DeTomaso Mailing List: November 97, Message #217
     



From: 	MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Re:  Re: Vegas Track Status

Date: 	Fri, 7 Nov 1997 05:35:23 +0000



Greetings,



In a very well thought-out treatise, Keith wrote:



>Don't you want to see and share track time with folks from all over the US,

or would you rather perpetuate your belief that Cali Cars are the fastest,

without testing (let alone proving) it?



>>>Actually, in my humble opinion the fastest Pantera in the world is

probably the PONE Express Group 4 Pantera, built as a club project from a

burned out hulk by the crazies in PONE (Pantera Owners of the NorthEast.)

 Gary Hall's Burgandy Express is right up there too; he's got more top-end

power, but the PONE express seems to have better braking and cornering, and

more bottom-end torque.  Seeing these two cars run neck-and-neck at Pocono

was really interesting, from what I've heard.



>Like I said months ago, why not a 2-3 day track event in addition to Vegas?



We won't get 600 or more people.



We won't get 200 cars.



We might get 100 people.



We might get 50 cars.



We should make it novice- and expert-friendly, for maximum participation and

minimum intimidation.



If we make it, will they come?



>>>We already DO make it, and it's called POCONO.  Its located in

Pennsylvania, and draws lots of cars from all up and down the eastern

Seaboard, plus cars from the heartland.  A few crazies trailer all the way

from California or Washington.  It's the fastest road course you'll ever

drive on; race Panteras were touching 200 mph there.  Plus, in addition to

Panteras, the track has F-40's and Diablos to run with you, and 308's to

negotiate around.  And from what I recall, it's NOT terribly expensive.  



It's not a very 'nice' course like Laguna Seca or Willow Springs; it's all

contained within the confines of this HUGE superspeedway, and it's absolutely

100% flat, no elevation changes.  That said, there's plenty of runoff room in

the infield section (you can just spin harmlessly into the grass); the only

real threat is the wall along the two straights (which are connected by a

turn that must be taken with a degree of circumspection.)



>Shall we consider bagging the non-responsive LVMS and going elsewhere?



>>>Personally, I think so.  We (PCNC track committee) became very enamored of

the LVMS track because it was new and sexy.  I've gone and seen it, and it

seems like a nice place, albeit somewhat small inside.  The 1.1 mile road

course is what we're aiming at (because of costs) but there is a longer

course available inside.



The old 1.9 mile course is still there however, right next door.  I'm under

the impression that the same turkeys who run LVMS also own this venue.  But

it is NOT a spectator track and thus there's no reason for them to hold out

waiting for a bigger-ticket outfit to commit to that track (and thus earn

them more revenue.)  I for one would be perfectly happy to return to that

track (which was a blast to drive, er, ride on.)



Before we throw up our hands and give up on the notion of having a track

event, I hope we'll explore that option more fully.



Mike