Lexfest '06
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 12
From: Maryland
Kev, if you get tired, ill let my cuz drive my car and ill drive yours and let you catch some zzzz's. 11 hours is a lot shorter when you got modded cars to look at the whole way.
We are leaving thursday night and going to drive into friday morn.
10pm NJ departure exit 8nj turnpike
1:30am pickup DC crew (location TBD)
2:30am pickup richmond crew (along 95)
12pm-12:30 arrive ATL
Good Times (make sure we got a video cam)
We are leaving thursday night and going to drive into friday morn.
10pm NJ departure exit 8nj turnpike
1:30am pickup DC crew (location TBD)
2:30am pickup richmond crew (along 95)
12pm-12:30 arrive ATL
Good Times (make sure we got a video cam)
In all likelihood, if I can swing it, I'll leave Friday morning around 7am-ish. I can't sleep in the car, so it simply makes no sense for me to leave with y'all around 1:30am, because I'd be a total zombie once I arrived in Atlanta Friday night and that lack of Thursday night rest would probably mess me up for the entire weekend. That puts me in Atlanta around 6 or 7pm Friday which is fine for me.
There's a SLIGHT chance I will leave Thursday and drive down into NC somewhere, and then lay my head at my friend's house in Raleigh/Durham. In this case, I would THEN wake up Friday morning and try to catch up with you guys coming through Raleigh around 7am-ish. That's a possibility. There's an even SLIGHTER chance I'd make it all the way into Charlotte on Thursday night if I left early enough (highly unlikely though).
I'll know more tomorrow night how things are looking, and Thursday morning I'll start my final plans of departure.
I'm still trying to rearrange some stuff so...I'm still only about 50/50 for the Lexfest trip at all.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Lexfest '06
OK, folks following are several posts with a detailed update on Lexfest. If you have questions please post them here and I'll try to check in daily to respond. I apologize for the delay with the update, but there are a lot of moving parts in planning this meet and not a lot of people working on it. It's starting to all come together and I'm very excited about seeing many of you this weekend.
I'm sure I am forgetting some of the items we need to include here and will continue to update over the next day... there are more details at www.lexfest.net, but this post has the most current information.
Team Lexus Update
Most of you already know this from other posts in this and other forums, but Lexus and Performance Engineering, Inc. (the former Team Lexus) have all but parted ways. I have been optimistic for several weeks that this issue would be worked out and we would have a car in the race. However, due to recent changes in sponsorship between Lexus and Team Lexus, the IS350 GT2 car will not be racing or showing at this event. I know this is disappointing, but for me (and hopefully everyone else) the main point of the meet is all of us getting together, seeing each other face-to-face, checking out each other's rides and having fun. The Petit Le Mans race is still ON and some of the cars in it are absolutely spectacular, we'll just have to pick SOB (some other brand) of car to pull for. More to follow on the race day in posts below.
Lexus Corporate is still picking up the cost of the car corral at the Petit Le Mans (which is a very significant cost, over $11K - THANK YOU LEXUS) but we don't have sponsorship for food, drinks and tickets as I'd hoped for when this was a funded race event. I have requests out to local dealerships and other potential sponsors that may pull through in the last days to help defray some of the out of pocket, but I'm not hopeful. I'll outline in each day the known costs so there are no surprises for anyone. I am very thankful that we got the major cost of the car corral picked up - that would have been an event-killer.
Judging
I've been in several car shows and very seldom am I pleased with the judges. They invariably know less about Lexus than I do, don't have any idea about any of the mods on my car and don't know what to look for. For that reason, we are doing participant voting for "Best in Show" for Lexfest 2006... YOU will be the judges. We'll also recognize the second place vote winner and have an 'Iron Butt' award given for the longest drive to the meet. You can pick up a registration number for your Lexus if you wish to participate in the show, as well as your ballot when you register at the hotel. We'll bring the registration to the event if you miss the Friday check in. Voting will occur at the race before 2pm (assuming the car corral is configured as it was described - with our cars located near our tent).
Gifts and Raffle items
All registered Lexus owners attending the event will receive a gift bag and shirt courtsey of Lexus-Parts.com (Sewell Lexus).
We have a number of nice raffle prizes this year including:
- a Xenon HID kit (winner's choice of type) courtesy of Xenondepot MSRP $379.99 Genium Philips bulbs and ballasts
- SIX Lexus detailing bucket and kits from Sewell Lexus worth $139 Details here
- an SLI Ipod Interface courtesy of Vais Technoogy
- (The former) Team Lexus has donated their remaining stock of Team Lexus race shirts and rain slickers.
- We'll have some great items from Carson Toyota and Tanabe that are promised as well (TBA)
I'm sure I am forgetting some of the items we need to include here and will continue to update over the next day... there are more details at www.lexfest.net, but this post has the most current information.
Team Lexus Update
Most of you already know this from other posts in this and other forums, but Lexus and Performance Engineering, Inc. (the former Team Lexus) have all but parted ways. I have been optimistic for several weeks that this issue would be worked out and we would have a car in the race. However, due to recent changes in sponsorship between Lexus and Team Lexus, the IS350 GT2 car will not be racing or showing at this event. I know this is disappointing, but for me (and hopefully everyone else) the main point of the meet is all of us getting together, seeing each other face-to-face, checking out each other's rides and having fun. The Petit Le Mans race is still ON and some of the cars in it are absolutely spectacular, we'll just have to pick SOB (some other brand) of car to pull for. More to follow on the race day in posts below.
Lexus Corporate is still picking up the cost of the car corral at the Petit Le Mans (which is a very significant cost, over $11K - THANK YOU LEXUS) but we don't have sponsorship for food, drinks and tickets as I'd hoped for when this was a funded race event. I have requests out to local dealerships and other potential sponsors that may pull through in the last days to help defray some of the out of pocket, but I'm not hopeful. I'll outline in each day the known costs so there are no surprises for anyone. I am very thankful that we got the major cost of the car corral picked up - that would have been an event-killer.
Judging
I've been in several car shows and very seldom am I pleased with the judges. They invariably know less about Lexus than I do, don't have any idea about any of the mods on my car and don't know what to look for. For that reason, we are doing participant voting for "Best in Show" for Lexfest 2006... YOU will be the judges. We'll also recognize the second place vote winner and have an 'Iron Butt' award given for the longest drive to the meet. You can pick up a registration number for your Lexus if you wish to participate in the show, as well as your ballot when you register at the hotel. We'll bring the registration to the event if you miss the Friday check in. Voting will occur at the race before 2pm (assuming the car corral is configured as it was described - with our cars located near our tent).
Gifts and Raffle items
All registered Lexus owners attending the event will receive a gift bag and shirt courtsey of Lexus-Parts.com (Sewell Lexus).
We have a number of nice raffle prizes this year including:
- a Xenon HID kit (winner's choice of type) courtesy of Xenondepot MSRP $379.99 Genium Philips bulbs and ballasts
- SIX Lexus detailing bucket and kits from Sewell Lexus worth $139 Details here
- an SLI Ipod Interface courtesy of Vais Technoogy
- (The former) Team Lexus has donated their remaining stock of Team Lexus race shirts and rain slickers.
- We'll have some great items from Carson Toyota and Tanabe that are promised as well (TBA)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Friday
After you check into your room at the meet hotel, please stop by the "Maple" conference room we have reserved on the first floor. There you can get sign in, get your raffel ticket assignment and pick up your preprinted name tag, meet agenda and direction sheets to each of the meet locations from the hotel.
We have the Maple conference room from 5 - 11 pm, feel free to hang out there at the hotel and meet others as they come in. Most of the group will probably head over to Andretti Speed Labs for dinner at the attached Fuddruckers, some games and/or indoor cart racing. Our local guides will prepare some alternative food recommendations and/or club locations if you'd rather go off in a smaller group and experience the ATL nightlife.
I expect the groups will start heading over to Andretti's about 7pm or so and will trickle on through the evening. We will have one of our meet organizers lead anyone who wants to head over about that time, so if you want to be in a caravan head down to the meeting room or parking lot at 7pm (it's nearby and we have direction sheets, so don't worry if you miss the group or want to join later). If you want to leave messages for someone to meet you somewhere else, let me know in the registration room and I'll keep a message board until we close down the room at 11.
Some pictures of Andretti's below so you know what to expect when making up your mind about Friday. It's a like a small Dave & Buster's but with an indoor cart track and racing theme with a climbing wall,, linked games, pool tables, air hockey. We'll get a 10% discount for the food at the attached Fuddruckers.
For more information http://www.andrettikarting.com/
Costs:
Food - Standard Fuddruckers fair $7 - $15, the Atlanta SELOC group has a standing 10% discount (ask for the SELOC discount). They do have drinks there, please plan to designated a driver or call a taxi if you get have a few too many. I'll take you back in the AM personally to pick up your car if you need to leave it there overnight.
Cart Racing - Standard cost is $43 for two races and a temporary license. If we get 10 + people, we get 10% off... 16 + people 15% off.... 25+ we get 20% off. There are other packages that includes games, food etc.
Parking is free
After you check into your room at the meet hotel, please stop by the "Maple" conference room we have reserved on the first floor. There you can get sign in, get your raffel ticket assignment and pick up your preprinted name tag, meet agenda and direction sheets to each of the meet locations from the hotel.
We have the Maple conference room from 5 - 11 pm, feel free to hang out there at the hotel and meet others as they come in. Most of the group will probably head over to Andretti Speed Labs for dinner at the attached Fuddruckers, some games and/or indoor cart racing. Our local guides will prepare some alternative food recommendations and/or club locations if you'd rather go off in a smaller group and experience the ATL nightlife.
I expect the groups will start heading over to Andretti's about 7pm or so and will trickle on through the evening. We will have one of our meet organizers lead anyone who wants to head over about that time, so if you want to be in a caravan head down to the meeting room or parking lot at 7pm (it's nearby and we have direction sheets, so don't worry if you miss the group or want to join later). If you want to leave messages for someone to meet you somewhere else, let me know in the registration room and I'll keep a message board until we close down the room at 11.
Some pictures of Andretti's below so you know what to expect when making up your mind about Friday. It's a like a small Dave & Buster's but with an indoor cart track and racing theme with a climbing wall,, linked games, pool tables, air hockey. We'll get a 10% discount for the food at the attached Fuddruckers.
For more information http://www.andrettikarting.com/
Costs:
Food - Standard Fuddruckers fair $7 - $15, the Atlanta SELOC group has a standing 10% discount (ask for the SELOC discount). They do have drinks there, please plan to designated a driver or call a taxi if you get have a few too many. I'll take you back in the AM personally to pick up your car if you need to leave it there overnight.
Cart Racing - Standard cost is $43 for two races and a temporary license. If we get 10 + people, we get 10% off... 16 + people 15% off.... 25+ we get 20% off. There are other packages that includes games, food etc.
Parking is free
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Saturday
The big race day! This is the part of the event where we have some missing details I'm awaiting from Road Atlanta (like the exact location of our corral, hospitalty/infield parking sticker clarifications, parking instructions, etc).
We'll caravan over to the racetrack leaving promptly at 9am from the hotel (this is subject to change based on info I get back from Road Atlanta and if it is different will be posted here and announced in materials at registration). Turn-by-turn directions will be available at the registration room Friday night and we'll have several caravan leaders designated.
Guest Guide for the Race:
http://www.roadatlanta.com/2006-GuestGuide.pdf
Map of the Road Atlanta track here and general location of the car corral:
http://www.roadatlanta.com/Petit-Map-nogrid.pdf
Some great pictures of the 2005 Petit Le Mans race here, credit dubspeed driven.
http://www.speedsportlife.com/photop...ry.php?cat=799
Some examples of what we'll see:
Our corral should have the following:
Private Enclosed Hospitality Area
40 x 60 Tent with sides, tables and chairs for 200 people at a time, registration tables
We'll have two TV’s with Closed Circuit Feed and they'll provide us with 200 Event Programs and 200 Event Posters and infield parking passes.
What we don't have is tickets to the race included, and catering for the event. There are LOTS of food options and vendors all around, so we won't go hungry. I'm told we aren't allowed to bring our own catering in or I'd have stocked up at least for beverages. I am going to ask around to see if we can bring in indivual coolers regardless (no glass is allowed) and suggest you do so.
Saturday night is on your own in small groups. Some are going to just want to sleep, others will go out to clubs and adult entertainment venues and some will go to some of Atlanta's unique eateries or fine dining establishments. Ask around during the day to pick your group.
Estimated Costs:
Tickets - expect $45 - 55 for the race day including pit pass access.
Food - Catering folks suggested a $12 meal voucher (which is what I'm trying to get sponsored still) would cover the meal and drinks.
Parking - listed as $25 with free alternatives but I'm hopeful that is covered in our hospitality suite costs. More to follow.
The big race day! This is the part of the event where we have some missing details I'm awaiting from Road Atlanta (like the exact location of our corral, hospitalty/infield parking sticker clarifications, parking instructions, etc).
We'll caravan over to the racetrack leaving promptly at 9am from the hotel (this is subject to change based on info I get back from Road Atlanta and if it is different will be posted here and announced in materials at registration). Turn-by-turn directions will be available at the registration room Friday night and we'll have several caravan leaders designated.
Guest Guide for the Race:
http://www.roadatlanta.com/2006-GuestGuide.pdf
Map of the Road Atlanta track here and general location of the car corral:
http://www.roadatlanta.com/Petit-Map-nogrid.pdf
Some great pictures of the 2005 Petit Le Mans race here, credit dubspeed driven.
http://www.speedsportlife.com/photop...ry.php?cat=799
Some examples of what we'll see:
Our corral should have the following:
Private Enclosed Hospitality Area
40 x 60 Tent with sides, tables and chairs for 200 people at a time, registration tables
We'll have two TV’s with Closed Circuit Feed and they'll provide us with 200 Event Programs and 200 Event Posters and infield parking passes.
What we don't have is tickets to the race included, and catering for the event. There are LOTS of food options and vendors all around, so we won't go hungry. I'm told we aren't allowed to bring our own catering in or I'd have stocked up at least for beverages. I am going to ask around to see if we can bring in indivual coolers regardless (no glass is allowed) and suggest you do so.
Saturday night is on your own in small groups. Some are going to just want to sleep, others will go out to clubs and adult entertainment venues and some will go to some of Atlanta's unique eateries or fine dining establishments. Ask around during the day to pick your group.
Estimated Costs:
Tickets - expect $45 - 55 for the race day including pit pass access.
Food - Catering folks suggested a $12 meal voucher (which is what I'm trying to get sponsored still) would cover the meal and drinks.
Parking - listed as $25 with free alternatives but I'm hopeful that is covered in our hospitality suite costs. More to follow.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Sunday
In case you haven't heard of it, the Georgia Aquarium is the newest and largest aquarium in the world. We'll spend some time together on top of the deck downtown and take photos, then go into the Aquarium to check it out.
Details: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/index.aspx
Map of the aquarium
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/media...verviewMap.pdf
More random pics to set your expectations courtesy google image
http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...um&sa=N&tab=wi
Estimated Costs:
We're working on group admission but need to find out how many will attend. Standard admission is 22.75 , the group discount is $20.50 .
There are many food options once inside http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explo...feAquaria.aspx
Parking is $10 in the aquarium deck. We'll have our own section reserved on the top floor. We hope to have several cameras stationed around and in the deck as our group makes its way through downtown and up the parking deck. Should be an impressive sight and sound.
Those who stay in town Sunday evening (I am) will do small groups again for dinner, etc.
In case you haven't heard of it, the Georgia Aquarium is the newest and largest aquarium in the world. We'll spend some time together on top of the deck downtown and take photos, then go into the Aquarium to check it out.
Details: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/index.aspx
Map of the aquarium
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/media...verviewMap.pdf
More random pics to set your expectations courtesy google image
http://images.google.com/images?hl=e...um&sa=N&tab=wi
Estimated Costs:
We're working on group admission but need to find out how many will attend. Standard admission is 22.75 , the group discount is $20.50 .
There are many food options once inside http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explo...feAquaria.aspx
Parking is $10 in the aquarium deck. We'll have our own section reserved on the top floor. We hope to have several cameras stationed around and in the deck as our group makes its way through downtown and up the parking deck. Should be an impressive sight and sound.
Those who stay in town Sunday evening (I am) will do small groups again for dinner, etc.
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Detailed Local ForecastHow to Read This Today: Sunny. High around 80F. Winds light and variable.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.
Tomorrow: Sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 78F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Tomorrow night: Isolated thunderstorms ending during the evening, becoming clear overnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s.
Saturday: Mainly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 50s.
Sunday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.
Tomorrow: Sun and clouds mixed with a slight chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 78F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Tomorrow night: Isolated thunderstorms ending during the evening, becoming clear overnight. Low 52F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Friday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s.
Saturday: Mainly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 50s.
Sunday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s.
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,042
Likes: 609
From: Lake Ontario
Dave, should I put these updates on the http://www.lexfest.net/detailed_timed_schedule.html underneath each of the existing text for each day?
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Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 12
From: Maryland
OK, my schedule has been re-arranged.
I should leave tomorrow evening, and I will land in Raleigh for the night with my friend at Duke Grad School. I will then meet Stef and Diddy in Raleigh/Durman area off I-85 somewhere, and we'll caravan down to Charlotte to scoop up Dave.
And then into Atlanta we go.....
Should be good times.
I should leave tomorrow evening, and I will land in Raleigh for the night with my friend at Duke Grad School. I will then meet Stef and Diddy in Raleigh/Durman area off I-85 somewhere, and we'll caravan down to Charlotte to scoop up Dave.
And then into Atlanta we go.....
Should be good times.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Sunday Aquarium Update
We've re-confirmed our spot on the roof of the downtown parking deck at the aquarium, and the aquarium will block it off for us with cones (which we can move when we arrive).
We also learned the aquarium group rate is NOT available for a weekend 'day of' purchase. They advised us that they often sell out on weekends and to purchase tickets in advance if at all possible.
There are 368 tickets as of earlier today available for the 10:50 - 12:20 arrival time (I just tested and found out it shows up as '11am to noon' when you purchase), and we're suggesting buying tickets individually for that time if you are IN for the aquarium. If you won't decide until Sunday, you'll run some risk of not getting in or having to sign up for a later time in the day.
Hours on Sunday are 9-6 p.m. If you pre-purchase, you only need to print them out at the gate and go in (and this is the only way to be sure and not get sold out). Tickets are $22.75/adult and can be purchased at the link below:
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/acb/s...1%2fdaily.aspx
We've re-confirmed our spot on the roof of the downtown parking deck at the aquarium, and the aquarium will block it off for us with cones (which we can move when we arrive).
We also learned the aquarium group rate is NOT available for a weekend 'day of' purchase. They advised us that they often sell out on weekends and to purchase tickets in advance if at all possible.
There are 368 tickets as of earlier today available for the 10:50 - 12:20 arrival time (I just tested and found out it shows up as '11am to noon' when you purchase), and we're suggesting buying tickets individually for that time if you are IN for the aquarium. If you won't decide until Sunday, you'll run some risk of not getting in or having to sign up for a later time in the day.
Hours on Sunday are 9-6 p.m. If you pre-purchase, you only need to print them out at the gate and go in (and this is the only way to be sure and not get sold out). Tickets are $22.75/adult and can be purchased at the link below:
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/acb/s...1%2fdaily.aspx
Guest
Posts: n/a
http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?p...=1#post4458324
IS.net NE members coming down, maybe everyone hook up..
IS.net NE members coming down, maybe everyone hook up..
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: VA
We have 3 IS300 guys meeting up with about 4-5 North East guys. We plan on meeting on I-95 around 12-1am...depending on when they get out of the NY/NJ area. You guys want to meet us? The thread link was posted above...on IS300.NET/my.is.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 12
From: Maryland
Redline, PM Stefwilli. He'd probably like to hook up with y'all tonight as well.
I'm a wuss, and can't drive through the night....LOL...so I am headed to Raleigh, NC tonight. I'll meet up with the caravan in the morning as y'all pass through Durham. See ya'll tomorrow morning!
I'm a wuss, and can't drive through the night....LOL...so I am headed to Raleigh, NC tonight. I'll meet up with the caravan in the morning as y'all pass through Durham. See ya'll tomorrow morning!
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
On the way down we'll go right past Road Atlanta. I need to stop there briefly to pick up our materials and I want to check out the corral.
Just wanted to let you guys know that... can consider if you want to stop and get a preview of the space with me or head on the the hotel and we'll sync up there.
Just wanted to let you guys know that... can consider if you want to stop and get a preview of the space with me or head on the the hotel and we'll sync up there.