Ariel.Club Forum

Whew... my AtomFest journey is complete. I got home around 9pm last night.

ThankYous in order of appearance:

Randy Lamp - For EVERYTHING! One special personal item was allowing me to ship my Wheels and Tires in advance to AtomFest. Top Notch!
Bolus (Eric), DarthChicken (Adam) and McFred (Jessie) - For meeting up in Amarillo. Sorry I was late! It was amazing to see 3 other Atoms in person. The caravan had me smiling the entire way to Hallett.
DarthChicken and Bolus - For letting me park in their Garage.
Spanky (Dennis) - For a huge slice of PanCake at breakfast.
Bruce - For the Mirrors. OMG I can see! It's amazing what one small change can do to my impression of the Atom.
RibCrib - Mmmm mmm that was some good eats.
Hot Shot (Randy) - For allowing me to drive his car on Thursday.
RyanD, Bolus and DarthChicken - For allowing me to yell profanities at 1:00am while they're trying to sleep.
Silver (Aaron) - For the Beer.
CalScot (Peter) - For the Beer.
Synergy (Kyong and Jim) - For the Beer.
Atom UK Factory guys (all of you) - For the Beer. And for all the advice/help throughout the entire event. You are the worlds best and most experienced Atom dudes.
TraqMate - For the data. I don't ever want to use a simple transponder again!
Jason or Jeremy or J (sh1t I forget... the UK Factory guy I gave a ride to Tulsa with) - For great conversation and freezing with me on the way back to Hallett. Speaking of....
The "Lost" boys - For getting lost on the way back from Sonic. Even though we were turned around and cold, it was a 'BLAST' making our way thru traffic.
Atoms on track - For being great drivers. That whole experience of being on track with loads of Atoms at one time will remain in my memory forever. The Atom alone is a joy to see on track. Add half a dozen more and the joy multiplies.
Corner Workers/Starter/Grid Lady - For all the smiles, thumbs up, signal flags and waves.
Bolus - For the big bad Torque Wrench.
Shinoo - For the use of your Jack Stands. Me Likes!
McFred(s) - For the use of your Jack.
Rick - For offering his sun glasses. I went through Sun Glasses like some of you went through Exhaust Gaskets. Also for the track tips
Mark and Julie - For 'giving' me the Atom Club Ski Hat. You drive a hard bargain!
Gage (Gabe) and Christina - For the ton of Pictures and for the Caravan to Memphis.
Spanky - For the White Russian. Seriously it's my favorite drink. We share great tastes in autos and adult beverages!
Silver - For the couch at your house. I hope I didn't leave any thing behind. You know... got a plunger?

I'm sure there is more I'm forgetting. As Bruce said, as I read people's post I can associate a voice and/or accent with the text I read. It's great. The friends I've made at AtomFest will for sure last a very long time. In fact, I'm meeting Gabe and Christina at a Ski Resort this January. I saw Dennis and Aaron in Dallas on my return trip from Florida. And, if anyone is in Colorado Springs... my doors are open!

The whole affair, from the beginning was nothing short of AWESOME!

Thank you to Tim and Rick - for yeoman service in working out the details of (the dreaded RV's) and the on-track activity and 1,000 other things. Tim has been my daily source of encouragement since day one.

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6717.jpg[/img]

Thank you to Linda - She managed the merchandise area and so many more details - she's camera shy though -

Thank you to Ken and Jeff who worked tirelessly on Traqmate installs and downloads, banners, facility maps and more -

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... ckmate.jpg[/img]

To Gabe and Christina - for working the club room, directing, intervewing, photographing, getting autographs on the AtomFest bonnet

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6630.jpg[/img]

To Jim, Kyong and the whole Synergy team for being everywhere and lending a hand, or tires, or parts, or an Atom, whatever was needed

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_0362.jpg[/img]

To the Hallett crew, safety and corner workers, mechanics and owners who gave us a great venue and safe, fast, exciting enjoyment of our Atoms

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6295.jpg[/img]

To Terry Kennedy - He pioneered long distance drives Accross America

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6538.jpg[/img]

To Simon and his entire crew - What a pleasure is was to see them jump in and help everyone in need.

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6464.jpg[/img]

To Joe Park - for running a 1:22.6 right before our very eyes!

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_0374.jpg[/img]

To Bruce and the AAOC - Without you guys, none of this would have been possible. It was so great to have Bruce, John, Ben, Alec and Rob cross the pond to be with us.

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_0290.jpg[/img]


[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_0265.jpg[/img]

Be patient and she'll tighten them for you - -

[img width=800 height=532]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/ ... G_6524.jpg[/img]

And she's a mindreader or my fame has far reaching boundaries! She was always saying "Driver tighten your belts". Who knew I was so renowned in Oklahoma! 

Actually I think she must have been into bondage... She was always on at me to tighten my seatbelts...

[quote="wisp"]

I'm guessing this might be someone from Oklahoma (found on the FOX23 News Forum) 


[/quote]

Wisp- Thanks man, good find!

Richard,
Your a gem.
You can just drive my car the next time if you like. Save your money!

Well said Calscot! Yea, she was a sweetie and was very helpful with instructions for the riders. I'm almost sorry that I turned in before midnight. I would have liked to see Spaz bellin' up the 400 pound beasts! Even though the US freeway system is in a shambles, I'd drive it all again as I, too, had a great time! Randy put on a gem of a feature! Now if I could only find a pair of sticky slicks and about 200 more HP to challenge your Atom!

Julie, I would have loved an opportunity to try to catch you and Mark in Randy's red Atom! Maybe next time you guys will trailer yours.

Doesn't it seem that life has suddenly become somewhat boring after atomFest?

She was one of the track hands. A real sweethart. They were all great!
I loved the people in OK. Sure we take the piss. And I have pictures to prove 400lbs+, (my god Spaz loved them and could not keep his hands off them.....Ok Spaz, it was them that asked you to dance...yeh right!!!). But there were some damn fine looking women there too. It's just a laugh!

15+ of us went to a local dive bar, in the back of a pick up with beer in hand screaming like the drunks we were. C'Mon, It was a blast. I think we all have a wee bit of Okie in us! I have way too much, as do several of you. That includes about every Brit there and plenty others.

I hope we do Atomfest 2 at the same place. I will be first in line. I had the best weekend in 20 years. Fast Cars, great company, good music. Damn, it was good fun! Life seem's pretty dull in the aftermath.
Party on!!

[quote="starter"]
Not all oklahoma women weigh 300+...
[/quote]

I'm guessing this might be someone from Oklahoma (found on the FOX23 News Forum) 

It's great to see all the pics! I have a very nice 10 MP camera that I simply couldn't lug around during the time we were there. It bumed me out but the quality of these photos are better than I would have gotten anyway!

Randy,

Once again thanks for organising a truly terrific event, it was an honor to be a part of it.

Like John Lloyd, Julie and I need to buy a few more Atomfest goodies, we'll be anxiously waiting for your inventory.

By any chance is the DVD that was playing on the big TV in the club room available for purchase?  Julie and I found the video clip of Joe driving the Atom with his footwork shown in a second inserted view to be really informative.

Thank you for allowing Julie and I to drive your beautiful red Atom, your generosity made the Tulsa cruise a night to remember!

[quote="benyeats"]
[quote="Gage"]
I just wanted to insert this picture of Ray with Fortress working on Eric's Atom.   He is a great guy to talk with and loves working on the Atom.

[/quote]

And a mad pick up driver
[/quote]

Damn strait.. I followed him into Tulsa... hot damn

[quote="Gage"]
I just wanted to insert this picture of Ray with Fortress working on Eric's Atom.  He is a great guy to talk with and loves working on the Atom.

[/quote]

And a mad pick up driver