Its entirely possible that I have gone insane. Still, I thought I'd toss this out for discussion. I am seriously considering running the 2000 One Lap of America race. I briefly mentioned this at the rally and thought that with a good rest and some time to think it over, I'd talk myself out of it. Au contraire. (sp?) It's coming up fast (in May) so I'm looking for input from anyone who has participated in or attended this event before. I also am looking for potential co-drivers.

The event's official web site is http://www.onelapofamerica.com

There are also some good anecdotes at http://www.onelapofamerica.com/OneLa...Lap1999frm.htm

A web search for one lap america also turns up lots of results.

Somebody want to talk me out of this???

 

Nathan,

I've wanted to enter this event ever since Brock Yates started it as the "Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Run", otherwise known as the Cannonball Run, back in 1971. Got to meet Brock and talk about it during the Amelia Island Concours in March. Interesting guy.

Friend of mine ran the One Lap a few years ago in his SHO and had a blast (finished well too). He got Yates' and other auto celeb's autographs on the underside of his trunk lid. Pretty cool.

Do you plan on ponying-up the $2000 entry fee yourself or do you plan on soliciting sponsors?

Mike

 

Nathan, I ran One Lap this year in my Rod Millen modified GS400. We got a nice 3rd place finish in Luxury class. There were only about five trucks in the Truck class and a Lightning would have been very competitive.

Things to consider:
$2000 entry fee
getting sponsors takes TIME, start early
next year will probably stay more on the east coast, this may or may not work for you.
you will need LOTS of track time to be competitive, e.g., Road Atlanta will get your attention if you have never raced there.
Your truck will not be covered by insurance on the track (but will during transits)
Yes, I might be interested in co-driving.


Zonaman, Team Lex-AZ, #41 GS400M

[This message has been edited by Zonaman (edited 10-19-1999).]

 

Yes, I had several sponsors. Expect to spend at least half a day putting the One Lap required and sponsor decals on your machine. One Lap is not cheap. It does raise a significant amount of money for a variety of charities. The chances of getting a ticket are likely to increase when you drive a car/truck that looks like it belongs at Daytona -- and One Lap advises all State Police of approximate state transit times. If you don't have any track time, you need to spend some money on schools -- with BMW high performance offering the best training for the money. The preliminary year 2000 schedule has already been posted. If you are going to do this, you need to really think through a number of issues -- but it is a great event you will never forget.

JamieZ, The Zonaman

[This message has been edited by Zonaman (edited 10-20-1999).]

 

I havent figured out how to deal with the entry fee. Then there's the cost of consumables, tires, emergency repairs, race prep, etc. Zonaman, did you seek sponsors for your run last year?

I think the lightning would be pretty competitive, although I know that there are at least two trucks being custom-built specifically for this race. I think the truck field will be a little larger this year.



[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 10-19-1999).]