Danville Mike
04-30-2008, 03:45 PM
If you like cars, there’s nothing better than attending a media ride and drive event. Unlike a typical car show, vehicles are not just on display – they are available to drive. Also unlike car shows, these events are open only to automotive journalists. I do a bit of writing, though not usually about cars, so I was able to attend such an event recently as a member’s guest. I thought it would be fun to take Open Road along for a look behind the scenes. These are the events where many of the car reviews you read in newspapers, online, and in magazines originate. At this event the attendees included freelance writers, part time journalists from small publications and newspapers, and full time writers and photographers employed by major newspapers and car magazines.
The event was based in beautiful Monterey, California. This is a perfect location because there are so many scenic backdrops for the photographers, there are numerous twisting roads with little weekday traffic, and the world-class Laguna Seca racetrack is nearby. Our schedule called for 2 full days of driving. Day 1 was the “ride and drive” where we drove the cars on scenic public roads in Carmel Valley. Day 2 was track day at Laguna Seca, and we had the track to ourselves.
The event was put on by a professional automotive journalists group, more than 70 of whom attended. Manufacturers provided over 100 vehicles to test drive. Everything from the most basic transportation to Italian supercars was on hand. There were cars you see everyday from Honda, Saturn, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mini, Volkswagen, Acura, Infinity, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, and many more, and there were luxury marks including Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Maserati, among others. There were several “tuner” cars on hand. These are cars that have been heavily modified for use on racetracks, and there were even a few production prototypes of cars that are not yet available, like the new Dodge Hemi Challenger.
The event allows journalists to drive a large number of cars on both public roads and on the track where handling limits can be explored safely. Most of the journalists are writers. Some, like me, take pictures and write, and others brought their video equipment, and I expect the videos will appear on everything from YouTube to network news.
The event got under way on a Tuesday afternoon at a large Monterey hotel. The available cars were parked in front, and while we could look and touch, we could not drive. The action started early Wednesday morning with a meeting to go over events, schedules, and logistics. Then journalists’ names were called based on registration order. Once your name was called, you could head out to the lot, select any car (the keys were inside), get in, and drive. We were all headed to a tennis club in Carmel Valley, about 30 miles away. The route took us along the coast and into scenic rolling hills. We had about 2 hours, so there was plenty of time for photo shoots along the way. As the trip progressed, the scenery got better and better, and we were jumping out of the car every few minutes to take more pictures. Our car for this trip was a 2008 BMW M3 convertible, and the top was down.
Once we arrived at the tennis club, the cars were arrayed before us in a large lot, and we were free to jump into any car we liked and take it for a spin. There was a planned route - a loop with both highways and 2 lane twisties, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Of course some cars were in greater demand than others. Everyone wanted to drive the Audi R8 supercar and the Maserati GranTourismo. Getting seat time in one of these took equal parts of skill and luck. Being in the right place at the right time became a science. I was lucky to spend time in these and several other very nice cars. Here are some photos from Day 1. All photos were taken with a little Sony DSC-H1.
When we made our first photo stop, it was still a bit overcast - it had rained the night before - so the top was up...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05931.JPG">
A few minutes later, the sun poked through the clouds, and the top came down...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05956.JPG">
As we drove the route, the sky got clearer and the coast got prettier...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05989.JPG">
...and prettier...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06003.JPG">
This is the land of driving nirvana...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06028.JPG">
At the tennis club, the cars were once again assembled. Keys were left in the ignitions, so we just choose what we wanted and headed out...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06031.JPG">
We had some very good fortune as we got the Audi R8 supercar for our first ride of the day...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06045.JPG">
Our next drive was in a Mercedes SL550...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06079.JPG">
Followed by a Jaguar XKR...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06086.JPG">
On the next trip back to the lot, we struck gold and got into what turned out to be my favorite car overall, a Maserati GranTourismo. IMO this is pure automotive art...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06093.JPG">
After the Maserati, we drove a Jaguar XFR and an Audi RS4 convertible. They were nice, but a it of a letdown after the M3, the R8, and the Maserati. Wednesday evening there was a "chalk talk" at the hotel to discuss the next day's event at Laguna Seca. Later that evening there was a nice reception and dinner where manufacturers and journalists exchanged impressions about the day's drives.
Day 2 was track day and it dawned bight, clear, and a little chilly. I met friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. and then it was off to the track. We set up in the paddock area...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06270.JPG">
After a drivers meeting, we picked up helmets and then made our way to pit lane where cars were lined up. First, a pro driving instructor took scribes around the track and provided pointers like setting up for corners and braking points. Next, each journalist had to do a lap with the instructor in the passenger seat to demonstrate competence behind the wheel. Those who passed received a green wristband that allowed them to take any of the cars out for 3 hot laps. Below, the cars are lined up along pit road as drivers get ready for their laps with the instructors...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06170.JPG">
Once everyone checked out, it was time to drive. As before, the cars were arrayed before us with keys on the seats, waiting to be chosen for a dance ...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06297.JPG">
One of the Day 2 highlights was the new Dodge Hemi Challenger. As a teenager back in the 70s, my best friend drove one of these, so the original version of this car has a special place in my heart...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06145.JPG">
Here's another driver taking the Challenger through the corkscrew...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06238.JPG">
We drove several other great cars on the track, including a Porsche C4S convertible, another M3, a top line Lancer Evolution, the Jaguar XKR (again), the outrageous Jeep Hemi SRT8, a Volkswagen R32, and an Audi S5. Here are a few photos...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06189.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06240.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06247.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06241.JPG">
In the afternoon we got to enjoy a very special moment. Racing legend Phil Hill came out to the track with his son Derek to take some laps in the Maserati MC12. Maserati has teamed up with the Hills to support the <A HREF="http://www.danville-delegance.org/">Danville d'Elegance</A> which raises funds for The Parkinson's Instititute. Last year nearly 200 Maseratis, Ferraris, Lambos, and other exotics were on hand. The 2008 event is scheduled for September 28.
Below, Phil is ready to go...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06347.JPG">
Out on the track, Derek flies down the main straight with his dad by his side...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06359.JPG">
Back in the paddock, Derek debriefs the Maserati factory driver...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06366.JPG">
Well, that's a wrap. I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Cheers,
Mike
The event was based in beautiful Monterey, California. This is a perfect location because there are so many scenic backdrops for the photographers, there are numerous twisting roads with little weekday traffic, and the world-class Laguna Seca racetrack is nearby. Our schedule called for 2 full days of driving. Day 1 was the “ride and drive” where we drove the cars on scenic public roads in Carmel Valley. Day 2 was track day at Laguna Seca, and we had the track to ourselves.
The event was put on by a professional automotive journalists group, more than 70 of whom attended. Manufacturers provided over 100 vehicles to test drive. Everything from the most basic transportation to Italian supercars was on hand. There were cars you see everyday from Honda, Saturn, Chrysler, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mini, Volkswagen, Acura, Infinity, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Dodge, and many more, and there were luxury marks including Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Maserati, among others. There were several “tuner” cars on hand. These are cars that have been heavily modified for use on racetracks, and there were even a few production prototypes of cars that are not yet available, like the new Dodge Hemi Challenger.
The event allows journalists to drive a large number of cars on both public roads and on the track where handling limits can be explored safely. Most of the journalists are writers. Some, like me, take pictures and write, and others brought their video equipment, and I expect the videos will appear on everything from YouTube to network news.
The event got under way on a Tuesday afternoon at a large Monterey hotel. The available cars were parked in front, and while we could look and touch, we could not drive. The action started early Wednesday morning with a meeting to go over events, schedules, and logistics. Then journalists’ names were called based on registration order. Once your name was called, you could head out to the lot, select any car (the keys were inside), get in, and drive. We were all headed to a tennis club in Carmel Valley, about 30 miles away. The route took us along the coast and into scenic rolling hills. We had about 2 hours, so there was plenty of time for photo shoots along the way. As the trip progressed, the scenery got better and better, and we were jumping out of the car every few minutes to take more pictures. Our car for this trip was a 2008 BMW M3 convertible, and the top was down.
Once we arrived at the tennis club, the cars were arrayed before us in a large lot, and we were free to jump into any car we liked and take it for a spin. There was a planned route - a loop with both highways and 2 lane twisties, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Of course some cars were in greater demand than others. Everyone wanted to drive the Audi R8 supercar and the Maserati GranTourismo. Getting seat time in one of these took equal parts of skill and luck. Being in the right place at the right time became a science. I was lucky to spend time in these and several other very nice cars. Here are some photos from Day 1. All photos were taken with a little Sony DSC-H1.
When we made our first photo stop, it was still a bit overcast - it had rained the night before - so the top was up...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05931.JPG">
A few minutes later, the sun poked through the clouds, and the top came down...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05956.JPG">
As we drove the route, the sky got clearer and the coast got prettier...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC05989.JPG">
...and prettier...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06003.JPG">
This is the land of driving nirvana...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06028.JPG">
At the tennis club, the cars were once again assembled. Keys were left in the ignitions, so we just choose what we wanted and headed out...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06031.JPG">
We had some very good fortune as we got the Audi R8 supercar for our first ride of the day...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06045.JPG">
Our next drive was in a Mercedes SL550...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06079.JPG">
Followed by a Jaguar XKR...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06086.JPG">
On the next trip back to the lot, we struck gold and got into what turned out to be my favorite car overall, a Maserati GranTourismo. IMO this is pure automotive art...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06093.JPG">
After the Maserati, we drove a Jaguar XFR and an Audi RS4 convertible. They were nice, but a it of a letdown after the M3, the R8, and the Maserati. Wednesday evening there was a "chalk talk" at the hotel to discuss the next day's event at Laguna Seca. Later that evening there was a nice reception and dinner where manufacturers and journalists exchanged impressions about the day's drives.
Day 2 was track day and it dawned bight, clear, and a little chilly. I met friends for breakfast at 7 a.m. and then it was off to the track. We set up in the paddock area...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06270.JPG">
After a drivers meeting, we picked up helmets and then made our way to pit lane where cars were lined up. First, a pro driving instructor took scribes around the track and provided pointers like setting up for corners and braking points. Next, each journalist had to do a lap with the instructor in the passenger seat to demonstrate competence behind the wheel. Those who passed received a green wristband that allowed them to take any of the cars out for 3 hot laps. Below, the cars are lined up along pit road as drivers get ready for their laps with the instructors...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06170.JPG">
Once everyone checked out, it was time to drive. As before, the cars were arrayed before us with keys on the seats, waiting to be chosen for a dance ...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06297.JPG">
One of the Day 2 highlights was the new Dodge Hemi Challenger. As a teenager back in the 70s, my best friend drove one of these, so the original version of this car has a special place in my heart...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06145.JPG">
Here's another driver taking the Challenger through the corkscrew...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06238.JPG">
We drove several other great cars on the track, including a Porsche C4S convertible, another M3, a top line Lancer Evolution, the Jaguar XKR (again), the outrageous Jeep Hemi SRT8, a Volkswagen R32, and an Audi S5. Here are a few photos...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06189.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06240.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06247.JPG">
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06241.JPG">
In the afternoon we got to enjoy a very special moment. Racing legend Phil Hill came out to the track with his son Derek to take some laps in the Maserati MC12. Maserati has teamed up with the Hills to support the <A HREF="http://www.danville-delegance.org/">Danville d'Elegance</A> which raises funds for The Parkinson's Instititute. Last year nearly 200 Maseratis, Ferraris, Lambos, and other exotics were on hand. The 2008 event is scheduled for September 28.
Below, Phil is ready to go...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06347.JPG">
Out on the track, Derek flies down the main straight with his dad by his side...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06359.JPG">
Back in the paddock, Derek debriefs the Maserati factory driver...
<IMG SRC="http://www.picturecache.com/openroad/monterey/th_SC06366.JPG">
Well, that's a wrap. I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Cheers,
Mike