2010 Vettes4Vets

“The cost of this event was underwritten by the Alabama Gold Star Family organization, including the track and museum rental, purchase of food and tee shirts, and other incidentals, not to mention that most of the volunteers were Gold Star Family members. They knew you all would come through with your support of this event, as they continue to remember their family members, and their military sacrifice by creating a memorial in their honor.”

Thank You's

WOW, 2010 was a good year at Talladega! The weather was great, the track was fast, the food was excellent, and the people were wonderful.

We are so grateful for the volunteers who gave up their holiday weekend to serve. Most of the volunteers were people who are members of Alabama Gold Star Families. These people have given the ultimate sacrifice a civilian could give for their country and their military. I hope you all had a chance to talk with them and give them your thanks for making that sacrifice.

We also want to thank Patrick and the whole Talladega track crew. They worked hard all day and kept the cars flowing on and off the track without a hitch.

Most everyone had a good time, myself included. How could we not? We got to spend a beautiful day in Alabama at the worlds fastest Superspeedway, in our beautiful cars, with a bunch of people who share the same passions as we do.

There were a few mechanical issues with some of the cars that kept them off the track, but I believe the drivers of those cars did get to at least ride with someone else on the track.

All in all, the on-track sessions went well. A driver's meeting at 8:45 AM where on-track rules were covered. The track crew do this type of event every weekend and have seen people like us try it all. They know when we are trying to pull a fast one, and they know what to do to get us back in line. We had one group stop on the track and had to pull them in to give them their own personal driver's meeting before sending them back out again. One gentleman was booted off the track for being unsafe and causing the near-wreck on the back stretch. A noon driver's meeting to discuss what had happened, to re-iterate that safety is the first priority of the track officials, and to go over the rules a second time. The afternoon sessions went flawlessly. We ended the day a full hour and a half early. Everything was packed up and we had all left the track at 3:45 PM.

I may have been the guy sending all the emails and creating all the spread sheets, but if it weren't for the volunteers, this event would not have been what it was. There are a lot of notes of appreciation below and they are all to me, but I know that my part was no more important than the guy cooking the hamburgers, or the guy directing people which garage to be in, or the people taking up money for lunch, or handing out tee shirts. EVERY person who volunteered was just as important as the next. I want to share these comments with all of you.

Jeff
-Capitol City Corvette Club
-Mid Alabama Corvette Club
-GM High Performance Club
Deatsville, AL

A few comments from the gang.

Just got home from the track had a BLAST!! Very professionally done can't wait until next year.

-Tony
Moody, AL

Thanks again, my kids and I had a blast. I understand more today what you were describing last night on how rough it is at 140+ hitting the turns. :)

SEE YA

Kevin
Birmingham, AL

Hi,
It was an honor meeting you and the others who made yesterday the most memorable day of my life. We so look forwarded to next year! We are very proud to be part of the festivity. Oh, my wife thanks you again for getting the wheel chair.

I had dreamed of owning a Vette for 47 years and bought my first the on last day of April 2010 two months later we were on the track at Talladega. I'm beginning to think the best part of owning a Corvette is the people we've had the pleasure to meet.

Again, I want to thank you and the staff for a wonderful day.

Armor and Millie
Meridianville, AL

WE REALLY ENJOYED THE EVENT.

THANKS,

MERV
Hoover, AL

Just a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed yesterday. 2 good runs awesome cars great pictures and video good family fun .and all for a very worthy cause. GOD BLESS AMERICA,OUR ARMED FORCES AND THE GREATEST SPORTSCAR ,THE CORVETTE can't wait till next year

Jimmy
Belden, MS

What a great two days! I just want to take this opportunity to thank you and all of the volunteers involved for making this event so special and so well organized. Can't wait until next year, this is a must go to annual event. Thanks for the opportunity to participate.

Regards,

Colin and Janice
Anderson, SC
2008 ZHZ

I have to tell you how great the event was. Our whole club had a blast and hopefully didn't rile anyone too much. You do so much planning and the day at the track requires so much of you and the other volunteers. You made many improvements this year that made it even better. I'm not sure that you could top this one!
I know I am speaking for our whole club when I say well done and thank you to all.

Roy
ECCC Member & Webmaster
Marianna, FL

We greatly enjoyed this weekend at Vettes4Vets. Friday July 2nd was my birthday and someone ask me what I got for my birthday and I said a trip to Talladega for the Vettes4Vets weekend. It was a blast thanks for all you done to make this so memorable.

Billy and Vicki
Mantachie, MS

Wow what a memorable experience! Words cannot express the great time my husband and I and our friends that came with us. We are all looking forward to doing this again. The 4th of July can't come soon enough. It's a truly a great way to raise funds for the memorial for our "Fallen Heroes" and we are so glad we can be a part of that. We met some really neat people. As for me, I didn't think I could do it, but I quickly found out my ZR1 could handle any insecurities I had. We were also glad we could take TJ, one of your volunteers for a ride as well. Thanks again.

Paula and Paul
Mobile, AL

Thank you for a great time. I want to thank you for all the hard work you put into it, and all the people that helped you. You should get classes on how to put on an event.

Norman
Wetumpka, AL

That was awesome!!! John saw the suitcase on the bed Friday and asked me was I leaving after almost 30 years. Told him his clothes were packed too and to get in the red car and buckle up buttercup! Vette show aren't we? I told him he was driving at 'Dega for our birthdays(his July 19, mine July 17) and our anniversary (July 26) presents. He kept saying "you are lying, where are we really going?" He did 140mph the first session and I did 120mph the second session! He said that was the best birthday present ever. We had a wonderful time. I don't know who all to thank for organizing this event. Please pass along our many thanks and let everyone know that we appreciate it. We also will not forget the people who have served our country and paid the ultimate price so we could drive at 'Dega.

Lisa and John
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
1997 Torch Red

ps---When can we sign up for next time?????!!!!!!

Great event-well organized and fun due to your hard work-THANK YOU -see you next year-

Dale
Scottsboro, AL

Thanks for a great weekend

Mike
Fairmont, GA
Thunder Valley Mustang Club

Thank you so much to you and all of those involved in putting together such a great event. This was our first time attending and we were just blown away by how wonderful the event was in every way.
Hope to see you next year.

Jeremy
Readyville, TN

I just wanted to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. This was a great weekend. I haven't had this much fun in a long time. You did a wonderful job with the whole event. I will be sure to be at this every time you have it.

Thank you again so very much for all your hard work.

Michael
Pensacola, FL

My wife and would like to thank you and all those who helped make July 3rd a fantastic day at Talladega! We appreciate the efforts required to plan and the time it takes to organize, coordinate, and execute an event of this scale. We're very much looking forward to participating next year. It was Vicki's birthday and she said it was one she would never forget. As I mentioned when we spoke early in the day, the opening prayer was very appropriate and for us was a great start to the day.

Please pass along our sincere thanks to all,

Dan And Vicki
Huntsville, AL
1999 FRC

I know you are getting a lot of emails about the Vets4Vets at Talladega.
Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed it and look forward to next year.

Thanks a bunch.

Don
Montgomery, AL

Congratulations on an outstaning program this year.-Totally organized and a great show all around. Looking forward to next year. My C4 will be with me next time.

Max
Mary Esther, FL
Sunset Vettes of NW Florida

From the group from Greater New Orleans Corvette Club we wish to extend our appreciation for a great and fun event, count us in if it happens again.

Jim & Dian
Harvey, LA

We had a great time this weekend. You and the volunteers did a good job. The only low spot was running the extra laps with slow mustangs. I had a volunteer riding with me and had to tell him how sorry I was that I couldn't show him how fast the Vette was.

Jimmy
Slidell, AL

You done good!! This time it worked. The plan was good, you stuck with it, you had adequate help, and we got LUCKY on the track. Thanks so much for all the man hours I'm sure you put in to put this event together. We thank you, and the AL Gold Star Families Thank You.
Our group's first run was fantastic, we had a group with similar driving technique and several cars in our group managed to get up to about 160!! What a thrill that was. On the second session, we had some slow pokes mixed in the more aggressive folks and it wasn't as good.
Hope you had a good 4th of July celebration, you earned it.

Bruce
Enterprise, AL
President, Circle City Corvettes

Rick and I want to thank you again for such a great day at the track! You and your crew were so well-organized it made the day so easy for the rest of us. We had a great time and look forward to doing this again next year. It was great fun. Thanks again.

Rick & Judy
Vintage Vettes of the Ozarks
Springfield, MO

We can't thank you guys enough for the sweat and toil you put into this event. This year was simply phenomenal…from the wonderful and spacious ice breaker, to the incredible day on the track…everything was perfect! Our group discussed it on our way back home yesterday, and we can't think of a single thing you could have done to improve on this year's event!
Not losing sight of the bigger picture, we regrettably do understand the reason for this event, and hope that your efforts got you ever closer to your organizations goals. I feel confident in saying that the Emerald Coast Corvette Club will continue to support this event for as long as you need to hold it. And for the record, the date will make no difference for us…4th of July, or Memorial Day…you let us know, and we'll be there!

Thank you again for treating us so well!

Frank
Panama City Florida

Thanks again for a fun filled 2 days.
I was the blonde headed guy at Comfort Inn when you were having your safety talk with your staff.
This event should be on everyone's "Bucket List". I know it was on mine.
Again, well organized & you strived to make each participant comfortable & welcome.

Harold
Christiana, TN

Thank you for a great day! All your hard work is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

OBryan
Griffin, GA

As I said earlier- you are a master chorographer!! We had the greatest time and all the personnel made it the greatest! Thank you.

Thank you again,

Walt
Huntsville, AL

Thanks for all the hard work to make this event a success. Please pass on our appreciation to all the volunteers that helped make this a success. Best "Car Show" I've ever been too! See you next year, make it a two day event!!!!

Bob
Geismar, LA
Greater New Orleans Corvette Club

I

am sure plenty have said what i am about to but i wanted to thank you and the Gold Star families for putting on the experience of a lifetime for myself and Lisa, it was far and away the most exciting thing i have ever done in my life and it was our pleasure to contribute to such a great charity as well. Even though the weekend just ended we did want to ask you about next year already and our interest in again coming back down and probably bringing a few more cars with us, i am sure Lisa will be in touch with you as well via Facebook.

Have a great day!
Ben
Portsmouth, VA

Thought you might be interested in this. It's a video of my first run on Saturday. To my surprise, my wife actually went on the 2nd run after this.

When you put me in front of the GTO guys for the 2nd run, they were not too happy, but I was able to stay on the pace car and got him running well over 100. When we got back the GTO guys thanked me for keeping him up in speed. Plus, I don't know if they could have found their way around the track without a Vette leading them.

As the parents of someone in Iraq now on his 2nd tour, we can't tell you how much we appreciate your efforts to put this on.

Thanks again,


AL
Huntsville, AL
Vets with Vettes

I cannot thank you and your crew enough for the awesome time we had this weekend. Thanks also for the extra session to make up for the lost lap on the first session. You guys are a class act!!!! Carol and I have already marked space on the calendar for next year. The coordination on this event was better than many car shows we have attended and those are static events. To get all of those cars through the way you guys did was nothing short of brilliant!!! We really enjoyed the Friday night get together as well.

Thanks again for super weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill & Carol
Niceville, FL

It was a blast! My wife & I really want to congratulate you, and all your folks, for a job better than well done. We are already planning for next year, as long as us old farts can still make it. I've already sent pictures to my son in Afghanistan where he is an MP K9 Bomb-dog handler. Oh, We were with the Sunset Vettes of Northwest Florida and everyone had nothing but good things to say about the event. Again, thanks for a great time.

Roger & Margaret
Niceville, Florida

Joe & I would like to say thank you so much for all the hard work you and all of the volunteers put into making this year's event so perfect.

I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed everything.

Jakki
Brandon, MS

I want to send out a special thanks for everything as well. I feel as if I had a weeks worth of fun packed into a day and a half. I will definitely be back next year hopefully if you decide to hold the event again. I will more then likely do 4 or 5 runs next year! I can't wait! I am going to do my best to get my younger brother to bring his 2001 vette as well.

So once again, thanks for a truly awesome time.

ttyl

Jeff
Murfreesboro, TN

Tthanks again for the effort. The crew did a wonderful job keeping all of us in line.

David
Huntsville, Alabama

Thanks for having us, we had a great time playing for sure.

Thanks,
Matt
Nashville, TN

Great time, really enjoyed the day with my cousins and fellow corvette buddies! Many thanks to the volunteers who made it all possible!

May have to do it again next year!

Bob
Friendsville, TN.
BS 2009 ZR1

Now I know why your event sells out. It's no doubt the most organized Corvette event I have ever attended. It was the first time ever for me driving on any race track and what a thrill it was. I am sorry I could not do my second session but I didn't fell 100% comfortable with my car. I need to get a couple of things adjusted but me and my nephew had a blast. We will definitely attend next year. Thanks for all of your help fitting us into your Talladega event. I still can't get over driving into turn number 1 for the first time. What a rush.

Do you know when you will open registration for 2010? Want to make sure I make the deadline next time around.

Thanks to you and all of your crew for doing a great job.

If you're ever in Pensacola give me a shout. I owe you a cold beer.

George
Cantonment, FL

Can't find anyone in our Club who wasn't ecstatic about the event and how organized it was. You did fantastic.
Thanks again

Edd
Huntsville, AL

I have to tell you that you truly were a busy guy at the track. I attempted a couple of times to get a few minutes with you, alas, my attempts seemed to have come at those times you were the busiest.

Please know that everyone I chatted with, and the members of Vets with Vettes & Corvette Owners club in particular, had a helluva good time. Your event was well organized and ran almost too smoothly. I kept looking for your significant other, cuz I just knew she was the real person behind it all. Just kidding of course, Jeff, you done good, and in particular, thank your staff. I know without outstanding support, the best laid plans go awry.

Thank you for the personal massaging you offered our group. We wound up with four groups traveling to 'Dega. Odd for 20 cars coming from Huntsville I know, but each group had different wants when it came to traveling to the big city of Birmingham. The Saturday Morning crowd got there in plenty of time to get staged, and arrived well before the 9a hour.

Next year it'll be my GTO's turn on the track, so keep me on your email list. And come up and see us again sometime, always my pleasure.

Bill
Lynn Haven, FL

Hey man you did it up very great event much appreciated

Nate
Huntsville, AL

My wife Peg and I had a fabulous time on the track and meeting new friends. Everyone did a great job with the implementation of a well thought out plan. Keeping that many independent people in order is a big job and it was well done.

My dark blue 1972 BB ran well on the track both times. The car never overheated as I found the problem just in time. I was watching the temperature gage closely all day.

Jeff, thanks again for a job well done!

Joe
Birmingham, AL

My boy and I got back home yesterday afternoon. We took 2 days to get back to here in southern Illinois. We're both beat, I need to get the a/c working, LOL. But now that my brains are unscrambled this morning, I wanted to send you a note.

I want to thank you for all your hard efforts, all the volunteers who pulled this off, the track folks and the Vettes for Vets org. I personally saw your tireless efforts out on the hot black top all day long. I am glad to hear that you got some runs in, I was afraid that you wouldn't. Another guy I saw work his tail off was Mark, who was directing the traffic into the right garage stalls. Please tell him thanks also. The dinner/band/museum was great, the whole experience was great!

We made 2 runs and I know you invited us to run with you but after 2 runs, my thoughts started to drift to running 140ish on 112 mph speed rated tires and other what if's and this old '72 is our only ride home, so we called it quits after 2 runs. Seeing the C6 with the transmission trouble and 2 C5's go home on flatbeds kinda sealed the deal, LOL.

It was a blast for sure. I peeked once and saw 135 but I was more watching the coolant and oil press, which turned out to be rock steady. My boy did look over and saw 140ish but we mainly enjoyed the ride. I think the C3's were well represented in a sea of C5/6's. I believe there were a total of 4 C3's there. My blue '72 coupe, the blue convertible '72 with the open exhaust, your red '72, and a dark blue 454/auto '72?

The Corvette Forum group I was in were a great bunch. AND they wanted to RUN! The guy in the '72 vert was a runner (434 cid sb, solid lifter cam, open exhaust) and it was everything I could do to stay with him. As you suggested beforehand, we had a talk beforehand and shuffled around some and our group in the group wanted to run. So it all worked out. I did watch some groups run on the track and all I can say is I would have been pissed if stuck behind them, LOL. These C5/6's are 180+ mph cars after all and they don't have the drama doing it like our C3's.

If there are plans to do this next year, let us know via the group email above. Shoot us a date as soon as you know. I think you may have to turn away folks next year judging from all the positive comments. Well, hope to see you next year with some speed rated 17" wheels!

Thanks Jeff, it was nice meeting you.

Charles
Bethalto, IL

We had a great time this past weekend. This was our first Corvette event & it was so much fun. All the volunteers were super helpful & you(Jeff) did a great job with organizing. We are looking forward to the next great event!! Fun times!

Dana & Nancy
Cumming, GA

Thank you for making this an unforgettable event. You guys worked so hard and did an outstanding job at keeping everyone informed (and pacified). It went as smooth as clockwork. I know you will have lots of repeat customers for the future - probably will have them standing in line to sign up.
Thanks again for everything you did to make our time enjoyable.
Carolyn
Montgomery, AL

My son Robby and I had a great time at the event! All the volunteers were so nice, even to a guy wearing an LSU ballcap. lol
Thanks for all hard work.

Robert
Port Allen, LA

Thanks a ton for letting us GTO's be involved. We had the time of our lives! And a very special thanks to the folks who loaned us the tools that helped us finish the day. We are already thinking about the next one!

Until next year,
Hayden
Arlington, TX

Thank you! We will see you next year. We had a great time!

Scott Lucas
Fleet Manager
Ed Voyles Chrysler Dodge Jeep

I want to thank you for the great time my wife and I had at the V4V event. You managed everything in a very professional manner. I can't believe how smoothly everything went. That's all a result of your dedication and that of the great volunteers. We can't wait till next year!

Thanks again,

Joe and Tina
McAlpin FL

GREAT SHOW FOR A GREAT CAUSE! I'm a 83-year old WWII and Vietnam vet and C6 owner. I was a little apprehensive on the first run and followed the pace car pretty close, but on the second run I was the last man and really had a blast.

Ed
Slidell, LA

I had a ball doing something worth while and for a good cause. It turned the day in to something meaningful. Thank God for y'all. I know that TJ enjoyed herself. She talked the whole way home while breaking the speed limit. I wish we were like this all the time.
Thank you Terry because you were a blessing this week and a brake from the norm.

Love you and Pat

Hugh
Birmingham, AL

Even though my car didn't cooperate, & I was not able to drive, you and all your volunteers did a great job organizing the event. It was a lot of fun. I did, however, thanks to you, get to ride in a friends ZO6 & went faster than I would have driven my own car.

Again great job for an even greater cause. I'll see you again next year.

Best regards,

Ron
Ocean Springs, MS

The club had a good trip this year to Talladega for the Vettes 4 Vets track event. Those who went last year may remember the mass confusion- this year's event was much more organized and we were able get on the track as scheduled. There were a few car problems - Tommy and Darlene's car developed ignition problems on their first run and had to be trailored home. Fortunately one of the host club participants had his trailer handy and helped out. Ron and Debbie Schnoor's car developed shifter problems and they were able to make it home OK. Most of us got our runs with the exception of someone being kicked off the track after two laps. (no names-initials of RK) I won't discuss speeds but everyone seemed happy with car performance. The weather was excellent for the three days. The break from hot and humid was welcome. We were joined by members from the Ms club in Jackson and Northshore and New Orleans clubs.

Brian
Ocean Springs, MS

We had a GREAT time! We had one of the 2009 ZR1's there. It was so much fun. I was a little nervous about riding with Bob going that fast, but he did a great job!

We had some guys that were a bit scared so it slowed us up ALOT. At one time we were slowed up to 50 going into a curve. It's funny too, these are the same ones telling they were going 150 + when there is NO way cause we were behind them.

We so appreciate your efforts to make it a safe fun time for all.

Thanks
Lana
Tri-Lakes Corvette Club
Branson, MO

Ken and I wanted to add our voices to the chorus of how fantastic the day was. Your organization was flawless, everything ran so smoothly, and it was so much fun being able to be in the garages (out of the sun) to socialize while waiting for our runs. Our whole family loved it!

Ken and Carol
Meridianville, AL
Vets with Vettes

Thanks again to you and all the volunteers for making this such a great event. I'm e-mailing Mike, one of your volunteers, some pictures tomorrow...he rode with me in my car on the 3rd "bonus" session.

Charlie
Chattanooga, TN

Thank you for a great job on the Talladega Track Day. It was our first time on a race track and man did we have fun! You did a fine job of organization and execution. I thought the traffic flowed very well and things kept moving. With that many cars it could've been a real train wreck if not for the job that you did. We will be looking forward to an opportunity to do it again. I will never forget the feeling of being on the banking and opening the throttle coming off the turn. No worries about traffic, obstacles, police or anything. Just let her pick up speed and see what it feels like at high speed. It was a rare chance to get an feel for what the Corvette is capable of. Needless to say you just can't get that experience on a public road.

Thanks again for a job well done,

David and Carolyn
Ash Grove, MO

From the members of SUNSET VETTES of North West Florida. Thanks a bunch!! You guys made a good time (2009) into a Great experience (2010). As we were waiting for our second shot at the track we discussed how much better everything ran. Hats off to you and the crew.

Thanks Again
Kelly
Ft Walton Beach, FL
SUNSET VETTES

I wanted to let you know that the Sunset Vettes Corvette Club had an excellent time. We are still talking about it. This year was very well organized, the track volunteers were great to work with and we all enjoyed the experience. I guarantee that the members will join you next year if you decide to put it on again. Personally your event made my whole year. I smile every time I think about driving well over 100mph on the high bank turns. So when the office starts to pull me down I'll look at the pictures and my mood will improve.

By the way, my corvette wasn't up to the trip this year and brought my second love a BMW M6. I had no idea how incredibly fast that car was until this weekend. So thanks for not giving me too hard of a time bringing a BMW to a Corvette event.

Thanks again for the experience and most importantly, thank you for supporting our military and their families.

Bill
Fort Walton Beach, FL

This event was a real treat and I think you and your group did a terrific job on the organization.

I will recommend it to all my Corvette friends. Looking forward to next year!

Bill
Destrehan, LA

Thanks for putting on this event and letting us come out. Our guys had a blast and God willing maybe there can be a few more there next year to "louden" up the place even more
I can't say enough good things about all that went on when 2 of our cars had issues and they got taken care of with the help of your people. Thanks!

I'm already thinking about planning another trip there next year, it was just too much fun to once! Hopefully without all of the indecision this time.

Once again, big thanks for having us out and it was very nice to meet you. It definitely was worth every mile of the trip.

Greg
Midlothian, TX

What an awesome weekend. Thanks so much for all the hard work that went into getting this event put together. The museum was fantastic and we had soooooooooo much fun on the track Saturday. Can't wait till next year to do it again.

Judy and Bruce
Pensacola, Fl

I'm in three Corvette Clubs and have had lot's of "adventures" over the years. NOTHING COMPARES WITH V4V. AWESOME!! As I produced Vettes by the Shore (Mississippi Gulf Coast Corvette Club), a three day indoor show in the MS. Coast Coliseum for two years, I understand the headaches associated with a venture such as V4V. You guys and gals did an OUTSTANDING job. Thank you for the time of my life. And yes, I'll be back!

Ken
Picayune, MS

Just wanted you to know I couldn't sleep Saturday Night because I was still experiencing the thrill I felt driving my vet around turn one and down the back of the race track. Every moment was a delightful experience because of the organization skills from you and all of your help. I have been to the Talladega race many times and a few times with a press pass, so Vettes 4 Vets was so special for me to actually drive on the track. Thanks again for all that you all did to make it so much fun. Good Lord willing I will be back next year

Betty
Madison, MS

Thanks for putting on a really great event. We all had a great time and we are ready to come back next year. Everything was really organized to the fullest.

Thanks Again,

Bob & Friends
Picayune, MS

Thank you so very much for taking the time to organize the Vettes 4 Vets event. You did a magnificent job running a first class event. You accomplished much for the families of the veterans who gave their lives for our country. It is my hope that such a successful event brought on by your efforts and those of the Alabama Corvette clubs finds its way to Texas, and someday Texas Corvette clubs host a similar event at the Texas Motor Speedway. Have a good evening and a wonderful weekend.

Duke
Plano, TX