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BayouSS
05-07-2013, 08:23 PM
Vintage American entries - The OneLapCamaro, The Centerforce AMXess, and the Honor Flight Camaro


Yesterday my wife (Kathy) and Son (Caleb) accompanied me to Nola Motorsports to watch these 3 cars conquer the road course as part of the One Lap of America event. To say we had an ok time would be an understatement as this was the best event we have attended in a long time. We mainly hung out with Carl Casanova, Jon Mahn, James Shipka, Mary Pozzi, Jimi Day and Saroja Raman. Even though they were busy preparing for the track they were gracious enough to hang out and talk about cars and previous events. I cannot begin to tell you how high my emotions are now after being there and seeing the kindness displayed by these guys and ladies.


Everyone from the One Lap America Team to all the other competitors and sponors were all very helpful and went out of their way to talk to us and tell us they really appreciated us coming to the event to support our favorites. This just goes to show what a wonderful group of people we have associated ourselves with. When we first met some of the people on this forum and attended RTTH 4 or 5 years ago I was impressed by the professional attitude of the people on the forum, at the events and is one reason I continue to hang out here and go to the events when I can.


During the parade lap at Nola Motorsports Carl set it up so each one of us could ride along in the cars, I went with Carl, Kathy went with Mary and Caleb went along with Saroja. I was amazed at how smooth Carl’s car was; Kathy and Caleb said the same thing about James and Jimi’s cars. Carl was able to do some spirited runs at times which I thoroughly enjoyed and shall never forget, thanks Carl. I see an LS in the future even as much as I love my 572.


At the end of the day we were sad to see them drive off on their way to Daytona and wished we could follow them along but its back to work for me. I would not have traded this day for anything and I highly encourage everyone to go and support these guys as they really appreciate someone being there to show support. On the way home I called a person that I consider a friend and known to many…. Tom Farrington to express what we had just witness’d and to tell him how much we enjoyed it, Tom, the One Lap America Event needs to be on your bucket list also as it definitely is on mine, even if all I could ever to is follow along and watch.


Thanks again Carl, Jon, James, Mary, Jimi and Saroja for letting us hang out and be one of the gang. We certainly can appreciate the money, time and lack of sleep that you’ll are putting into this to for a Charity of your choice, a specific cause, support for your sponsor or just because you want to do it.

damannhw
05-08-2013, 03:39 AM
^ Sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'm going over to see them later today at the BMW Performance Center stop. Can't wait !

BayouSS
05-08-2013, 03:50 AM
It was and one I will not forget. When I have a chance I have some pictures and videos I will post. You will not regret going to it, I guarantee it.

Forgot to mention that Kyle Tucker and Ryan Matthews with their 2012 Camaro was right there beside the Vintage America Team in the Paddock area. Even though they were busy preparing for the next laps or packing up to depart were happy to answer questions and to act as photographer to take a group shot of us with the Carl and the gang.

Its one of those days that you wish would not end. Enjoy the day.

CarlC
05-08-2013, 11:11 AM
Bill, it was great to have the Haynie family come out and spend some time with us. It was our pleasure to take you all out for a little spin on the track. Say hi to Tom for me. Last time we spoke was in 'Vegas when we did OUSCI in 2010. You two would have a hoot on OLoA.

Take a look on Facebook under Honor Flight Camaro and see the photos from Daytona. If that's not a bucket list place to go......

See you in about an hour David. It's going to be a quick in/out deal. Just one lap then pack and bolt for VIR.

damannhw
05-09-2013, 03:46 AM
Carl,
I didn't get to meet to you, but the car looks & sounds great.... and it ran awesome ! All of you guys & gals in the Vintage American Class sure did pass through the Performance Center quick ! You were in and out of there in no time. The One Lap is very well organized to pull that off with so many cars in the field, I was impressed. I noticed that Glenn Dodd in his Plymouth coupe (local upstate SC driver) did not make this stop ? I wonder if he had a failure ?

Anyway, your cars were a refreshing site & sound among the sea of GTR's, what's up with all those things ? They sound like Civics and look like a 90's Celica :) They are fast though. Other than those 8-10 GTR's competing, there was a pretty nice mix of brands. Lot's of LS power in many cars, and some of the late model Camaro's were wicked. The Detroit Speed car in particular sounds incredible. I need to bucket list participating in this event !

I wish you a safe and fun trip the rest of the way through !!

CarlC
05-09-2013, 04:33 PM
You should have come over David! There were others that came over and I kept asking "Are you David?" Yeah we were busy, but unless there's thrash wrenching going on, there's always time for a handshake.