Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Good evening boys and girls - Here we are at one of the more popular stops on the Division One tour - the one and only famous Atco Raceway .I've been coming here since the early seventies and am just as happy going thru the gates tonight as I was the very first time .Yes , it has changed and modernized a bunch but its still a great place to race .With superb traction and sea level ( and sometimes below) air that produces great time slips you just can't beat it .

Enough of that - lets talk about insult and injury first -- would you believe the boss got me already as he took my saved ( yeah - I know-- no saving allowed ) pit spot and I've been banished to the boonies .And its only Wednesday night .He doesn't know it yet but he's in for one hell of a weekend as I'll get even -- if it takes me right thru Sunday to do it .

My trip here was uneventful for a change - with the exception of the surprise on Route 73 South near Berlin - when you see the pictures below you'll understand .The gas and Diesel prices here are unbelieveable as you'll see .We in Pennsylvania are handcuffed by Governor Corbett and his taxes and just aren't used to seeing cheap only a few miles away .The only strange thing is I can't believe I'm using the word cheap when gas and deisel prices are over three bucks a gallon - times sure have changed.

Tomorrow we'll do test n tune and some tech -- and ClassRacer will bring you folks all the latest news ...............

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Good morning - Today we here at Atco are being greeted by nothing short of spectacular - beautiful blue skies and sunshine -- and the fact we're not at work ! Other than a winning timeslip you couldn't ask for more .Temps this AM are in the mid-sixties and will climb to around 75 later in the day .

Tech will open shortly and the track operated test n tune should be starting at ten if on time .

Back a little later with the dirt ...........

PS - If any of you are here and bump into Kenny ....Well just tell 'em to watch his back .Did I mention I'm pitted a few yards from the gate ?

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Jack Who?

Anyway here are a few photos of the test day here at Atco. weather is warm, currently it is 86 with the DA about 2500.

I know there are issues with some tracks getting a good turnout, but here in the northeast turnouts are good. In fact all of the parking on the black top was taken when I got here on Wednesday night. It looks as if parking will be at a premium this weekend.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Test n tune is chugging along - weather is decent - barometer @ 29.99 -temp is 86 but with a bunch of humidity .Numbers? Bednaz went a 10.16 with his stick Nova ,Katie went 11.40 in I/SA , and the session ended with Kevin McHugh banging an engine in the lights with his S/S Camaro - plenty of smoke etc but he kept it shiny side up .

An Alcohol car just crashed - driver is out and OK but it will be a lengthy clean-up for sure .

And a storm is supposed to hit soon -- but the Sun is out ..........Hmmmmm.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

any idea who it was that wrecked?

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Ill be there tomorrow after a 12 year hiatus from actually racing. Been on the other side for the past 12 years working tech at NMCA, NMRA, Hot Rod Power Fest, Flowmaster Invitational and RAM Racing NA shootout. My Super Stock car isn't ready so I picked an Ebay special to race in Stock and get my feet wet again.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Okay boys, while we all sit out here in the Midwest dreaming of 2500 foot air in August, give us day dreamers some fast times to talk about! Be safe and have a great race weekend! Looking forward to all of the great east coast reporting!!

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Welcome back Karl - hope your Ebay special works out .Plenty of members here to help and get you going well again .

Mike - Yep, we're spoiled here in the East .We treat 3000 feet like doomsday - just doesn't happen that often .

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Does anyone else think that we deserve a rain date posted for our races?
Especially when we have a forcast like this one!

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Good morning and welcome to day 1 of our fifth LODRS race in Division One .This morning will start of with Stock going on the track @9:30 and S/S going out fourth .

Weather forcast ? At this moment the Sun is peaking out with plenty of clouds showing .Temps are a bit chilly in the mid-sixties and the pressure I feel in my forehead tells me bad weather is on the way ( yes, I too can be a weatherman and guess ) .Several TV stations this morning are calling for storms later so maybe its more than a guess .

I think we're far enough into the season that we can talk points ....In Stock-- Anthony Fetch ( 271 points )is leading Donald Pires by almost four rounds with both only having counted three races - but then we have spots 8 and 9 occupied by Francois Periard and little Joey Santangelo - both tied at 195 and both having a second round loss to build on .

SuperStock is another story with the Terminator leading with 315 points with a first round loss to improve on but Lincoln Morehead is second and has only been to three races and has a second round to improve .And then there's Mr.Cupp with only three races in and a first round loss to help......this could get interesting - stay tuned ! !

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Here are a few more photos from yesterdays test session. Jack's report on the weather is what we can expect, just hoping the forecasters are wrong. Here are the numbers for anyone that's interested.

Temp 76
Humid 66%
Bar 30.02
DA 1930
Wind calm

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Hey guys and gals,
Any updates? haven't seen anything on DRC and I"m beginning to suffer withdrawal.LOL
Walt

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Here's the latest dirt - we're on hold - slight rain coming down - nothing huge but what it will turn into no one knows .Stock and SuuperStock got two hits in ( thanks NHRA ) and its a waiting game from here on in .

Since Jim Samuels isn't here today there won't be anything on DRC - that said I just aquired the sheets from the first round of Stock and S/S and the boss will have them posted soon .It'll probably be an hour or two till we see the second one .

More as it become available ...........

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Thanks Jack for the update. At least I know what's going on for now. Looking forward to more when you can run again.
Everyone be safe.
Walt

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Thanks for the posts

I still wish it was a paid for service we could subscribe to - would help offset the costs to DRC

Ron

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Here is stk and ss first round qualifying.

http://classracer.com/atco-q1.jpg


http://classracer.com/atcoq2.jpg

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

John DiBartolomeo from Drag Racing Action Magazine http://dragracingaction.com - sent me some great actions shots.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

4pm update - still raining - sometimes pretty hard .Announcer said a window was headed our way around 5:30 or six .He also said they would race under the lights if they got the track dry enough .

Most are just sitting around BSing -- I was misinformed earlier - S/S did not get their second shot in - they were in the lanes when the wet stuff hit .

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Attention in the pits - If you encounter Mr.Joe DeMarzo and have Internet on your devise please and I repeat - please pass this photo to him.Thanks in advance ..............

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

He's in the bar.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

who's car is Jim Boudreau Driving E/SA 68 Camaro 11.15 ??

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Here is the second round qualifying for Stock. Super Stock never made there 2 qualifier. The ran has stop, but its still very damp out. We are still on hold, but I don't see them running anymore tonight do to the weather conditions. Tomorrow does not look good, but you never know.

I don't who's car Jim is driving in E, I will try to get the info on his ride.


They Just called it for the night.

http://classracer.com/atcoq3.jpg

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Thanks Ken

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Wow, even with the threat of bad weather, 80 cars still show up in Stock. That's pretty amazing!

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

I didn't see Bucky Hess on the qualifying sheet-did he just test or is he racing?

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Great day at the track, what Jack has failed to report is that while the Klondike bars are missing so is Marc Labrec. Seems odd. No wonder the boss sent Jack to the sand pits. Did I mention it was a great day here at Atco especially since I got to meet Danny Ashley all the way from Indiana . A gentlemen and great carb guy.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Jim, number 16 is Joe Lisa's number, Jim is not here. I'm sure they will get it right tomorrow.

David, Bucky was just here to test.

Mike, Div 1 draws well, when the weather is right a 100 cars are not
unusual.

Here are some more random shots of the day and another from John DiBartolomeo

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

This in car cam is from Don Pires in his 1972 H/SA Nova. I had issues with the camera today, so I only got one video. I hope to have a few more tomorrow weather permitting.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

FYI...I will be there Saturday and Sunday so results will be available on NortheastDragRace.com and DRC.

My dog had surgery today so I was not able to get to the track.

Jim

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Is that another way to say "My dog ate the results?"

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Good morning members - This morning we were greeted by the wet stuff and plenty of it .Several times during the night it got real ugly with wind and downpours .Its still coming down but clearing is expected later this AM .Fingers are crossed and everyone is hoping for the best .If it stopped at this second it would take 2-3 hours to dry out as there is much standing water to clear .The NHRA's planned 9am start is off the table for sure .....back later .

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Jack
I know this is not on topic for this thread,but have you seen the picture of your car in the current issue of Drag Racig Action? It headlines the article "The COPO Concept".

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Thanks Mike I have --Johnny D was kind enough to drop off a copy to me .

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

10:45 update - They have been drying the track for about two hours and are making some headway - plenty of grey spots showing and could be ready in maybe an hour .

Sure wish they would hurrry as I'm getting tired of watching Martha Stewart make coconut macaroons ...........

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Be careful what you say about Martha Stewart. She's an ex-con who knows how to handle a knife.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Stock got thier final qualifier a little before 3 this after ....just a tad faster .Rumor is that we will still run first round tonight .Very agressive indeed .

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Opps -- Tony you're so right .....better watch myself ! ! !

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

While stock is waiting to run our first round I thought I should get busy and start posting.

This video is Eric Bardekoff in his 68 GT/FA Barracuda.

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Some more random photos....

Re: Live from Atco , NJ - NHRA Lucas Oil Series - Race #5
 

Thanks Ken and Jack for the great photos and reporting. Claude Ruel