ALMS at Laguna Seca / Problems with the "Bay Area" list

[Motor Sport Visions Photography]

In a message dated 10/3/00 Matt twentyV <matt_20v at yahoo.com> writes:

<< At the Sears Point ALMS in July, there was a small
corral of Audis.  I don't know who set it up or how
one gained entrance.  I didn't know any of the people
parked there, but I gotta suspect it was organized by
QCUSA... or perhaps Audi NA, as their hospitality tent
was very nearby (I didn't have an invitation to that,
either).
The crowd at SP was mellow and relatively small.  I
would suspect the same for Laguna Seca.  So besides
making it possible to get very close to the race cars
in the paddock and on the track, it should be possible
to get some corral parking space.  I hope that if this
happens it will be publicized. >>

It was strange, the woman running the Audi Hospitality Tent (Audi Sport
NA employee) was unaware that Sears Point was charging $10.00 per car
for that corral. I believe that a pass for that corral was included in
the $150.00 Audi dealer packages (which BTW really is not a bad deal if
you can get one...three day admission with VIP treatment ain't bad for
$150.00). Laguna Seca also will be charging for that corral AFAIK and it
is entirely possible you could get in there if you really want to.

The crowd size could be moderate. Nothing like '98 and '99 MH crowds or
CART crowds of seasons past, but look for it to be decent. PLM had the
largest crowd at Road Atlanta in a very long time from what I
understand. Sears Point this year had a much larger crowd than last (but
nothing like the 150k that pack in that track for NASCAR). I expect
Friday to be the best day for paddock walks. It will be a crowded
paddock just because of the number of different series running (ALMS,
SVGT, TransAm, Star Mazda, and Lamborghini Challenge...that should be
interesting--Diablos rubbin' and bumpin'). The ALMS car count looks good
with 14 LMP cars, 10 GTS, cars, and 15 GT cars in the field as of
today's entry list (entries closed at midnight last night but PSCR has
been known to make exceptions and 4 spots remain available).

Bay Area Audi Fans--(especially those in San Jose area) at noon
Wednesday October 11 there will be a public viewing of the cars,
drivers, etc. will be in downtown San Jose at noon. Not exactly sure
where but I think it said something about that in the event flyer I have
at home. I'll post again with more details. This is a great event that
is done at all ALMS races in the spirit of downtown scrutineering at
LeMans. They have driver autograph sessions, you can go right up to and
touch the cars, they have a tire rolling contest, and other
activities...great way to spend lunchtime downtown if you can get there
(I can't but I'll be immersed in the weekend starting early Friday
morning). There is also testing going on all day Thursday for those who
just can't get enough (great day to show up and pick out your campsite
if you're camping at the track).

I'll post more as I hear about it...

Mike Veglia
Motor Sport Visions Photography
http://www.motorsportvisions.com