The 2012 FM Summer Camp

Registrations started coming in early for the 15th anniversary Summer Camp. And they kept coming. We filled up both track days, so we added a third. And we filled that one up too. We had to add a third seating for brunch on Sunday and move to a bigger room for our banquet. It was the biggest ever Summer Camp by far.
Track times

For something a little different, we had a movie premiere at the old theater downtown. For the first time ever, Racing the Rock was shown to the public - and also to the subjects of the film, in most cases! Following the screening, there was an enthusiastic Q&A session that covered everything from the type of cameras used to how the navigators kept control of their stomachs.

On Saturday, the cars headed to FM world headquarters for technical seminars. We also got a picture of 11 V8 Miatas and one V8 drivetrain gathered together - we figure it was about 4500 hp in one picture. Saturday night was the banquet.

Sunday was a mix of brunch and fun Miata roads, then everyone scattered until next time.

2012 Summer Camp pictures

Welcome to Grand Junction Motor Speedway. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Hey there, wanna go for a ride? Photo by Ben Padolsky.
You can almost hear the passenger whimpering. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
At speed. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Geoff Pangras gives his V8 car a workout. We had 11 of these in attendance - for the first time, we had a "more than 4 cylinder" class in our awards ceremony. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Dave exploits his supercharger. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Coming up through the chicane. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Zoom zoom! Photo by Ben Padolsky.
This Italia added a bit of exotic flair to the run groups. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
There's a reason we test the limits on the track and not the road. Other than a dusty interior, this spin had no lasting ill effects. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Richard spends most of his days in the flagging tower, watching all the rest of us having fun. He likes Miata people. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Eyes on the road, not on the scenery. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Elvis thunders up the hill. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Instruction was provided by Mike Pettiford of Go4ItServices.com. He's a pretty positive guy. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Lynn and Jacque had a fantastic time in their PRHT. Quite possibly the biggest grins of the weekend. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Chris approves of track time. Photo by Shirley Schaller.
After three solid days of Miatas, the track finally got a rest. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Time to hit the Sonic drive-in. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
By the time you read this, Ed will probably have 400,000 miles on his turbo Miata. And you could eat off the engine bay. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Everybody got a chance to decorate Kristin's car. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Summer Camp isn't really about the cars. It's about people getting together for a good time. Photo by Shirley Schaller.
Larry's Westfield had a lot of custom touches. It's no trailer queen, either - he drove it up from Washington.Photo by Shirley Schaller.
Yup, that car looks happy. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Friday night was our Hollywood premiere of Racing the Rock. We rented out the historic Avalon theater and had a great time. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Keith shows off the route book used by Janel during the Targa to an audience post-show. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Brandon and Zach, kings of comedy and Targa Rookies of the Year. Photo by Ben Padolsky.
Saturday morning was a special day for Jonathan and Charlene - they got married in our gorgeous outdoors! Then they came out to the FM shop for our open house and seminars. It's all about priorities, folks. Photo by Jonathan Tate.
Tonya will be back next year. Will you be there? Photo by Ben Padolsky.

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