Opelika Daily News » Camper Jerry

Looking Back (Way Back) at Chewacla & Auburn

Editor — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:25:38 +0000

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Daytona 500 This Weekend – I’m at IBP in my #88 Shirt!

Editor — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:09:54 +0000

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Opelika’s APR Races Today

Editor — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:57:46 +0000

Ryan Ellis of VW TDI Cup Fame Puts APR Motorsport and VW’s GTI MK6 On Pole at the GRAND-AM 200 and Sets New ST Class Track Record at Daytona Speedway

APR Motorsport is pleased to present Ryan Ellis as our newest record setting driver in the ST class of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Ryan hails from VW’s TDI Cup driver development program where he accomplished 2 wins, 2 poles and was a leader in 4 other races. The GRAND-AM 200 is only Ryan’s second professional race and his first since completing the 2010 season in VW’s TDI Cup.

Ryan was able to progressively improve his lap times during Thursday’s practice session as he became acclimated to 2.0 TSI power plant in the GTI’s. “Stepping into APR Motorsport’s #171 GTI and getting up to speed was not as difficult as I feared it would be. The transition from the TDI Cup Jetta’s was very smooth and I am very excited about tomorrow’s race, Go APR!”, Ellis commented.

APR Motorsport was also able to achieve a good first outing for the 2011 season in their GS class Audi S4. APR driver Gary Gibson was able to position the #91 Audi in the middle of the pack despite a minor suspension parts failure that kept him from achieving his best times during qualifying. “Making the move from prototypes to production based cars was initially a point of concern for me. However, fantastic sponsors like perfectpedal.com and the maturity of the APR team has made me feel part of the family already and I feel really good about tomorrow’s race.”, Gary relayed in the paddock after qualifying.

Be sure to check back often at goapr.com and facebook for updates during tomorrow’s race at Daytona International Speedway.

Ryan Ellis of VW TDI Cup Fame Puts APR Motorsport and VW’s GTI MK6 On Pole at the GRAND-AM 200 and Sets New ST Class Track Record at Daytona Speedway.

APR Motorsport was also able to achieve a good first outing for the 2011 season in their GS class Audi S4. APR driver Gary Gibson was able to position the #91 Audi in the middle of the pack despite a minor suspension parts failure that kept him from achieving his best times during qualifying. “Making the move from prototypes to production based cars was initially a point of concern for me. However, fantastic sponsors like perfectpedal.com and the maturity of the APR team has made me feel part of the family already and I feel really good about tomorrow’s (Friday’s) race.”, Gary relayed in the paddock after qualifying.

Be sure to check back often at goapr.com and facebook for updates during Friday’s race at Daytona International Speedway.

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Everybody is Leaving Town

Editor — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 03:03:22 +0000

Okay, I know not everyone is leaving town heading to the BCS Championship Game on Monday Night, but I’d say half the folks I know are going. Some without tickets, just to hang out and party. The rest are already lining up at Auburn like a home game to do justice to Toomer’s if the outcome calls for it.

As I ponder the weekend, with a chance of freezing rain again, what the heck is this Toronto or something, I grabbed a picture of a pour of Chimay, in a glass received as a Christmas present from the Purves’. It’s in George’s honor I drink this, as he is sporting a new Hip, replaced this morning at East Alabama Medical Center. I spoke with the good doctor just after noon and other than sounding a bit groggy, he was fine. I’m sure we’ll both be out jogging again soon, well, truth be known, he’ll probably beat me back.

In Weather Talk, here’s what the National Weather Service said this afternoon about the weekend.

…CONFIDENCE INCREASING IN A WINTER WEATHER EVENT ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA THIS WEEKEND…

WHILE WINTER WEATHER IS A RARITY ACROSS THE SOUTHERN STATES…THIS WINTER HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT NORMAL. THE CURRENT WEATHER PATTERN IS CONDUCIVE FOR SNOWFALL ACROSS CENTRAL ALABAMA WITH A COLD UPPER TROUGH OVER THE EASTERN UNITED STATES AND AN ACTIVE SOUTHERN JET STREAM. SIMILAR TO THE WINTER WINTER WEATHER EVENT ON CHRISTMAS WEEKEND…THE WEATHER MODELS ARE PREDICTING A SURFACE LOW TO FORM IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO. THE LOW WILL PULL GULF MOISTURE NORTHWARD AND COLD AIR SOUTHWARD AS IT MOVES ACROSS THE GULF OF MEXICO. CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING THAT CENTRAL ALABAMA WILL SEE A VARIETY OF WINTRY PRECIPITATION THAT COULD START AS EARLY AS SUNDAY MORNING ACROSS SOUTHWEST ALABAMA…AND SPREAD ACROSS ALL OF CENTRAL ALABAMA DURING THE DAY SUNDAY. THE WINTRY MIX IS EXPECTED TO LAST
THROUGH MONDAY. Nice…

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New Pictures from Michigan

Editor — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:38:44 +0000

Shortly after arrival in Michigan, the track infield opened for those of us waiting. I’d only been there a few hours, but others had been there for days. It’s was very organized and the MIS staff did a great job. I’ve posted some new pictures in the flickr feed in the sidebar, so go there, click a picture and review the Michigan Internation Speedway – June 2010 Picture.

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Coming This Week ~ The MIS Busses

Editor — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 03:40:59 +0000

I’ve been gathering pictures of the many busses of Michigan International Sppedway. I’ll have a photo album coming when we get back to the Editorial offices. But, to get your interest, here’s one…

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Colorful cast of characters at Michigan International Speedway

Editor — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 03:19:11 +0000

We’ve been talking among the staff about how great the MIS Staff is. From our arrival in the staging area to our third day here. Well, now it’s time to say thanks and Happy Birthday to Laurie. Freinds posted a little “It’s my Birthday Sign” on her golfcart, unknown to her. So those random “Happy Birthday’s” I’m sure were a surprise. You know me, I had to grab a photo with the birthday girl. Happy Birthday Laurie from the ODN staff.

Then of course there’s Can Head who was wandering the campground showing his unique ability to sick a can or bottle of beer to his head. And at this point, we’ve managed to catch two races, plus the Natiowide on TV this evening. The weather has been good to us and looks like it will be okay for the Sunday race. I’ll have more from the Speedway in coming days.

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Friday at Michigan International Speedway

Editor — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:17:50 +0000

So, lots of pictures and stories at the Speedway today. Running out of time tonight to post, because I need to shut down the generator. And we’ll celebrate a birthday of a MIS Staffer and her friend Dick. More on that later. Sorry, we’ve had a busy day and just ran out of time. The race today was great fun. Check back over the weekend. All is good!

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