Well, I'm not getting any response in the Performance Paddock so I'll try this post here where I know 500E owners reside!!

We've just returned, via San Fransisco (but that's another story),from the Silver State Classic Open Road Rally in Ely, Nevada. I found it odd that there were so few four door sedans competing.
Other than our E500, there were only 3 Impala SS sedans in the higher speed classes (above 110 MPH). Only two of the Impala's finished the 90 mile course.

As it was a time rallye, we found using cruise control for most of the course was easiest - at speeds from 120 to 140 MPH depending on whether we were too fast or too slow to meet our perfect time of 45:00 minutes. With the air conditioning going and a trunk full of luggage, we really appreciated the outstanding capability of the E500.

Out of some 230 entrants, there were only four M-B's in the event, including two turbo diesels and one E420. Loads of Corvettes and Porsches. Even a dozen Panteras.

I'd like to go back next September with a whole team (8 cars minimum) of E500/500E's in the 130 MPH class. No roll bars required, only full harness and Nomex! Anyone interested?

------------------
Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

www.need2speed.web.com

[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 09-29-2000).]

Sounds like fun! Would all the cars have to be the same i.e. 500E/E500 only, or can E55s get in on it?
I can't promise anything (since it'd be a 2,500 mi. trip Each Way!) but if I can be there I will.

------------------
All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

Dean,

Sounds like a great time. How did you do ? Any crazy things happen on the course ? Any pictures ?

One of these years, I will go too. My CLK would be OK I guess, but my next Benz will be of the AMG variety, so I think I will wait till then.
Congrats on the trip !!


[This message has been edited by trent (edited 09-27-2000).]

Come to think of it, any M-B would be welcome, even a V-8 Gelandewagon! I could use some help in creating a team name...any ideas?

Other than the tragic tales of those who DNS or DNF, the event itself was rather serene. I just watched our in-car video last night and afterwards sent in my reservation for next September.

Anyone wanting more details on the event can check out www.silverstateclassic.com and, if you want to talk further, send me a note.

PICTURES AND STORY ARE NOW POSTED...FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW!
------------------
Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

www.need2speed.web.com


[This message has been edited by Dean Albrecht (edited 10-02-2000).]

Dean...

Sounds like great fun.Terrific photos and run down on the Classic.
I am currently involved in racing...Formula Dodge Series. Just picked up a CLK 55 which over the next few months we will be working over.
New aerodynamic package...Wheels and Tires...playing with the set up....pulling the speed limiter...and finally a supercharger, 510hp, 560 ib torgue!
Goal: 0-60 4 sec. top speed 180. Cornering as close to 1g as we can get it.
Hope to do it all for under 100k including the car.
If all this works out I think it would be a kick to enter it in the Classic, it will be one real bad-ass Benz!

We'll keep you posted on our progress

------------------
2000 CLK 430 Silver/Charcoal
2001 CLK 55 On order

JCO, that's one impressive ride you're building. If you want to really test out that 180 mph top speed on the open road, make sure you include provisions to install a rollbar. With that and a nomex suit, you can run the unlimited class at the Silver State Classic. Hope to see you there in September...I'll be in the 135 mph class.

------------------
Dean Albrecht
94 E500
99 ML320

www.need2speed.web.com

Dean,

Thanks for the imput....By the way nice job on the harness...I've been thinking about the roll cage issue...Carlsson makes a
really trick titanium job for the CLK that might be the way to go...fits the cockpit very cleanly...very expensive so I would want to be sure it meets the regs before commiting to it...I am going to work this car up in stages...testing at each stage.

We will see how confident we are in the car and ourselves...but we would probably not jump right in to unlimited the first time out!

One of my concerns is getting the aero package right...at some point I hope to have some pros I know in Indy put it through some tests...it should have the power to do maybe 200 with some gear changes...I just want to make sure it stays glued to the road!!

For you launch fans...Carlsson makes set of paddle style shifters for MBs...set of buttons on the steering wheel...that have...get this...a launch control feature that allows you to rev your engine while in in drive and then drpos it into gear on command!

p.s. The 55's engine is awesomely smooth!
we are not touching the innards at all...just swapping intake manifold.

------------------
Had: 2000 CLK 430 Silver/Charcoal
2001 CLK 55 Black/Charcoal-Blue

[This message has been edited by jco (edited 11-04-2000).]

Dean,

One of my friends (Mark Amarandos) ran the 150MPH class on a AT 540i and won the Second Place. They had a lot of fun. I have been invited for the next year event. Perhaps I'll try running at the 130MPH (no roll cage required, If I'm correct)

Regards,

Saliya

1992 400E
1986 300E
1989 535i
1994 Landcruiser


<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dean Albrecht:
Well, I'm not getting any response in the Performance Paddock so I'll try this post here where I know 500E owners reside!!

We've just returned, via San Fransisco (but that's another story),from the Silver State Classic Open Road Rally in Ely, Nevada. I found it odd that there were so few four door sedans competing.
Other than our E500, there were only 3 Impala SS sedans in the higher speed classes (above 110 MPH). Only two of the Impala's finished the 90 mile course.

As it was a time rallye, we found using cruise control for most of the course was easiest - at speeds from 120 to 140 MPH depending on whether we were too fast or too slow to meet our perfect time of 45:00 minutes. With the air conditioning going and a trunk full of luggage, we really appreciated the outstanding capability of the E500.

Out of some 230 entrants, there were only four M-B's in the event, including two turbo diesels and one E420. Loads of Corvettes and Porsches. Even a dozen Panteras.

I'd like to go back next September with a whole team (8 cars minimum) of E500/500E's in the 130 MPH class. No roll bars required, only full harness and Nomex! Anyone interested?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>