"Live" from Indy US Nationals 2013

[Jim Craig]

Originally Posted by Lew Silverman

So what ever happened to "Every Ticket is a Pit Pass?"

Aren't the staging lanes part of the pit's? Especially for someone who is credentialed as a competitor? Maybe it has something to do with taking pictures and not having one of those really cool "PHOTO" vest's!! We all know how wrong that is!

Still a shame you got picked on, Jack!

NOPE, not once you pass under the cross-over bridge then your carefully checked and screened to keep the foot-traffic down and a restricted area pass is worthless unless your with a car in line or a "credentialed" photographer. Still some nice shots........shake it off, it's not worth it.

[Ken Miele]

This in car cam is Drew Skillman in his 2012 Cobra Jet Super Stocker. I had a hard time finding a good spot, but thought what the heck, it is a mid 8 second car. The Skillman's are super people, be sure to drop by there pit on Thursday at 7:30PM for dinner.

[Bob Bender]

Jack grab the 55 wagon for me. That is one fine 55.

[Mile High]

Thanks to everyone reporting and posting pictures and videos. Greatly appreciated.

Jeff

[Bench Racer]

I remember 10 or so years ago going to Indy with my brother to watch Super Stock class runs. There were (if memory serves) 250 cars in SS. Class was an all day affair. I had since then made the drive from NC to Indy just to watch class for Stock and Super Stock then drive back home. I'll catch some flack for this but shoot away. When class wins got you in on Monday there were cars there in every class. The format of qualifying IMHO has hurt the car count "numbers don't lie". I have heard the complaint and see both sides of the story that " that odd ball low dollar car got in, and my $100k+ car got sent home. Remember what the U.S. Nationals was founded on class wins! I still love watching a 2300cc Ford, 265ci Chevy, 318ci Chrysler, or an inline six load the new stuff on the trailer. My brother runs SS/GT with a rather quick car but I am still fond of the odd, obscure class cars. Indy used to be a muscle car nuts dream, I hope the dream returns. As for qualifying, save the qualifying for the Pros. BTW I was lucky enough to go to Indy and help my brother with a super stocker in 2011 and 2012 and never watched a fuel car make a pass, they are as boring as watching grass grow. If the car counts of "class" cars gets lower I doubt NHRA will care. Sportsman are only fill in to keep some action between the Pro round circus that attracts the spectators that don't know a carburetor from a injector, but is there for noise, flash, and 300mph runs. I was not able to make Indy this year, but last two years were great. I know why people return each year to meet old friends and make new ones. I wish the best for the racers that have worked hard and spent hard earned $$ to be there. I hope NHRA appreciates the effort the sportsman participants have made to be there. The officials should appreciate someone like Jack that promotes NHRA. I wish the best for NHRA leadership and hope they take a look at who got them where they are. Don Jackson

[rtr0id]

Originally Posted by Jack Matyas

Ok , I've vented - had some corn and good conversation and will find another way to get what I need to do my 'job' the way I know it needs to be done ...........

Here are photos from earlier today ..........

would a press pass work?

[ss wannabee]

Originally Posted by Don Kennedy

I must have been sleeping what are the Class designations mean on the new cars like FS/DC ?

Don't feel bad Don, I don't know what they mean either! Too much going on here...
I'll have to find a rulebook and figure it out later...do they still PRINT rulebooks?

Thanks for ALL the "coverage" out there you guys! Try and stay cool and good luck
with the race.....

Here's a question for the veteran racers out there....About when did they STOP
teching the cars next door at the oval track? Remember those days....

[Randy Parker]

Thank's Live reporter's from coast to coast! Ya'll keep my dream alive!

[Ken Miele]

Last one for the night..... Super Stock in the staging for their second qualifying shot. Sorry for the poor video, its a little shaky, but thought you might want to see it anyway.

[Don Kennedy]

Originally Posted by Jim Craig

NOPE, not once you pass under the cross-over bridge then your carefully checked and screened to keep the foot-traffic down and a restricted area pass is worthless unless your with a car in line or a "credentialed" photographer. Still some nice shots........shake it off, it's not worth it.

The most pathetic situation is when the funnie cars run and top fuels there is a ton of people all around the bombs or missiles on the starting line , at one race I counted 45 people all around the cars to me that is more dangerous than us around Stock or Super Stock some one does not get it lol then when we run the officials don't want anyone to be on the line weird thinking in my opinion