10th Annual Rides To Remember

I've done all 10 of these and they've all been great fun. Considering that there is no fee for drivers to make their cars available, and that we all get free stuff out of it, it is great to hear that the event did raise $50,000 for the three participating charities. The best part, of course, is the smiles on the faces of the kids who are getting something probably none of them ever expected to get. I hope they all have long and healthy lives, although personal experience has told me that, unfortunately, that will not be the case for all.

As Will pointed out, it is phenomenal that we have had great weather for all 10 events, even if early-week forecasts were ominous. At mid-week, all threat of rain disappeared, and as I've said to some, I think that is a result of Enzo Ferrari working his magic in his afterlife. He was autocratic on this earth, why not also in heaven? Mille grazie, Commendatore!

Of course, I took photos, and I'll begin posting some a little bit later. Thanks and congratulations to Will, Jeremy and the staffs at both FMoA and AMP, and thanks to all the wonderful sponsors. (Tom, thanks for lunch. Too bad I couldn't finish mine, as I was called to my car to give a ride!)

 

As everyone said... what a great event and thanks to the endless list of people that it takes to put this on, and, obviously the drivers as-well who help make someones day just a bit special. (Sorry you could not hear me George... Was saying "GREAT TO SEE THE CAR MADE IT!)

** note to self for 2016... Left lane for all on 400 to avoid ramp-traffic **

 

I got there early enough to be parked in the front lineup of cars. Inside the showroom had been stripped of cars, leaving plenty of room for people to get their credentials and shirts and to have breakfast (courtesy of J. Christopher's). The two buses for the kids were outside in front of the Maserati showroom. The boutique was open for business and I actually bought two shirts while waiting. Meanwhile, I watched the incoming cars and photographed some of them.
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Well, I made it over there fine Fri evening. Loaded up the car at the hotel bright and early and ...it wouldn't start. And it wouldn't start, and wouldn't start and wouldn't start. I even gave it a few more attempts before the flatbed raised it up. This car has never ever not started for me in 17 years. Not once. I have had to have it towed a time or two over over the years but never because it wouldn't start.

About 45 minutes later when I was pulling out of Enterprise Rental, Ron called me and said it started and ran fine for him.... What the hell?

So I was there but only as a spectator this year

One nice thing was at least I drove home in air conditioned comfort - something that wasn't going to happen in my 308.

 

I suspect that the drive to AMP didn't quite go as planned. It sounded like we were all supposed to enter GA-400 together, a single, mile-long line of cars. Well, it didn't happen, mainly because the Alpharetta Police were only directing traffic at some of the signalized intersections between the dealership and the freeway. As a result, there were red lights, and we probably entered the freeway in 6-8 groups. I didn't see any of the event cars ahead until way up at Pilgrim Mill, and we didn't catch the main group until Jot-Em-Down. And the promised police escort through Dawsonville was non-existent; in spite of that we more-or-less arrived at AMP with a decent line of cars.

(Suggestion: next year, make sure that the APD is directing traffic at all of the signalized intersections between FoA and GA-400.)

 

When we arrived at AMP, we saw that the gravel lot we had used the last two years was now the site of the permanent clubhouse, well under construction. Instead we were directed to turn left and continue to the west end of the paddock, where we were put into lines on the newly-completed skid pad, which was quite large, and marked with temporary lines in chalk. I thought the chalk might become an issue, but it didn't seem to and it was nice to be staging from a paved area for a change. The various tents with the vendors and lunch were set up behind the lot, along with a music stage.

Some of you should recognize some of the cars in the photos.....
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The skid pad location had the advantage of overlooking the track's long sweeping left-hander (14/15) that brings the track back to the pit straight, and it was easy to get photos of groups of cars.

When not on the track or having lunch, the kids could get photographs with costumed characters, including this pair, as well as Hope and Will from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The cars kept going on the track well after the announced 12 noon end of rides, and there was no time for anyone to get bored!
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I was way up front and could see about after exit16 a major part was pulled back, so I pulled into the left with flashers on and waited....and waited....until everyone caught back up. (And then there were some that just could not follow instructions and just had to pass the total group so they could get in front...Aventador & Mclaren and some others).

 

I can't believe it's over. That event always seems to fly by for us. Thanks everyone for the great comments and moreover for your support. Having fun while we raise money is pretty cool and I thought the charities were quite surprised with the amount of their checks. We are already starting our planning for next year and we hope to make it even better. Thanks to all. The Atlanta car community really comes together when it counts.

 

Will, thank you again for putting this event on. It is so great to be a part of it.

 

Jim, will you please email me the picture on the bottom left (red 458) in the lead? I am in the Black Porsche in the back. [email protected]

 

Wow - what an incredible group! I'm sure some great memories were made!