I'd be there! Maybe next year. I'll be getting home about a week after the cruise. Have fun, be safe, and I'll see some of ya at the midwest shows and cruises next year. Thumper

------------------
Hmmmmmmmmm.......now if I can just talk the Army out of an engine, I bet I can get it to fit hehehehehehe >:)

quote Originally posted by sprnt96: Dan, I will meet you Sunday...weather permitting. Perkins??

Perkins would be fine with me.


One other thing, is anyone interested in having a dinner at the end of the cruise before we all head home? I'm not sure what restuarants are in the area, but I'm sure we could figure something out.


Let us know,

Dan

I have bad news, Rhonda and I can't make it on the 8th. Our local car club is hosting a cruise to the Mississippi River that day. I told some of the members earlier in the summer that if they went to count us in. So they told me yesterday we are going on the 8th. The only other thing is if it is raining up here that day and is nice down there maybe we will bail on the cruise and head south.

I hope you all have a great time and take lots of pictures.

-Brad

Fugheads.
I camped out at the speedway office yesterday, trying to talk to Gale Nungesser (Facilities Maintenence Supervisor).
Only to learn she had been called away, do to something with her kid at school. I left an 'All Iowa Fiero Fall Cruise notice with the secretary. Shelly Moore called me this morning. I said I would forward all corespondence to her, about 2 months worth. I've gone from getting a conditional OK from Craig Armstrong, from Gale Nungesser, only to get an E mail by the Office manager that it ain't gona happen.

Dave,

Iowa Speedway would love to accommodate your request to bring your Fiero
group on track, however, we can not allow street cars on our track prior to
a testing. The group that will be coming in for testing October 8 & 9 will
take precedence over any other groups requesting access. I have been
advised that we will not be able to conduct a tour that day either due to
the group coming in for testing.

I am sorry we will not be able to accommodate your group this season, but
I'm certain you understand that team testing is an important program for the
Iowa Speedway.

Shelly Moore
Office Manager
Iowa Speedway
641.791.8000 office
641.521.9089 cell

I feel like we been robbed!!

There is still the overlook, I'm not giving up yet! I still have some cards up my sleave.
If someone can slip me a couple of Aces we may still take the pot. Right now I'm holding 2 Aces and a pair of eights.
Dave

Oh yes, there will be more to come!!!!

PS notice she said 'no street cars prior to testing' does this intimate that street cars may be allowed at other times? Times not prior to testing?

[This message has been edited by DtheC (edited 09-29-2006).]

Dave,

I appreciate all your efforts in getting this setup, and it does suck the way they just end it unapologetically. Maybe there is a place in the parking lot or by the front sign we could setup a big group photo or something. I would think switching to the 7th this late in the game is not an option for everyones plans (heck I already have babysitting lined up forthe 8th). However is some would like to setup a nite before thing and hit the drive in they are more than welcome as there is no reason not too.

If anyone with a god knowledge of the roads would like to help lead and put together a good route from Newton to Pella through Knoxville (Sprint Car museum) and then back to Newton via Lake Red Rock it would be a big help as all I have is a map in my lap and my knowedge is minimal for central Iowa. Any lnowledge of fun activities such as the Canal in Pella would be a good thing to throw in or some place fun to stop at in or near Pella.

Thanks again for yours and everyones effort as I've been pretty much a sounding board more than a help, if there is anything I can do please let me know!!

Dan

Basically the trip from Newton to Knoxville is straight south on Hwy 14, pretty straightforward. There is a lookout tower just west of Hwy 14 on the north side of the lake. The long bridge over the lake has good views.
From Knoxville to Pella is pretty when going across the Red Rock Dam. Pella to Newton could be the same as last year, It was nice.
Since I would be coming north through Knoxville to get to Newton just to turn around and go back I will probably just meet you at the Sprint Car Museum or the lookout tower.

View from lookout tower: http://www.usalug.org/jpegs/crouse/bigpic2.jpg
Pic of tower: http://calhounburns.com/images/Cordova%20Tower.jpg

[This message has been edited by tstroud (edited 09-29-2006).]

Like Tim said, 14 South out of Newton directly to Knoxville.

On the way to Pella we should get back on 14 and go north to G28 then on to Pella. Also, like Tim said, the Cordova Tower would be a fun place to stop while we are on this road. I think it is $2 to go up in it. (I could be wrong). It would also be a cool place for a photo shoot. It is as good of a road as you will find in central Iowa for turns.

Leaving Pella I would recommend driving east on Sharon Road (Becomes 102 at the city limit) to T33 through Peoria, left on F62 through Sully to Reasoner, then join last year's route. There are a couple of s-turns west of Sully that I think would be fun in the Fiero.

Edited: Pella to Newton route suggestion.

[This message has been edited by RACE (edited 09-30-2006).]

My sugestion. Newton, Hyway 14 to overlook, Knoxville, pick up 'tstroud' and the south Iowa crowd. Have lunch, pick up any other straglers. I'd like to do the Knoxville museum. Dam/spillway route to Pella, shopping and sight seeing. Take the same route as last fall from Pella to Speedway. We might have to regather in Reasnor after the twisties and long straights. I might need to lead the last leg to the speedway since the new road in from the west side is not officialy open yet. We may have to detour. I can reconoiter on Saturday to find best acess. We don't have to worry about inconveniencing some 'Tour Guides' afternoon.

I'll try talking with the speedway folks about acess to the RV camping area, adjacent to the back straight away. I get the feeling that the 'testing group' might be doing something semi-secret, since they have nixed the infield tour. If the overlook/RV camping area is closed, I have experience with chainlink fences. I think all cruisers should bring their favorite bolt cutters, so we could compare tools, purely for the educational experience. Just kidding..........? But seriously the RV camping area is adjacent to the back straight, and from the lower level, its on par with the front row seats on the oposite side of the track. I feel it's the least the speedway could do after the raw deal they have given us. Just picture 30 to 50 some Fiero's lined up like vultures. It might send a certain mesage to the speedway folks. Oh by the way, The Newton Daily News has expressed some intrest in covering the Fall Cruise, the Editor and the Publisher are good acquaintences of mine. It would be easiest for them to get pictures at the Farm Credit parking lot, but I think a picture at the Speedway would make a beter news story, if you know what I mean. I'll need to get back to them. Maybe I could borrow someone's cellphone when we reach Reasoner and hook up with the photographer at the Speedway?

Edit: Race, I was composing while you were posting. Exit 168 is now open, the New Airport road off of the Newton to Reasnor road is done just not officialy open to through trafic. On thursday they were still working on the sholders, they may well be done by the 8th.

[This message has been edited by DtheC (edited 09-30-2006).]

Dthec, thanks for the update. You have done a lot of legwork on this trip. Btw, the first race from the Iowa Speedway was on Speed last night.

Last year's route was fun. It might be good to make the Pella to Newton cruise an annual event for our group. The other option has more curves and goes through more small towns. I liked it last year when we rolled through Reasoner. The whole town stopped what it was doing while we were there. We could go through Reasoner on S74 using either route. You guys decide. I am open to either idea.

This map pretty much shows our options. I'm going to print this for use in the car while on the route in case I get blown away by the 3400 and V8 guys again.

------------------
Central Iowa Fieros

quote Originally posted by RACE: This map pretty much shows our options. I'm going to print this for use in the car while on the route in case I get blown away by the 3400 and V8 guys again.

Good job posting the map. Dang that G28 looks nice and curvey prolly has a good view of the trees. It might be a toss up between the T14 and T33 routes. T22 and I80 to the track is boring. I'd recomend going through Reasnor, then up S74 to the new Airport road. We can always make up our minds when we get to Knoxville.

One further Idea, maybe take an eastern route out of Knoxville that includes T15 over the Dam then to Pella, instead of back tracking up Hyway 14? The spillway is pretty neet to see. I caught my 1 and only Northern Pike down in the outwash years ago. As a geologist I'm more into Dams and bridges, trees I can see prety much anytime. If I can swing the time, I'll try a dash down to Pella to get some 'touristy' maps of Red Rock, heck they might even have some advance stuff about the new Bio-thingee?

While I'm thinking about it, the local Scrap Yard has a half doz.early Fieros, no 88's, They have been picked over, rather than a semi complete inventory on each of the carcusses, I'm just thinking the Vin number might be easier to get information off of. Pun intended.

There is a big concert at the track on Sunday but the track office won't be open till Monday, keep your fingers crossed!!!!

Ironically, Craig Armstrong is giving a program at my Kiwanis group October 11th, and they have asked the Chamber O' Commerce to ask the Kiwanis to make Pancakes for some shindig supporting the races on October 14th. I might mention this to Craig if I can get in to see him this week.

Any guesses on who is going to oversee the setup, make pancake batter and do the teardown? Winner gets my collection of AOL setup disks.

The said on the tape that teams were allowed unlimited tires instead of the 10 to 12 tire limit since nobody knew anything about the track. I think that they could run whatever compound they wanted to as well.

T22 is out. We have to decide between T14 or T33. Both roads terminate at F62, then S74 through Reasnor to Newton. My vote is T33 since we have not taken that one yet, plus we get to geek through a few more small towns.

Here is a vandalized Google Earth image of the options.

[This message has been edited by RACE (edited 09-30-2006).]

The itinerary:

-10:00 a.m. Newton - The meet begins.
Leave for Knoxville around 11:00 via Hwy 14 and the Cordova Tower on G28.

-12:00 p.m. Knoxville- Sprint Car Museum for the tour. 1:30 p.m. Lunch at Sonic.
Leave for Pella, dam/spillway route to Pella via T15. Good sites along the way.

-Pella, Canal and square loitering.
Leave for Newton T33 or T14, to F62, then S74 through Reasnor to Newton.

DtheC, will lead the last leg from Reasnor to Newton as he is a local and has the best knowledge of the city streets. Pictures at the Farm Credit parking lot or the Iowa Speedway for the local paper. Possibly eat in Newton for the wrap-up.

If we want to fine tune this we still can.

See you on the 8th.

I like it it sounds like a good plan!!!!! Heading to Knoxville actually makes more sense now that the Speedway tour is out of the picture.

Dan

Here is an adress to the Kick off point. Punch this up on google maps or whatever is your favorite map app.

1650 W 19th St S Newton Iowa

I tried to get a link from google maps but it wasn't gona hapen tonight. If you do get a map to print please note you have to go to the Stop light at the top of the hill (12th Ave) to get on the frontage road. If you are comming in from I80,we'll be right around the Culvers Sign.

[This message has been edited by DtheC (edited 10-02-2006).]

Sounds like a great plan. Looking forward to seeing you guys on the 8th.

Fred

Link to a map of the starting point

Dan, since you originated this thread, could you please update the first post on Page 1 with the itinerary and a note to jump to Page 3 in case there are people seeing this thread for the first time. That way they won't have to wade through three pages of confusion. There are still a few people I would like to invite.

Thanks,

Kenton

[This message has been edited by RACE (edited 10-02-2006).]

Who is taking pics? Since I wont be there, I would love to see some awsome pics

I will be taking photos and video. Expect the video to be around 10 megs.

Midwest Fiero's had a cruise this past Sunday , Oct 1. We talked about your cruise and it is not going to work for us. It is just too far. For starters it is 180 miles just to get there to start the cruise.

Sorry but not this time. Maybe some other time.

Thanks for asking us.

Lucky Dick

Here is a end of the day restuarant option, according the maps it's just a couple of doors down from the inital starting point, and it looks like a decent menu along with a party room. If this looks acceptable, I'll give them a call and see if we can use their room on Sunday.

http://www.okobojigrill.com/

Let me know yeas or nays by Friday please,

Dan

Race,

Orignial post edited...Good idea, I never thought of that.

[This message has been edited by DanFiero (edited 10-04-2006).]

I, and my Fiero, will be there.

Dan, I think we met at the Westdale Mall Culver's on a Thursday night a few years ago. I had driven up from Memphis. Red and silver 86 GT, with well-weathered paint. I'll be driving down from Cedar Rapids, so if there's a caravan, I'm in for that as well.

[This message has been edited by 2birds (edited 10-04-2006).]

quote Originally posted by 2birds: I, and my Fiero, will be there. Dan, I think we met at the Westdale Mall Culver's on a Thursday night a few years ago. I had driven up from Memphis. Red and silver 86 GT, with well-weathered paint. I'll be driving down from Cedar Rapids, so if there's a caravan, I'm in for that as well.

I remember that night, Yeah as far as I know Me and Tom Whiting are cruising down together. The plan is to meet at the Perkins parking lot on 33rd Ave. S.W. by 8:30 a.m. at the latest. And we may be meeting up with Fred coming from Davenport at the Tanger outlet Mall exit (still checking on that).

Glad your coming and we'll see ya Sunday!!,

Dan

The way my plans are looking, I'll probably meet up in Knoxville though I'd like to get there a little early. Where should I meet up if it's before the museum and Sonic?


BTW, I'm looking for a cheap coupe to chop the roof off for a roadster. If anyone has one for sale, this might be a chance to bring it along or contact me to schedule something so I can check the car out. A mechanically sound 4 or 6 cyl with a 5 speed and already needing bodywork and/or paint would be ideal. I'm in the price bracket of as-cheap-as-possible Maybe long shot to find something in this thread, and off-topic as well... but I can pay cash-in-hand if you have something I like. Thanks for your time

BTW, I'm also looking for a Tokyo Marui or Classic Army G36 variant airsoft rifle, and a FA-MAS variant for my friend

BTW, what's the estimate on the # of Fieros at this meet?

[This message has been edited by FieroGT42 (edited 10-04-2006).]

quote Originally posted by FieroGT42: The way my plans are looking, I'll probably meet up in Knoxville though I'd like to get there a little early. Where should I meet up if it's before the museum and Sonic?

FieroGT42, we will be coming from Newton on 14 and are planning to make a stop on G28 at the Cordova Tower on G28, time permitting. (See map above)

If you get there early, G28 is worth a trip as it is one only a few curvy roads in this part of Iowa. I just wish it had a 70 mph speed limit.


Weather Outlook:

Saturday and Saturday Night - Mostly clear. Warmer. High in the lower 80s. Low in the upper 50s.

Sunday and Sunday Night - Partly cloudy. Not as warm. High around 70. Low in the mid 40s.

It should be about perfect.

[This message has been edited by RACE (edited 10-05-2006).]

Hey FieroGT42. Don't forget to bring the Pivot Pin Removal Tool that I loaned you last April.

------------------
Ol' Paint, 88 Base coupe auto.
Turning white on top, like owner.
Leaks a little, like owner.
Doesn't smoke, unlike owner