I am still on the fence (work) about going to the Mitty. I am thing it is likely that we will end up in a tent. Are there places to camp nearby? Or is there a cheap hotel close that wouldn't be packed? I have been spending my free time finishing my car and forgot about the plans for the trip.
Lots of camping at the track--plus free showers, too.
Back in the day, a lot of racers would stay at a campground on the lake. No idea the name or if it's still open. I bet their showers would be warmer.
In a tent at the track near turn three...until it starts raining...or my "room-mate" starts asphyxiating on his own vomit, at which point, I move to my car.
There is a Hampton Inn 7 miles southwest of the track and a Holiday Inn Express 6 miles from the track. Hopefully (or we are screwed, since we sell the tickets to the event) they are both sold out by now, but you can check for cancellations. From there you can work you way towards Gainesville, Atlanta or Athens.
In a van down by the river.
Well, technically in a Mazda5 down by turn 3.
It's not around the corner, but speaking as a former resident Athens is pretty darn cool. It's the quintessential college town. Figure it's about 45 minutes away.
Back in the late 80's when we used to come to the Mitty from college in NC we would tent right over the front straight. There is nothing better than being awoken by an unmuffled exhaust being warmed up in the pits below.
Sweet, so camping on site is allowed. That is likely what we will end up doing as we are cheap, and have to make up for gas hog that we are currently planning on driving there.
Yeah, lots of camping. Look for GRMers over by Turn 3.
Mitty "first timer's guide" from last year.
I think you may find that helpful.
In reply to JohnRW1621:
You coming this year? We should do a roll call. I'm coming up with Justin and Kurt (Turbo Spitfire guys from the Challenge) and this will be my first Mitty in about 25 years. Holy carp!
The event is next week and though I had hoped to be there, it looks unlikely.
Of course, I may still be able to pull it off. I know I would like to.
I'll be camping in the infield. It's a quintessential part of the Mitty experience...unless you own a BMW 3.0 CSL.
I think some guys simply sleep where they fall down.
singleslammer wrote: Sweet, so camping on site is allowed.
It's not just allowed, it is preferred.
I've spent a lot of years camping. The infield at the Mitty is as good as almost any campground I've ever been in.
I lucked out, about two years ago my brother moved into an apartment about 10-15 minutes from the track. Otherwise I'd be sleeping in the back seat of the car...which I ripped out about 5 years ago.
In reply to hobiercr:
Could you ask the turbo spitfire guys if the still want to buy a windshield from me for their challenge car.
Svrex said: I think some guys simply sleep where they fall down.
Pretty much. Just know that it ALWAYS rains at the mitty. Sadly, this will be the first year I've missed since 2004, but my brother will be there with a rental Gallardo, and the Westside guys are supposedly coming down, so yeah, I think this is THE year to go.
Turn 3, big 20 x 10 awning, either a black van or Sampson, tents, lots of alcohol and bbq. The Mitty rulez.
We'll miss you Mike.
Still hoping to be there, this weekend will tell, the skidpad rail should be running by the end of the weekend or I'm probably screwed. I got some friends in the area that have offered up sofas/guestrooms but if Aussie is there with booze and bbq I may just pass out in my car ;)
All welcome at turn 3, fun is mandatory, bring meat, interesting beer and single malt scotch
Well even if the galaxie is a flop, I may be coming in a regular car and skipping the Coker cruise.
I have already committed to going to Austin in September for the WEC/Tudor race, but next year I am thinking the Mitty will be it.
My thought was: head toward turn 3 with my tent and, of course, a healthy supply of thick steaks, local beer and very old scotch. I believe this to have been a very good plan and would recommend that anyone try exactly that. Sadly, life has gotten in the way and I just will not be able to make it down there this year...
Happily, I hope to passing along my VIP ticket and camping pass to another dyed-in-the-wool, lifetime GRMer and once again proceed to live vicariously though others. Such is life... some other time, friends.
We tent camped up against the woods between turns 8-9 on the back straight. Nothing like a Can Am car going by at 120mph at 7:30 to roust you and clear the cobwebs. There are plenty of trails / campfire/fellowship areas in the woods. Just beware roaming bands of walkers that seem to show up around midnight.
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