TBSVTOA
05-06-2004, 06:25 PM
SVTOA Southern Regional On-Track Sebring Sensation / Camp Steeda
http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/t5.jpg
Click hear to view slide show..! (http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/mv/sb2004.wmv)
Another SVTOA Event in the south has come and gone. As expected the turn out was great for the 2nd annual SVTOA On-Track Sebring Sensation held at the Sebring International Raceway April 30 thru May 2nd 2004.
If you are not familiar with the SVTOA On-track program, this will help shed some light on what it’s all about. The Sebring Sensation / Camp Steeda is the kick off event for the 2004 SVTOA On-Track Program. 7 other events will be held around the country which include (Thunder in the Rockies Regional On Track Event) at Pikes Peak International Raceway , (SummerFest Regional On Track Event) at Virginia International Raceway, and (Redline Rendezvous On Track Event) at Toronto Motorsport park
The SVTOA On-Track program offers the SVT and Ford Family vehicle owners the opportunity to participate in a fun, safe and family oriented driving experience at a reasonable price. With the experience comes the comradeship of being with fellow enthusiasts in a performance atmosphere.
With that said, the 2004 SVTOA Sebring Sensation did not disappoint. Leaving the masses with smiles on their faces and waiting to know where to line up for the next time.
This year events started with participants arriving Friday April 30th at the Chateau Élan
SVTOA Southern Regional Director Gene Pavliscask , Tampa Bay SVTOA Secretary Jan Williamson and Atlanta SVTOA Activities Director Scott Laudenslager were ready and set up for participants to check in.
The SVTOA Lead Driving Instructor, Jeff Lacina and his team of driving instructors were working hard setting up the autocross course in the hot Florida Sun and completed the task late afternoon.
Friday evening, a meet-n-greet was held at the Chateau Elan with Mr. Lacina acting as the Master of Ceremonies. Jeff spoke for a short time, letting participants know what to expect in the coming days. Also a vendor fair was opened to all for the entire weekend. Representatives from: Auburn Gear, Power Slot, Hawk, Bob Cook Sales, Vortec, Tokico, Nitto, Steeda, Performance Solutions and the Ford SVT Team were present to talk to us about performance or just to share some of the finger food sponsored by Steeda Auto Sports. After getting set that night, many were fired up for the next 2 days. Some retired early and those who did not resumed their conversations in the hotel lobby.
The sun greeted us Saturday morning and participants, depending on which Run Group they were assigned, headed to the autocross – skid pad area or attended classes to discuss handling their vehicles or to understand the mechanics of how your vehicle operates.
http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/sbg.jpg
Mr. Lacina’s Team had set up a challenging autocross course and everyone had an opportunity to drive it twice. The Steeda drivers and vehicles were available for rides and the passenger seats were filled all day long with folks that wished to take the “E-ticket” of auto crossing. After the second run on the autocross, drivers were directed to the skid pad and were given instructions on the characteristics of their vehicle on wet pavement. (This would prove to be valuable later during the Sunday On-Track event)
Also on Saturday, Ed Zerbe from the South Florida SVTOA had arranged for a car show to be held. Many folks drove to Sebring for the day just to show their vehicles. Congrat's to all the winners and thank you South Florida for a Job well done.
Saturday evening a banquet was held. With a Buffet a mile long and 225 people seated and enjoying their meal after a long hot day, Director of SVT Marketing Mr. Tom Scarpello, spoke to the crowd about the future and upcoming plans for the SVT vehicles.
Mr. Scarpello also noted that the “Tampa Bay chapter is the model to follow and is top dog over all chapters in the country. “Boy that's nice to hear from they guy who help found the SVTOA program and pay the bills”
A raffle was also held and many prizes were awarded. Such as a Full Vortec Super charging system, 2 sets of Nitto Tires, and a set of Steeda 17 X 9 wheels. You Tampa bay Members really cleaned up. George Marino, Jack Stewart, Jared and Jack Clemmons, and Suzie Banks were some from the Tampa chapter who took home the big stuff.
The Director of Southern Florida SVTOA, Ed Zerbe, announced the winners of the car show and trophies were handed out. John and Suzie Banks took home the top Cobra prize and accepted the towering Best SVT Cobra trophies. The Lindsey’s took a 2nd in Best SVT Lightning.
Sunday the Florida sun greeted participants again as they headed to the track. Mr. Lacina held Sunday services trackside and explained why we were all there. Mr. Lacina preached safety and track rules. He also explained the fundamentals of track courtesy. He introduced the driving instructors and began calling the drivers to the grid. Once instructors and drivers were strapped in, the track event officially began. Runs of 15 minutes were afforded to all participants with about 20 to 25 vehicles on the track at one time but starting at safe intervals.
The individual run groups were able to drive the course 2 times in the morning and after a short lunch break, placed back on the starting grid to run again 2 more times. Gene had the track time extended for an additional hour so the event could run until 6:00 pm but around 5:00 the Florida skies began to darken and the cooling showers began. No-one’s spirits were dampened by the rain and a few folks continued to drive. (All that skid pad instruction paid off).
Thanks to the individuals that attended the event as participants, to the Sponsors Steeda, vendor representatives and to the folks that contributed their time and efforts to put the event together and work so hard to keep it running smooth.
Event Coordinator:
Gene Pavliscsak - Director of Tampa Bay SVTOA - SVTOA Southern Region Director
Event VIPs:
Jeff Lacina SVTOA / Lead Driving Instructor and Master of Ceremonies
Tom Scarpello (SVT) Speaker at Dinner (Big Dog)
Gil Cormaci / Vortec
Conrad Galamgam / Nitto
Leo Kang / Nitto
Jim Bottiger/ Auburn Gear
Eric Beslow / Power Slot
Jerry DeMarino / Hawk
Mike Oldham / BobCook Sales
Mike SantaCruz / Tokico
Scott Whitehead (Ford)
John Moore (Ford)
Celeste Kupczewski (SVT)
Rob Weir (SVT) SVT Info line Guy
Terri Voytowich (SVTOA)
Darrell & Jason Kincaid/Performance Solutions (Steeda Distributor from Tampa)
Dean Martin (SVT) (Pro Grand AM Driver) # 52 Car (Red Cobra)
LarryRehagen (Pro Grand Am Driver) # 52 Car (Red Cobra)
STEEDA STAFF:
Dario Orlando (Owner)
Jo-Ann Orlando
Rob Korhonen / Marketing
Roger Leeper / Marketing
Glen Vitale / Controller
Jay Harvey / Marketing
Steve Chichisola / Crew Chief
Mark Elias / Marketing
Sam Cory / Technician
Scott Boda / Manufacturing
ChadCoy / Technician
William Mathis / Manufacturing
Gus Irizarry / Sales
Dan Carlson / Engineering
Frank Stoddard / Sales
Dan Tallon / Sales
Jon Pine / Sales
Eric Ramson / Sales
Instructors:
Jeff Lacina- Lead Inst.
Dell Hughes - Regional Director (& Travis Cooper's instructor)
Brock Ivers
David Archibald
Todd Honczarenko
Link Eveleth
Lee Culpepper
Patrick Wehmeyer
James Dean
Andy Fox
Bob Lapiana
Dan Fiallo
Diane Thoman
Audrey Zavodsky
Scott Whitehead
Steve Rosenthal
Theodore Geltz
Mitchell Geltz
Doug Quara
Bill Horton
Rob Denewith
Steve Fox
Seth Jacoby
Brian Jacobs
Aaron Summer
Jonathan Blevins (Hauls all the SVTOA stuff and sets up tech inspection)
Chapter Volunteers: (each volunteer paid their own expenses)
Tampa Bay SVTOA
Janet McGibbney
Jack Stewart
Mike and Sue Heddleston
Jan Williamson
Central Florida SVTOA
Mike Buno
South Florida SVTOA
Ed Zerbe
Jason Mondek
David Siegel
Ray Thompson
Atlanta SVTOA
Scott Laudenslager
Ft. Meyers SVTOA
Scott Gabriel
Also present were representatives from the following publications:
SVT Enthusiast
Mustang Monthly
5.0 Liter
Mustang Enthusiast
Modular Power
Focus Fanatics
http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/t5.jpg
Click hear to view slide show..! (http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/mv/sb2004.wmv)
Another SVTOA Event in the south has come and gone. As expected the turn out was great for the 2nd annual SVTOA On-Track Sebring Sensation held at the Sebring International Raceway April 30 thru May 2nd 2004.
If you are not familiar with the SVTOA On-track program, this will help shed some light on what it’s all about. The Sebring Sensation / Camp Steeda is the kick off event for the 2004 SVTOA On-Track Program. 7 other events will be held around the country which include (Thunder in the Rockies Regional On Track Event) at Pikes Peak International Raceway , (SummerFest Regional On Track Event) at Virginia International Raceway, and (Redline Rendezvous On Track Event) at Toronto Motorsport park
The SVTOA On-Track program offers the SVT and Ford Family vehicle owners the opportunity to participate in a fun, safe and family oriented driving experience at a reasonable price. With the experience comes the comradeship of being with fellow enthusiasts in a performance atmosphere.
With that said, the 2004 SVTOA Sebring Sensation did not disappoint. Leaving the masses with smiles on their faces and waiting to know where to line up for the next time.
This year events started with participants arriving Friday April 30th at the Chateau Élan
SVTOA Southern Regional Director Gene Pavliscask , Tampa Bay SVTOA Secretary Jan Williamson and Atlanta SVTOA Activities Director Scott Laudenslager were ready and set up for participants to check in.
The SVTOA Lead Driving Instructor, Jeff Lacina and his team of driving instructors were working hard setting up the autocross course in the hot Florida Sun and completed the task late afternoon.
Friday evening, a meet-n-greet was held at the Chateau Elan with Mr. Lacina acting as the Master of Ceremonies. Jeff spoke for a short time, letting participants know what to expect in the coming days. Also a vendor fair was opened to all for the entire weekend. Representatives from: Auburn Gear, Power Slot, Hawk, Bob Cook Sales, Vortec, Tokico, Nitto, Steeda, Performance Solutions and the Ford SVT Team were present to talk to us about performance or just to share some of the finger food sponsored by Steeda Auto Sports. After getting set that night, many were fired up for the next 2 days. Some retired early and those who did not resumed their conversations in the hotel lobby.
The sun greeted us Saturday morning and participants, depending on which Run Group they were assigned, headed to the autocross – skid pad area or attended classes to discuss handling their vehicles or to understand the mechanics of how your vehicle operates.
http://www.svtoa-tb.com/forums/images/sbg.jpg
Mr. Lacina’s Team had set up a challenging autocross course and everyone had an opportunity to drive it twice. The Steeda drivers and vehicles were available for rides and the passenger seats were filled all day long with folks that wished to take the “E-ticket” of auto crossing. After the second run on the autocross, drivers were directed to the skid pad and were given instructions on the characteristics of their vehicle on wet pavement. (This would prove to be valuable later during the Sunday On-Track event)
Also on Saturday, Ed Zerbe from the South Florida SVTOA had arranged for a car show to be held. Many folks drove to Sebring for the day just to show their vehicles. Congrat's to all the winners and thank you South Florida for a Job well done.
Saturday evening a banquet was held. With a Buffet a mile long and 225 people seated and enjoying their meal after a long hot day, Director of SVT Marketing Mr. Tom Scarpello, spoke to the crowd about the future and upcoming plans for the SVT vehicles.
Mr. Scarpello also noted that the “Tampa Bay chapter is the model to follow and is top dog over all chapters in the country. “Boy that's nice to hear from they guy who help found the SVTOA program and pay the bills”
A raffle was also held and many prizes were awarded. Such as a Full Vortec Super charging system, 2 sets of Nitto Tires, and a set of Steeda 17 X 9 wheels. You Tampa bay Members really cleaned up. George Marino, Jack Stewart, Jared and Jack Clemmons, and Suzie Banks were some from the Tampa chapter who took home the big stuff.
The Director of Southern Florida SVTOA, Ed Zerbe, announced the winners of the car show and trophies were handed out. John and Suzie Banks took home the top Cobra prize and accepted the towering Best SVT Cobra trophies. The Lindsey’s took a 2nd in Best SVT Lightning.
Sunday the Florida sun greeted participants again as they headed to the track. Mr. Lacina held Sunday services trackside and explained why we were all there. Mr. Lacina preached safety and track rules. He also explained the fundamentals of track courtesy. He introduced the driving instructors and began calling the drivers to the grid. Once instructors and drivers were strapped in, the track event officially began. Runs of 15 minutes were afforded to all participants with about 20 to 25 vehicles on the track at one time but starting at safe intervals.
The individual run groups were able to drive the course 2 times in the morning and after a short lunch break, placed back on the starting grid to run again 2 more times. Gene had the track time extended for an additional hour so the event could run until 6:00 pm but around 5:00 the Florida skies began to darken and the cooling showers began. No-one’s spirits were dampened by the rain and a few folks continued to drive. (All that skid pad instruction paid off).
Thanks to the individuals that attended the event as participants, to the Sponsors Steeda, vendor representatives and to the folks that contributed their time and efforts to put the event together and work so hard to keep it running smooth.
Event Coordinator:
Gene Pavliscsak - Director of Tampa Bay SVTOA - SVTOA Southern Region Director
Event VIPs:
Jeff Lacina SVTOA / Lead Driving Instructor and Master of Ceremonies
Tom Scarpello (SVT) Speaker at Dinner (Big Dog)
Gil Cormaci / Vortec
Conrad Galamgam / Nitto
Leo Kang / Nitto
Jim Bottiger/ Auburn Gear
Eric Beslow / Power Slot
Jerry DeMarino / Hawk
Mike Oldham / BobCook Sales
Mike SantaCruz / Tokico
Scott Whitehead (Ford)
John Moore (Ford)
Celeste Kupczewski (SVT)
Rob Weir (SVT) SVT Info line Guy
Terri Voytowich (SVTOA)
Darrell & Jason Kincaid/Performance Solutions (Steeda Distributor from Tampa)
Dean Martin (SVT) (Pro Grand AM Driver) # 52 Car (Red Cobra)
LarryRehagen (Pro Grand Am Driver) # 52 Car (Red Cobra)
STEEDA STAFF:
Dario Orlando (Owner)
Jo-Ann Orlando
Rob Korhonen / Marketing
Roger Leeper / Marketing
Glen Vitale / Controller
Jay Harvey / Marketing
Steve Chichisola / Crew Chief
Mark Elias / Marketing
Sam Cory / Technician
Scott Boda / Manufacturing
ChadCoy / Technician
William Mathis / Manufacturing
Gus Irizarry / Sales
Dan Carlson / Engineering
Frank Stoddard / Sales
Dan Tallon / Sales
Jon Pine / Sales
Eric Ramson / Sales
Instructors:
Jeff Lacina- Lead Inst.
Dell Hughes - Regional Director (& Travis Cooper's instructor)
Brock Ivers
David Archibald
Todd Honczarenko
Link Eveleth
Lee Culpepper
Patrick Wehmeyer
James Dean
Andy Fox
Bob Lapiana
Dan Fiallo
Diane Thoman
Audrey Zavodsky
Scott Whitehead
Steve Rosenthal
Theodore Geltz
Mitchell Geltz
Doug Quara
Bill Horton
Rob Denewith
Steve Fox
Seth Jacoby
Brian Jacobs
Aaron Summer
Jonathan Blevins (Hauls all the SVTOA stuff and sets up tech inspection)
Chapter Volunteers: (each volunteer paid their own expenses)
Tampa Bay SVTOA
Janet McGibbney
Jack Stewart
Mike and Sue Heddleston
Jan Williamson
Central Florida SVTOA
Mike Buno
South Florida SVTOA
Ed Zerbe
Jason Mondek
David Siegel
Ray Thompson
Atlanta SVTOA
Scott Laudenslager
Ft. Meyers SVTOA
Scott Gabriel
Also present were representatives from the following publications:
SVT Enthusiast
Mustang Monthly
5.0 Liter
Mustang Enthusiast
Modular Power
Focus Fanatics