[3-24-06 5:00pm]
I had a great time driving into Vegas today, thanks to Dave and company.
I've gotten my car pre-teched for driving school tomorrow already
I also have some pictures of us in Barstow. And some on the freeway, I think. Those will come later. I also just broke 5000 miles on my car on the way here today. I also have a picture of that.
[3-24-06 9:30pm]
The Strip Cruise was a blast! Everyone was honking and yelling. The people with aftermarket exhausts were revving like mad and some even burning some rubber.
Can't wait until I go to driving school tomorrow!
Sorry, pictures will have to wait, as I didn't bring my USB cable for the camera. They'll be up by sunday or monday.
[3-25-06 11:00pm]
Ahh, driving school at Phil Wicks Driving Academy. It was a fun-packed and tiring day. I got about 2 hours of seat time on the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and it was a blast. I finally did spin out on my last 20-min session because of picked up winds blowing sand into the car and into my eyes, causing an early and fast entry into a turn, then a lift of the throttle, and, bam, wham, I was off. Also, I got one of the instructors to drive my car, and, wow, that stock MINI can do things that I've never thought it could before. And also burn rubber like mad in turns. I've only had about 5000 miles on the car, and my fronts were getting close to the TWI (Tread Wear Indicators). So I got my tired rotated, with the assistance of a nice lady from Way Motor Works, and tools borrowed from my instructor of the day, Waylen, also from Way Motor Works. I've learned tons from today, including somewhat how to look ahead, to not lift off the throttle if you are on the verge of running off, to brake before you turn, and gas it out of the turn, how to be somewhat smooth, and most of all, how to be fast by going slow. I had viel spa� out there today, especially with that black Cooper (non-S) just eating up all the other Cooper S's on the track (I bet the Cooper has some kind of suspension mod or something. At least Waylen thought so.)
There was also the North American MINI Cooper Championship series today on the track. Even with only 9 cars on the track (a yellow Cooper S couldn't start when it needed to), and 5 MINIs, it was still a fun thing to watch. A Webb Motorsport MINI was dominating, taking the lead early, and held on to it for the rest of the race. There were three Miatas, and they were also doing alright. The scary thing is that they seemed to not care about their cars. They'd nearly touch the guy in front of them, and the other MINI drivers would simply let him by because they simply love the car. Also, watching most of them heel-toe for the turn after the long straight was very fascinating for me. I wish I could do that. The noise they made was something to die for, and I think I'll try to get that down for my next driving event. I've also got some pictures, well, my cousin that came long got some. I think the three most interesting ones on the track for me is one of the MINIs and also mine braking hard (noticeable nose dive), and the third pictures is I think me in a turn, and one can see a little body roll. Too bad I couldn't get video footage.
Gah, so much to say. But, I'm tired, and will go to sleep now, as I still have a long drive home tomorrow.
[3-26-06 2:45pm]
Well, I'm back from Vegas, and, man, what a blast. I didn't win anything at the banquet, but I won three things at the c3 breakfast. Two decks of MINI playing cards made by a guy in the MINI community (Eric something, sorry, forgot your name) and also the $50 off gift certificate from Aesthetic Creations. The $50 is the perfect one for me, as I was just planning to put on a Union Jack on my roof and some stripes on the bonnet. I've heard of good things about Aesthetic Creations' work, and since he'll be having an install party in San Diego in two months time or so, I think this is just the perfect time to get this prize.
The whole trip back only took 3 hours and 30 min, and that is including eating at Carl's Jr. It was fun meeting other MINIs on the road. Also, right when I was leaving Carl's Jr at Barstow, I saw the three MINIs that I came to Las Vegas with just pulling into Carl's. What a coincidence.
Well, I've had a lot of fun at AMVIV III, and will be looking forward to going again next year. The only different thing I'll do is not to attend Phil Wicks, but instead participate in some of the drives and definitely the Poker run.
Oh, for all those that were there, I was one of the Solid Black Cooper S's with a White roof.