29 replies to this topic

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

The R4 is just around the corner. Hopefully the current economic conditions don't stop any of you from attending what is sure to be another record breaking event. I can't tell you how thankful Cindy and I both feel for your continuing support of this event. We have been working hard to give you the best race weekend we can.

I would like to announce that we now have an official "R4 Headquarters Hotel". The Holiday Inn located at 5495 Maxwell Place Columbus, OH 43228, has offered us the deeply discounted rate of $75.00 per night double occupancy. It is a brand new hotel (four months old) that is located in the center of the cluster of hotels that many of you had stayed in for past R4s. Swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and bar/lounge are just a few of the amenities they offer. For a hotel this nice, in this area, and especially for this time of the year that is a VERY low rate.

Another reason to stay at the Holiday Inn is something we have scheduled for Saturday night. Over the last two years one of the only complaints we have heard is that there is never enough time to socialize with other racers. The pace is always so hectic there is no time to "bench race" at the track. So I have reserved the meeting room at the Holiday Inn for Saturday night (9:00 PM to midnight) for the first annual R4 Bench Race Event. Hopefully many of you will attend and justify the reunion part of the name R4 (Retro Revival Reunion Race). Come on over, bring your "adult beverage" if you want (it's about 20 feet from their lounge) and meet new friends as well as reunite with old ones. This will be a perfect time to relive old race experiences. Remember that the older we get, the faster we were. And if anyone has any cool historical slot racing stuff, bring it along. You don't have to stay at the Holiday Inn to attend. It would just be more convenient.

If you're looking for something a little fancier I have also negotiated a preferred rate with the local Hawthorne Suites hotel. You will get one King or two Queens, living room (with sleep sofa), kitchen (with stove and frig), pool, hot tub, and free hot breakfast for only $85.00 per night. Another very good deal.

Please call and reserve your rooms BEFORE March 1st to get these low rates. If there is any problem or if you wait too long to reserve PLEASE call me first as I have some leeway in my contract with the two hotels.

Cindy and I are both looking forward to seeing you all again and meeting some new people at this years event.

Contact info:

Holiday Inn - 5495 Maxwell Place Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 335-1150
Hawthorne Suites - 5505 Keim Cir, Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 853-6199

Just mention Tom Thumb Hobbies or the R4 to get the special rate.

[Larry Mattingly]

Mike

Is the Holiday Inn off I-70... near the Hampton, Red Roof, etc.?

BTW... The mixer is a nice idea.

Will there be on outlet available for Ken Swanson to thrash? Hey, it has become an R4 tradition... And, he provides much of the night-time entertainment.

Jersey John with 'adult' beverages? Party time...

Have to see if we can get Rick to give up the Econo Lodge...

Could be the biggest slot race in the country from a numbers and entry perspective.

I think the three-day format is a good deal.

Barring storms (over two feet and counting in Johnstown ), hope to see you in a couple of weeks.

LM

[Cheater]

It is a great idea. The Saturday night dinner at Knott's Berry Farm during the Checkpoint Cup was a lot of fun, even if no one except Jay sat near me... LOL!! (And, yes, I did shower that week...)

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

The Holiday Inn is right behind the Hampton. Right next door to the Cracker Barrel. The Hawthorne Suites is right next door to the Red Roof.

I think the mixer might be more fun than most think. And Mr. Swanson... we always try and treat royalty special . Whatever Big K wants Big K gets.

Jersey John and an adult beverage... I'm counting on it

I am hoping a three day, one class per day format will give everyone their fill of racing without exhausting them until it is no longer fun.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Hopefully your shower schedule corresponds to the race date in a favorable way. Is it the first or second Sunday every month...?

[Pablo]

Cool !
I'm going to get RIPPED Just kidding
Saturday night:
Sunday morning:
Maybe I should just stick to ginger ale

[Rick]

Now if you can get them to allow big cigars in the solicializing room with the adult beverages, we may even be able to persuade TonyP into coming...

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

That sounds like a great idea except the comrades in our State House decided to outlaw indoor smoking even while they spend all those tobacco $$. Go figure.

[Rick]

That sounds like a great idea except the comrades in our State House decided to outlaw indoor smoking even while they spend all those tobacco $$. Go figure.

I think that is for PUBLIC and not private parties. Give me a cigar...

[Matt Bruce]

Took advantage of Mike McMasters deal with the Holiday Inn and booked a room for this years R4. Thanks Mike for setting that up for all the racers, we appreciate it. Sharon and I are looking forward to seeing everyone again.

[Noose]

I'm booked and will dragging Carlisi's butt out there with me.

[HarV Wallbanger III]

Hey Mike I'll send ya some stuff for the "Bench Racing and BS night! Wish I could come out but....

[Chris Barnes]

We will be filming during the Saturday night festivities. No telling what we will get! We will just have to wait and see. Maybe a few adult beverages will be able to have an impact on the Can Am race Sunday.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

We will be filming during the Saturday night festivities. No telling what we will get! We will just have to wait and see. Maybe a few adult beverages will be able to have an impact on the Can Am race Sunday.

I am accepting offers to make sure Ron H has one heck of a hangover on Sunday for the Can-Am race.

[Steve Deiters]

If you are a last minute hotel reservation maker like myself make note that the special rate that was negociated at the Holiday Inn at 5495 Maxwell expired March 1 as had been announced previously. If you book directly through the hotel now the rate is like $105.00. If you book through the internet with the prepaid rate (no refunds or cancelations) the rate is about $80.00. The difference in price is two sets of tires and a body!! A little shopping on how you book the room can save you money up front.
The bottom line is that if you make a last minute decision to come to the race a little bit of rate shopping may be in order. Just a word to the wise.

[Rick]

I am accepting offers to make sure Ron H has one heck of a hangover on Sunday for the Can-Am race.

We'll see how good a drinker Ron is Saturday night, heheheh. I think I might him covered in this phase of the weekend. Of course I have 20 years more experience too.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

If you are a last minute hotel reservation maker like myself make note that the special rate that was negociated at the Holiday Inn at 5495 Maxwell expired March 1 as had been announced previously. If you book directly through the hotel now the rate is like $105.00. If you book through the internet with the prepaid rate (no refunds or cancelations) the rate is about $80.00. The difference in price is two sets of tires and a body!! A little shopping on how you book the room can save you money up front.
The bottom line is that if you make a last minute decision to come to the race a little bit of rate shopping may be in order. Just a word to the wise.

I just spoke to my contact at Holiday Inn and she apologizes for any confusion. The rate I negotiated ($85.00) is STILL IN EFFECT. Of course you can prepay like Steve D did and get the $80.00 BUT that is a "no refund for ANY reason" rate.

In addition I managed to get the Hawthorne Suites to lower their rate to just $70.00. It is a very nice hotel also and just down the road from the Holiday Inn.

[Windyracer]

I am accepting offers to make sure Ron H has one heck of a hangover on Sunday for the Can-Am race.

How do you think I managed to beat him at the Sano? I took him, Fiedler, and the two Jays to the strip club on Saturday night. A few beers, and a couple of lap dances later I became the fastest (least hung over) racer at the track on Sunday.

Hey, I'm not proud. I'll take a win any way I can get it.

Cheers, Ken

[Ron Hershman]

How do you think I managed to beat him at the Sano? I took him, Fiedler, and the two Jays to the strip club on Saturday night. A few beers, and a couple of lap dances later I became the fastest (least hung over) racer at the track on Sunday.

Hey, I'm not proud. I'll take a win any way I can get it.

Cheers, Ken

WOW I must have been real drunk...LOL.... as I don't remember any visit to a strip club or any girls taking their clothes off either. LOL

[Rick]

WTG Ron, deny deny deny. Always better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[Larry Mattingly]

And, don't forget that I believe Sunday begins daylight savings...

One hour less sleep...

One hour earlier wake-up call...

LM

[Noose]

Tis true. We change the clocks this weekend.

[Jacob Shiplet]

Hey Ron and Rande, Kyle and I challenge you to a case race!

[Pappy]

Why don't you pick on someone your own age Jacob? The last thing I want to see is Ron and Rande barfing in unison.

[Jacob Shiplet]

Why don't you pick on someone your own age Jacob? The last thing I want to see is Ron and Rande barfing in unison.

Hey we can throw ralph and his crew in there as well! I am just trying to make it fair for everyone on sunday lol. If we each drink a 12 pack, the weekend "warriors" should rise to the top!