Noob Help

[Todd Benne]

Ok gang, 2008 marks my first ever trip to Sebring. To say I am pumped is an understatement. Well, looking forward to sipping a scotch poolside at Casa de Thawley ranks pretty high up there too.

So, what should I expect? Good viewing points trackside? Weather? Is the media center really located in the mosh? Good food in the media center? Where can I have JT take me for dinner that is really expensive? It is my birthday that weekend.

I'll take plenty of those wow photos to share. Maybe even do a daily blog to share the experience.

What says the veteran crowd of The Race Forums?

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by Todd Benne

Ok gang, 2008 marks my first ever trip to Sebring. To say I am pumped is an understatement. Well, looking forward to sipping a scotch poolside at Casa de Thawley ranks pretty high up there too.

So, what should I expect? Good viewing points trackside? Weather? Is the media center really located in the mosh? Good food in the media center? Where can I have JT take me for dinner that is really expensive? It is my birthday that weekend.

I'll take plenty of those wow photos to share. Maybe even do a daily blog to share the experience.

What says the veteran crowd of The Race Forums?

Viewing points trackside? Trackside? Who said anything about going trackside?

When did the word "vacation" slip into this little outing of yours?

Regarding poolside at casa de Thawley, you better bring your back brace because we'll still be shuffling furniture my friend.

JT

[mayk]

Todd:
I have made the last 5 Sebring 12 hour races; unfortunately, this year will not make it....I can give you two perspectives to your question, as the first year I went as 'a fan' and camped in an RV, but the last 4 years were completely different, as I was there trying to grow my website business (Sportscar Racing Grand AM Le Mans American Le Mans Series Racing For The Fans)

Regarding year 1, was the only year without a golf cart and wow was it a killer to walk everywhere....but there are so many great areas to view the race, my advice is, when time permits, just go out and find them....

My biggestest advice is BEWARE OF FIRE ANTS! Those sons of bitc#@%$ got me every year, one year, really bad on the ankles....they love to build their home along the KWall so look for them!

Edit:Oops, forgot about Greenpark, did that once on year one, and well....glad I did it once, but not my thing....still, you should experience it once....

There is a nice Mexican resturant JT, Jimmy, Guy, and a few others would go to each year, and dont miss it....there is also a seafood resturant (JD Gators?) that has good clam chowder.

The lunch at the Sheraton use to have a great buffett and would eat there 2-3 a race week, but the last year the service was horrible and the food was worse....There is a great stand right outside the media center and they make GREAT shrimp salad rolls....

Now for the last four years, I can tell you my days were shooting and reporting all day...then JT and I would be up till 3am or so, uploading and such....so if that is what you will be doing this year, my advice is get a good meal for dinner (no beer!) and hunker down for work at night....as you are there working and not on a vacation. (Doesnt it say that on your paycheck? LOL) Seriously, I loved it and although I was behind the times with workload process (Aperture/Lightroom) and website design (Frontpage2000) I can honestly say, I had the greatest time at Sebring 'working'...even when it was my turn to go get coffee and drinks....was a blast!

Regarding the media center food, the Mobil One dinner on Thursday night has good food and KILLER brownies....

Have fun and look forward to reading all of yourr reports....wish I was going, but alas, shooting a hockey tournament of 40 teams....of kids 18u! What a difference a year makes.........Will miss the banter and cutting up in the media center, you are joining a fraternal clan that harks back to days of college....great fun!

KM

[Todd Benne]

Ken, thanks for the words of wisdom. I am looking forward to getting back on the road full time, something I haven't done since 2005. I had spent several years traveling with that JT character, so I am prepared to put up with him. Ohh, the fond memories....Chevy's Fresh Mex in Sonoma 2003....Moon Under Water at St. Pete(which we'll visit again BTW JT), the heckling in the media center...all good times.

I know some folks in the ALMS paddock. Guys like Lou, Mikey Lewis and some others, so it should be easy to slip back into a routine. If not, I'll just tell stories about Lewis pre-marriage to his lovely wife

Long hours, plenty of Starbucks, good food and laughs....what more could you need in a weekend?

[mayk]

Todd:
Where are you staying? If you are staying with Jimmy and JT at the fabulous 5 star hotel, another word of advice, after you check in...walk over to the CVS and purchase these two items:

1. Bug Spray
2. Air Fresh Spray

You will use both each night...in that order....first you spray your bed....then the air spray each time the bathroom door is open....

Some of the stories (many I am sure you have heard or will hear) of late night in that room....many a times tears would be flowing from laughing so hard as I would scramble out of the room....Great stuff........

[HawkBat]

Thanks for the info. This will be my first time to Sebring so every bit helps. I will be working corners so my experience will be different from yours but the write up still help. I have a feeling it is going to be an adventure. So green park, that is what everyone says you at least need experience. And thanks for the reminder about the fire ants, I had to deal with them at Road Atlanta.

I will be camping at the track and no idea where the workers camp, all I know is my tent will be a friendly place cause I will be tired.

Also any tips on driving, like is there any construction or weird turns that might be easy to miss or something. It is going to be a long 20 hour drive from Chicago.

[bullitt_60]

This will be my third year and I always stay in Green Park. The crowds are a lot of fun and very friendly. We camp near the walk-over bridge between Gurney Bend and the Hairpin. This is a nice area in Green Park that is still just far enough away from the loonies when you need to get away. My favorite viewing spots are the Hairpin and Fangio. Unfortunatly, there is not a good spot to see cars exit Sunset Bend. One thing to keep in mind is that Sebring is frequented by large thunderstorms that can destroy your camp. Make sure you have a contingency plan.

[HawkBat]

Thanks Bullitt_60. Well I will stay in the workers area no idea where that is at the moment. But if you see a worker walking around in his whites at night around green park good chance it is me.

[bullitt_60]

Originally Posted by HawkBat

Thanks Bullitt_60. Well I will stay in the workers area no idea where that is at the moment. But if you see a worker walking around in his whites at night around green park good chance it is me.

lol...I'll keep an eye out. If you see a motorhome with a flag pole with a panoz flag, corvette, Lowe's Fernadez, and several others stop by for a beer.

[exflagger]

a can of OUST will work quite well in the bathroom.

y'know todd you might bring rain gear. i remember a few minutes of hard rain back in 92/3 when i was there the only time.