2004 Redline Rendezvous
July 23 to 25, 2004
Dunnville Autodrome, Dunnville, Ontario, Canada
Our fourth Redline Rendezvous turned out to be a memorable event for the Eastern Canada Region.
Things got off to a strange start. Our original venue location was shut down indefinitely, just weeks prior to the drop of the green flag. Luckily, we were able to relocate to the Dunnville Autodrome, located in Dunnville, Ontario. SVTOA was honoured to be one of the first groups to drive on this new 2.2 kilometre, 14-turn track. The track is interesting and exciting with several high-speed straights and sweeping and/or tight turns. The staff at the Dunnville Autodrome worked very hard to get everything ready for our event.
This year's 2004 Redline Rendezvous was our best event yet! Over 55 enthusiasts from Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, New York, and even North Carolina turned out for this event. Some brought their friends and spouses who also took part in the fun. Enthusiasts brought everything from SVT Cobras, Lightnings, Contours, and Foci, as well as non-SVT Mustangs, non-SVT Foci, Taurii, and even a Mazda RX-7. With our driving instructors on-hand, everyone had fun with their vehicles while safely getting to know their limits and improving themselves as drivers.
The weather fully co-operated with us. Sunny, clear skies overhead were accompanied with cool, dry summer air. It's a perfect recipe for catching some rays and having nice cool air for combustion purposes.
The Redline Rendezvous also attracted attention from the citizens of Dunnville. Little did we know that their summer fair was being held on the air strip beside our venue. The fair included period activities and a historic air show. Area residents perused the paddock filled with vehicles and displays, while catching the sight of Blue Ovals whizzing right past, and smelling the hot brakes..
A special treat was enjoyed for the Saturday participants. Sean Hyland and his staff at Sean Hyland Motorsports brought the SHM Targa Newfoundland Mustang for a few runs and charity laps. Vendor's Alley was in full effect with representation from CarPolish.ca, Steeda.ca, and Steelcase Tires 'N' Mags.
To cure our hunger and thirst, the Spit 'N' Grille was there all weekend. The Spit 'N' Grille offered breakfast dogs, pastries and coffee to wake everyone up. At lunch, the menu changed to hot dogs, burgers, and juicy roast beef sandwiches. Everyone was well nourished for the event (rightly so, as you do need to be alert for such a strenuous weekend).
We'd like to thank everyone who helped put this event together. If it wasn't for these people we would not have been able to pull this event off.
- The Staff of SVTOA National, including such folks as Joanne Schultz and Bill Kniegge, for all the prize and organizational support they have given
- Jeff Dusing from the SVT Enthusiast for covering our event, and showing what a Taurus can really do on the track
- Jeff Lacina, Lead Track Instructor, and his team of Track Dawgs
- Mickey Matus, Ford SVT Marketing Manager, and his sons, for making the drive to Dunnville in the corporate 2004 Mystichrome Cobra Coupe
- Peter Jansen, SVT Brand Manager for Ford of Canada
- The sponsoring chapters for this year's On Track event: SVTOA - Toronto, and SVTOA - Eastern Ontario
- The Dealer Sponsors of the sponsoring chapters: Dixie Ford Sales (SVTOA-Toronto) and Donway Ford Sterling (SVTOA-Eastern Ontario)
- Lee Abrahamson, Robert Bassett, and the staff at the Dunnville Autodrome
- The Spit 'N' Grille for their catering services
- All the Track marshals and volunteers
- Ken Lin for his photography work (sample images shown in Pit Row)
- The staff at the Best Western Brant Inn for our accommodations, and banquet facilities
- Sean Hyland and his staff at Sean Hyland Motorsports for bringing his Targa Newfoundland Mustang
- Our event sponsors: Castrol, Colormark Ltd., DaSilva Racing/MustangToyStore.com, Meguiars Canada, MOR Performance, Steeda.ca, Steelcase Tires 'N' Mags
- Last, but certainly not least, all the organizers and members of the SVTOA Eastern Canada Regional On Track Planning Committee for their efforts in putting the Redline Rendezvous together
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next On-Track event. Until then, Drive Safe and Have Fun!