That is right, you do not need to own a Corvette to join us. Volunteers are needed Friday and Saturday for the Memorial Day fundraiser at Talladega Superspeedway. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. Those who volunteer get an event t-shirt, free meal, and to ride around the track in a corvette; five exhilarating laps of excitement. Hurry now, put the pedal to the metal, as volunteer slots are filling up fast.

Contact Bill Halligan at billhalligan7777@yahoo.com for specifics.

May 25th and 26th 2012
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega, AL
 
For the past two months we have been struggling with PayPal and Adobe Acrobat for our on-line registration.  A lot of people have conquered the beast and registered already.  Some were able to print out the registration form and mail them along with their checks to me. 
 
Well, we have made some changes and it is much easier to register.  We have eliminated the .pdf registration form since a lot of people use their smart phones to register and most are not Adobe friendly.  The registration is not an .html page that is easily filled in and an the information is emailed to me.  It then takes you to Google, where you can make your payment wit ha credit card or set-up a Google account and use your checking account.
 
In addition to the on-line registration you can download and print the .pdf registration form and mail it to me along with your check.
So far, I have 116 registration received and more coming each day. 
There are 270 spots available this year.
 
 
The Host Hotel is ready for booking: It is the Holiday Inn Express at Pell City.  We have the host hotel information listed on the web site.  It is the same hotel we had last year, and they have agreed to hold the pricing at last year’s level.  Just tell them you are with Vettes4Vets and you will get the special rate.  There are a limited number of rooms available, but the Hampton Inn next door will take spillover and honor the special rate.
 
We have a New Co-sponsor: The Outlet Shops of Grand River (http://www.shopsofgrandriver.com) is setting up special parking on Friday for Vettes4Vets participants.  They are providing Some prizes for a raffle drawing as well.  The details are not complete, but this will be a great beginning to the weekend.  The plan is to have an informal car corral meet at the shopping mall for a few hours, hold the drawing for the prize(s), then a leader will caravan the group to the NASCAR museum and the Speed Channel Dome.
 
Party All Night: -Not Really!  The Friday party at the SPEED Channel Dome will be similar to last year.  We have a new caterer, but the menu will still be BBQ (what else is there, in Alabama?).  The event tee shirts will be available for pick-up, the museum will be open exclusively to V4V participants, and after dinner, a live band will play a couple sets.  We do have to wrap things up at 9:00 PM, but I have heard that the fun continues at the hotel parking lot!
 
Track Day: The track day festivities will be the same as last year.  I have added 30 more registrations, so we will run a little later in the day, but there should still be plenty of time for those that want a few extra laps and want to give the veterans a ride.  Photos will be available like before.  Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be available again along with reasonable priced drinks.  There is a rumor going around that the ice cream chest will be unlocked this year – we shall see.  We will again be doing the 50/50 drawing and hopefully we will have some great prizes to raffle off along with some extra event tee shirts and dash plaques to sell.
 
Charities: As you know, the reason for this event is to raise money and awareness for the veterans and veteran organizations.  This year, we will again send proceeds to the Wounded Warriors via the Lakeshore Foundation.  We will also send proceeds to the 3 Hots-And-A-Cot organization.  In addition to this we will be setting up a scholarship program for Veterans at The University of Alabama in Birmingham.  I am excited about this last one.  Once the scholarship program is started, it will be self-sustaining.
 
Veterans: There will be a lot of veterans in attendance at this year’s event.  We have a special gift for attending veterans, so if you are participating and are a veteran, please let me know so we can honor you on this special occasion.
 
Website: Please check back often on the Vettes4Vets website for further updates and additional information. www.Vettes4Vets.org
  
Thanks for your time, and have a blessed day.
 
Jeff Williams
Executive Director

The Holiday Inn Express, 240 Vaughan Lane, Pelly City-a few miles from the Talladega Superspeedway-from has graciously held the 2011 room rates at $79.00 per night. The room rate includes breakfast, internet access, and pool. ASK FOR THE VETTES-4-VETS RATE...

Only 50 rooms are available at this special rate, so do not delay, call and book your room. Over flow will be sent to the Hampton Inn in Pell City; the rate is the same. 

Vettes-4-Vets is not endorsing Google, but we find it easier to integrate our needs with their services. Remember, you don’t have to open a Google account to pay on-line.

Vettes-4-Vets has switched from using PayPal to using Google-Checkout for our on-line registration payment system. You have the option through Google-Checkout to pay without opening a Google account (check Guest-Checkout), or use your existing Google Account. We switched to Google-Checkout for several reasons, first it enabled us to service you more effectively, efficiently, and provided greater security. In addition, Google offers you more advantages as it starts to dominate the marketplace. During the transition process, a few issues were encountered and had to be worked through, I apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact John O’Malley at jom@strategicvisionsinc.com.

May the Horsepower be with you!

November 16, 2011

Dear Mr. Davis,

I wanted to express my gratitude to you and the veterans of Vettes4Vets for your support of our homeless veterans program this year.  Vettes4Vets gift of $2,700 enabled us to cover the following expenses:
•    Van repairs - $775
•    Air Conditioning Units for three common rooms at center - $450
•    Job related Safety Equipment for veterans - $275
•    Three months of fuel cost for van to take veterans to and from the VA - $1,200

We continue to expand our ability to help as many as we can.  Three Hots and A Cot currently provides housing for 29 men and women in our two centers.  As winter approaches we will again expand our outreach program to get warm clothing, sleeping bags, and food to the veterans on the streets of our community.  The phones continue to ring with pleas for help – we continue answer each call we are able to.  Our motivation is the success we see in so many of our participants and our ability to see this success comes from individuals and organizations like Vettes4Vets.

We approach this New Year with the knowledge that we will be able to do more in 2012 than we could in 2011.  We still long for the year when we will not be needed as much as we are now – until then – we will continue to serve.

Thank you again and God Bless

JD Simpson
Executive Director

Lakeshore Foundation is proud to offer our nation’s injured military fitness, recreation and sport programs that provide these American heroes the opportunity to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle.  The LIMA FOXTROT program serves injured servicemen and women from Alabama and across the U.S. with injuries such as visual impairment, amputation, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and other orthopedic conditions.  Since 2006, the Foundation’s LIMA FOXTROT program has served more 1,250 participants at NO COST to service members or their families.  This could not be done without extraordinary community support from groups like Vettes-4-Vets.  Their Talladega Superspeedway fundraiser in the spring of 2010 and 2011 not only raised much needed funds to support the program but also provided a unique venue by which the Foundation could tell its story.  The Vettes-4-Vets fundraiser was a true success in 2010 and 2011 on so many levels. Lakeshore Foundation is honored to have been chosen as one of the four very worthy organizations that benefitted from the hard work and support of the amazing members of the Vettes-4-Vets nonprofit foundation.  Lakeshore would like to pay special thanks to Mark Davis who connected us with the foundation and continues to champion support for our cause.  Many thanks as well to the Board of Directors and all those who participated for their generosity!
 
“The LIMA FOXTROT programs we offer at Lakeshore Foundation truly have a life changing effect on those we are honored to serve.  Organizations like Vettes- 4-Vets make our programs possible and for that, there is never a way we could say thank you enough.”  Susan Robinson, Lakeshore Foundation’s LIMA FOXTROT coordinator.
 
Lakeshore and those we are honored to serve extend our sincerest gratitude to Vettes for Vets for their support of this effort. To learn more about Lakeshore Foundation, the LIMA FOXTROT programs or ways to get involved at Lakeshore, please contact Jen Remick, Director of Community Affairs at (205) 313-7417 or jenr@lakeshore.org

NOTE: Vettes-4-Vets will being supporting the Lakeshore Foundation in 2012 / Mark Davis

The 2012 Talladega Guide is now available on-line and as downloadable file that can be printed. As last year, SAFETY is critical and will be emphasized during the event. This year more car slots will be available, and we expect the attendance to grow. When it is all said and done, we are looking forward to a grand time at Talladega in 2012.

2012_Taladega_Guide_01102012.pdf (61.83 kb)

2012 Memorial Day Event - Friday & Saturday, May 25th and 26th

Vettes-4-Vets Reception / Friday Night, May 25th
• Gift Shop - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Museum – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Food - 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
• Entertainment - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Those going to the Friday night reception can park in the parking lot behind the NASCAR museum. Access to the parking lot and the Museum starts at 4:00 PM. The Museum has a gift shop worth visiting, but it closes at 5:00 PM sharp. 

From 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM, fun and fellowship in the parking lot, meet the Vettes-4-Vets team.

The Reception Hall doors open at 5:45 PM.  The food and beverage are available from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM.  This year’s menu is still being decided but we are sure you will enjoy the fare to be announced later. Because of popular demand, there are plans for a cash-bar during the reception. To drive responsively, one must drink responsively. Safety is paramount.

The entertainment is being planned and will be announced shortly. In addition, several raffles will add to the excitement.  You can pick up your prepaid, collectable Memorial Day Event tee-shirt(s) at the reception. On-site purchases are available both Friday and Saturday while supplies lasts.

Vettes-4-Vets Track Day / Saturday, May 26th
• Line-Up starts at 7:00 AM
• Gate Opens at 8:00 AM
• Driver’s Meetings at 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM
• Track sessions start at 9:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM
• Track closes at 5:00 PM and all must be gone by 6:00 PM

You can line-up as early as 7:00 AM. On track sign-in begins at 8:00 AM by the large American flag at the main entrance. Here you will verify registration, sign the track’s waiver and enter the facility through the tunnel. You will need to have your wrist bands on and your car stickers already on the windshields.  Please be sure to bring your registration package with you.  Don’t leave home without it.

Garage Assignments
Upon entering the track, follow the road/signs to the garage area.  You will be informed to your assigned garage.  Those of you in the first two sessions will line-up at the gate to the pit road area.  Staff will direct you to the correct parking area. 

The rest will line-up in and behind the garage.  You are not being assigned a spot for the whole day.  For the afternoon sessions, you will be in a different spot.

Driver Meetings
Two driver’s meetings are scheduled. The first is held at 8:30 AM for the morning groups of cars heading out.  A staff member will provide drivers with additional information in the paddock area, and answer any questions. A second driver’s meeting will be held at 12:30 PM for the afternoon groups of cars.

Sessions
• The first session pulls out onto the track at 9:00 AM, and from that point on each session goes out as soon as the previous session comes in. 
• Only the safety vehicles and the current 15 car session will be on the track at any given time. 
• Spotters will be in contact with the safety crew at all times. 
• If a session is short (less than 15 cars), we will ask drivers from another session to volunteer to fill up the short session.
 
This year, we will have available 270 registrations.  Each registration will be for two, 5-lap paced sessions.  Each session will last approximately 13 minutes, allowing us to expand this year’s numbers by 30.  In the past, we have been complete with all pre-sold sessions around 3:30 PM allowing for 60 to 90 extra runs.  This year, we should be complete with pre-sold sessions about 4:30 allowing for 30 additional runs to give rides to Veterans, military personnel, and volunteers.

Extra Laps
Upon completion of scheduled run sessions, if there is track time left, the open sessions will be available to drivers at $25 each. The open sessions are used to give veterans, active military, and volunteers appreciation rides.

Photo Opportunities
There will be two main photo opportunities.  The first will be on-track.  In your first session, as you drive through the tri-oval area, a photographer will shoot your car.  In your second session, you will be directed through Victory Lane, where a photographer will take your picture.  You will be able to view and purchase your picture inside the track in the Goodyear building.  The photographer also has a web site where you can purchase them at a later date.

Food & Beverages
Still in the planning stage. All proceeds go to help our Veterans. 

Special Mini-Events
• Favorite Vette/Car
• 50/50 Drawing
• Main Raffle

Best of Show Contest
During the day, Staff-members will circulate and pick their overall favorite three cars. The drivers of the first five placing cars will receive an award. Winners announced at the 12:30 PM driver’s meeting.  Participants may also vote for their favorite cars by ballot.  The ballots will be available at the merchandise area.

50/50 RaffleYou can purchase your 50/50 tickets Friday night and until noon Saturday. Raffle tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5, 15 for $10, and 25 for $20. The drawing will be held at the 12:30 PM driver’s meeting on Saturday.

Your Participation is Helping Our Veterans
Registration, reception, merchandise, raffles, and food/beverage net-proceeds go to 501 (c) 3 nonprofits helping and/or honoring Veterans. This year the organizations are:

• Three Hots and a Cot (www.cotsforvets.org)
• Lakeshore Foundation/Lima Foxtrot Program (www.lakeshore.org/limafoxtrot)
• The UAB Scholarship Fund for Veterans.

Your Primary Contact Person is Jeff Williams
• (205) 492-2515 Cell Phone
• jeff@vettes4vets.org

To stay informed, visit the Vettes-4-Vets web site often / www.vettes4vets.org

Track Regulations
SAFETY FIRST AND ALWAYS... Obey the rules at all times...

Infield Rules:
1. No alcohol or illegal substances allowed on the premises.
2. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
3. Drive on authorized roads only. (We do not have access to the whole infield.)
4. Pay attention to posted speed limits (most are idle only).
5. Park in authorized areas only.
6. The safety crew’s word is final (no exception, no ifs, ands, or buts.)
7. The safety crew has the legal authority to have you arrested (please don’t argue with staff).

On Track Rules:
1. Do not pass the safety vehicle leading the session group for ANY reason.
2. Maintain a minimum speed of 70 miles per hour at all times.
3. Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
4. Do not pass the vehicle in front of you as long as it is on the track.
5. Stay out of the top lane of the track to avoid debris on track.
6. Stay above the yellow line on the track in the corners.
7. If you have a problem, do not stop on the track, pull below the yellow line on the straightaways and try to make your way to the pit road if possible.
8. If you have to stop for an emergency, do so below the yellow line and do not get out of your car unless you are well off the driving surface.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Will my insurance cover my car if it is damaged on the track?
a. Most policies do not, check with your insurance agent to be sure.  Just be careful.

2. Do I need a roll cage or special racing equipment in my car?
a. No, this is “highway speeds”.  There is no need for any additional safety equipment.  If your car is DOT approved, it will be fine.

3. Do I need a helmet or fire suit?
a. No, just wear your seatbelt.  Long pants, shorts, bikinis, etc are all approved attire.  Please do not ride or drive in the nude.

4. Can I take passengers with me on the track?
a. Yes, as long as they are in a seat and are wearing a seatbelt.  There is no age minimum for passengers, but drivers must be 18 years of age.

5. Will there be a place to watch the cars?
a. Yes, there is an air conditioned building with some chairs, plenty of shaded space in the garage area, and lots of open areas to set-up chairs.  There is also an observation tower that is great for taking pictures and videos.

6. Can I bring friends and family in other cars that won’t be getting on the track?
a. Yes, they will have to sign a copy of the track waiver too. They can come into the infield and park in a separate parking lot.  They will have access to the garage areas, but won’t be able to drive unless they have a wrist band.

7. Can I bring an RV and spend the night at the track?
a. No, we only have access to the track the day of the event.

8. Is there a place to park my trailer?
a. Yes, there is plenty of space for trucks and trailers.

9. How many track packages can I get?
a. As many as you want.

10. Can I let someone else drive my car?
a. Are you crazy?  Yes, you can let anyone drive your car that you trust if they have a wrist band and are at least 18 years of age.

11.  Will there be time at the end for me to buy additional laps?
a. Typically yes, but we have to wait and see once the scheduled sessions are complete.  If there is time, we ask drivers to give rides to our staff-members. At this time you can purchase additional laps for $25 each.

12. Do I need to pre-purchase the Friday night tickets?
a. Yes, all the tickets must be pre-purchased on-line at (http://www.vettes4vets.org) to ensure the appropriate amount of food and beverages are available.  Sorry, there are no on-site ticket purchases.

13. What is a window sticker and why are you using them?
a. The window stickers are static clings that are numbered.  Each registered package will receive one sticker with a unique number on it. 
b. Place this on the driver’s side of the inside of the front windshield of your car so it visible to staff-members. 
c. You will be identified by this decal and your place on the track and in the garage will be reserved. 
d. If you purchase more than one package, and you intend on using the same car for both packages, then display both decals, and you will ensure your spot on the track for each session.  Please let Jeff Williams know your intentions, so he can schedule your sessions far enough apart so you have plenty of time to join your next session group.
e. The sticker peels off easily and kept as a “Badge of Honor.” 

14. Is there a speed limit on the track?
a. Yes, the pace car will be traveling an estimated 90 MPH.
b. Session drivers must stay above 70 MPH while on the track.
c. You are NOT to stop or slow down to make room for higher speeds on the track.
d. Keep the car in front of you visible at all times and maintain a safe speed and distance.
e. Watch your mirrors for the car behind you.

15. What if I want to go really fast and the driver in front of me is a slow poke?
a. First of all, your idea of “really fast” might be someone else’s idea of “slow poking it.”  Safety First.   Remember, if you intentionally hold back so you can go really fast, the pace car will slow down.  They are there to keep you and the other drivers safe. 
b. I have been on this track a lot and believe me, it is a lot more fun to maintain a good speed through the corners than to have to stop because the person in the car in front of you is trying to race down the back stretch and beat his buddy’s top speed.  I have had to stop in the corners for this very reason, and that is not fun or safe.
c. If you leave plenty of room between the car in front of you, there should be no problem accelerating out of the turns, and get some good speed on the back straight.
d. Just remember to let off so you don’t run down the car in front of you going into the next turn.  The “accordion effect” is much worse at high speeds on the track than it is on the interstate.  Remember; give yourself room on the track.  We all want to have a good time and go home in the same shape we arrived.

16. What do I do between my sessions?
a. With over 250 cars and 500 sessions, there will be about 4 hours between your first run and your second run.  Take this time to walk around and get to know the other car owners, grab a bite to eat, get something to drink, watch the other cars run, take pictures and/or video, enjoy the day.  Remember, we will be having a car show all day, and giving out awards for the top five “favorite” cars; so be sure to clean up your baby.

17. If there is time and I buy additional laps at the track, can I let someone else drive my car?
a. Are you crazy!  Why would you let someone else drive your car?  Nevertheless, you can let anyone you want drive your car, as long as they are over 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and a wrist band.  Please have that person purchase the additional laps personally so they will get the appropriate wrist band.

18. What if I don’t have a Vette, can I drive my favorite car?
a. Yes, the event is open to all types of performance cars, not just Vettes.  Every year I get a group of GTO’s from Texas and a couple Mustang clubs that register.  If you have a group of friends that all want to bring their Vipers, Ferrari’s, Mustangs, Porsches’, or GTO's, please tell them about the event.

19. What is the safety crew going to look for when they do a tech inspection?
a. Leaking fluids, loose body parts, bald tires, illegal drugs, loose change, etc.  This is a precaution.  If your car is safe to drive to the track, it should be safe to drive on the track.  BUT, the safety crew has final say-so before you go on the track.

20. What if I have a question not answered herein?
a. Contact Jeff Williams before or during the event.
• (205) 492-2515
• jeff@vettes4vets.org

Vettes-4-Vets want to wish you a most enjoyable turkey day!