Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

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Lucas Oil Series Race Location Change
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Bill Holt
Lucas Oil Series Race Location Change
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The Lucas Oil Series Event originally scheduled at Orlando Speed World Dragway has been moved to Atlanta Dragway. The same date and schedule will be utilized, March 4-7.
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NHRA LUCAS OIL Drag Racing Series
Atlanta Dragway
March 4-7
Event Schedule
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Thursday, 4********************************* *Test and Tune
Gates Open***********************************10 AM
Tech********************************************** 11 AM-5 PM
Testing (operated by the track)**** Noon-5 PM
$100 Per Car
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Friday, 5
Gates Open********************************** 9 AM
Tech********************************************* 9 AM-6PM
Time Trials & Qualifying************** 10 AM-6PM
Top Dragster******************************** 4:00 PM
Comp Qualifying*************************** 4:30 PM
Top Sportsman***************************** 5* PM
Secure*******************************************6 PM
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Saturday, 6
Gates Open*********************************** 8 AM
Tech********************************************** 8 AM-2 PM
Time Trials & Qualifying**************** 9 AM-6 PM
Top Dragster**********************************Noon & 3 PM
Comp Qualifying*************************** 12:30 & 3:30* PM
Top Sportsman******************************1 & 4* PM
TAD & TAFC Qualifying***************** 1:30 & 4:30* PM
Round 1 S/G & S/C*************************2 PM
Secure******************************************** 6 PM
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Sunday, 7
Gates Open*********************************** 8 AM
Eliminations*********************************** 9 AM
Top Dragster**********************************10:30 AM
Comp Eliminator Round 1************** 11 AM
Top Sportsman Round 1**************** 11:30 AM
TAD & TAFC************************************Noon
Secure******************************************** *6 PM
Division 2 News Archives
Division 2 Latest News

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

1, I hope the weather wil cooperate for that, it used to be a crapshoot a few yrs ago, when it was here. Remeber 93, when it snowed over a foot that weekend ?
2, is I wonder what happened to have Orlando to pull out of hosting the race ?

Original Atlanta date is still on schedule too....

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

NHRA must do something about Division two! There is no one at the helm. This division is a ship adrift at sea. For years now there has been no communication, and no one doing the DD job. All we have is a body keeping a chair warm in Gainesville! These knee jerk decisions and schedule changes by Graham Light MUST STOP! It shows how poorly NHRA and Division two is being run. The continued lack of respect for the racers and the tracks make it more obvious than ever new blood is needed to steer D2 in the right direction. This race schedule change is the second one in the last three months, both being done within three weeks of the race! I'm too pissed to write any more right now. Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

first valdosta now orlando next year we in d2 wont have no place to race

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Am I missing something? I don't see stock or super stock on the run schedule.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

I think S/SS is the "time trials and qualifying" part.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

so let me get this right. Of all the tracks in the southeast, we only have 4 to race at? WTF

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Maybe IHRA will sanction them .

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

IHRA is picking up tracks and NHRA is losing them.....hmmmm......I wonder why?Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Just an example to back up my statements above. I had to call California and tell them there had been a National Open at SGMP in December. I spoke with Kevin McKenna and told him about the race. He said they had no info on it because the DD had not sent them any info or pictures. Kevin told me that sending info on races to the ND was the Division Directors job. Was I pissed? You bet. That race was the first NHRA race I have ever won in almost 40 years of racing with them. Kevin called me back the same day and said that the story had been written and will be in ND #4 next week. Once again, thanks Bill. Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Thats Ok Jim, thats the way things go around here, but i know you won and damn proud of you! ;)

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

All this over TAD/TAFC who gives a crap about them?????

Hammer

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Hey Jim;

Since you are the man "in the know", is this change a decision made by Bill or by Carl's choice? I realize there is the safety concern of running alcohol cars there, but I read on another message board a few years ago that it was Carl's decision to opt out of running the alcohol cars for the same reasons SGMP has dropped their division race, the alcohol cars don't draw enough spectators to make the pay-out that they run for.

Now I am glad I decided to sit out this year. I don't mind going to Commerce and have made that trip many times, but having this change dumped on the racers with less than a month notice would really mess up my budget and plans to be away from work. I'm sure I will be in the minority with this statement, but Orlando is my favorite track to run at on the Lucus Oil schedule. Also Carl has been my favorite track operator for a long time (no offense Ed, you are my 2nd favorite, but I've known Carl longer).

I have been looking at the IHRA div 2 schedule for this year and it looks kind of appealing now that the race schedule is more spread out over the course of the year. Now it's looking even more appealing.




Hey Dan Moore, you're #1. :D

RIP Mark Graham

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

You're right Joe, you would be in the minority about Orlando in my book; otherwise you're spot on. On the plus side Atlanta will probably pull in some racers that won't attend Orlando but as stated earlier early March in Atlanta can be REAL iffy. Too bad they can't tell the Alcohol crowd to race on their own dime like everybody else has to and let Valdosta have the event. Can't help but wonder if they even got offered the chance given their disagreement over Alcohol classes to begin with.

Jim Wahl....thought it was a shame about the Nat Open at Valdosta not being in ND, it was a great event with all the records being set and your win of course!

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Jim,

Do you know if Orlando will have regular racing on that weekend. I was going to Orlando before Gainesville. I don't see Atlanta being an option for me. I want to go where its warm, and Atlanta in March is not likely to be warm enough for me. Also the 5 hour drive from Atlanta to Gainesville makes it less likely for me to go.

Maybe you should try to get a stock super stock race for that weekend. I'm sure there are others coming from the north that would be interested.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

I agree with Ken ,Jim how about talking Carl into a $5000.00 to win SSSSA race that weekend before Gators for everyone who's coming down?

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Jim,
Your recollection of that phone call and mine differ greatly. Perhaps it wasn't clear from our conversation but as I explained, the SGMP National Open was completed too late to make our last issue of 2009. We received a well written story and photos from track reporter Marvin Smith but for a variety of reasons, it did not run in National Dragster until this week. Once agian, I will apologize for the delay but the responsibility for that lies with ME and ME ONLY. At no time did the Division or the Division Director ever enter into our conversation.

Kevin McKenna
National DRAGSTER

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

"Once agian, I will apologize for the delay but the responsibility for that lies with ME and ME ONLY. At no time did the Division or the Division Director ever enter into our conversation."

Hmmm. I guess I should have recorded the conversation huh Kevin? My guess is that if it wasn't done for the last edition of the year it would have been done for the first? Not the fourth? Also who's fault was it for Drag Race Central getting no info all that weekend? Not yours that's for sure. I guess you're upset I used your name in the post. Sorry if you are taking heat for it. It's too bad that you feel you must fall on the sword for Holt but I guess you are a team player. You and I both know it wasn't your fault. I have always admired your work. I always will no matter who employs you. Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Ken, I will try and find out, Jim and I will discuss this. have had many calls today asking if we would put on a race on that weekend. I would think maybe Carl might go for it but I can't speak for him of course.

Joe, the final decision was made by Graham Light. No track owner in his right mind would spend almost $100,000 so 8 cars could run for free once a year and have to pay them out of the tracks pocket. If TAFC and TAD cars were so profitable for these tracks why don't any of them want them? NHRA needs to get a grip on reality. No Sportsman cars race for free! Alcohol cars need to be at National Events only. Hell, they can't even get a full field anyway!

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

I agree with Kenny, Jim speak with Carl or Randy on S/SS combo, they shouldn't have a reg. race, as the div. was schl. then run it Sat. and a test and tune on Sun, ya know with the new index's the bunch up north been making power all winter, i know they will not want more HP. at Gainesville, I;'am in the middle east now and was planning on flying into Orlando and race. or i would be there seeing Carl and Randy myself, so lets get something rolling ASAP and get the word out if this can happen.Hope it snows in Atlanta LOL Brian

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

OK Brian. I will call Carl tomorrow. Are there other racers out there who were planning on coming to Orlando who would be up for this? I have no doubt we could do a race as we did last year but it would be up to Carl and Randy.Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

If they want to have TAD/TAFC at a sportsmen race, pay them with a sportsmen payout also, that will keep them away.

Hammer

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

I had planned on going to Orlando for the divisional, but no way for Atlanta, especially at this time of the year with the weather. Did'nt they learn from their years past scheduling results, and that is why they changed it to begin with.

If there is a SSSSA race I'll be there. I know that there are some racers already here in Bradenton that would go.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA go Carl go

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Jim, funny thing is I have heard almost that exact same statement from Bob Newberry, and we all know who he is.




Hey Dan Moore, you're #1. :D

RIP Mark Graham

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Nope, no race at Orlando. Carl said he might have a $100 per car Test N Tune on the 6th but no race. Jim

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Jim
They could keep atlanta,count us in for the combo race in orlando.Post the details asap
Frank Maiolo
gt/ba 1574

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

That is too bad, i think there would be a bunch of Cars, how about SGMP 1.closer to Gainesville,2. on the way down for the north and southwest cars?????.If not, i will be testing with Carl. Brian

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

SGMP is out as they are hosting the AMA Dragbike season opener that weekend... Thurs through Sunday.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Ok just read SGMP Schl, Hey Frank, come on to Orlando, i tested there 4 weeks ago, best 60' ever with my car, track was good,just windy that day, i have more testing to do,so come on, No Volleyball games this time LOL See ya next month. Brian

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

should be warm in Baton Rouge that weekend! Just sayin, u all are welcomed to come join us. Plus; we'll have LOTS of mardis gras beads. :D

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

For any Ford racers who planned on attending Orlando, and don't want to go to Atlanta, there is an NMRA (National Mustang Racers Association) race at Bradenton the same weekend with a Test and Tune on Thursday. If enough people want to go I can probably put together a Stock/Super Stock race.

Or, if you just want to attend and race one the of the existing classes, you will have a great time.

Evan

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

One problem I have is the damn grade points. I'm not going to Bradenton because of the cost to go to a points meet It's 450 miles each way for me. By the time I get back home the total cost would be about $1000. I just had to replace my trailer brakes for $1000. So Bradenton had to go.
Atlanta is about 30 farther for me then Orlando.
So I'll be going to Atlanta
Jim to bolster your post I have set 2 records the last 2 years at Valdosta points meet.
And have yet to see the "Record Setters" post in Dragster. It just shows up in the small print of the record pages in about 5 weeks.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

"Jim,
Your recollection of that phone call and mine differ greatly. Perhaps it wasn't clear from our conversation but as I explained, the SGMP National Open was completed too late to make our last issue of 2009. We received a well written story and photos from track reporter Marvin Smith but for a variety of reasons, it did not run in National Dragster until this week. Once agian, I will apologize for the delay but the responsibility for that lies with ME and ME ONLY. At no time did the Division or the Division Director ever enter into our conversation.

Kevin McKenna
National DRAGSTER "

Thanks for clearing this up Kevin. I was just about to call with my own complaint about the lack of coverage today as I have not received this week's issue yet. I won my first ever Super Comp race at SGMP and was hoping to enjoy the "ink", and when nothing showed up the first three issues I thought it had fallen through the cracks. I appreciate NHRA catching up with this, the National Open coverage means a lot to low-buck Sportsman racers.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

You would have thought that since they are moving the D2 race out of Orlando, they would have had the D2 race in Gainsvilles, where the racers could test and tune for the Gators and not haul their rigs all over god's creation. Go NHRA, make more racer friendly decisions. Dumb a*ses!!

There is another contest going on at PBIR the same weekend, March 5th and 6th, Pinks All Out. Bet $60. to win $10k verses $160 to win $1k.
I'm sort of glad that they moved the division 2 race from Orlando to Atlanta, because it's agreat excuse for myself not to drive 750 miles to attend the D2 race, when I know I'll be 55 miles from home at PBIR.
Yes, it's all about the entry fees and travel expences.

Casey Miles
248H

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

I have to wonder??? If it was a last minute lack of improvement thing. Why didn't they just move it to Gainesville. Resend the "week before" bs rule, I think that is ment for the pros anyway.
That way most of the racers would have been happy and not towing all over hell, and the weather will be safer!



But what do I know?

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

WOW this hurts prolly ihra more ,cause farminginton has an ihra pts race the same weekend and there only 240 miles a part from each other. I'm in between both of them so i guess i can qualify on friday at atlanta, and then go race farmington on sat since its a saturday only race. Then drive back down and race atlanta on sunday... why all the changes???

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

Does anyone know what caused the sudden change? This changes all my plans...

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

That's a great point. I was thinking about making the 300 mile tow to Farmington, but now I'll be making the 60 mile tow to Commerce. I'm sure some mostly NHRA guys like me may do the same.

Re: Div 2 Orlando race moved to Atlanta
 

OK, This is what Carl is sending out to racers who inquire about the situation. I have know Carl over 30 years and I can say that he is just about over the whole NHRA BS. I will keep trying to talk him into a S/SS race and a TnT but there is little hope for anything more than a TnT after speaking to Carl for about two hours last night. I am trying guys. Jim



Dear, _____________

No big story here. I didn't tell anyone "where to stick it". LOL

In late December Bill Holt called and said he only had 5 LODRS events counting Orlando. And, if I wanted to run one I had to run the alcohol cars and put in some type of speed attenuation system off the paved portion of the track. (NHRA's agreement with Lucas Oil for the series is that 5 races that include alcohol cars will be run in each Division). Sand or gravel pit, catch net, guard walls or rail on both sides of it, etc. I understood Bill to say this would cost $20,000 to $25,000. (This was a number that Ed Swearingen had mentioned). However, once we got into putting the cost estimate together it seemed about the absolute LEAST it would cost was $60,000. Plus, the posted purse for the alcohol cars was another $16,000. The simple fact is this would have been about a 3 year payback to break even IF we had great car counts and good weather for 5 days for three years in a row.

I suggested we run the event having the alcohol cars compete on just the 1/8 mile. But, the decision makers felt that one type of alcohol dragster would have an advantage over another type that wouldn't exist on the 1/4 mile. (Injected nitro vs. Blown Alcohol). And, for that reason 1/8 wasn't an option.

That's pretty much the story in a nutshell.

Hope to see you soon.

Carl

PS. Regardless of what B.S. will be thrown around about this, our track meets EVERY underwriting requirement of the carriers of drag racing event insurance.