Nationals 2008 - Trip Planner

[GlennCMC70]

so lets see. who's going?
Glenn Landrum
Matt White
Mason Melkowits
David Donovan

ride alongs:
Jeff Burch
Todd Covini
????

who plans on leaving when?
i want to leave on Sunday morning. mostly because i want to be there no later than Tuesday and i want a buffer day in case something happens. i plan on driving straight thru w/ several food/gas stops on the way. i could be convinced to leave Monday ifthere is just cause to wait. but it wil be at zero dark:30 AM.

the route i plan on using is from here to Memphis, then north just before Memphis towards St Louis and over to Indi and Cinci then north again to Lexington. its the flattest route (i've used both).

its 15 days till first on track day.

i also know Clifton and Adrian and Adam will also be there along w/ Jay and Shannon. i think Mixon is going too (unless his car is still busted).

i know for sure i want to travel in a group of some sort in case one of use needs help. if there are any other NASA TX folks that want to travel w/ us, lets co-ordinate w/ them.

FRS radios are the best way to communicate from rig to rig. i have a box of these in various states of condition. bring your own if you have one, but i have one you could use if you dont.

do we need to pick a meeting spot on the east side of DFW?
last time we meet at the T&A over off I-30 east of Dallas.

[AI#97]

Leaving Tuesday at around 5am...I think. Depends if the neighbors are cool about loading that early. :oops:

Arriving mid day Wednesday...

bring the FRS radios because I am sure we will all be leaving MO about the same time.

I was starting my plan today to figure out where I am staying Tuesday night...might do straight through with rest stops as needed but would be nice to sleep in a bed Tuesday night.

Daron was leaving Monday I think...don't see him leaving at dawn though! :lol:

Since Burch is now riding with Glenn, I might bring my father for support if he can get away for that many days....otherwise, there is a seat in my truck available....

[GlennCMC70]

if you stop for the night, you will not get there by mid day the next day.
we drove straight thru one year and got there around noon the next.

[AI#97]

if you stop for the night, you will not get there by mid day the next day.
we drove straight thru one year and got there around noon the next.

I have made it to indianopolis in 15 hours...legally, 13.5 at elevated speeds! I was only 19 at the time! best I can tell, lexington is about 5 hours past there?

4am till 7pm day 1. 6am till noon day 2.... am I not going to be able to average 65mph?!

I am not trying to be on track wednesday, just arrive, unload, spread out, walk the facility and sleep well in prep for Thursday track sessions.

I will be at a disadvantage I guess for track time but also not going to pay the MO practice day prices for track time. From what Burch tells me and a what I read from MANY others is that MO is pretty damn easy to learn fast so I ain't going to worry about it.

[GlennCMC70]

you will want to use Wed for Walmart runs and fuel runs and resting up from the trip up. i would strongly encourage you to leave Monday sometime. and 65mph average is a strech while towing.

[mitchntx]

I have made it to indianopolis in 15 hours...legally, 13.5 at elevated speeds! I was only 19 at the time! best I can tell, lexington is about 5 hours past there?


Did that include stopping every 2.5-3 hours for fuel? ;)

[AI#97]

I have made it to indianopolis in 15 hours...legally, 13.5 at elevated speeds! I was only 19 at the time! best I can tell, lexington is about 5 hours past there?


Did that include stopping every 2.5-3 hours for fuel? ;)

Try even less...had an 80 year old grandma in tow.

I typically average about 70 while towing with the new rig...I don't have that big wind brake of an enclosed trailer like you guys have.

Actually thinking of hauling to Louisville for over night and haul in what equates to a Plano to Houston haul on Wednesday. Plenty of time to settle in but as we all know....best plans go to shit really quick sometimes! :lol:

Leaving Monday would be a nice luxury but I am already borrowing against vacation time on my current plan. all those trips to divorce court this year ate my vacation time in half....guess she did get half my shit afterall!!! :lol:

[Mason]

Daron and I are leaving on Monday afternoon. That's as early as I can leave. Boyd Davis, who was previously riding up with us, will fly in to Ohio instead on Wednesday evening. So, we do have plenty of room in the van if anyone needs a ride up. We aim to arrive no later than around 5pm on Tuesday. That should give us enough time to get the car unloaded and ready for Wednesday track time.

Glenn, if that's the flattest route, that's the one we'll be taking!

[GlennCMC70]

i'll get the route info up later.

[donovan]

I am planning on leaving Sunday, AM if we can...

Brooks is flying into Austin Saturday and helping me drive up...

We will be in my F-350 w/ 24ft enclosed trailer.

Last year with the motorhome Todd and I left on Sunday and arrived mid-day Monday... (I think, its all a blur)

DD

[GlennCMC70]

i'll caravan w/ ya David. keep me in the loop about your plans.

[donovan]

Sounds good... I'm pretty sure I can get loaded on Saturday and be on the road Sunday morning... in Dallas area by 9:00 - 10:00 am...

That will be the tenative plan so far...

DD

[AI#97]

Occupational requirements have me watching the activity in the atlantic...

anyone got any rain tires for AI they want to sell? :shock:

[Mason]

Sure Matt....but they're VERY expensive. :)

Nats veterans, is a golf cart rental a) necessary to run around the pits b) another way to waste money?

[jeffburch]

Yes, very nice.
Almost a requirement.
Bicycle at minimum.

[AI#97]

Sure Matt....but they're VERY expensive. :)

Nats veterans, is a golf cart rental a) necessary to run around the pits b) another way to waste money?

Well, with all the hurricane activity in the gulf right now...I might end up having to tell my boss to shove it next week. They are talking about having us in houston and New Orleans after gustav hits and I told them no matter what, I am leaving Dallas on 9/9.... I didn't get a very good look back. Damn I hate mother nature. :mad:

[ShadowBolt]

Sure Matt....but they're VERY expensive. :)

Nats veterans, is a golf cart rental a) necessary to run around the pits b) another way to waste money?

Well, with all the hurricane activity in the gulf right now...I might end up having to tell my boss to shove it next week. They are talking about having us in houston and New Orleans after gustav hits and I told them no matter what, I am leaving Dallas on 9/9.... I didn't get a very good look back. Damn I hate mother nature. :mad:

I thought you delivered mail?


JJ

[michaelmosty]

Sure Matt....but they're VERY expensive. :)

Nats veterans, is a golf cart rental a) necessary to run around the pits b) another way to waste money?

Well, with all the hurricane activity in the gulf right now...I might end up having to tell my boss to shove it next week. They are talking about having us in houston and New Orleans after gustav hits and I told them no matter what, I am leaving Dallas on 9/9.... I didn't get a very good look back. Damn I hate mother nature. :mad:

I thought you delivered mail?


JJ
That is great!! :lol:

[GlennCMC70]

thats where he learned to drive.
i'm surprised his race car isnt right hand drive.

[AI#97]

I thought you delivered mail?

JJ

In a way I do...I make sure the lights stay on and there is a roof over the equipment that sorts it and there is a place for customers to buy stamps.

Beyond that, I just maintain the stereotype of mentally ill employees with lots of guns! ;)

They are talking about deploying to New orleans right now and I said I ain't going to the "demilitarized zone" without proper armament or federal law enforcement as an escort. Ain't no way I signed up to go deal with that bullshit.

[cjlmlml]

mfw

[jeffburch]

http://www.denver-lender.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/200px-Seinfeld_s9e5.jpg

[Waco Racer]

I can see both of those guys in MFW.

[AI#97]

I can see both of those guys in MFW.

I wouldn't disagree.... :oops:

At least I can get women compared to those two! 8)

[GlennCMC70]

get them? i thought you just lost one? :D

[AI#97]

get them? i thought you just lost one? :D

Paid through the nose to have one removed...sort of like a big wart. Dating one and trying to screw another right now...been sort of busy! :lol: Starting to like being single again!

[GlennCMC70]

here is my route guys. let me know where you think different.
1188 miles door to door for me.

I-30 E to I-40 E (Dallas to Little Rock)
I-40 to I-55 N (Little Rock to West Memphis)
I-55 N to I-57 N (West Memphis to 1/2 way to St Louis)
I-57 N to I-70 E (Effingham)
I-70 E to I-71 E (thru Indi to Columbus) I-71 runs more north than east.

[Adam Ginsberg]

DFW to MCI to CMH, pick up Hertz rental, drive ~62mi to Mid-O.

:D

[GlennCMC70]

DFW to MCI to CMH, pick up Hertz rental, drive ~62mi to Mid-O.

:D

fly in and watch or drive up and race...... hhhmmmm that is a hard one. :wink:

[AI#97]

here is my route guys. let me know where you think different.
1188 miles door to door for me.

I-30 E to I-40 E (Dallas to Little Rock)
I-40 to I-55 N (Little Rock to West Memphis)
I-55 N to I-57 N (West Memphis to 1/2 way to St Louis)
I-57 N to I-70 E (Effingham)
I-70 E to I-71 E (thru Indi to Columbus) I-71 runs more north than east.

Is there a particular reason for taking that route even though it shows it to be nearly an hour and a half slower? You mentioned it's more flat, but is it also due to having more frequent gas stations, more cities for possible break downs or ??? I am still planning on the faster southern route through nashville and then up.


so far I have dodged having to go to SW Louisiana for the Hurricane crap but I am on the second wave team to go. biggest issue is they aren't letting our guys into any of the towns, there is no power to pump gas even if they had it in the stations. Still a huge cluster but I hope I don't get a phone call soon to go...that would suck balls.

[GlennCMC70]

the difference is 40 miles your way. we went that way the last two years. then last year for the return trip, we went the above listed route. way easier on the truck. almost no hills. going thru Memphis sucks ass. i was stationed there for over a year. that place is a crime ridden hole. the hills out of and into Nashville are just crazy. the roads out of Nashville are very narrow, foggy and you hit that spot about 2-3AM. very bad place to nod off and go off the road.
Mixon tried to tell me the above way was better, but i didnt listen. you probably will not either so why bother. i'm giving you my advise, and its worth what your paying for it. i've done the trip 2 times round trip now and i'm taking the northern route at this point.

[AI#97]

That's good info Glenn. I didn't know about the Hills and stuff near nashville. I don't have the big rig like you have so I don't think the hills will be a big deal on the truck. That gas motor you have running the enclosed trailer would be the suck for sure. A diesel would be much better. My little rig runs pretty good and doesnt seem to strain much at all....but I do miss my cummins and 900 ft/lbs of torque! :oops:

I am going to relook at what time I am supposed to be into those areas but it would be before dark...but might be during rush hour.

Either way, the car is ready to rock and roll. Will bleed the brakes when I arrive and bed pads/new rotors.

See ya'll at the track!

[ShadowBolt]

the difference is 40 miles your way. we went that way the last two years. then last year for the return trip, we went the above listed route. way easier on the truck. almost no hills. going thru Memphis sucks ass. i was stationed there for over a year. that place is a crime ridden hole. the hills out of and into Nashville are just crazy. the roads out of Nashville are very narrow, foggy and you hit that spot about 2-3AM. very bad place to nod off and go off the road.
Mixon tried to tell me the above way was better, but i didnt listen. you probably will not either so why bother. i'm giving you my advise, and its worth what your paying for it. i've done the trip 2 times round trip now and i'm taking the northern route at this point.

Memphis may suck ass but since it gave us Elvis it's not all bad. We used the gps to get around last year when we went for Elvis week and it took us through parts of town where I was afraid to stop at the stop signs.......I just slowed down and drove thru.

JJ

[BlueFirePony]

here is my route guys. let me know where you think different.
1188 miles door to door for me.

I-30 E to I-40 E (Dallas to Little Rock)
I-40 to I-55 N (Little Rock to West Memphis)
I-55 N to I-57 N (West Memphis to 1/2 way to St Louis)
I-57 N to I-70 E (Effingham)
I-70 E to I-71 E (thru Indi to Columbus) I-71 runs more north than east.
That's the route we typically take when we go to visit my wife's family and when her brother comes to visit us. IMO its definately the best route (not to mention you can stop at Sikeston for Lamberts!!)
FYI, probably taken that trip about 10 times in the last 20 years...we've done different southern routes maybe 4 times and had *issues* everytime.

[AI#97]

FYI, probably taken that trip about 10 times in the last 20 years...we've done different southern routes maybe 4 times and had *issues* everytime.

Please define "issues"... not enough toilets, crappy roads that shake the shit out of your car? Construction delays? Interested in making an informed decision! ;)

[Adam Ginsberg]

fly in and watch or drive up and race...... hhhmmmm that is a hard one. :wink:

Did it 2 years in a row.....no regrets.

I'm more than a spectator this year......I'd suggest being more "hospitable" towards your Race Director.

:D

[jeffburch]

.....and you to him 'cause he don't know he's hauling your bed yet :wink:

jb

[GlennCMC70]

Adam already told me, but it hasnt shown up yet. only two more days and i could be gone.

[BlueFirePony]

FYI, probably taken that trip about 10 times in the last 20 years...we've done different southern routes maybe 4 times and had *issues* everytime.

Please define "issues"... not enough toilets, crappy roads that shake the shit out of your car? Construction delays? Interested in making an informed decision! ;)

We typically go during August and December and we've hit torn up roads everytime, weather twice going the south route - uhmmm can you say hurricane corridor?
The northern route that Glenn listed has not failed us yet -...check construction notices along the way 'cause you'll get those no matter where you go when you are driving 10+ hours.

[Mason]

What are you guys doing for food while you are up there? Is anyone bringing a grill, or is dinner easy enough to come by that you can eat at the track or go out instead?

Less than a week to go...MFW has had his car done for 4-months and I'm sure Glenn has been ready for a while. It sounds like David and we are testing this weekend. For our part, the 2008 Mid-Ohio aero package is nearing completion. For those of you stopping by MSR this weekend, you may get a sneak peak.

So what's the word David, still wrenching? :) I'm looking forward to hearing about the new setup.

[jeffburch]

Just a heads up to you competitors.
Be mindful that I will come around several times and stick a video camera in your face.
I will ask you a couple of questions regarding how your car is doing or how your day went.
Think of it as practice for the real thing on Sunday.
I will be editing a short piece each day and mailing it back via ftp for all back in Tx.
A video post card from Ohio on the Tx racers.

jb
aicmctx reporter

[GlennCMC70]

put my car in the trailer last night. its been ready for a week or so.

i emailed David yesterday. no responce, so i assume he's working hard.

[RichardP]

Be mindful that I will come around several times and stick a video camera in your face.

I will be editing a short piece each day and mailing it back via ftp for all back in Tx.

Hope that doesn't annoy the racers too much because it will certainly be appreciated by those of us stuck back home starving for information. Thanks for doing it...

Richard P.

[RichardP]

For those of you stopping by MSR this weekend, you may get a sneak peak.


I'll be there. Should be a good weekend for sneak peaks...


Richard P.

[GlennCMC70]

w/ all the help i personally have gotten from the folk in this region, its the least i could do. i'll also go out of my way to post up here daily and expand on things a bit.
w/out the folks here, i wouldnt be going.
thanks to you all.

[AI#97]

What are you guys doing for food while you are up there? Is anyone bringing a grill, or is dinner easy enough to come by that you can eat at the track or go out instead?

Less than a week to go...MFW has had his car done for 4-months and I'm sure Glenn has been ready for a while. It sounds like David and we are testing this weekend. For our part, the 2008 Mid-Ohio aero package is nearing completion. For those of you stopping by MSR this weekend, you may get a sneak peak.

So what's the word David, still wrenching? :) I'm looking forward to hearing about the new setup.

I personally think you are overthinking the Aero thing for MO...you need more motor to deal with that drag because these guys are going to "john george" you and park it in the corners and drive away from you with a powerful slick car....or just drive you off the track. After seeing David's performance at Hallett with no splitter and the two cars at the front for the last two years, I am convinced that Aero isn't what is going to win the race at MO. BTW, when can I come get my fuel jugs you guys still have?!

Food, I am guessing there is a concession stand at the track, that's my plan for now. I might drag a bigger cooler along but I am sure there is a grocery store for making sandwiches and chips.

I spoke with David and He and Cory are thrashing. They have most of the stuff finished and were getting it aligned yesterday.

All you guys making these changes I guess have to go "test"... :lol: I am calm, relaxed and ready to drive the wheels off this thing as I have been holding back just a little all year to save the equipment for NATS. Hell, I even waxed the car for the first time since I bought it new in Jan 2001!!! I may futz with a couple small things this weekend like clean the inside of the rear window but that is about it.

See you guys there!

[GlennCMC70]

i'm w/ MFW on this one. most of the corners are low speed. only one real high speed corner (turn 1). the car must handle really good. be ready to slide the car more than you do at most tracks here.

the concession stand at Mid Ohio is really good. you cant beat the burgers there. its a little high, but worth it. therer are a few local flavor places to eat in Lexington. JB knows the area real well. Texas Road House just up the road on 314 north of the track. Mansfield has lots of places to eat.
i am planning a trip to WalMart once i get there to get stuff for breakfast and snack durring the day. i see no reason we cant all go eat a couple times while there (think organized dinner). we had lots of fun at Texas Road House last year. the pizza joint Jeff knows is good for a lunch early in the week.

we all will need to make daily fuel runs, so we all will be heading into town anyways.

[michaelmosty]

Huge thanks to those that will help to relay info from Ohio back to us in TX!!!

It was an amazing experience getting to be there last year as a spectator and experience all that goes on. It was fun being in the stands and getting the little race jitters just waiting for the cars to take the green.

Any news on a webcast for audio of the Championship races or Qual. races?

[jeffburch]

Mike's Pizza Pub is more of a dinner and beer thing.
Best pizza I've had recently (well, since Papa Rollos in Wacko).
The trackside concession is really good plus in the driver packs there may be coupons worth using as in years past.
Also, right next to grid is a chuckwagon that had coffee waay earlier than the hospitality tent.
They also had a good fried bologna sammich.

jb

[Waco Racer]

(well, since Papa Rollos in Wacko
jb

Damn Straight

[BlueFirePony]

w/ all the help i personally have gotten from the folk in this region, its the least i could do. i'll also go out of my way to post up here daily and expand on things a bit.
w/out the folks here, i wouldnt be going.
thanks to you all.
Wow, I was just sorta hoping for a few posts when all y'all got back but daily posts from you, Glenn, and video from JB would be fantastic!!

Hope you all have a safe trip!

[Mason]

Matt,

Fuel jugs are ready any time you are. Tee a time up with Daron.

[Tommy55]

Boudy, did you or anyone else make the restrictor plates for the LS1??? If you did can you bring them to nats. I gained 10 hp last year and do not want to add that much weight. Give me a call today if you can
303-435-1565
Thanks
Tommy

[BryanL]

Tommy-I have restrictor plates. How much power are you making now and how much do you need to make?
I can give them to Glenn to bring with him.
Bryan

[Tommy55]

I am 330 hp here. Supposedly those are corrected numbers but I do not want to take any chances. Can you give Glenn an assortment just in case.
Thanks Bryan
Tommy

[donovan]

Wow, what a week(s)...

Worked on the car 12-14 hours each day this week... prior it was about 10 hours a day for the past 2 weeks. Its a completly different car.

I can't even think of all the new parts that are on the car, the list is long.

New Radiator
New Radiator air box - Fulcrum Motorsprots
New Radiator fan
New SLA front suspension - Agent 47
Different sway bars front and rear
Different springs front and rear
New front splitter (Adjustable) - Fulcrum Motorsports
Saleen front bumper cover
New Powersteering cooler
New High TQ starter
TKO-600, Bellhousing, Driveshaft, Shifter
New Exhaust system (Old one did not clear TKO-600)
Lot of little things here and there...

and the list goes on and on and on...

I still need to nut and bolt the car, check ride height one last time, change the oil and it should be ready to go...

I will be out at Harris Hill Saturday around noon testing if anyone is interested in coming out!

David D.

[Mason]

Sounding great David, good luck with the testing today.

We still have a little bit to do to finish up, but we shoudl have the car out on Sunday.

[Todd Covini]

It pains me to say, I'm out. Can't go to Nats.
Adam will be your CMC Race Director.
Work, Gustav, Ike, Mortgage Companies, Title companies and trying to close on 2 houses seems to all be working against me for this upcoming week.

Ya'll have fun...and really, REALLY appreciate the email and video updates from Nats. It's an event that shouldn't be missed! :cry:

-=- Todd

PS- Bring home a Texas win...AI would be nice...CMC would be great...BOTH would be phenomenal!!! Looking forward to a hero's welcome at the 6th Annual Texas AI/CMC Awards banquet!

[GlennCMC70]

Todd who?

i thought Adam was gonna be the Group A Race Director.

Don ????? was the CMC Series Director?

[Todd Covini]

Adam is the Group A Race Director.
Be nice to him and treat him with all the respect you have always shown me. :D

(Give it hell, Glenn and make 3rd time a charm...not 3rd Place!)

[rpoz27]

Good luck, guys! We'll be eagerly awaiting the announcement of sweeping TX victories. No pressure.

[AI#97]

Those that are on the concrete upper paddock area...what is the provision for electric? Extension cords or generators?

Thanks.

[GlennCMC70]

posting from I-70 between Dayton and Columbus.
anyone else left yet?

[GlennCMC70]

the eagle has landed. i say again....the eagal has landed.
that is all.

[AllZWay]

Good luck everyone.... I was like Jerry and thought the races were a couple of weeks away. STUPID CALENDAR. :evil:

[michaelmosty]

Glad to hear you got there safe Glenn, best wishes for everyone else.

Now everyone kick some ass and bring home two National Championship trophy's!!!! :D

[ShadowBolt]

At least for the next week as far as CMC is concerned there is no Team Jordan, no Team Yahoo, no Mosty brothers racing. We are all behind #70. Even us Mustang guys.


JJ

[Todd Covini]

Yup....we're all behind our boy (I say, boy) in #70 for CMC.
Sounds like DD is on his way up toward the AI championship and we'll be cheering him on as well as MFW and MM.

Give 'em hell, boys!
(I say, boys.)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a0/Foghorn_Leghorn.png/250px-Foghorn_Leghorn.png

[cjlmlml]

what is an eagal?

[mitchntx]

It's kinda like a Mustang, only faster.

[cobra132]

Good luck to everyone at National. We will all be glued to the computer. The only question is how many places will NASA Texas take!!! 8) FMR

[Todd Covini]

An "eagal" is a lady that one meets online.
...but that's besides the point.

(not sure why glenn brought it up)

[AI#97]

if glenn is talking about being spread eagle...I am turning around back home!

I made dayton in 16 hours exactly...will see you guys by 9am....

did donovan leave austin yet?

[Todd Covini]

I got a text msg as DD was leaving Austin at 8:30PM tonight. He's got a co-driver and likes to drive straight thru. Expect to see him tomorrow nite...with a really strong car. 8)

[Adam Ginsberg]

MFW, DFD, MFM, DFC, GFL, JFB, and AFG are all present and accounted for at Mid-O.

Group A (CMC) is on track @ 8am ET, Group B (AI/AIX) @ 8:15am ET.

Heading off to bed now.

[Todd Covini]

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/images/cast-of-gilligans-island.jpg

OK...everyone's on the island, now let's see who's successful in getting off with the big trophy! :D

[mitchntx]

MFW, DFD, MFM, DFC, GFL, JFB, and AFG are all present and accounted for at Mid-O.

Group A (CMC) is on track @ 8am ET, Group B (AI/AIX) @ 8:15am ET.

Heading off to bed now.

PM me, Adam, for things to "investigate" on the 70 car ...

[ShadowBolt]

MFW, DFD, MFM, DFC, GFL, JFB, and AFG are all present and accounted for at Mid-O.

Group A (CMC) is on track @ 8am ET, Group B (AI/AIX) @ 8:15am ET.

Heading off to bed now.

PM me, Adam, for things to "investigate" on the 70 car ...


Leave that 70 car alone. Look at it hard when it gets back to Texas.


JJ

[michaelmosty]

Glad to hear DFD made it there in time!! I'll be very interested to see what the times are like.