Start getting ready for your trip to DGRR!! Some of the things to check...

[Herblenny]

Well, this year's DGRR is looking to be the largest turn out of Rotary Cars in past 5 years!!!

Being said that, I know there will be quite few virgin dragon hunters... For those of you driving to US129 for the first time, I have some pointers to make..

1. Make sure your car is in TOP performing condition. - This not only includes your engine, but most importantly your tires and brakes!! The "tail of the dragon" is 11 miles long, 318 turns. This means, in average you'll be making a turn about 3-4 seconds. Also, you'll be using your brakes as elevation changes and degree of turns change... So, make sure your car is in awesome working condition!!! Check everything you can and don't just do a last minute mods or changes.. Make sure you test out your car before coming to the event...

2. US129 is a public road!!! I can not emphasize this enough.. This means you will be sharing this wonderful road with other drivers.. Some drivers will be kind enough to pull over if they are going slower than you and let you pass and others will stick to their 35MPH limit. Please be patient and please follow the rules and regulation of the roads.. And most importantly, know that if something happens, its "Your Responsibility". My goal this year is to have trouble free event with 0 accidents. Remember that when you get into trouble up there, it will not only make us look bad but also hinder other people's fun. So, DRIVE SMART!! Pay attention to the road!!

3. Make sure you have everything tied down in your car and don't drive with unnecessary items in your car moving while driving. This includes drinks, tools, bags, bottles, etc.. When you are making 300+ turns, things will move and possibly hinder your driving.

4. Bring a 2 way radio if you got one. I say this because most part of US129 does not have good cell phone signal. If something happens, 2 way becomes best way of communication. Also, we could alert other rotorheads for danger and ask for help during emergency.

5. Please DON'T act like a dumb teenager!! I say this with most respect for teen rotorheads. Most I've met respect their car and tend not to do stupid stuff. But I have to state this because some quite don't understand....
The "Tail of the Dragon" IS NOT A DRIFT COURSE!!!!! Some might be really into drifting and think DGRR is a perfect place to do so.. But, its NOT!! So, please act SMART and don't drift!!

6. NO BURN OUTS at Nantahala Village.. I know some of you like to show off your RAW power.. But no need... especially those who make less than 500RWHP :)

For those of you who attended the event before and have things I might of forgot to add, please post!

Thanks and hope to see you all in April!!

PHIL

[bop_rocco]

Good post Phil, I just want to add that you need to stay in your lane at all times on the dragon. There are a lot of bikes up there and nothing is worse than coming around a corner on a bike and a car is in your lane or the other way around.

[Proxy One]

Also people should be aware that the dragon is also a mentally and physically challenging road for your body. It can wear you out fast if you run it several times. So take breaks on each side and let you and your car have a rest.

[djmtsu]

Good point Proxy.

My heavy FC+de-powered rack=Popeye forearms after the weekend is over!!'

I swear I am sore for a few days afterwards!

[lt1_fd3s]

Good post Phil, I just want to add that you need to stay in your lane at all times on the dragon. There are a lot of bikes up there and nothing is worse than coming around a corner on a bike and a car is in your lane or the other way around.

so i'll put this here to go along with this. And as I have said a few times in response to lane crossing: with the way our cars are designed and built, they should handle well enough that you do not have to cross the center line.

http://jalopnik.com/5168730/stop+motion-motorcycle-collision-on-tail-of-the-dragon

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/03/Motorcycle_Crash.gif

Be safe! Don't cross the double yellow!

[classicauto]

Not only should you not cross the yellow line, but the white line is equally as dangerous :)

Some spots on this road lead down a cliff face thats covered in trees. Screwing around too much and you may end up at the bottom of it. Keep it on the pavement, shiney side up :rofl:

[zonblitz]

Yes boys and girls if you hear the marbles bouncing you're off the path!

Dramamine for your passenger.


P.S. you will see no brunouts from me.

[DRTHVDR]

Passengers in zonblitz's car REQUIRE seat belts!

[zonblitz]

Passengers in zonblitz's car REQUIRE seat belts!

wow! low blow! That was the first time in my life I've ever wrecked anything! But yes seatbelts are always a plus. It's the law!:driving:

[DRTHVDR]

wow! low blow! That was the first time in my life I've ever wrecked anything! But yes seatbelts are always a plus. It's the law!:driving:

I'm only kidding Kenny! I applaud you for driving your car hard. Stuff happens.
I haven't seen your car since. She all ready for the Gap?

[zonblitz]

Yes sir! I'm itching to upgrade the oil coolers but I'd hate to take anything apart this close to dgrr.

[Herblenny]

I know.. Same here... But most likely I'll just bring the 8 this year.. Unless Adam decides to come to the event again :)

[Proxy One]

Yeah I know me too, im debating doing a few things but dont know if I should this close either. I know of a few things that are for sure getting done though.

[djmtsu]

Yes sir! I'm itching to upgrade the oil coolers but I'd hate to take anything apart this close to dgrr.

Crap, I still have to replace the LIM gasket on the FC. Which means the turbo has to come off.

Yay!!

[djmtsu]

I'll be there Thursday night, not leaving the Boro until about 4pm CST.

And I agree, Dan has alot to learn. :D :D

[zonblitz]

I know.. Same here... But most likely I'll just bring the 8 this year.. Unless Adam decides to come to the event again :)

Bring the FD man! :banghead:C'mon! Or just give the seats over if you're not going to use them!:rofl:

[Herblenny]

LOL!! Well, I'm trying to sell the 8 and someone might be interested in them.. If I sell the 8 before than, I'll definitely take the FD :)

[lt1_fd3s]

Phil, I'll drive your FD for you if you want it to be at DGRR this year. I can pick it up when I meet you in ATL...(or come down and get it later if you want =] )


And I went out to the Dragon last night, the way from 74 to the dragon (hwy 28...) has been repaved and is great condition! I think i saw a total of 6 cars last night, and that includes my 2 friends I met out there...

[Herblenny]

Most likely FD will make it up there...

[Atkins Dan]

Just drive out here a couple days before the event, and make Dan Atkins do it for you as he will be staying with me. We might be able to teach him a little about engine building and rx7s while he is here.

Kevin if you want me to help you with something when I am there I don't have a problem in helping anyone out..

djmtsu : same goes for you too..

Never know a med size white guy might be able to teach you hillbillyes a thing or too..:rofl:

Dan

[djmtsu]

Hold up a minute!!

I am from Chicago! I just live in TN :D

It isn't worth the trouble to drive to Kev's to replace a gasket!! Plus, if it fails and starts spewing coolant all over I-40, Kevin would have to come get me in the Baller-mobile.

[Atkins Dan]

Well the option is all ways there..

Dan

[Atkins Dan]

Well you get the point.. I am not that good of a speller anyway...


Dan

[sk8world]

Dont forget your container of Q16!

[orion84gsl]

The BP gas station near Nantahala closes at 9PM I believe. Fuel up beforehand if you plan to drive during the night. The next available gas station is in Robbinsville, which is a good 45 minutes away, and we were moving pretty good. It gets nerve racking when the low fuel light comes on and you don't know how much gas is actually in there or how far away it really is.

[spankle my wankle]

well ive rebuilt my motor (has about 1100 miles as of now) and replaced my brake calipers and master cyclinder...so my car is ready. It should also win the prize for the primer black first gen with the lowest miles category haha

[IH8DSM]

well ive rebuilt my motor (has about 1100 miles as of now) and replaced my brake calipers and master cyclinder...so my car is ready. It should also win the prize for the primer black first gen with the lowest miles category haha

wanna bet seth :001_005: hope my carb makes it in time

[Kentetsu]

Well, I think I'm just about ready for this:

New wheels, new tires going on this week.
All new tie rod ends and full inspection (did my own alignement).
Brake pads look like they're good for another year.
Oil change, and all new filters.
And this weekend I'll be putting 3rd gen seats in so the wife doesn't hurt her best ASSet on the ride down there... :)


.

[Proxy One]

Ive got quite a bit left to do, most of this should be going on this weekend.


Wilwood 6 Piston Brake kit
Feed Carbon Firber Sideskirts
Brake ducting
NPG Coilovers
Changing out the CD player
Flying M steering wheel
Flying M Emblems

Im sure there is other stuff along with Fluid/Filter Changes

[orion84gsl]

Just need an oil change and tire pressure check. All new poly bushings are in, both fuel filters are brand new and will be packing up the road trip tools when I get back home.

[Herblenny]

I need to do some maintenance work on my car and swap out the wheels and tire.

[War Eagle]

I'm taking one final trip down to Orlando and Kilo Racing for Jesus to do a once over on the car. Have a few tuning adjustments to lean out some areas (too rich causing bogging) and will pull the spark plugs to inspect. Other than this, I'm ready to go!

[TitaniumTT]

You guys are lucky, here's my list

Powdercoat and install ducting
Mount Rad
Mount intercooler
hang fenders
hang bumper
install hood
alignment and corner balance
charge bat
re-install entire interior
bleed the brakes
bleed the clutch
swap tails
swap rear bumper
weld on exhaust tips
start the engine
break the engine in
dyno-tune the engine
refinish four BBS rims and mount tires
install a custom fuel level sender
................. I think that's it.

[Proxy One]

Wow you really do have quite a list there.

[9G Redline]

Proxy, when are you going up? I was hoping to caravan up with some people. Coming from Macon.