Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Live ? Not hardly .........What what supposed an easy ride thru the New York landscape turned bad quickly . After getting only 40 friggen miles from home I hit a "parking lot" on 78 East in the Garden State and sat .......and sat some more . At this moment I stopped on the New York Thruway at a rest area and will be there in a few hours hopefully and maybe get you some testing results and numbers ..........later .

One last thing -- good news -- its Bright and Sunny with blue skies ..........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

That sucks Jack, just be patient and get there safely.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

A very familiar scenario........287.....78....80...Turnpike. NJ-Pa-NY all can get you....I love when you just get rolling and feel like your doing good.....and then the traffic slows to a creep or crawl for miles.....

I think the worst one I can recall was being caught up in the exiting traffic from Pocono Raceway after a Nascar race.......I was at Numidia for the Division race the last time they had one.........I recall never moving an inch for 45 minutes.....:mad:

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Live -- Now -- you bet .This trip I decided to use Mapquest and try a different route -- you've got to understand that this place is way back in the woods - scenic plenty but way back there .The first picture below is going over a bridge that really shouldn't be used for diesel pushers that have a trailer attached - just a tad scary .....then I came onto route 66 -- no not that route 66 but New York route 66 and more scenic stuff for sure .

Let me go see whats up with racin' things and maybe tech in ............

By the way -- I know none of you will believe it but its gotten dark since I got here .And did I mention the wind has picked up ?

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jack, you're looking more and more like Clark Kent every day. Like your GTO avatar better.....(watch these kids on here start asking who Clark Kent is...) P.S. If it rains there, make sure you get to high ground (like over on turn 3 of the stock car track.) Hope you qualify well. :D WJ

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

High ground wasn't high enough last year! The entire dirt track was under water.

I was there a few years ago when a wicked storm rolled in and blasted us with rain/wind/hail......and a lot of damage.......they tell me it's a regular occurance there......I guess it's in a "valley"......duh!

I do love the view from the wall behind the starting line on a hot sunny day though.

The Dirt track also makes the race a good oneto attend as I enjoy watching them race. I used to do engines for some round track racers......and crewed a couple times at Middletown.......

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jack,

It might be a bit longer, but going up the northeast extension to I-81 to I-88 to I-90 will avoid the traffic and some tolls-It's about 300 miles that way.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Test n tune news -- not much to report other the track here is very good - haven't heard one person complain about traction .......as for numbers the only good run I've seen or heard about is Mark Markow's best ever pass of 9.22 in SS/TB .Still two hours left but the weather is not producing big horsepower today so ...........

Dave -- Sounds great going up the Pennsy pike but 300 miles ? My way was 214 .

Pictured below are Lenny Williams , Angelo DiTocco , Gary Parker and Vic Santos .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Testing is over and not much news except for one or two little items -- The Smyth family had their new Drag Pack AA/SA car out and promply spun so bad it went sideways a couple of carlengths out - they'll get it figured out . Secondly the Fletcher family had their 69 Camaro out for test n tune and if you look real close in the picture you'll see the only new thing .......................... Just shows that Dan really can change with the times .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

looks like a little drag pack avoiding tactics

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Maybe he needs to have Sorensen to ship him a new 'bullet'...worked for him and looked like it would have even if Gaynor had hooked that beautiful DP up on their heads up run.

Nevertheless, Fletcher in E looks strange...no Merryfield sightings I assume.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

did he change classes?
probably a nice drive east on 90 for him too from rochester. my neices just returned there to rush/henrietta yesterday from LI.
Good luck to all and enjoy.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The Smyth gang just might need to get those Goodyears off that DP car and bolt on some Hoosiers....others have already found that out.....just my .02. WJ

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

This race is always a tough one for me to go to. It's my daughter Emily's Birthday on July 3 and as much as I enjoy the Divisional races, Emily's Birthday will always be more important. She'll be 9 years old on Saturday.

Have fun, good luck and be safe to all.

Oh, by the way, Jack, why were you taking all those pictures if you're driving?!?!

Ken Kopecky
E/SA 1454

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Kenny -- Have a great time with Emily and I'll take care of things here --nine years -really?? time does fly by.................And I never ever text while driving ..........I do however take a photo or two while motoring down the highway ................

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jack, It's cooling right down here....we expect low 50's again tonite. I'm only 90 mi. southeast of you, so you probably can expect the same. You guys should be able to fly, first thing tomorrow morning w/good starting line prep....good luck to all. WJ :)

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Sorry Jack, I mailed you a ticket for driving and shooting and the same time.....................lol

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Must be old timers day at Lebanon Valley....there was a Geroge Cottell sighting. Could he be the new driver for DeMarzo? Hmmmmmm.......

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Not enough pedals for George. He'll get lost and won't know what to do. LOL!

Sorry George, I couldn't resist.

Ken

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Kenny, George shifted 1st to 2nd and then to reverse thinking it was 3rd and churped the tires. You are right not enough pedals for those cowboy boots.

The test session was ok, the starting line was incredible, well preped but past the stands and top end was rough due to the head wind, roughly 15 plus mph, I had to drive to stay in the groove. Most racers lost 1 to 2 mph off their ET.

Enjoy the princess, we miss you

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Plenty of Merryfield sightings, you just have to know where to look. Merryfield sighted driving the offensive drag pack on the block, many dirty looks earned and cleary thinking of drinking beer. Merryfield sighted loading the car on the trailer dressed in business atire and drinking beer. Removing the F from the windows, struggling with the bikes on the bike rack, charging the batteries and drinking beer. Hauling the trash out and drinking beer. Soon there shall be pool cleaning and drinking of beer. In the early AM there shall be many miles on the treadmill, pondering of what class to run, a brisk tow out to LV, and no drinking of beer.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Strange ?? Here's the full story - Dan will not be driving his 69 Camaro in E/SA -- but his son Timmy will - so one would say what's Dan gonna drive ? Try this - Dan will drive Billy Lebers' D/SA 68 Camaro -- talk about silly season ................Stay in your seats - more coming at ya .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I attended a NASCAR race at Pocono and it took me three hours just to get out of the infield!

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Brrrrrrr....What a pretty morning even if its a little chilly with the temp just making it to 60 degrees . But the rest the numbers look great with humidity @ 62% and burning off fast and the barometer showing a so-so 29.54 making the final DA at just over 1100' .We could see some nice numbers during the first shot this morning .............no exact word as to what time we'll kick off this morning but I'll be there for you ...................

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hey Eric, Your nothern neighbor (F/SA) "bailed out" on attending the LVD race!
(even with the hit) after Bristol!

That car is For Sale!

The "Rumor from Vacationland" is If the "Team Oak Tree boyz" keeps pushing, they'll convince MC "Hammer" to buy a DP!

Teuton should LOVE hearing that!
Lucky Strike!

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Think the silly season will get more so when Seattle rolls around; Fletcher's been known to shake some trees on the Western Swing.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Shortage of cars ?? I don't think so as I'm told we're past last years numbers and already over 500 here - parking seems to be the biggest problem this morning for track workers.And the place is jammin' - everyone is upbeat about this race and the great weather coming at us the next few days .

And now a word for our sponsor - well almost - this morning I got to meet Bernie - the Diamond RV tech and I couldn't resist throwing an oddball problem or two at him just to see -- you know -- like a test and he passed with flying colors .....wish I had a guy like him working for me ! ! Anyway those who signed up to get service or adjustments here at the track I'm sure were pleased - pictured below is Al Mark along with Bernie working on Al's stuff and as you'll see Al is all smiles --- and he's tough .Everyone is happy except Bobby Broadbent -- he had a problem in his coach and still needs a 9 volt battery and if you have one offer it to him -- but stand back ! ! ! Wayyyyyyyyy back .

This morning while out for a walk I noticed a round cylinder type thing in the corner of a certain sponsor's trailer - not sure but could it be .........Nah --- well maybe ---we'll see . Hint-- it had some writing on it -- what's a Busch ?????

They just called SuperStreet to the lanes ..........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

If any one runs into the Atlantic Canada racers(John Armstrong,Bruce Riley etc.) could they let them know that their friends and fans from Nova Scotia will be following and rooting for them. Lets go John,keep that winning streak alive!!!!

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Geez...love the smile and the shirt on Mr. Mark!!

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hmmm, that sponsor must have a good plumber that fabbed up a sweet-looking keg cooler, maybe? Contents inside expressly intended for washing down the Lebanon Valley french fries? :eek: :D WJ

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Stock just finished run #1 and because of a terrific headwind that blew in most were pretty slow - more when the sheets come out -- except for Mr.Merryfield who decided to put a "C" on his window and promply went a 10.20 ...........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Dans running a new combo..396/325 hp
Tilburg Power..Don;t need no west coat FACTERED TIME SLIP..

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

1:30 update -- SuperStock just got their 2nd run -- most seemed to drop off about 2 to 4 -- still no sheets out in any catagory -- Drag Race Central guy just got here ............I'll stay on it ..

In the first picture next to my ugly mug is the computer screen showing no green what-so-ever and yet its getting darker as I type .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

My crack about using a Sorensen bullet was in pure jest. I know Tilburg pieces are top shelf.

If the new adjustments are effective 7/6 can any of the hit combos still set records at the old weight?

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hot off the presses -- Sportsman are finished for today .

After two passes in Stock ----
1- Merryfield -1.115
2- Frazier -.988
3- Kreeber -.945
4- Sepanek -.929
5-Fink -.917
6-Shaul - .913
7-Salemi -..904
8-Bednez-.903
9-Sansone -.893
10-Monahan-.884

As you will see from the pics folks were watching everything right down to Stock .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jack what did my old car run, the red stang. Also is the "In Memory of Mike Scott" sticker still on the back window. I told Larry never to take it off.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

AC -- Looks like your old ride went to the number 71 spot with an ET of 12.295........can't remember if the sticker was still on .........car looked very clean when I took pictures yesterday ....caught my eye in the lanes !

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Good morning Jack,

I see you`re having fun racing. That`s great!
Things sure have changed, that`s why I enjoy reading this forum.
I`m at my house at the beach with my grandkids having a nice holiday weekend.
Good luck at the races today!

Butch

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Good morning - One would think that without Sportsman cars running last night ( there were a few clean-ups so all racers got their allotted runs in - see pics below ) but it was anything but boring -the Alcohol guys along with Top Sportsman tried their best to put on a good show to semi-filled house .........and then there were those Pro Stock Sleds -- I personally don't get them but my hats off to anyone who goes 8.50 @150 mph on a snowmobile.......not me ..never ever ! ! At the end of the evening we got to watch the Diamond RV sponsored fireworks show -- pretty neat deal -- most of the show was your normal flash / bang stuff but the last few minutes were neat for sure with some displays everyone enjoyed .

Ok -- Lets talk about this morning -- SuperStreet is to lead off at 8:30 followed by Stock i'm told .The nice unseasonable weather is continuing this morning and is still chilly at this hour with the temp not yet reaching 60 but again a bright sunny morning - looking out my window i'm seeing folks with light jackets on......July 3rd ??

Pictured below is Dave Pickernell (Donnie Carrolls' partner /sidekick getting a lesson in generator maintence and repair from Bernie (the Diamond RV tech ) who seemed to be everywhere this weekend fixing RV's ..........he's kind of like the Energizer Bunny -- just keeps fixing and fixing ......well you get it .

Back a little later ......

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

They did a quick turn around on us -- 30 minutes after our time run they called us for first round and you would think that was a good thing .... but not today .Many including myself were caught up in all of a sudden there was wind and much more temp - in less than an hour racers slowed up as much as 5 to 6 -- who would think ? Me - I lost a squeaker by .007 -- don't you hate when that happens ? Good news -- there will be another race .Think I'll go take some photos and cool off awhile .................