Thank you!
So, I haven't really got to too many racing or automotive events in awhile. Yesterday, Saturday the 6th was going to change that. It was the day we were going to go to Mid Ohio to see ALMS. There was also a Cars and Coffee like event happening that we've (my dad and I) have never been to. So we had a huge trip planned that included the Kart 2 Kart show, the 14 & Woodward show
Joey D covers and eventually end up all the way down at Mid Ohio. We got what we planned and even more. For now, I'm just going to give a little story on what happended. If you're a TL;DR person, there's pictures too.
It started with, 7 am waking up in the morning and getting ready. We left but had to get a few things for the Focus and went back home. As we were leaving the Sub-Division, the left rear blinker buld went. Luckly, there's an Autozone 4 minutes form our house. So that's how it all started.
Focus Autozone by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
With the buld fixed we headed out. Pretty uneventful trip to the Kart 2 Kart show. It happens every first of the month, and from what I've seen, some pretty good cars show up, Vector, Carrera GT, etc. That day it was ok, mostly Subarus, but we were a little late.
R34 by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
As we headed over to Autozone for their show, we stumbled across the Michigan Gumball.
Firebreather Gumball by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
The Michigan Gumball is a weekend race where they start mid-ish Michigan, drive up to the U.P., and come back the next day. We knew it was going on, but we had too much going on to see them, but luckly we saw them, at a Hooters of all places.
Chrysler Gumball by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
It was a mix of cars, everything from this Chysler, to Mustangs, Camaros, Subarus, and even some normal everydays cars. We left there and headed to Autozone to see what was still there. We figured most the cars would be gone since we were about an hour after the end time, but there was the Lasalle C Hawk Concept still there.
C Hawk by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
FINALLY! We were on our way to Mid Ohio. Very boring trip with mostly country views and flat roads. It rained on and off on the trip down making me a little excited, I've never been to a race in the rain.
Pit Row by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
We get to the track just as the grid opens up for the walk, which is the only thing we really like other than the race. The race finally starts and we start our trek around the track for the first time. As some people know, Mid Ohio is 97% surrounded by a 12 foot catch fence, making pictures hard. The best thing is to use the photographer holes in the fence.
Right Hander by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
My dad needed some coffee, so while he's looking at the board out front, the guy inside says "Hey! You guys have to watch this!" It was the two Rahal BMWs fighting and one spinning. It was a true racing stand, with posters and everything. And when they showed the helo view, he pointed out right where we were.
Mid Ohio Coffee by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
We walked and stopped at a few more places here and there for photos and then went though the paddock. Mostly looking at the Touring Cars that come along with the ALMS series.
Cadillac by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
There's always something good hidden out in the parking lot. Just on the other side of the Touring Car's paddock, there was a new CLS63 AMG.
AMG by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
We continued on our trip around the track, agian, stopping at various open spots to shoot pictures. Then, all of a sudden the trail just stops at a tree line and fences. We weren't about to back track all the way back, so we scoped put some trails that were right next to where we were. The trails were rutted and rough, but that didn't stop the two groups on golf carts we saw.
Mid Ohio Forest by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
We walked all over just following random trails all over. We eventually saw some grandstands. So we climbed up a steep grade to get there. We then realized it too was locked in and there was nowhere to go. We didn't realize until later, that 15 feet to our right was a tunnel back to the infield.
GT BW by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
So, back to the trails. The then got out back in the camping area across the track from our car. It was sprinkling at that point. After a couple laps we went to cross the bridge. As my foot touched the first step, the skys opened.
Rain Lizard by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
It was amazing how hard and quick it came down. Some people had rain coats and were ready, others, like me, had nothing. The race was red flagged with 9 minutes left. We got ready to leave and sat in traffic for 15 minutes or so until we decided to park and get something to eat.
Cooper by
NISM0_SKYLINE, on Flickr
At that time, the some Cooper Tires series was going on. We watched a little of that, got our Domino's Pizza then left.
Over all, it was a fun day and and car filled day. Hopefully this little thing was enjoyable, it was for me. I'll update with more pictures in the next couple days, but for now, I'll leave it at this.