Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Mickey,

I heard from a pretty good source that VMP will be making the switch back to NHRA during the winter months and looks for it to be on the D-1 schedule sometime in March or April (Yeah that early). I was also told that Cecil is getting tore up in the winter time and new drainage system with concrete to the 1/8 mile and new payment all the way to the end of the track. So we will have 7 D-1 races next year, not sure about the Opens but, also heard Numidia might come back into the fold for an Open. I too would like to see the Dutch run as a Sportsnational. Remember this is just the grumblings I'm hearing from being at the track and until it's on paper is just a rumor.

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Found more pics from the weekend ............

DRC's Jim Samuels and NHRA's Dave Mohn
Mrs.Worner with Porter and Haley along with her daughter-in-law
Ouch - Jeff Tripps' parts
Smile already Cheryl
Maple Grove's Lex Dudas and PC Richards Gary Richard
Gary and Mrs.Richard
Pete on his way to another
Lex giving the cart a last ride before giving it away

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

I remember working a race and telling the track owner that the place would be perfect for a Sportsnational due to the quality of the track and treatment of the racers.

He and and the Divisional Director just laughed as apparently they'd already had that conversation. As it was briefly explained to me, a Sportsnational is not a good deal for the track operator. It's got something to do with the NHRA fees and payments, but I have the impression that it's the worst of both worlds as it uses the worst financial aspects of both Points Races and National Events.

I'm thinking it was a case that money had to be paid to the NHRA, which would not contribute anything to the expenses. The track got 100% of the gate, but I think it's a rare non-national event (Norwalk Night of Fire, come to think of it maybe the Dutch) that puts very many spectators in the bleachers.

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Damn right Danny! Anybody who doesn't is a fool!!! $5,000 plus contingency for the Sportsman race and $10,000 to win for the TOC!! You don't like sportsman racing if you don't show up this weekend at VMP! One of the best racing facilities anywhere!! It should be fast too! Probably faster than Maple Grove was this past weekend!!!

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

You don't pay $310 to enter a Sportsnational, it's $230. Plus, you win a heck of a lot more than $1000 unless you have no decals on your car!! And, you get the big wally!

I think Numidia would be a heck of a place for a Sportsnational! Maple Grove would also, and it's been proven you can get a crowd in there! Look at the points race when they gave away those carload tix for $5, or whatever they charged! The problem with sportsman races drawing a crowd is lack of advertising!

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Numidia would be perfect.

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Wish they hadn't put it against the Fall Classic, the Dutch and Reynolds. Folks geography will probably be a main factor in car counts. Know it will be for me.

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

Bryan,
Hopefully if Numidia doesn't get a Sportsnational or an Open their maybe something BIG in the works for ALL sportsman racers (Stk,SS,SC,SG,S/ST) in 2012 up there on 1 weekend!!

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

You got that right Mickey. Gainsville late in the year with some real cool weather. FAST!!

Re: Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals
 

I think a sportsmen at the grove is better. Its easier to get to hell didn't even know about numidia till this year.