Archive for March, 2007

FLUGE ADVENTURES MOVES FORWARD

Monday, March 19th, 2007

We’re getting a lot of questions about the status of future FGA events.

So let me let me give you an update.

scca

First, our next SCCA race is scheduled for April 21-22 at Portland International Raceway. I expect to have my Corvette Z06 ready to do battle with those challenging Porsches, a few Corvette’s, an Acura and their great drivers. I’ll do my best - but with the chicane in place - my power surplus isn’t as much help as it will be in late June when we race with a wide open front straight!Todd Harris www.prodrive.net is still mentoring me and also preparing for his quest in our FGA Derhaag Corvette for the acclaimed Rose Cup Races in early June. Steve Gatrell is working on a software package that will help our brake issues on the Z06. Matt Crandall www.gpimports.com is also helping ready my Panoz GT1 car for future events. I am but the pawn in this journey!Hope to see you in April for this race.

kilimanjaro

Next, I have completed talks with the acclaimed High Altitude Man: Shaun Wallace, www.altitudetraining.com of San Diego, who works with world athletes on high altitude rooms and training. From mountain climbers, to long distance runners, to pro football players, he is the leader with his C.A.T. (Colorado High Altitude Rooms and Chambers). Shaun is meeting me to check out my house for CAT suitability on April 4. I want to grow that ‘3rd lung’ before the Mt. Kilamanjaro and Mt. Everest climbs later in the year.

cannonball

The most exciting thing on the horizon will be me going to Orange County in California to meet Tim Porter, Czar of the CannonBall Run (AKA “The Great American Run”) www.cannonballworld.com We meet on April 2 and pick up our specially prepared (600HP) Mustangs at the Saleen dealership. Only 25 of these beasts are being built in the world and we will have them ready for the actual run in late July. However on April 3 we expect to do a little test driving against Shelby’s, Rousch’s, and Saleen’s in the Mojave Dessert at Willow Springs. My thanks to Tim and the USA contact, Lisa Zehner Bue, for their help and support of Fluge Global Adventures. Here’s to partying!

Bill Lowblad, co-pilot in the CannonBall and also Chief Vigneron and Adventurographer of FGA for 2007, is registering us for the World Series of Poker Events as I write this. He will accompany me to some of those events and also play in some (he is an accomplished Texas Hold-em player)! My thanks to Bill - my cousin. I only hope that his vineyard (and his wife) are able to withstand his absence during his poker play and our Great American Run activities!

everest

On the home front - my two personal trainers - fitness experts Yelena King (Core Specialist), and Troy Carter, (VO2 Max Specialist), are working hard with me - 2 hours a day, 5-6 days a week to get me ready for Kilamanjaro and Everest later in the year. They will also be going on those adventures - in case they need to “pull” me up the mountains or jump in front of me in the event of landslides or avalanches. Aimee Perlinger, (Event Coordinator), will be accompanying us only to Everest, however, I am a little concerned she may not be that eager to jump in front of avalanches. Many thanks to Gordon Janow and Alpine Ascents www.alpineascents.com out of Seattle, WA - one of the best climbing groups in the world - who will lead our team effort in August (Kilimanjaro) and October (Everest). They are the best - I strongly encourage everyone to seek them out if you want to climb any of the world’s great summits or simply learn more about mountaineering.

Finally, many of you have been asking about the upcoming Fluge World Forum. My friends, Alex, Logan, and Bryce at www.kosmoscentral.com will launch this new feature this week. And yes, my buddies, Randy and Todd from Instant Imprints www.imprintsnorthwest@verizon.net will have tremendous new apparel coming out in about a week. OK everyone - keep your eyes out for imminet press releases - we have more to tell you very soon.

THE 2007 ADVENTURES BEGIN - SCCA RACING - MARCH 4

Wednesday, March 7th, 2007

racing

Until now the world has patiently awaited for Fluge Global Adventures to begin it’s journey through 2007. Finally the first adventure - SCCA racing - has begun. Sunday, March 4, marked the first race of the season - fortunately for Fluge it was held under dry skies - there were no contacts with the concrete walls and no black flags! It was pretty successful.

racing

The downside were about 4 Porsches that finished ahead of me. I was 5th! I flew by them on the straights like they were tied to a post - then they outhandled (and outdrove) me through the corners.

As the pics below confirm - I began smiling and ended with headlamps on and a front rotor that was glowing bright red - next time we get that down and we might do even better! Thanks to my team and friends who helped and attended and coached me to the 5th place. And yes, the ‘cam’ work continues on Fluge Adventures for that year end documentary - that I am confident Fox or CNN will pick up!

racing