Glad I made the Trip.

IndyRN · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 06:40 PM

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who recommended that I make the trip to Gateway to check out some of the different cobra builders out there. The only unfortunate thing for me was that I could not make it to the event until Saturday and there was very little in the way of manufacturer displays to look at. I didn't get a chance to test out any cars, but still found many owners willing to talk with me a length about their experiences. Several also offered to let me sit in their cars to see how my 6'4" frame fit. I did talk with Bryan Anderson of B&B and was very impressed with how much time he spent talking to the wife and I about all things replica. He offered to have me come out to his shop when I'm ready to build and custom fit the car to my needs. Don't know if all builders will do this, but I did feel like the B&B could be a good choice for my size and my budget. Had a blast watching the drag racing and got some good photo's to show my friends as well. I admire everyone who came out today and put their cars at risk. Really felt bad about the guy in the backdraft that hit the wall....Hope he was ok, I'm sure he is probably pretty upset, but after looking at the car....and snapping a few photo's of it on the trailer, it didn't look to badly damaged. Anyway...sorry to put up such a long post, I was just really excited about the day and wanted to share it with others who understand.

jmimac351 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 11:24 PM

What color was the Backdraft car?

dlampe · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 09:20 AM

It was a new yellow car driven by Richard Bailey. I spoke with him late in the day and he was in good spirits, albeit a little sore.

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 11:07 AM

Richard suffered a pretty good bang-up on his last run through the drag strip. He must be really sore today. But it looks like the only damage is to his new TD car. It was a pretty nasty scene while it unfolded. Luckily the second driver did not stage and he was in a solo run.

I think the full cage system on these new TD (Track Day) Cars is the only way to fly in these events when people are really pushing them. I know Richard was really happy to have the cage in this instance and during a spin out the day before on the road course.

I've got the before and after photos. I will wait to hear good things from Richard in regards to the shape he is in before posting any.

Great event once again. Figuring out how we can get more involved next year.

WildBill3 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 04:34 PM

I was the second driver going up against my buddy Richard and I thank the lord above for Clois's water being dropped on the starting line,causing the Gateway staff to let Richard to run solo,he was faster by a few tenths than me and im afraid I might have TBoned his car and possibly speared him.Again thank G-d he was ok,as well as the others who had altercations with the walls...WB3

ROUSHAC · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 05:14 PM

Glad to hear that Richard is OK. LOTS better to be buying replacement car parts than Richard parts.

Bailey · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2008, 05:18 PM

Someone was definetly looking after both of us, Bill. The car is a little banged up, into the left wall just shy of a 100mph. I am pretty sore today, but all is good. Thanks to a good set of belts, a good seat, and a great car.

A little Ibuprofen and several naps later, a solid work week is ahead.

The new BDR track car held up remarkably well, crumple zones doing what they are supposed to do, and the structural improvements with the cage probably saved a bucket load of medical expenses and who knows what.
Thanks to all the folks who came by to check on me, that afternoon was a blur, not ending the way I had planned.
Jay, thanks for the Coke, it kept me on my feet.
Now it's time for a removable front end for access, and chase down Wild Bill in the blue rocket #3 next year.
Cheers,
Richard Bailey

mtpockets · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 06:14 AM

What a blast. My wife and I got to meet so many people, made new friends, including one heck of a fine replica '02 Camaro. Made my best laps of the event trying to track him down on Friday. Seems he registered not knowing it was a kit car event. Clois and Dean said, wth, come on in and join us. Great car, great driver. I was really surprised with as many really fast cars there were there that I placed second in BB street. I really pushed the GY F1's and tested the stock brake setup on the Backdraft. On the last day myself and two others found the weak link on the drag strip with broken half shafts.

Glad to hear Richard is doing well, the BDR TD car is a beautiful machine. I learned lots being out there with so many good drivers. Thanks to Clois, Dean, Jay, James, Matt, Hersh and Don for all their work in putting together a first class show.

PS: Somewhere around $10,000 was raised for Operation Comfort. It's never to late to donate to this great cause. Kudos to Jay for everything he's done helping our wounded veterans and their families.

Clois Harlan · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 07:55 AM

Thanks to all of you for supporting our passion. We did have some incidents and fortunately no one was hurt. Cold tires and a cold track will bite you every time. My Goodyear slicks need at least two or three laps in the morning session to get them up to temp. I was passed by everyone in my run group each morning until my tires got some heat in them. Then I was able to bust off some pretty good lapss. This years times were slower for me than last years but I heard several people say that as well.

Lots of fun and a pleasure meet so many of you this year.

Clois Harlan