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Some rigs moved out of mud pits back to the road course section. Some have made the decision to withdraw and leave. Still raining.

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That thing got a Hemi?:D

At least the worst of the rain is south of Gainesville.

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The rain has stopped, and we are starting to see some blue sky, but that could change. They are working on the track now, but I'm sure it will be hours before they do anything, assuming it does not start raining again.

Some areas are still in bad shape, this trailer was pulled out just a little while ago.

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"(Gators) Only sportsman cars we'll get in today are Alcohol, TD, and Comp. Sorry for the delays.
- Msg by PTS 1:31:41 PM"

The above quote is the schedule for the sportsman today.

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Why is this car/driver not listed in the stock qualified list on the NHRA site. I'm a newbie on here and just learning.

Thanks
Tom

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Tom- normally they would be but there is a special qualifying sheet for the factory showdown and both of these cars are on that sheet.

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Word is... random pairing tomorrow AM and finish on Monday due to so many S & SS cars have gone home. Jim


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Stock will be out at 8:00am tomorrow if the weather cooperates. It will be random pairing for stock and super stock. At least a dozen car went home in each class.

The photos are from the showdown, lots of excitement for the new format. I could not get on the starting line, but was able to get some good shots anyway.

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DRC has posted the results. Ryan Herem spun hard and had no chance to recover, Kevin Skinner ran an impressive 8.44 for the win. You can get the rest of the info from DRC. I thought it would be nice to get some driver shots. Most drivers looked calm and collective, but I'm sure the butterflies were there.

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As usual at an NHRA national event, the grass roots sportsman racers have been treated like dirt (or worse) yet again. We all realize that weather has had a tremendous factor with the schedules. Yet, they bow down to the almighty dollar and let the pros get their runs in, but not the paying customer, the sportsman racer. Truly sad! And yet again and again nonetheless. With new leadership, maybe things would change, but NOT!
Everyone enjoy the Gatornationals.
Sorry Ken, couldn't help it.

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That is why I only go to national events on Thursdays, to watch and talk to the sportsman racers. Hopefully I'll get to race the stocker I built someday soon. A ZL1 stick car.

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Shoot I had butterflies watching! It was a great round, stands were still mostly full and each car pristine in appearance. Chuck Watson's '16 is unbelievable. Anywho, it's 6:10am and Raindrops keep falling on my head hoping it stops asap so we can get this 8am round in. Getting restless..

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Bobby,
I Was getting ready to post that it's wet again too.
Good luck to all that will stick it out.
We're gone.

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Good morning everyone, well the weather has finally broke and the rains are behind us. We should have a nice day for racing, We were scheduled for 8am, but they are still drying the track. I'm sure they we will get at least one round in for the sportsman this morning. Many cars left yesterday and it will be random pairing for first round.

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Hope they get it all finished they go alot to do but pros are the first priority and Sportsman are tossed aside and forgotten as usual

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When we race at these events we know that the pro schedule is the top priority. It is the way it is , not a surprise, I mean , does anyone think that it would be wise for our sport to screw up the tv schedule and disappoint the fans that came to see the pro's to run us ?

What I don't get is why a racer would leave this event before racing. When entering you are planning on winning and being there late on Sunday correct ? I know everyone cannot race on Monday, but it may get finished today.

Good luck to all today, sounds like the weather is improving, and thanks loads for all the reports.

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Round one of Stock just finished. Super Comp in the lanes. Fingers crossed that we can have a nice productive and safe day and crown some champions.

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Don't know how long before it shows up on DRC, but did Stock include several solos or random pairings due to some racers leaving?

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52 cars first round of Stock - about 20 cars did not stay for first round.

And S/S - 39 of 65 made first round.

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Was told random pairings.

As far as leaving early, personally I have a commitment at home on Monday that would not allow me stay and race on Monday. As well, last flight out would not allow me to race late Sunday evening. As a racer, I did not feel right to possibly run a couple of rounds, then back out. Let the people that can see it through to the finish fight it out.

Good luck everyone there.

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I am in the exact same situation as Brett and feel the same way. Needed to be home for early Monday morning and the last flight out was 745pm. Hated to withdrawl but you have to make it to spend it. Looking forward to Charlotte.

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If was a tough call for many racers, there was not much we could do about it. Here are some photos from Super Stock round one. I will have more time for photos since my day ended in the first round of stock. The pros are running now and the weather is great.

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Its been a long race, but for me its been a blast as always. We had to wait a long time to race, but at least we all made the Sunday show. I know it was a hardship for many races, but the race was finished in a timely manner. With the weather we had, it looked as if Monday was going to be the sportsman day. I know many may not like this, but hats off to NHRA for getting it all done.

Something I need to share with you all, and I think its a good sign for the sportsman racer. This morning Stock was first out. I'm not sure which one of the sportsman announcers was doing Stock, but I was pleased when I heard what he had said. I am paraphrasing, but this is what he said essentially to the fans. "Folks, you don't get to see this many Stockers on a Sunday morning, what do you all think of watching Stock. I was blown away when I heard the applause from my pit area. We all know that the fans are here for the pros, but its nice to know they appreciate us also. I was very impresses with how many fans walked through the pits with such kinds word and enthusiasm about the sportsman cars.

I have many more photos and some videos, but will most likely not get them uploaded until I get home in a few days, be sure to check back.

Congrats to all the winners !

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Thanks Ken for the reports! Even with everything that happened the last few days I hated that I had to withdraw and was not there to help you. I agree that NHRA did a good job getting this race finished today and hopefully it's sunny skies the rest of the season!

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No worries James, looking forward to your reports in the future. Here is a quick video in the staging lanes before first round of the Factory Stock Showdown.

I have more photos to edit and upload, please check back later today.

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I watched the race last night on nhraallaccess, and also was blown away when I heard that! Also, it was a terrific broadcast for the sportsmen...multiple camera angles, excellent commentating, etc. If all the event broadcasts turn out as well as the Gators, it will be well worth the hundred bucks!

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Stock final photos and video. The video is not that good, my batteries in my new camera went dead and I had to use my cell phone as a back up.

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Super Stock final photos.

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Blue ChevyII winner, red car runner up?

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No, Daniel Young in the red Camaro won Super Stock. I assumed everyone knew the winner and runner up, I guess I was wrong.

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Other way around Ed. Jim

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My bad. Sorry. Head up, you know.

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Here are some Factory Stock Showdown photos in the semi finals and finals.