Weather looks ideal...

<a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USWA0206?locid=USWA0206&dayNum=1&par=comcast&site=assistfcst&promo=0&cm_ven=Comcast&cm_cat=www.comcast.net&cm_pla=Assistant&cm_ite=CityPage">Kent Weather for Tomorrow</a>

I'm finally getting out with them after 2 wet events.

My father has an old spider he lets me take out.

question for you, it's a 73 spider convert. with no roll cage. will they let me run?

is it leaking oil? Just kidding. Although the Giulia Sprint GT I drove back in the day leaked like a soaker hose.

I LOVE Alfas. They might even come back to the U.S. Can you imagine going to the Maserati store for service though? Which you know it will visit like a vacation home.

"What's that? Oh yes please Mr./Ms. Maserati service person, please take my $$$. Thank you. What's that? Oh yes, we'll be back next week and you can have some more! Thank you so much."

Their performance numbers aren't the most impressive for the dollar they charge, but something about the pinanfarina design is so sexy.
Our spider just got completely rebuilt. runs like a dream, though grinds in first and second sometimes, so It's not the best for the track. In fact, I think my 1.8T is quite a bit faster. Still the sound from those older italian engines is a thing of beauty. What will you be driving down there?

Do you know of a reputable shop to have a rollbar installed? is there one that can be removed easily after tracking the car? Have you attended any of the alfa meets? they are a blast. Some of the most friendly people I know. Even the guys with the totally busted alfas show up.

"What's that Mr Audi Mechanic? You want more money? but I thought I had a warrenty? AoA doesn't cover any of it? How much? that's what the car is worth!"

Ahhh. The leather is unmatched. Who cares about performance (or reliability). Heh.

First and second gear grinding? Well first gear shouldn't be an issue at PR (except in the paddock).

I will be driving my Ford hatchback as always.

I have mixed feelings about recommneding roll bar vendors.

Speedware did mine and I am "happy" with it. It is stout, welded in, and a *long* way from my seat/helmet area.

I know of several very satisfied Cascade customers. However, I also know at least one *VERY* unhappy camper. That unhappy person did get the problem resolved, but it involved a completely redone rollbar -- at Cascade's expense.

On the other hand, Cascade just put in a very nice bolt-in 4-point number into a Cayman S track slut. The owner is ecstatic about it.

I think the main things to think about with Cascade are:

* Be VERY clear about what you expect as far as clearance (from your head, in terms of fit to the soft-top structure, etc.). Be prepared to have illustrations with dimensions, otherwise buyer beware.

* Cascade is tilted toward all-out race cages, so some folks feel like they don't think about how the bar will operate in a daily driven setting. Again, all the relevant sign-off parameters regarding fit, etc. need to be specified up front so that Cascade is on the same page with your expectations. Pete won't like that approach, but it'll keep the shop on its toes.

* Cascade spends a lot of the regular race/track/rally season on the road. So, I'd suspect their turnaround time would (with certain exceptions) be faster in the winter.