Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,000
It is time for karting again boys!
Bordieri and I have decided to do another track rental day at F1 Boston.
The plan is Saturday March 26th. (check the date as I have been known to screw up!)
Note well... this is the day before Easter... Pat, please explain Easter to Sy and Eric will you?
Please respond here... and or call me or Paul to confirm. I know it sounds like a long way off... but we would like to link the two tracks, and that takes 15 guys and a long lead time.
I can be reached at 516-333-4800.
If you haven't been there... check out Sy's helmet cam video.... on the Video page!
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Count me in, as well as Marc [my son]. PS-How do I change my name from "Dominique Bastien" to "Dom Bastien"? I put in my full name by mistake when I joined.
Count me in, as well as Marc [my son]. PS-How do I change my name from "Dominique Bastien" to "Dom Bastien"? I put in my full name by mistake when I joined.
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
Sounds good boys... we've got 8 and counting so far!
Hey Dom... How old is Marcinique? (figured I use his full name ) F1 Boston requires, I think, 16 years old, it might be 18. You may want to check to be sure, cause I can't imagine your son is much older than that.
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Actually, Marc is 20 [thanks for the compliment]. We thought of calling him Marcinique but, based on his father's experience, we decided against it. I realized early on that the name "Dominique" could present a problem. Most people in business have difficulty handling any word with more than one syllable. And if they don't, they'd most likely assume I was a nun, or worse still a salesman of feminine hygiene products. Ever since I became "Dom" my career has soared.
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
Thought you would want to see what Gerardo says about your driving skills! If this doesn't make you want to go, I don't know what will!
"I will try to make it. Let me see what my racing/teaching schedule shapes up to be for March. I'll have a better idea by February 6. If I am free that weekend, I'll use miles and fly up for sure, and completely destroy you guys. It won't even be close really. "
See you in Boston!
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Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
We are at 15... if everyone that says they are in is really in. I will check on capacity with Paul later this week. Here are the 15...
1- Michael "Amok" Auriemma
2- Paul "Bordello" Bordieri
3- Bruce "I don't live in the" Hampton(s)
4- Sy "O'nara" Aryeh
5- Doug "Hairy" Harrison
6- Jimmy Locke Me Up
7/8- Dom "Inatrix" & Marc "Inique" Bastien
9- Kieth "At least I can't do another 27k in crash damage" Lorentzen
10- Gerardo "I'm gonna kick your ass" Bonilla
11/12- Moxie "Imadog" & Jane "but-im-not" (anybody have real names for these two?)
13- Donald "Supersize me" MacDonald
14- David "Lawn Boy" Casey
15- David "I'll go anywhere Casey goes" Gionfriddo
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Mike:
That would be Lee "i'm a dog" and Jane "down boy" Englebardt. So now that there are enough people, is there a recommended place to stay over Friday or Saturday night? One that, ahem, takes dogs?
__________________ "If you feel like it's all under control, you're not going fast enough." -- Mario Andretti
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
Lee
Now that I know who you are, I'm gald I didn't say anything stupid!
I seem to recall that there is a hotel right near the facility, but I don't remember what it is. I'm not sure that I would recommend it either, there isn't much going on nearby. Driving up and back is certainly feasible, and we will schedule the event with the expectation that some will do just that. But, if you want to make a weekend of it, I would suggest staying right in Boston.
FYI.. the website for the facility is http://www.f1boston.com/ I'm sure a quick call could identify any nearby hotel options.
MJA
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The nearest hotel is the Braintree Marriott (just across the Highway from the track). As Michael suggested the F1 Boston site has hotel info. Any other questions please feel free to contact me - I'm local to Boston the epicenter of Sporting World Championships!
Bring your Big Macs, your Lawn Boys, and Locke me up in a Bordello!
It's time to pay if you want to play. Happy endings guaranteed.
The Race is on. March 26. Arrive at 10am. Racing starts at 11am. Don't be late. Wrong date in your Palm is no excuse. One hour dual track will cost each $230.00 (15 drivers). Cash, Check, AMEX or coupons from your favorite establishment accepted. Additional alternating races are available after our first hour. Minimum additional track time will be four 15 to 20 lap races. Additional cost of about $75. Further details to follow.
While attending Mr. Bordello's race clinic last night at F1 Boston where he demonstrated the best in racing techniques for;
1. blowing a brilliant start and,
2. consistently lifting all four wheels off the track through precision tire wall contact.
(BTW thanks for the drink Paul)
I was informed that THERE WILL BE WEIGHTS REQUIRED at the March 26th event. They're colored coded so you won't have to think-which most of you don't do anyway. Two weight classes will be set up (otherwise wee littl' bubu, sorry bobo, would need cinder blocks tied around his neck). Rules to follow.
One other minor note...since I am now in wrist brace from injuries that never healed from our last event, I have decided to fully embrace the "art" of bumping with deep religious fervor. You also might want to know that I now weight 211 lbs and that there are no track "spotters" standing outside to officiate as you cross between tracks (buildings).
I have an extra wrist brace I'll bring to the track in case anyone needs it.
THERE WILL BE WEIGHTS REQUIRED at the March 26th event. There colored coded so you won't have to think
While I commend you for trying to right what some heavier, less skilled drivers perceive as an inequity, I must point out that the color blind participants in our group will simply not stand for this obvious ruse.
Quote:
Originally Posted by macdod
injuries that never healed from our last event
We'll need to see the X-rays or this is just more internet BS!
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[size=4][color=navy][font=Tahoma]If it bothers you, try breathing through your mouth.[/font][/color][/size]
I sincerely apoligize to any participant who may have been insulted by my comments regarding the color coding of weights or those who may be mathmatically challenged
However I am delighted to have now have an explaination as to why, during several yellow flag portions of the race, I was regularly getting "punted in the arse."
Come to think of it I'm now terrified that I circle a kart track with individuals who suffer from adolescent male apasia, the coordination skills of Gerald Ford, and can't tell the green flag from a caution...
Bring your Big Macs, your Lawn Boys, and Locke me up in a Bordello!
It's time to pay if you want to play. Happy endings guaranteed.
The Race is on. March 26. Arrive at 10am. Racing starts at 11am. Don't be late. Wrong date in your Palm is no excuse. One hour dual track will cost each $230.00 (15 drivers). Cash, Check, AMEX or coupons from your favorite establishment accepted. Additional alternating races are available after our first hour. Minimum additional track time will be four 15 to 20 lap races. Additional cost of about $75. Further details to follow.
I'm all in!!
So what's the format? How long do we have the track for? Are we doing endurance races or sprint races? Are we going to have one big group or are we gona switch off between two or three groups? Is someone going to tell me to stop asking so many questions?
Ok Boys and maybe Girls. Its time to pay up or shut up! Send only cash to me. Bad checks to Mike. Deadline is March 17. No checks, we all don't race. Need to pay for track reservation in advance. Format is open at this time. Can do 3, 20 minute sprints or 2, 30 minute semi sprints or any combination thereof for 60 minutes. Thereafter we will intermittently alternate with public groups and run 20 lap races. Any questions call Paul or Mike.
I second the vote for three 20-minute sessions. Also, to settle the cash versus checks issue, I have a suggestion: since Paul was kind enough to provide a fax number, those who are uncomfortable with sending cash through the mail can fax him copies of the cash. I'm sending a check.
__________________ "If you feel like it's all under control, you're not going fast enough." -- Mario Andretti
Ok Boys and maybe Girls. Its time to pay up or shut up! Send only cash to me. Bad checks to Mike. Deadline is March 17. No checks, we all don't race. Need to pay for track reservation in advance. Format is open at this time. Can do 3, 20 minute sprints or 2, 30 minute semi sprints or any combination thereof for 60 minutes. Thereafter we will intermittently alternate with public groups and run 20 lap races. Any questions call Paul or Mike.
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
Hey guys... Paul needs to lay out the money on Thursday or we lose the track! Only 3 of you have paid! Please call me so I know we can count on you before we front the money. THANKS!
My cell is the best way to reach me... 516-662-9950.
Or, call Paul at work... see # above.
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Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,000
Re: It is time for karting again boys!
We now have 13 guys comitted! I would like to fill the last 2 spots.... any ideas?
Bobo, are you definitely out?
P4... LOVE the new avatar! Too bad it doesn't come with the sound effect (which can be found somewhere on this site). You should add a link to the sound file to your signature!
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Let's add some culture and art to this Saturday's events in Boston, by viewing an incredible exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, directly after we finish up our karting. This exhibit, which looks amazing, opened March 6 and will be gone on July 3. I'll be going, and I invite you all to join (That doesn't mean I'm paying!).
But before you say to me "Sy, I may look cultured and well-rounded, but I am really just a single-minded oaf, Museums just aren't my thing", I ask you to see what the exhibition's about...
FYI - This is a 30 minute timed exhibition, for which we may need to buy tickets (with specific times) in advance. Our schedule:
Primary race at F1B - 11am to 12pm
Add'l races - 12pm to 1pm
Lunch - 1pm to 1:45pm
Travel to Boston - 1:45 to 2:30
Museum - Catch 2:30 or 3:00 exhibition
Museum closes at 4:45.
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
Sy
Be careful buying timed tix. I think you are overly optimistic in your schedule. Last time we went, the second "hour" of racing took nearly 1.5 hours. Then a half hour of horseplay/changing clothes. Then, lunch was interminable as the waiter was severly overwhelmed... after all he had 1 table with 5 customers! Also, remember the time we drove to Boston for lunch? 45 minutes didn't cut it that day. I'd suggest 3:30 or 4p.
Just a thought.
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The last ticket set available for the Ralph Lauren exhibit is for a 2:30 to 3:00 entry. Entry to the exhibit closes at 3:30, but that last ticket set (3:00 to 3:30) just sold out. I'm going to try to make it for the 2:30 to 3:00 slot. Here's the info if you want to buy tickets. As of Friday 5pm there are 18 tickets left:
You may redeem your complimentary tickets online or by calling the NEXT Ticketing Touch Tone System at (617) 542-4MFA 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or speak to a representative at (617) 423-6000, Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.
Mid-Corner Speed Master / Advanced Member (1,000+ Posts)
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Re: It is time for karting again boys!
If you weren't there on Saturday, you missed a good time!
15 of us decended on F1 Boston at 10am. The hijinx and ball-busting started during the briefing which lasted about twice as long as it might have with a more timid group!
We rented both tracks (linked together) for 80 minutes. It was exciting, competitive, and physically demanding. I have black and blues on my knees, calluses on my hands, and my back is still tweaked!
Paul Bordieri runs in a weekly league on this track configuration, and he took us to school. Paul turned a lap at 37.2 secs... which is either a lap record, or damn near it. Abe "Babe" Zimroth was only a 10th behind. I ran a 37.6 quickest lap. I don't have the score sheets, but I'm pretty sure Keith and Sy ran quicker laps than I did. And, I know there were some others in the 37 second range. This prompted the kid that works there to proclaim that he had never seen the karts run that fast. (We think it was his first day on the job!) Paul says the league generally runs high 37's and low 38's.
The day was not without its share of bumping and grinding. Some of which was tolerated by the F1 Boston staff... some which brought out the penalty signs, and some which was so blatant it even pissed off the competitors with one another! I'll let someone else chime in on that, although I heard after the fact that Weldon got kicked out of one race for being too aggressive!! Is that true? What the hell did you do?
We also avoided some potentially hazardous situations due to our exceptional skill (as taught by Skip Barber, of course!). In one instance, Casey hit the wall on the transition into Track 1. Hampton tagged him pretty good. Bigie Boy MacD came around this blind, flat out, corner only to find the carnage, but was able to put himself into a spin to avoid. Before the yellow even started waving, Sy, Paul and I made our entrances and were all able to spin, slide, or otherwise avoid a catastrophe! Nice work boys!
After our drive time, we were joined by Abhi Ghatak, Skip Barber's new SVP of Operations. He heard we were going to be there, and came out to show his support. He joined us for lunch, fielded questions and sought suggestions around Skippy World issues. It was a very nice gesture. I hope he enjoyed it as much as we did.
For those of you who thought that going to Boston and back was too long a trip, you should know that Abe and I got from the Stamford train station on 95 to F1B in 2H 20M... including a pit stop and a short stint on 95 South (thanks to Abe's crappy sense of direction!). On the way home... we stopped in Waltham Ma. From Waltham to Manhasset (including 1 wrong highway... thanks Abe, 1 fuel stop, 1 tour of the hinterlands of Stamford... thanks Abe, and dropping the directionally challenged boy off at the station) was accomplished in under 3.5 hours.
All in all, not a bad day. I can't wait to do it again.
Attached photo courtesy of Eric Wittenberg.
(L to R... Moxie, Phobos, KWLorentzen, AZRCD, spintowin, Red Bull & Ketle, MJAmok, MacDod, P4Interloper, Abhi G, David G, Sydude. Not pictured... DomBastien and son Marc, Weldonjc, and CMH)
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