For a brief LOG 31 video, click the link below
The annual Lotus Owners Gathering (LOG) was held this year October 14th-16th in Las Vegas, a mere 18+ hr drive from Portland Oregon. We were a sponsor of the event and we were looking forward to attending. This was our first LOG event and as such, we did not know exactly what to expect. Luckily, the event was run very well and the organization was top notch, so there were no conflicts with logistics or scheduling. This helped make the event even more enjoyable for first-timers like us.
This year the event was held at the Red Rock Hotel and Casino. This venue was perfect because it featured an adjacent large empty parking lot that was used for the car show and autocross.
The Radium Turbocharged Lotus Elise in front of the Red Rock Casino.
We installed a new set of "street" tires days before leaving on the trip and were trying them out for the first time in Las Vegas.
The trusty Radium Toyota Tundra tow vehicle. A huge thanks to Portland Speed Industries for donating the enclosed trailer for this trip!
Saturday morning was busy with the car show and meeting owners from around the country that traveled out for the event.
A special appearance by the John Player Special vintage Lotus F1 race car.
We had demo products on hand and enjoyed Lotus owner's feedback.
Sector 111 unveiled their Elise with an artisitic twist.
Want to see what a $25k watch looks like? BRM Watches was on hand showing off their goods.
More shots from Saturday's Car Show:
Satuday also included an Autocross event. We participated, but did not get any pictures because our photographer was driving the car. Saturday evening was the banquet, with guest speakers. Due to prior engagements, we were not able to attend.
Sunday Morning we were up early (kind of) and made our way to Pahrump, home of Spring Mountain Motorsports Resort. This resort features a track that can be configured many different ways. This day, it was configured with 19 turns. Lotus Cup USA was on site conducting a race for their series. This provided some great interaction with race teams and drivers with the LOG group.
For the track we put our lightweight wheels with slicks back on the car. Our pit crew, Tyler Hara (Cosworth) and Eric Valdes (Street Image) worked hard keeping the chairs from blowing away.
We talked professional driver Robert Podlesni into taking our turbocharged Elise out for a couple of sessions. We were very interested in his feedback and to see what the car could do with a real driver at the wheel.
After the first session, Robert made several comments about how linear the power felt and with a properly set up race chassis, it would be unstoppable.
He managed to absolutely fly around the track during the LOG drivers sessions and was a real pleasure to watch and learn from.
The crew from Mulholland Motorsports was on hand keeping a gaggle of Lotus race cars dialed in for the Lotus Cup race.
Dietsch Werks was on hand acting as pit crew for at least one (maybe more) of the Lotus Cup competitors. Here they are swapping a clutch before the big race.
Ramon Manuel in his Exige Lotus Cup racer. Mulholland did an excellent job with the race prep of this vehicle.
The cup series race kicked off late in the afternoon and was an exciting race to watch.
Andrew Kern walked away with a healthy win this day.
Thanks to Spring Mountain and the Lotus Cup USA crew for great day at the track.
Thank you again for the organizers (Sean Lethbridge especially) of the LOG event this year, it was pleasure for us to participate. We are already looking forward to next year in......Orlando!?