Road America 2022
They Boys Are Back – Old School Ballard REunion Trip.
Road America in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin with Arvin, Bill, Conor, Marc, Mick, Rich, and Terry. An Epic Adventure for Us All.
Mick, Conor, and I flew out of Seattle at 12:30 in the morning. A four hour layover in Minneapolis, that seemed like forever, then a quick flight to Milwaukee to end our flying adventure. The funniest thing on this leg of the journey was Mick gassing up the plane on the last leg and blaming it on Conor. They both just laughed and giggled like school boys.
We got into Milwaukee a little bit before the others so we stopped at Klement’s meat outlet store and bought up some supplies. We jumped back into the Lincoln Nautilus that we rented and headed off to meet the rest of us at the resort. Along the way we talked with Arvin, Rich, and Terry. They were driving in from the Football Hall of Fame and the Rock N Roll hall of Fame. They were making the best of their time in this area. we realized that they were about fifteen minutes behind us. We all decided to meet up at the Piggly Wiggly in Plymouth to pick up supplies for the weekend.
Marc was already at the resort when we got there. We all unpacked and sat down for a visit while we waited on the parade of cars to arrive. The Resort we stayed at, Siebken’s was the final stop on the parade with the cars all parking around and on the resort grounds. We all got our chance to walk around and touch the cars. There are a couple of photos from our rooms looking down on this spectacle. After the parade, we all went to dinner across the street at Oshtoff’s. We had a great time telling stories and catching up. The food was good, the waitress was a saint to put up with us, and the rounds of B52s were a nice capper to the evening. What a cool way to start the vacation.
Day 1: The next morning we went to the Off the Rail cafe for breakfast. Mick had heard about this spot from some of the locals he was talking to the night before. Great call! The food was good, the atmosphere was fun, and I bumped in to David Hobbs. I remember watching him race and be the voice of Formula 1 for many years.
We headed off to Road America after breakfast to scope out the track, get the golf carts, and watch the warm up races. There was not too many people at the track so we pretty much had the run of the viewing spots.Â
After we got back to the resort we all went out to dinner at the Tiki Bar next door. The food and the conversation was good. After dinner Conor and I went to go shoot some darts at the Stop-Inn Tavern on the resort grounds. Lots of memorabilia from the decades of racing on the walls. So many things to look at.Â
Day 2: was spent entirely at the track. Qualifying day for the racers provided a little more speed and excitement on the course. Eggers for breakfast at the track. We had all picked our favorites to win for fun. We were all down on Turn 1 getting tacos for lunch and to watch for the beginning of the first race for the PROAM, AM, and PRO classes.
Our favorite was the CloudStrike Mercedes team. We had met the Crew Chief at the resort the first night we were here. Lloyd was a very nice and friendly guy. We talked to him almost every night. On the first run down from the starting line the Mercedes got pinched and spun off the track. They got a DNF. That was a bummer for them as they were the points leaders at this point for the series.
We all went to a supper club this evening for steak. Schwartz’s was an interesting dining experience. I con’t know if anyone had ever eaten at a place like this before, but it was my first time. We ordered our dinner while standing in the bar. When our food was ready, they took us back to the dining room where our salads and breads were already in place waiting for us. The steaks came a few minutes later. Talking with the waitress about the system she shared with us that by doing it this way, they were able to turn the tables 8 times in an evening, instead of the 3 turns in a normal set up.Â
Day 3: All out racing! More Eggers for breakfast. The CloudStrike Mercedes team had been up most of the night putting their car back together and were out to make a point. Unfortunately it did not work out the way they wanted. Just after the starting line the bumped the car in front of them and popped a hod pin. By the first corner the left front of the hood was lifting up, and a few turns later it was completely up and laying over the windshield. They had to come in and pit to take the hood all the way off. They got out on the track but were never really able to recover.
Dinner this evening was on the patio at Oshtoff’s. It was a perfect evening for dining al fresco. We had a nice view of the lake and the sunset. We talked for a couple of hours, topping off the meal with flourless chocolate cake that Terry ordered for all of us.
Day 4: We all talked about the next adventure. It’s either fishing, or Formula 1 racing somewhere in the US. We said our good byes and went our separate ways home.Â
All in all it was a fantastic experience to have and to share it with some of my oldest and best friends, and my son, is priceless.Â
Mick, Conor and I in Milwaukee
We were out looking for a meat outlet store. I made the mistake of guiding us to the Corporate Headquarters instead of the outlet store in the plant. This is us in front of our rental Lincoln Nautilus in the heart of the Brewery District.
The Gang is All Here
Rich, Arvin, Mick, Terry, and Marc, looking down from the corner room that Rich, Marc, and Arvin shared. (Pictured left to right)
The View from Our Balcony
The end of the parade of cars stopped right at our resort. This is what we saw the first night just below us.
A View from The Room
This is the parade of cars from the other room. The cars were stacked like this in the alley and on two sides of the resort.
Terry Kelly
What a handsome devil. Need I say more?
Teaching the Next Generation
Arvin and Conor having a laugh after meeting just an hour ago. Conor had a lot of fun meeting my old friends and hearing the stories.
Rich
Our friendship dates back to somewhere around 3rd grade.
Marc
Marc Dyrness explaining some of the finer points to something I don’t remember. I know it was a good explanation because he’s Marc.
Ballard Vikings
Talking about the days we spent playing little league together.
The Parade of Cars with Rich and Conor
It was so good to introduce my son to these guys. It’s been too long since we all saw each other. At least this time it wasn’t a funeral or something like that..
Conor Meet Terry
The man that planned this whole thing, Terry Kelly.
Goofing Around
Rich, Terry, and I just being silly.
Old Boys
Still the first night, taking pictures of the gang. Me, Marc, Terry, and Rich (Pictured left to right)
Road Blocks
I just liked the stencil logo prayed on the barricades. These were used to keep the alley between the Hotel and the Tavern clear for more event space.
Rich and Mick
I am sure this was a deep conversation about business and finances. Some high level meeting shit.
It’s Noon Somewhere
A little cranberry juice to keep the system working.
Conor
He had a lot of fun getting to know everyone. He learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed his time with us.
David Hobbs and Me
He was putting his wife’s painting up on the wall at the “Off the Rail Cafe” in Elkhart Lake. I recognized him right away. Had to take a moment to be a silly little kid again and ask for an usie. He raced with Jackie Stewert and was the Voice of Formula 1 for decades.
Mick and Arvin
Don’t know what they were talking about, but they are both smiling. Thought it was a good moment to capture.
The Commuter
A Panini with scrambled egg, bacon and Vern’s sharp cheddar on sourdough bread. Breakfast at Off the Rail Cafe.
1968 MGC GT
Saw this outside the cafe and knew what it was immediately. It had two year production span from 1968 to 1969 with a total of 8,999 cars being built; 4,542 were roadsters and 4,457 were in GT form.
Terry and Mick talk in the background, outside of Off The Rail Cafe.
This Guy!
Arvin chauffeured Conor and I around all weekend. Golf carts were a great call. Good thinking Terry!
The Heart of Racing Aston Martin
This shot was taken at turn 13, the “Bill Mitchell Bend” which comes up fast right out of Canada Corner.
Aston Martin Power
Coming out of “Bill Mitchell Bend” heading towards turn 14.
BMW The Ultimate Driving machine
Friends Forever
It was good seeing every one again. It is nice to see that we haven’t changed that much over the years. The bonds of childhood are hard to break.
AMG Mercedes SLR
The Heart of The Shirt
This is the car that is on the shirts we made for the event.
Porsche
This was the class leader in every race he ran.
Peace, Love, and Hang Loose.
Just think about it…
Soft Serve
Don’t get this in Seattle very often.
Triarsi Competizione not Felling Well
Day one at “Kettle Bottoms” we saw this happen. Took a wheel to the grass coming out of “The Kink” and wound up in the wall. Ouch!
Kettle Bottoms to Canada Corner
Marc, Terry, Conor, and Arvin (From farthest to nearest) watching the section coming out of “Kettle Bottoms” with heavy braking to enter “Canada Corner”.
The Elkhart Lake Lions Party Deck
I loved how the sky looked in this. That is pretty much the reason for this photo.
Atop the Fan Deck
Arvin suggested we watch the races for a bit from the top of the tower. You could see several corners and a couple of straightaways from here. Probably three stories high.
Elkhart Lake for the Tiki Bar
Good meal, lots of laughs, and good company.
The Tiki Bar
It’s not what it looks like. We ate a big meal here too. Every one was into good conversations. There was almost as much listening as there was talking going on. That seemed to work.
Burger at the Tiki bar Nextdoor
Yeah, it was good.
Bill Mitchell Bend
Conor and Arvin did a lot of talking about engines on this trip. I suppose that is what happens when you get a couple of mechanic types together.
Eggers!!
I was told that I had to have one of these at the track from a friend here in Seattle. We were not disappointed.
Marc and Bill
Lloyd!
Had fun meeting Lloyd from CrowdStrike Racing. He was staying at our hotel. We ran into him a lot. Super friendly and willing to take the time to hang out.
Deborah, The Owner
Arvin, Conor and I met her the day before while taking photos. I’m pretty sure she was into Arvin, but it turned out to be a possible offer for Conor. Here we are talking with her in her team paddock. Conor talked with the Crew Chief for a while, getting the low down. Then they fed the three of us lunch.
TeschSport Racing
Good people. Enjoyed meeting them. Bumped into them a lot over the weekend too.
The T-Shirt Star
This is the racing team that I used for the front of our t-shirts.
What a Pretty Face
The access we had to the cars and pits was so cool. I got a lot more photos of cars just sitting in their paddocks.
Post Race Tech Check
After you place in a race, you are required to go through a review of your car by the race officials to make sure you didn’t cheat.
Me and Driver Drew Satveley
Drew was the driver of the Ian Lacey Racing Aston Martin. I asked the guy that we were talking to if they had any hats or t-shirts he could give us. He said “Sure. Do you like hats?” We said yes, of course. He then said “I can get the driver to sign them for you. He isn’t very good though.” Arvin, Conor and I had a few laughs about that later.
Arvin and The Flying Lizard
The look on Arvin’s face says it all. Aston martin Vantage V8 power baby!
Conor Gettin the Low Dawn
This is Kevin, he is the team manager for Tech Sport Racing. Conor is talking to him about going to work for them.
Rich Watching the Front Straight
This is Turn 1 were you watch the cars some down the hill from the starting line. We had tacos at the little stand here too.
Rich Looks over an Accident
Turn one saw the CrowdStrike Mercedes pinched and spun by the Acura. They were force to take the DNF for this race.
Tech Sport Racing
These were the people that wanted to interview Conor for the fly out job.
Oops!
The CrowdStrike Mercedes after being taken out on the first lap with a pit maneuver from an Acura. They were able to put her back together to race the next day.
A Pastoral Set Church
This just looked very much like a Rockwell type of setting. I know he didn’t do churches, but you get my drift.
New York Strip at Schwartz’s
This was an awesome experience. None of us had ever been to a Supper Club before. You stand in the bar, order drinks. When the waitress comes to you to ask how many are in your party, she also takes your food orders. When your food is ready, they seat you. Salads and bread is already in place. about half way through your salad, your steak shows up. Normal restaurants want to turn a table three times in a service. They turn eight tables per service, according to the waitress.
BUgs on Flowers
These caught my eye while I was at Kettle Bottoms taking pictures of the crash. I don’t know what the insect is, but the flower is definitely a Dandelion.
A LIttle Bit of Damage
This is what happens after you hit the wall at over 120 mph. It’s truly amazing how strong the frames are on these cars.
Putting The Wall Back
We saw this machine several times brought out to put the wall blacks back in place after crashes. I never put any thought to even having to do this, until I saw it.
Aston Martin Vantage V8
The Flying Lizard
This team was Arvin’ choice for winner. They didn’t do too bad at all.
It’s a Mini on a Donut
We saw this in the pits and had to laugh. The 60 mile an hour spare tire on a race car just looked funny.
The Battle in Turn 1
CrowdStrike Mercedes by Riley Motorsports alongside the Aston Martin of Ian Lacey Racing. This Aston was pretty much a dog all weekend. I don’t think it finished anything other than last.
Triarsi Competizione Ferrari
The #23 was the class leader almost the whole time in all three of it’s races.
Manhole cover at Road America
This symbol was everywhere. Can you name the corners and straightaways?
CrowdStrike Mercedes by Riley Motorsports
This was taken after the last race, when the hood came up during the first lap. They are in first place in the points standings and after a DNF on the first day, the pack only got closer.
Sitting very low
Conor believes that this had to be on bags to sit on the ground. He is probably correct. I don’t know enough about them, but it makes sense.
Ford V8
Conor and I had to take a few shots of this. We both dig rat rods.
The Hard Left Burger
I had the Hard left Burger at Siebken’s. Named after the corner at the end of the resort. A sing states that in the 1951-52 race, which went through town, this was the first hard turn that the cars had to negotiate. Road America opened up in 1955.
Walleye Fish Fry
Conor had Walleye for the second time on this trip. We got this one at the Stop In Tavern at Siebken’s.
Car Sticker
I think this says it all. I thought it was clever.
Elkhart Lake
I saw this cute scene of couple sitting on the bench overlooking the lake. It reminded me of times with Liberty. We would have sat there for a couple hours and just talked.
Rich and Marc
I don’t know what they are talking about, but it looks deep and important. Probably cars or something.
The Ballard Boys
Before our last dinner together. Pictured left to right (back row) Marc Dyrness, Arvin Vulliet, Bill Hanson, Terry Kelly, (front row) Rich Vulliet, Mick Troiani. Photo taken by Conor Hanson.
Elkhart Lake in the evening after dinner
The weather was fantastic the whole time we were there. This photo was taken outside of The Oshtoff after our last dinner together.
Flourless Chocolate Cake at Oshtoff’s
Desert for the whole crew after our last meal together. Thanks to Terry for doing the secret order to surprise us.
Mushrooms by the curb
Saw these while waiting to leave the resort. They just looked different than the ones I see at home.
Conor and I leaving Siebkens Resort.
This is the house we stayed in. Well it wasn’t really a house, but we enjoyed the entire trip.
Mick and Conor at the Airport in Minneapolis
They are looking at fishing photos and having a good conversation about many things. So cool watching my friends re-meet my son.
Arrival at Sea-Tac
After a long day of travel, Conor, Mick and I say good bye.