Tag Archives: land rover driving school
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Mudd-e Chef Challenge – Cook from HOME
THE MUDD-e CHEF CHALLENGE
Win glory and prizes from the safety of your own home!
The Challenge:
Create a dish using two eggs and any other ingredients you choose.
We need you to shoot a short video (no longer than three minutes) and upload it to your Facebook or YouTube page. Then send the link to info@muddychef.com Once received, I will distribute the videos to our judges. Since the judges cannot taste your dish, you will be judged on the following criteria:
- Gratuitous Land Rover product placement.
- Creative use of the primary ingredient – eggs.
- Production value of your video (funny, high quality, entertaining, etc.).
- Difficulty of creating your dish.
- Is your dish so good that our judges would want to make it themselves.
Depending on the total number of entries we will pick a first, second and third place winner. If we have more than 6 contestants, we will create a bracket-style leaderboard and the winners of each round will move on to the next round. Winners will receive a special edition Muddy Chef Challenge Mug and whatever prizes I can scrounge up in the MCC garage.
Competition begins: 4/6/2020
Competition ends: 4/12/2020
Want to sign up? Competition ended.
Want to know who won? Click HERE
Off-Road Adventure at the 2019 Muddy Chef Challenge
Thanks to Dive the Globe for this fantastic video.
FANTASTIC PRIZES FROM ORVIS ADVENTURES
JUMP IN!
British Carburetors LLC – OFFICIAL SPONSOR
EVENT SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 26
Event Registration and Campsite Setup
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. for all guests. Campsite setup and meet and greet. Campsite registration closes at 7:00 p.m. You must be onsite by 7:00 p.m.
The Low Range Games – Bridge To Nowhere / Rat Cage
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a challenge? Join us for two great events. The Rat Cage event will test your ability to handle your Land Rover and problem solve in tight confines. Service Bay – build a simulated log bridge and navigate your vehicle over the abyss. Minimum of three teammates required for this event.
Fly-Casting and Private Tour at the Orvis Flagship Store
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Want to try your hand a fly fishing? Join the Orvis Adventures staff at the Orvis casting pond at the Orvis flagship store in downtown Manchester. The Orvis flagship store will open for a special private tour and sale – only for Muddy Chef attendees.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Village Opens – Vendor Presentations
13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.
Friday, July 27
Late Event Registration and Campsite Setup
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK! 7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m
SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m
Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Basic off-road skills and tactics. Dorset Quarry tour after training.
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure. You will be divided into three groups. Make sure to speak with each group leader about your preference of off-road difficulty. Please have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure. Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go. Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.
Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
Training – Using a spotter for challenging terrain. (new)
New for 2018. Join Eric Yohe for a quick lesson in effective spotting. Learn appropriate hand signals and how to use nonverbal communication to guide a vehicle through difficult terrain – without damage.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
RETURN TO CAMPSITE / PREP FOR CHOPPED / FANCY DRESS PARTY PREP
4:00 p.m.
Chopped at The Muddy Chef Challenge (BOORN BROOK FARM, 527 Benson Road, Manchester Center, VT)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
New location for 2018. Boorn Brook Farm and the Green Mountain Falconry School. Join the staff of the Boorn Brook Farm for a tour of this amazing estate, a chance to see an African Eagle and an assortment of birds of prey and cheer your favorite Chopped team!
What is Chopped at the Muddy Chef Challenge? It’s just like the Food Network TV show – without the kitchen! Contestants must bring everything they need to prepare, cook, and serve a gourmet meal – all from a mystery box of ingredients. Please note – there is an additional cost to register for this event. CLICK HERE to register. All Chopped contestants receive custom gifts available only to Chopped competitors. If you like a challenge this is the event for you!
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Presentations
13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 28
NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK! 7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m.
SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m
Late Arrival Event Registration and Campsite Setup
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Final event registration and campsite set up. After 10:00 a.m. registration is closed unless you have spoken to the organizer and made prior arrangements. Have an emergency? Send an e-mail to info@muddychef.com
Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Basic off-road skills and tactics. Anyone who took part in the Friday training will be qualified for an advanced trail run on Saturday.
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure. You need to have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure. Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go. Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.
Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own
4:00 p.m. Announcements ahead of the Muddy Chef Challenge
The Muddy Chef Challenge
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The MAIN EVENT! Your team will create amazing dishes for our judges. You need to prepare an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. Extra points are awarded for use of locally sourced ingredients. Click here for a complete list of rules.
13th Street Cocktails
9:00 p.m. – whenever!
Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments.
Sunday, July 29
Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m.
Awards and goodbyes.
SPONSOR PROFILE / Kristen Feeney – GS Promo Source
If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
No, I wouldn’t….unless I could get a HUGE life insurance policy. I wouldn’t get into a submarine they made either. If they made a Land Rover refrigerator I’d be screwed because Eric would have to have it, and I’d end up with a fridge that would overheat all the time with door lights that would never go on, and I’d have to replace the fridge’s drive shaft immediately or it would impale the ice maker. Not good.
Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
I grew up in Massachusetts in a family that valued great food and education with an extremely overprotective father (read…. was taught to shoot at an early age). I went to private schools my whole life. I got full scholarships for college and grad school, but living in Boston was not cheap, so I bartended and waited tables in some awesome places to get by. I currently live in Madison, CT, but I’m really looking forward to moving closer to NYC – the food and shopping Mecca of the US at the end of June. I own my own marketing/design company that specializes in promotional products and apparel called GS Promo Source, LLC. If you ever need the perfect product to thank existing clients, promote your business, give away at a trade show, incentivize your employees or promote a sales or HR program, I’m your gal. I am also the mom of a teenage son, named Jack and Eric Yohe’s better half aka Mrs. Muddy Chef.
How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
One and only one. I have a 2004 Discover II. I started referring to “her” as Maya as she is Mayan Gold, and it just stuck. I am comforted by the fact that if I ever get stuck, I will be found quickly as Maya is so “bright” that she can easily be seen from space.
What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
There are several great things about owning a Land Rover – versatility of terrain you can handle is my favorite – i.e. if Eric misses the drive thru we can just jump the curb and get into the lane – no worries. I also love that the my “girl” is gold and glamorous, yet versatile enough to jump a curb and beat the Maserati driving towards the parking space I want right outside Nordstrom’s shoe department.
What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The worst part is that I can’t afford the Holland & Holland Edition Range Rover…yet. Really. It also bums me out that FCP Euro doesn’t offer replacements for every single part on my car…can you say lifetime warranty?
Been on an adventure? – tell us about it.
Right after I got my Discovery, Eric decided to give me an off-roading lesson. I’ve been told that I should be ashamed to say that I am the ONLY person that has EVER asked if I could put my car into 2nd gear (instead of 1st or 3rd).
If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
The Range Rover Holland & Holland Edition in that gorgeous dark green with matching Holland & Holland shotguns! A vintage remodeled Airstream to tow behind it would be a welcome addition as well.
What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
The stairway to nowhere on the back door. A cool Bluetooth radio, that’s hands-free and has a great DVD player so I can watch movies when we’re broken down and Eric is fixing the car. Eric also added heated seats for me!
If you were on safari which three (living or dead or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?
I would like my dad as he was so much fun, a great shot (read protection), cooked yummy breakfast and gave the best hugs ever. I would also like (the character) Sabrina from B’witched, as she was naughty, fun and could snap her fingers to get me anything I wanted to eat, drink or instantly clean up messes. Sabrina could also make sure I was fully caffeinated and that my hair looked freshly blown out at all times (regardless of rain or humidity levels), elevating my mood while minimizing danger to my other companions. Finally, I would want Eric as he is my favorite person to be around, fun at a campfire (and his cigars keep the bugs away) and, (of course) I will need him to fix my Land Rover as Maya is sure to overheat or breakdown in the worst possible place, and he always has his toolbox, basic spare parts and plenty of extra oil and water handy. Who could ask for more?
SPONSOR PROFILE / Kevin Duffy, CideRoad Organic Switchel
Tell us about yourself, where you grew up, your background, education, and family.
I grew up in New Vernon NJ. Went to The Canterbury School In New Milford, CT then Hartwick College majoring in consumption and Economics! My wife’s name is Hilary LaForge and we have two Kids: Patrick (12) and Charlotte (10) plus an English Golden Retriever named Burleigh. We live in Mendham NJ.
What the heck is Switchel and where did you come up with the idea for CideRoad?
We discovered Switchel while cruising down a side road in New England, hence our name, CideRoad. An unforgettable inaugural swig led us to create our own versions including our Original, a spicy Cherry, and a snappy Blueberry. Turns out it’s a historical drink that dates back to the 1600’s.
They had a bowl of switchel to hydrate our forefathers while they crafted the constitution during the unbearable Philadelphia summer heat of 1787. Apparently Mr. Madison and Mr. Hamilton would spike the switchel with Jamaican rum on days when they needed a little help persuading the rest of the guys to follow their lead!
Its core ingredients: Vermont maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and ginger provide a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors — creating a unique taste that leaves you wanting more.
What’s it like to quit your job and follow your dream?
At first it’s like whoop whoop! Then its scary as hell! Especially when you see how little you are paying yourself. It’s a lot more work but hopefully worth it in the end. I will say that I have never worked harder and every day is a new learning experience and a new problem to fix. It’s probably akin to trying to maintain a Range Rover P38 as a daily driver 🙂
We know the CideRoad logo includes a cartoon Land Rover. Can you tell us about it?
We wanted our logo to resonate a certain lifestyle. It’s about being adventurous, being outdoors, being active and g
etting lost in exploration once in a while. The inspiration for our logo was an old Land Rover because there’s something truly unique and authentic about old Rovers. It hints at a certain lifestyle and ties in the whole cide-roading theme.
How many Land Rovers have you owned? What’s the best and worst thing about owning them?
I have owned four Land Rovers so far.. My first encounter with Land Rovers was when my Dad bought a 1968 Series 2A, Model 88 for his Rhode Island summer house. It was sort of a beater, or so I thought but I was simply too young to understand the concept of patina at the time.
I can, however, testify that that truck dominated the Weekapaug sand trail like no other! I bought my first Land Rover, a Disco 2 in 2002. It was used (lightly) and was Adriatic Blue with a light tan interior. I promptly had proper, orange pin stripes painted down the sides and loved that car for many years.
A few years back I bought a 1995 Range Rover Classic, County LWB. It was in pretty good shape and so much fun to drive. I remember driving it to VT with the family and my two little kids were in the back. They had so much leg room that they were scared of all the space! I did some nice work on that truck while I owned it, including rebuilding the cracked center console with real burlwood.
In 2012 I found my dream Rover that I had been searching for, a 1961 Poppy Red Series 2A 109. She will be at the Muddy Chef this summer being towed by my next LR purchase – a 2007 Range Rover LM322, again in dark blue and with blue leather interior. I still drive this truck today as my daily driver and it has 110,000 miles on it – love it!
SPONSOR PROFILE / Alex Josefson, President of Spectro Oils
5 Questions for Alex Josefson, President of Spectro Oils
Tell us about yourself, your history with the company and about Spectro.
About me? I’m an outdoorsman, I enjoy cooking (and eating), and I love anything with a motor, I am basically the embodiment of the Muddy Chef! Ha-ha.
My history with Spectro Oils is rather intertwined as it is my family’s business. It was my grandfather, Robert Wehman who started Spectro Oils in 1966 right here in Connecticut, where we have been now for almost 50 years! We have been family owned and operated since day 1, with the goal to make high performance, and quality lubricants.
It’s funny, but I never know how to respond to people who ask me how long I have been working here. I have been a full time employee for around 4 years now, but I have always been with the company in some regard. Even when it was sweeping the floors during the summers in High School to help out. It was amazing how I always got called in when there were weird odd jobs, or long time consuming ones, but it never mattered to me because I have always loved being around, and being a part of this company. My proof in that is whenever we package gear oils, every employee complains due to the smell, the additives in gear oils tend to be rather, shall we say….pungent. But to me it’s a great smell, it brings me back to when I would visit my dad, uncle, grandfather, and grandmother when I was young, to me it’s a nostalgic smell.
Most of the vehicles at The Muddy Chef Challenge use the ancient Buick designed flat-tappet V8. What’s a good Spectro oil and why?
Spectro makes a number of oils that would fit a wide variety of Land Rovers. But the ones that would best fit that Buick motor would have to be our Motor-Guard 20w50. We carry it in two forms, a straight petroleum, as well as a semi-synthetic.
The reason that Spectro’s Motor-Guard line is a great fit for these motors is that they are high in an additive called ZDDP, or if you prefer the long name Zinc DiakylDithioPhosphates. ZDDP is a must have in any race cars, and classic cars/trucks, especially pre-catalytic converter, or that have flat tappet motors. The most important part off ZDDP is the zinc, because it is what we call an anti-wear agent. In short zinc bonds to the metal surfaces inside of your motor, and acts as a sacrificial barrier to prevent engine wear. It helps reduce the internal damage in the motor that can lead to major repairs.
What was your favorite moment from last year’s Muddy Chef Challenge?
Do I have to pick one moment? I honestly enjoyed the MCC from the second I got to the Falls Village Inn for the pre-weekend festivities to the closing awards ceremony. The biggest thing I enjoyed about this event though is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s FUN!!! That’s what the whole adventure is about, and it shows from every aspect. From allowing contestants to bribe judges (Feel free to contact me ahead of time this year for a list of my likes, and dislikes), to the comradery, and the genuine feeling that everyone is there to have a good time, it’s an exceptional event through and through.
But when all is said and done the one thing that impressed me more than anything else at the event was how everyone helped each other out. I saw people helping to fix other Rovers that went down, people sharing spices and other supplies during the cook-off, and some who went out of their way to make sure everyone got a chance to go out on the trails and have an adventure.
I really cannot say enough about the MCC staff, the contestants, and the event itself, it was truly a special event to be a part of.
You had a unique perspective as a judge. What was it like tasting all those courses?
Divine. Filling. Hilarious. Let there be no question I was the least proper judge at the table. Other judges were using words I barely understood to describe the flavors, and textures (I’m fairly certain they made a few of them up just to mess with me). But I started to get the hang of it, and have pretty much had Food Network on every day since then to prepare myself for this year.
Now the problem is going to be stretching out my stomach before the event. I am a larger individual who has been known to eat large quantities in one sitting before, but I have never been as full as I was after the MCC3 judging. I beg all of you that are participating this year, please bring us smaller portion sizes. You put amazing food in front of me last year, and with every bite I got larger and larger. But who am I kidding, I loved every second of it!
What to you plan to display/sell/offer at this year’s event?
I plan on setting up a nice little retail operation at the track this year. I will make sure to have a number of different oils to make sure that I have exactly what you need. I will also have with me a few of our cleaning products so you can make that Rover nice and clean for the next day out on the trail!
I will also have a number of giveaways of hats, stickers, t-shirts, and other things of that nature.
Be prepared for awards for things like;
- Most outlandish campsite
- Biggest Off-road Smile
- Weirdest food Pairing
- Best Location/Use of a Spectro Sticker
-
3rd Best Dressed (Behind MHP and Eric of course)
I would also just like to take a moment to thank everyone involved in the MCC. I have seen only a fraction of what Eric and Kristen do to make sure the event is as fun as possible and even that fraction was immense. Along with them are a number of instructors, photographers, other sponsors, and the Lime Rock Park office, all of whom don’t get enough credit for what they do to make this happen. I am lucky that I am able to do a lot of traveling for my job, and everywhere I went I was telling people about the Muddy Chef. I can honestly say that from Daytona to Milan, from Cologne to Chicago, there are many people out there who are jealous of this event. Please make sure that while we are there to really give credit, and thanks to the people that make the Muddy Chef possible.
PROFILE / Bill Lucas
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Of course. How could shoddy electronics or dissimilar metals corrosion possibly effect the safety and reliability of an aircraft?
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
I live in West Hartford, CT with my wife Rae. I make my living flying a Dassault Falcon 50 business jet out of the Boston area.
My first off-roading experiences were with the US Army while assigned to an Air Cavalry unit, in many of their slung loaded ¼ ton M151’s. Over the years I’ve owned a Jeep, a Bronco, and a Blazer, spending most of the off road time on the beaches of RI and MA.
In 2009 we bought our ’04 Disco, totally stock. After one trip to the Winter Romp, I was hooked, and slowly started to bolt aftermarket things onto and into it.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
Just the Disco as of now, but we are considering obtaining a second one – to keep stock, clean, and running.
My favorite however would be the RHD Defender I was able to wheel at the LR Experience / West Country facility while on a trip over in the UK.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Being able to go anywhere, whenever, in a New England snow storm.
And of course, other LR owners / friends.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Trouble shooting new noises, lights, leaks, and alarms.
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
November ’11. MA’s Old Florida Road (FYI – We just added this trail to the 2015 Muddy Chef Challenge, you have been warned! LOL), with the Bay State Rover Owners group. 12 hours to finish the four or so mile course, and then the winter drive home without fwd sunroof glass and a very bent track rod.
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
I’ve seen firsthand the competition from last year. I do not plan to beat any of them.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
A Disco or Defender type model that a Chevy small block could easily bolt into.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Snorkle, HD suspension, steel bumpers/sliders, winch, aux lights, EasyPass, inline Chevy thermo mod, aft cargo conversion, new ‘old school’ Rover paint, and latest, a rebuilt ’67 Army ¼ trailer for the tent and gear.
10. If you were on safari what three people (living or dead) would you pick to bring along?
Vladimir Putin, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Bewitched’s Dr. Bombay. Then let the campfire banter begin.
And Kate Upton, assuming she’s off Keenan’s safari by now.
PROFILE / Robert Nimkoff
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Yes, but it would have to be a glider.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
Ex Seafood industry exec from Westport, CT currently living in Weston, CT. Punted the corp arena in 2008 to professionally pursue auto racing career and that’s how I’m depleting my retirement funds now!
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
My 1982 Stage One SIII is the first Land Rover for me. Ever since my Uncle bought a SII back in the 70’s (named Ralph) I’ve wanted one. Still want an 88 as well.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Just being different and not having a carefree easy to drive car. It’s also very utilitarian for camping and farm work.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Not being able to smoke, drink and text at the same time because I’ve got to watch the road at all times!!!
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Since it’s a new acquisition the Muddy Chef 3 was my first foray off road. Needless to say I had an adventure at Orvis when she rolled on the side in the articulation section. See photo!!
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
Mario Batali is my co camper this year so I don’t need to say much more than that.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
Probably another gnarly basic off Series like vehicle. Jeep have taken this segment. Take it back.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Pretty stock. US trailer hitch.
10. If you were on safari which three people would you pick to bring along?
Richard Leakey, Jim Carrey (most recently in Dumb and Dumber to), and my son.
Richard Leakey is Kenyan politician, paleoanthropologist and conservationist.
LIME ROCK PARK / Track Improvements
Last week I visited Lime Rock Park to check on the upgrades and changes to the track. Perhaps the most interesting change for Muddy Chef participants can be seen on the map below and highlighted in yellow. If you were with us last year, you may remember the hospitality tents were setup on a hillside. That hill is no longer there. The new paddock showers and bathrooms should be fantastic! I’ll post photos shortly.
Checkout the press release from Lime Rock below for more information.
Lime Rock spending millions as it builds a better competitor and sanctioning-body experience
LAKEVILLE, Conn. (April 16) – Lime Rock Park Track President Skip Barber recently committed more than $3 million to a wide variety of projects to significantly rebuild Lime Rock’s infrastructure, with a primary goal of providing vastly improved facilities to specifically benefit competitors and sanctioning bodies.
“We’re changing Lime Rock’s competitor-supporting infrastructure from pre-historic to near state of the art. And it will all be beautiful,” Barber said.
By early summer, the project will result in acres of trackside pavement significantly larger than at any time in Lime Rock’s history. The A- and B-Paddocks will be perfectly smooth asphalt and combined, there are 7 acres of paddock pavement. Both paddocks will also be attractively landscaped.
Not since Lime Rock Park’s race track surface itself was re-built in 2008 has a construction project of this magnitude been greenlighted at the famous 1.5-mile automotive and motorsports venue in Connecticut’s Northwest Corner. Some of these projects will be complete in time for Lime Rock’s season-opener – the Memorial Day Weekend Trans Am Series, and Royals Sunday Car Show, May 22-24 – and the rest in time for the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar weekend July 24-25.
“In 2008, the track itself had to get done – it was exceedingly bumpy, it needed more guardrail, better run-off areas. Now we’ve addressed the paddocks in a significant, competitor-centric way,” Barber said.
“We’re doing what we need to do – what we want to do – to ensure the track’s professional racing future,” Barber says. “Major sports car races have defined Lime Rock since the day it opened, and I’m making sure that continues well into the future.
“It’s important to note that everything we’re doing, all the changes, all the improvements… all will make Lime Rock more useful, easier to navigate, more sensible – but all with an eye to making Lime Rock even more beautiful than it already is. I have no doubt that, just in the case of our paddocks, Lime Rock’s will be the most useful and attractive in the U.S.”
Of the multitude of Road to 60 projects underway, the highlights are…
A-Paddock
To be completely re-done and much larger, plus: laser-graded-and-paved to eliminate standing water; it will be landscaped; there’ll be defined spectator walkways and cobblestone curbing; and the roadways through the paddock will be much wider. The new A-Paddock is specifically designed to allow two complete race rigs, tractors included, to park in-line – with a walkway in between – from inside Big Bend up to Victory Circle. Additionally, it will provide large and extremely efficient driving exercise and hospitality acreage for automakers as well as other ride-and-drive, press day and driver-training clients.
April 2015: A-Paddock will have an attractive retention pond behind the all-new Big Bend inside guardrail
B-Paddock
To be completely re-done: Paved in its entirety (and also laser-graded to eliminate standing water), there’ll be much more usable space.
Hospitality Acreage
Manufacturers and teams now have choice of three large areas of Lime Rock property dedicated to corporate, race team and VIP hospitality. The popular Outfield hospitality acreage remains essentially the same but the existing hospitality area in the Infield (between the Chalets) has been significantly increased in size and laser-graded. The third is an exciting new hospitality area that overlooks the Righthander and No Name Straight. “The locations of our hospitality facilities will be second to none,” Barber says. Lime Rock also has three chalets, and multiple (and recently refurbished) trackside meeting rooms.
Infield Spectator Hillside
Completely re-done: Close to 100,000 square yards of earth was moved, re-contoured, re-sloped and/or removed to dramatically improve and expand the sightlines as well as make Lime Rock’s famous “picnic-blanket-and-lawn-chair” experience even more enjoyable. Thanks to the re-working of the hill, close to 45 percent of the track can now be seen from this Hillside – with just a turn of the head.
Additionally, the Infield Spectator Hillside has been extended all the way through the inside curve of the Righthander, creating an entirely new and exciting viewing area of No Name Straight and the Uphill. The Hillside reconfiguration has also allowed the spectator fencing to be moved even closer to the circuit in many locations.
A-Paddock Rest Rooms
The Men’s Room will be completely rebuilt – designed by Sam Posey and David Moore – and the Ladies Room totally refreshed.
Handicap Access
It will be improved and/or added throughout much of the facility.
Also: There’ll be a new PA system; expanded and robust wi-fi; improved cellular service; and improvements and expansions to the other spectator areas
PROFILE / Max Simmons
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
This week we interview attorney, new father, style icon and sunroof-less Discovery owner Max Simmons.
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
I’d always trust a Land Rover to get me to the remotest location. I’d want an aircraft carrier there waiting for me in the event that it assumed the British position when I went to start it the next morning.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
Blue-eyed blond welfare baby born to a teen single-mother in small-town central Illinois. After working my way through college (and I do mean working — ask me sometime about some of those jobs!) I spent nearly a decade working for non-profits and politicians in Wisconsin till opting for law-school. I now live in New Haven with my perfect wife, Abigail, and our perfect children, Emma-Marguerite and Francesco. My eyes are still blue but the hair is gray.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
My ’97 Discovery is my first. It’s perfect for me. Stepped roof, alpine windows, and super-robust frame and drivetrain echo the original safari-mobiles while the ABS, airbags, A/C and side-impact beams update it just enough (my friends say it’s perfect for me because it’s a little bit redneck and a little bit elitist). After a long region-wide search (I wanted one without sunroofs) I found it hibernating mostly rust-free in an East Haven garage. The owner bought it as a project that he never got around to starting.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Two things: (1) Seeing it waiting for me in the parking lot: It promises adventure and escape, even if only once in a while, and (2) the friendship with my mechanic.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The friendship with my mechanic.
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Besides the Muddy Chef? So far the adventures have been the steep learning curve in roadside repairs using bubblegum and duct tape.
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
Lock Eric Archer and Chris Copeland in the basement till August 3rd.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
An updated NAS Defender 110 (or a 130!). I’m a family guy, and I’d love to have a suitably sized Rover for hauling the whole herd into some more remote locations.
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
TrueTrac diffs, front diff guard, JATE rings, and . . . new headliner!
10. If you were on safari what three people (living or dead) would you pick to bring along?
I probably should say Selous, Stanley and Schweitzer, but more likely I’d prefer Groucho Marx, Julia Child and Ansel Adams.
PROFILE / Keenan Langlois
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
This week we are interviewing Keenan Langlois – Muddy Chef competitor, professional Chef, LR4 owner, and the man with one of the coolest campsites at last year’s Muddy Chef Challenge.
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
1. If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Yes. I would imagine if Land Rover made an aircraft it would be a helicopter, luxury on the inside with amazing maneuverability.
2. Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.
I am a chef at The Sinclair Kitchen in Harvard Square, and I live in Salem, MA just outside of Boston. My family were Jeep owners since the seventies until I drove my sisters 2003 Disco a few years back. I bought my first Land Rover in 2014.
3. How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
I have had the good/bad fortune of owning my first TWO rovers in one year. This due to a wreck that totaled my first one in February. I soon was on the hunt for another same year and color, which I picked up four weeks ago.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
This year’s snowfall in the Northeast was abominable. Loved just getting in the LR cranking it up, raise suspension and put it in drive. No shovel required! This car also saved me a lot of pain from the wreck. I walked away from a 60 mph head on collision.
5. What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
The temperamental warning lights. What’s going to light up next?
6. Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
My only great Land Rover adventure was MCC3, had a blast and looking forward to MCC4!
7. How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
I’m not looking to win anything in the chef challenge. I just want to meet great new people and get into some serious mud.
8. If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
I’ll leave the planning up to the experts. Looks like they are going in the right direction with the Evoque and the new Disco Sport!
9. What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Since recommendations from new friends at MCC3 I had added Johnson Rods and General Grabber AT 285/65/18. Lost in the accident, but I will rebuild.
10. If you were on safari which three people would you pick to bring along?
- Bear Grylls-because who wouldn’t want a survivalist by their side?
- Gene’s Beans (Gene Schubert) – to gently guide me through the rough terrain.
- Kate Upton-because why the hell not?
Join us next Monday for the next installment of “PROFILES”
PROFILE / Eric Archer
THE LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE
This week we are interviewing Muddy Chef competitor (and category winner) ) Eric Archer
Proust/Solihull Questionnaire
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If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it? Why/Why Not?
Sure! Experts with aluminum, strong build qualities. Although I would be quite concerned about the environmental impact of all the leaking oil!
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Tell us a little about your background, your career and where you live.
Live in Rhode Island with my wife (Linda). Our son went to University of Vermont and still lives there after graduating. Our daughter starts working in Boston with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in September. I’m enjoying retirement after a fulfilling career in the staffing & recruitment industry. Spending my time bicycling and 109 restoration.
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How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?
Three. Defender 90, Defender 110 and recently acquired 1959 Series II 109 station wagon. Currently working hard to restore the 109 with hopes of bringing it to the Muddy Chef! This is clearly my favorite; a direct correlation to the hours, joys and tears currently being invested!!
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What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?
Unique, rugged, timeless; and they come with membership into the informal (but real) club of Land Rover owners. It’s a culture…might even say a cult!
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What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?
Fortunately, I haven’t experienced the constant breaking down that I often hear about. Expect this may change when the 109 is on the road?? Worst thing is my backside is a few sizes too large for the driver’s seat and drivers seating compartment. How come the driver’s seat doesn’t slide back further!!
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Been on an adventure? – tell us about it
Land Rover adventure? Life adventure? Been on both….. “What happens on adventure Stays on adventure”
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How do you plan to beat the competition this year at the Muddy Chef Challenge?
My wife and children showed little to no interest in attending the Muddy Chef last year, so I invited Chris Copeland (a neighbor) to join me last year. Ends up he’s not only a car guy but a Foodie!! Chris is joining me again in 2015!!
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If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?
Keep producing Defenders!
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What upgrades/modifications does your Land Rover have?
Not much. Pretty much stock.
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If you were on safari what three people (living or dead) would you pick to bring along?
Marlin Perkins (Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom) – Guide and expert. Enjoy, understand and avoid being eaten!
Ernest Shackleton – Bring us home despite conditions or equipment
Robin Williams – to entertain us at the evening campfires OR Tarzan for that special bond and translation skills!
We get a shout out on Jalopnik
We Adopted A Terrible Toyota Truck To See How Reliable They Really Are
Andrew P Collins
This is no diamond-in-the-rough. It’s not an “oldie but goodie” like Bowman’s well-storied Ram. This ravaged third-gen 4Runner a mean-muggin’ non-fucking-giving beater, and now we have the arduous task of taking care of it. Or, you know, destroying it.
Last night this lifted, bent, ratty Toyota 4Runner appeared at my doorstep like an abandoned baby in a basket. It smells faintly of Mexican food and everything aft of the front seats seem to have been converted to a sleeping/storage area.
At least somebody did put the wheel back where it’s meant to go, here’s the 4Runner as it sits at Truck Yeah HQ right now:
The whole thing is this cool militaryish green/grey with a Rhinoliner’d hood (why?). The front grille is definitely not straight and neither is the (aftermarket?) trailer-hitch rig. But really, all it needs is a light bar and maybe some funky Plasti-Dip on those wheels. Next stop Wal-Mart, baby.
Okay the real story is the owner (a former colleague) lit off to San Francisco and didn’t feel like paying for parking, I think, so he bequeathed it to Truck Yeah!/Jalopnik for an undefined period of time “as long as we promised to document its destruction.”
I dunno, the whole arrangement’s pretty vague but I’m basically running a rusty orphanage up here and I just couldn’t turn those sweet three-spoke wheels away.
After a brief assessment and lap around the driveway, I’ve concluded it may be too nice to simply suicide… sounds okay, tires are great, and the 3″(?) lift looks professionally executed.
So what are we going to do with this hog? Chase polar bears up Canada way? Mud racin’? Make it my new guest bedroom? Should be a good rig to teach my fellow NY-based bloggers how to off-road this summer… at the very least.
Your turn: Ideas. Go.
Andrew P. Collins is Jalopnik’s off-road and adventure guy. Shoot him an email atandrew@jalopnik.com or hit him up on Twitter @andr3wcollins to talk trucks.
Come to Rausch the weekend of the 24th. There will be a 5 speed Disco I in attendance.
You should come to Rovers on the Rocks this year, or Muddy Chef challenge up at Lime Rock if you want something more local to you.
WINNING! / CHECK YOUR MAILBOX!
If you have registered for the Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge be sure to check your mailbox this week for a surprise! What better way to get psyched for the event than with a surprise. We are working on adding additional challenges to the event. These might include equestrian, water, mud (lots and lots of mud) and field engineering.
LAND ROVER FARMINGTON VALLEY / OFFICIAL SPONSOR
CONNECTICUT’S CENTRAL SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS ROVER
At Land Rover Farmington Valley, our commitment to uphold the Land Rover standard of excellence allows our Connecticut Land Rover customers access to our unsurpassed industry knowledge and expertise. We’re proud to offer Waterbury, Torrington, Hartford, Bristol, West Hartford and Avon, Connecticut Land Rover drivers with a fully stocked inventory of new luxurious Range Rover SUVs, as well as high quality certified pre-owned Land Rovers and other used vehicles.
We strive for the highest customer satisfaction possible at our Connecticut Land Rover dealership, and will go the distance to ensure you are satisfied whether you’re buying a new or used Land Rover, getting your model repaired at our service center or just picking up genuine Range Rover parts.
Our Connecticut Land Rover finance experts are available to assist by helping you receive a great Land Rover loan or lease, and our expert Land Rover and Range Rover service and parts technicians are standing by to help you with any car repair or parts replacements you may require. Visit us today at 95 Albany Turnpike in Canton and experience our passion firsthand, or call us at 888-773-9479. We look forward to serving you.
Our Mission and Promise
Our mission here at Land Rover Farmington Valley is to provide our customers with the safest and most reliable luxury vehicles available in the market, and do so by way of sales and service experiences that assures total satisfaction. We promise that we will only deliver you a vehicle after:
- All features of the vehicle have been explained.
- The vehicle is clean, inside and out.
- You’ve met our Service staff, and know their location and hours.
- We’ve gone through all the details of your warranty, owner’s manual, and maintenance schedule.
- You’ve asked us every question that you might have, and know how to reach us by phone or online with questions that come up later.
We further promise to be there for you for as long as you own your vehicle. Your satisfaction isn’t “total” unless it lasts for the life of the car.
Real People, Real Experience
From our expert technicians in the service bays, to the sales guides in the showroom, to our courtesy shuttle drivers out on the roads of Connecticut, everyone here at Land Rover Farmington Valley is a devotee to the “Above and Beyond” brand. A large number of us are Rover owners and drivers ourselves, and we’re not ashamed to break from the ‘talking business’ to reminisce over the Defender we drove years ago, or share our thoughts about the future of the new models and design changes, if that’s what interests you. (It interests us, too.)
Our sales staff has over 25 years of combined automotive experience with Land Rover, and along with the Mitchell Auto Group, we just celebrated our 90th anniversary here in Canton this past year. We work to further appreciation of these great vehicles though our New Owner Open Houses, model unveilings, and other events that allow us to celebrate the strong sophistication and rugged beauty of the Land Rover line.Supporting Our Community
Back in 1922, Robert Pringle, fresh from Scotland, started a small automotive garage on Canal Street in Weatogue, Connecticut. From that humble beginning, the Mitchell Auto Group has grown to become one of Connecticut’s premier dealers for seven automotive brands in their Farmington Valley area stores, along with a state-of-the-art body shop and detail centers.
Here at Land Rover Farmington Valley, our connections with the people of Canton, the businesses and organizations that operate here are of great importance. These are not only our customers, but our neighbors and friends, and we owe our decades of growth and success to each and every one of them.
As such, we always look to be involved in local and regional events that share, support and benefit these groups, and we highlight them on our social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Google+), and our dedicated community outreach site, MitchellAutoCares.com. We invite you to see what’s on the community calendar, and get involved!
CONTACT INFO
Land Rover Farmington Valley
95 Albany Turnpike
Route 44
Canton, CT 06019
- Sales: (888) 773-9479
- Service: (888) 896-2838
- Parts: (888) 697-9238
HOURS
- Monday:8:30-6:00
- Tuesday:8:30-6:00
- Wednesday:8:30-6:00
- Thursday:8:30-6:00
- Friday:8:30-6:00
- Saturday:8:30-5:00
- Sunday:Closed
MOUNTAIN KHAKIS / OFFICIAL SPONSOR
Muddy Snack from Christopher Macecsko on Vimeo.
Preregistration is required at http://muddychef.com/.
Aside from a camping fee of $35 a night, the event is free. Proceeds from a weekend raffle will benefit Autism Speaks, for more info visit http://www autismspeaks.org#sthash.iaELlP2p.dpuf.
“Land Rovers are your sort of rugged, safari, adventure-type vehicle,” says event creator Eric Yohe. As an owner of an unrestored, 1961 Land Rover Series IIA, the Madison resident is passionate about all things Land Rover and is a foodie.
Yohe arranged the first Muddy Chef in Stowe, Vermont and went on to host last year’s event in Mystic. Bringing the road race/cook-off to Lime Rock was a natural progression and embraced by the park’s Director of Business Development Walter Irvine, another Land Rover enthusiast, and former owner of a Land Rover LR2, who enjoys the “culture.”
“Off-roaders (are) very adventurous, typically very philanthropic, really up to doing crazy stuff like off-roading all day and then coming back and putting on a blazer and making a gourmet meal AT their truck,” Irvine explains.
Cooking a gourmet repast is part of the challenge. Attendees may cook whatever they can transport in their Land Rover. The dishes are then judged by an esteemed panel of fellow epicureans. No one walks away hungry and everyone has lots of fun concocting what they think is the tops in haute cuisine.
“It’s exciting and it’s nerve-wracking and you have to adapt, but it’s tons of fun,” says Madison participant Kristen Feeney.
How do fresh Nantucket bay scallops on a bed of local roasted sweet corn sound? To Yohe it sounded like a winning entry last year. Alas, other venturesome gourmands apparently served entries better tasting, better presented and better liked by the judges.
Away from the rugged terrain, attendees will put on their best cocktail attire – blazers and shorts and Lilly Pulitzer shifts – and visit two local venues.
The Falls Village Inn, complete with a taproom designed to honor the Lime Rock legacy, is “intimate and comfortable…A feel that honors not only Falls Village, but also that of Lime Rock Park, our famous neighbor,” says their website, http://www thefallsvillageinn.com/taproom.php.
Up the road in Dutchess County, New York, a long winding road will take guests to the Madava Farms where Crown Maple Syrup is tapped and refined to make a one of a kind maple syrup. While feeling like they have entered a Napa Valley winery, guests may partake in a maple syrup tasting in a finely appointed tasting room complete with a copper bar, website: http://www.crownmaple.com/visit-madava-farms.
Some of the events sound outrageous: “For those of you who want super rock crawler, smashed body panel gnarly you have access to Old Florida Road and MaBelle in Western, MA,” according tomuddychef.com. Yet Yohe stresses there is something for everyone.
“What I like about it the most is, despite the stressful things you have going in your life you really can’t think about anything else in your life except how am I going to get this vehicle and myself through these woods, over this obstacle,” Robert Wollschlager says. “It’s fantastic.”
Wollschlager, of Mystic, will join in on the fun with his dad, James. They will bring two of their four Land Rovers – a 1972 Land Rover Series 3 88 and 1982 Series 3 Stage- 1 V8 109.
Each morning there will be vehicle inspections and safety talks. The only prerequisite is that “your vehicle should be in good repair without any serious frame rust and able to handle basic off-road challenges.”
“The majority of our vehicles are the rare ones, the early ’60s ones, the ’70s … the classic Land Rovers,” Yohe says. In addition, the event draws drivers of “the Defender, which is what you see on safari…we get lots of those.”
Every morning, before venturing out there will be vehicle inspections and safety talks. The only prerequisite is that “your vehicle should be in good repair without any serious frame rust and able to handle basic off-road challenges.”
In need of a break from the rigors of off-roading, guests can head over to Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds in Millbrook, New York to experience sporting clays at “the oldest permitted shotgun shooting club in the country,” they boast on http://www.orvis.com/sandanona.
Back on the road, how about the Overland Challenge in the Housatonic State Forest?
“It’s sort of a high-tech Easter egg hunt,” says Yohe. “Drive to a spot with the GPS, get out and use the compass to go in the direction we tell you to go, start walking and you will find what ever it is. Somewhere in that forest is something to find like an orange flip-flop nailed to a tree.”
Whether you are an experienced off-roader or want to try it for the first time, love adventure and the thrill of the ride, or want to spend a weekend in the country learn more at Facebook/The Muddy Chef Challenge.