Event Coverage New Drag Strip In So Cal

About 15 years ago here on Long Island we had the 100 foot drags at the Riverhead oval. It only lasted a few events. Same folks persisted and now host an 1/8th mile drag on an old Naval runway, now going into it’s 4th season. So much momentum that some big developers were recently told to shove off. In today’s social climate, little victories mean a lot

 

I'll be 68 in 2 months. I haven't been behind the wheel at a drag strip in almost 40 years. I just bought a FED. I raced at 75-85 Drag Way in MD. It's now gone. Econo Dragsters were pretty popular back then. I remember rookie drivers coming to the line and the announcer called out their name, and said this is their first pass. I forget if they just launched and shut down at the 60' line, or at an 18th mile? They did not make a full run. Would it beneficial to have a light at 330' for rookies and street racers. Then the full quarter for the real deal. I haven't contacted any of our local tracks to see what the procedure will be for my Rookie pass? From the rules for the 330' posted above, it doesn't look like there would be a venue for a Rookie in a rail. Although, when my friend built this car, it could be made MD legal. A guy used to come to our local drive in car show with what looked like a blown Hemi top fueler, but he made the cockpit wide enough for two seats. He and his wife would unload the car in an industrial lot about a mile down the road and drive up. I understand these short tracks are in limited space areas. But, my car is 18' long. I'd have to pop the chute before I shifted into second!

 

The fastest I've ever driven in my life was on the way to test-and-tune, hahaha.

I think it's wonderful to hear a track opening, these days. I guarantee if a group of like-minded folks went, they'd have fun. I know I would.

 

I don't think you'd be going quick enough to need the 'chute.

 

This would be OK with me if they have a Natalie Wood look alike dressed in 50's style as the flag girl.

 

racing did happen Saturday - 3rd - looks like Lucky from Hot Rod Garage Show was there

 

Huh..that altered doesn't look street legal

 

^^ good track for test 'n' tune, & develope driver skills

 

Long 2 cents coming...
I am also of the age where 1320 is drag racing and haven't watched a single pro event since the 1000 foot and staged championship run.
I've crewed for a couple cars in this century at the nearest track and a couple others, each a state away.
I don't any more. Why? Well, we prep the cars, equipment and tow rig for a week in advance. We trailer to the place and set up. First day we get 2, maybe 3 runs at 9-10 seconds each. The time for the next run is always in flux and we end up hurrying to do any change or service then sit. We usually can't trust the announcer and the track guys to call up the groups in a timely fashion, so we have to hang near the car rather than watch the racing or end up in the lanes for hours. Yes, it's a tough job but it's still run poorly. Applebee's has a freaking disc to let you know when they are ready for you to be seated!
The next day is 1 round of "test and tune", then into eliminations. If all goes well, 4 runs to final. Total of 5 rounds at best. 8 runs on the track for the whole thing is the best case. Then load up, tow back home. This costs hundreds of dollars for fuel, food and entry if all goes well and 1-2 days of sleeping in the trailer and camp food or track food.

Street racing is go prowl the local area and chose someone to run, agree to a spot and go do it. Cost is maybe a quarter to half a tank of gas and grab a meal if you want, if all goes well.

If this new place allows anyone to bring out their street car and run at least 5 or 6 runs a day for a few bucks, it's going to be more action and more aligned with the spirit of a street race.
Problems that will kill this from the inside is
1. Down time.
2. Gambling getting out of hand.
3. Unsafe cars and drivers pushing too hard.
4. Treating it like a feeder for regular drag racing. No eliminations (see 1), no classes, just pick your opponent, limit prep and staging, limit it to real street cars.

 

I was lucky to get TWO runs in, test and 1st round of eliminations. Maybe [lucky] 2 to 4 more runs if I won [some] rounds depending on number of cars.. Only 1/2 hr travel time though. Drive to the track ,drop exhaust, change tires, change plugs, remove air cleaner and hook up ram air.. Repeat in reverse to go home, sometimes it rained and great fun hooking the exhaust back to the collectors while the water is dripping off the car into your ear.. I mentioned it before but 100 ft drags near by and has good attendance...