Friday, July 16, 2010

Holiday Inn, Manitowoc, WI: We got turned around a little this morning on our way to the track but ended up at this beautiful little lake—Crystal Lake—which was aptly named because it was this beautiful, clear, sparkling little lake surrounded by beautiful, lush green hills. Still were at the gate before 9:00. We were the first ones there. We had no idea what to expect, but Dave and Amy had everything organized. Dave had arranged our tickets and everyone’s golf cart. We all got our golf carts and headed off to our spot on the course with others following in vehicles. Got our “shelters” set up and then relaxed and watched the different cars on the track. This venue is a 4+ mile road course and you really need a golf cart to get around and be able to see everything. At around noon Dave and Tim who had their Porsches with them were able to do the “touring” segment—doing about 4 laps on the course. Mike was able to ride with Dave. Everyone zipped around on their golf carts checking out different areas of the course. Later that evening we all met for dinner at the Paddock Club in Elkhart Lake which is a cute little town on beautiful Elkhart Lake. Around 6:00 all the race cars drove through this cute little town and people were lined up 8 deep to witness this extraordinary parade of cars of all description. Then at around 8:00 the race cars all left—again driving through town, revving up their engines making an incredible noise. After the cars all left we walked around for a while and then drove back to our hotel. A really fun day and we met some great people. Dave and Amy did a great job organizing the whole thing.
Start of the "touring" venue


Mike riding in Dave's Porsche


John riding in Tim's Porsche