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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:

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.

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:

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?

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

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

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.

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

Yay!!

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

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