As in past years, I'm expecting to have 2 drive groups. In the past, Sam's group has been considered the more spirited group, and the second (led by various fine folks through the years) a little more moderate. As the years go by, it seems that more folks want Sam's group than the second. I don't want to let any group go beyond about 10 cars, so the obvious solution this year (as stated in the main thread) is to consider both groups as 'Spirited'. I plan on leading the second group.

In this post, I want to try to clearly set expectations for everyone. As always, I'll try to accommodate all comers, but I know that's not always possible.

Whether you've been to every previous Tomcatt event, or haven't driven the Tomcatt before, I'm asking (begging?) you to honestly evaluate your desires and, more importantly, your capability in keeping up with the car in front of you. The more you doubt that ability, the further towards the back you should put yourself. We all like each other, but don't push it by slowing down the cars behind you. If you find yourself with a large space in front of you, and cars piling up behind you, find a wide spot in the road to allow cars to safely pass.

Now, I'm sure there will be a small number of folks who may really prefer to hang back. I'm offering yet a third drive group (even if it's only 2 or 3 cars), that can take the road at their own pace (with possibly a slightly different route). We have plenty of people who know the overall route well enough to lead such a group, plus my route directions are very detailed and should be easy to follow (they are available to anyone who wants them). I don't want to chase away anyone from this meet due to driving style. There's a way to keep everyone happy.

I'd like to limit this thread to discussion of the issues related to the drive groups and how to make sure that everyone is satisfied.

OK, flame away.....

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Jonas, as I have previously stated I would like to be in Sam's spirited group (perhaps as the tail gunner if needed) if not right behind him to listen to the strange "vacuum leak" that he has yet to get fixed. But in the interest of saving what ever sanity you may have left feel free to place me where ever you see that I may fit in.

As a reminder to others that are making this drive. In dry condition's I suggest that everyone employs the "two second rule" that is a safe distance to follow the car in front and not allow other traffic to get into our convoy. If the conditions should happen to be in the wet than a safe distance is to employ the "three second rule". One of the things that I like about driving with most of you folks is that most people employ the "two second rule" on most of our drives.

For those of you that do not feel comfortable maintaining a two second interval please shovel yourselves toward the back of the pack when it is practical to do so.

 

No flame, Jonas. I agree that there should be a third "moderate" drive group, based on posts I have seen and my observations from past drives. As to the drive leader of this group, are there any volunteers? The route is pretty straight-forward, and should be no problem for a group leader with a navigator.

That said, for those who have driven behind me will attest, NO Way will I be in anything other than a spirited group. Brakes? What are they for???

I know this will be a touchy situation to resolve, so whatever is decided, the main thing is to remember our dear departed friends: TomCatt, RCRyder, and JumpyGuy. I'm sure they wish they could be riding along with any of us.

 

To settle the suspension to set up for a turn to help "turn in"? I have over 118K miles on the OEM brakes of my S and still have about 40% of the pads left. This includes several track days at Summit Point.

 

And that's the only time I use them!

 

And that's the only time I use them!

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I know, and I would be happy to behind you this year if you bring your NSX. I love the exhaust note if I can not be behind Sam.

 

Jonas....I think it would be "VERY-SAFE".... to say that "ALL" of the Ohio crew, ( OKI-Cincy ) will wish to be in Sam's group....just as in the past ....!!!!

 

This is not a group sign-up thread. (That will happen later).

PLease keep it to the issue of 2 vs 3 groups, keeping up with the cars in front, etc.

 

Well, I sure killed THAT discussion.

 

Whatever group.... I am not planning on watching the leaves, change color .....!!!!!