Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone Nationals
 

Hello gang - After a hard day of testing and racing yesterday at Atco Raceway in New Jersey a great many teams headed over to Maple Grove Park to get into line for this weeks event .This years winner for the first in line was a surprise as I had my money bet on Bob and Penny Bender but the 'moose crew racing' gang were there first and my pick only made it to row two .By 9am this morning there were already three rows waiting to enter Wednesday .

After parking this morning I couldn't help but noticing how terrific the place looked - Lex Dudas ( VP at the Grove) and his crack staff have the place standing tall - you'd swear they are going to run the Derby here in a few days .If they gave an award for 'Best Appearing Track' the Grove would win hands down .OK, you got me as I'm a little biased because its my home track but it really does look fab.

Now lets talk about the weather - all last week they ( the weather people) said we'd have rain this coming week on Thursday and Friday but have now backed off and its to be 70's and Sunny ...........yippee bigtime ! ! ! Personally I think the Popes' visit has something to do with it .

For those of you wondering I've left ( gotta pay for this racing thing ) but I'll be back in a couple of days - maybe the boss will take over ( BTW, he beat me yesterday @ Atco in a double breakout deal- it was a made for TV race - two big wheelstands -old vs new - Ford vs Chevy- it had it all ) - hopefully he'll snap some pics .

Enjoy the pics .......

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Jack, are you parked in the pits or the holding lot?

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Pits ??? No way --- gate 4 holding lot -- no one gets in until Wednesday morning .

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

That's what I thought. Thanks. Had he parked you I was going to bring my stuff down tomorrow.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Yes the Pope is coming to M/G and the Mobile Vatican is already in line waiting for him! He said after all these slow moving processions, he can't wait to see some fast cars and wheelies! LOL

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Jack - I think you may have spoken too soon about the dreaded R word. The latest forecasts aren't too good. See you Wednesday.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Parking hours for wednesday are from 9 am to ???
leaving wednesday early morning

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Mat - Parking 10 to 6. Tech 10:30 to 6.

http://www.nhra.net/2015/images//RP%20revision.pdf

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Thanks Bob !

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

A reminder for those of you in need of VP Racing Fuels this weekend. VP is available at many dealers and distributors close to you or close to Maple Grove Raceway. There will be a shipment of fuel delivered to the Morgantown NAPA Auto Parts on Wednesday for those of you in need.

Their information is: Morgantown NAPA Auto Parts
108 Mulberry Ct, Morgantown, PA 19543
(610) 286-0065

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

I just heard on the news that he won't make it out there.
They said he was too pooped to pope.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Jack next time you see Lex remind him that I still have a very good supply of Christmas tree bulbs.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Just for the record its 80 degrees here in the Christmas City with the Sun shining brite this afternoon .........

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

It was a hot humid day here at the track....

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Larry - I'll be sure to pass on the info - that said I doubt they'll be using very many this week .....

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

According to NOOA a lot of rain heading to Reading today tonight tomorrow and at least 40% thru Saturday! After all it is Reading be sure and take you waders!

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Ok I have to ask what is NHRA thinking? Are we in for another wait and see till all of us get there to figure out This Might Not b A Good Idea to try and race?
Remember 2 tears ago ? Last minute everyone go home and come back..
Im with stupid and im going. Just hope we get a clear picture before its to late.Step right up bring popcorn and beverages

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

stay home james weather channel said they may get 5 inches of rain

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

This is pretty simple - no popcorn or beverages needed to understand the entire deal - we sit for a day or two and if it looks really bad they cancel to next weekend as the Pro's have that weekend free .Not sure what happens to the Pennsylvania Dutch Classic but there is plenty of time to figure it out .At this point we're getting ahead of ourselves as the storm could blow out to sea as some of the weathermen have said this morning .Stay tuned ...........

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Not very encouraging , NHRA has extended the time to withdraw from the race until noon PST Wendsday due to impending weather .

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Accuweather forecast is getting better. Saturday may only be the "bad" day now. Tomorrow isn't looking as bad, Thursday is talking about rain in the afternoon but sportsman could be done by then. Friday says cool with periods of rain. I think we will be ok.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Bobby Fazio you are right, the bad weather is moving, just check with weather mapping and we might get it all in. i'm driving about 8 hrs and can't cancel our reservations anyways.lol Claude Ruel p.s. Jack we know you're not the cause of this but could you offer the Gods of rain an offering to stop the rain for a while. thanks.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

I've offered them plenty but it's still raining here in Bethlehem - but the forecast does look better so maybe, just maybe the Gods are willing to make a deal .....we'll see ! !


BTW, has anyone else NOT received an e-mail from Josh Petersen to print out their ticket and buy others ???? I got nothing and calling Glendora all I have is voicemail ......Hmmm.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Should be able to get parked and tech'd tomorrow, maybe some qualifying on Thursday.
After it starts on Thursday it looks like Sunday is the next best day.

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USPA1348:1:US
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Wea...ation=USPA1348

Question is, after getting rain today/tonight will they be able to park because we all know no one will be leaving.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Even if you're an over the top Optimist.....that forecast is dismal at best...

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

TS Joaquin = Dutch Buster Same thing happened two years ago, lingering low in Atlantic. We drove in it and sat in it for days. Tech cars in trailer to get grade points and came home. New Geico commercial with $$$$$$ flying off the rig. Maybe it's us????

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

X2 rich, hope that Nhra steps up and reschedules this race. M.J.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

I'm NOT with stupid and i'm out. I'm surprised they havn't postponed this by now. Good luck!

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

I just pulled the plug. I have been at this track to many times and sat in the rain. Not chancing it this time.

Bob Lasko

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

If the race is postponed until next week,and I have yet to tech my car in..( due to the weather).can I tech in on the rain date?.....thanks joe Mocci

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Joe you must show this weekend see Dans post

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

The Weather Channel's forecast for rain is 60% on Th, 100% on Friday and Saturday, and 50% on Sunday. The pros will be qualified by points, but I've no idea what they will do with the sportsmen-hope for a run on Thursday and then back to racing maybe on Sunday, but probably not until Monday. And God only knows how you'll be able to drive from where you are pitted to the staging lanes.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

6 years ago they waited till Monday to run the pros after it started to rain alter first pairs of top fuel on Sunday. we had rain on Wednesday, Thursday, time shot on Friday and then into eliminations.
3 years ago when parked in reading parking lot(raining), was told on Wednesday that the Super Stock, stock and .90 classes would not be run at the main event, but would return at a other dated to complete.

Bob Lasko

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Watch out for the "You Weren't Even Here" scenario like Houston!!!

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

I was at the Baytown race. Sat around for 4 days and they said "Like it never even happened". All the NHRA lovers out there won't mind though lol.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Wouldn't be cool for all us fan and many racers already at the track.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

if anyone thinks they're getting parked, that's just crazy

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Good morning members and guests - And welcome to day 1 here at the Keystone Nationals or otherwise known as the Amish October Rainfest .For those of you already wondering - yes, it rained last evening and thru the night but has ceased at this time and I for one have called Home Depot and cancelled my lumber delivery for now .Today could go either way - right now its foggy and humid with no Sun whatsoever but we'll see what the morning brings us .My thoughts are that we can get parked but ??????

Other news - our leader and head of this Pied Piper circus Ken has withdrawn but I must add not because of the weather - while racing Sunday he developed some ignition woes and just couldn't find them so you guys and gals are stuck with me the next few days .And did I mention Christmas is coming - along with end of year bonus time - he tells me everything was forwarded to corporate ........Hmmmmm ! Really ???

BTW , there are about a dozen or so rows of entries here already and the ground is not really that squishy so it could happen that we get in - but then I don't weigh as much as an eighteen wheeler .

Back a little later with some holding lot shots ........

PS- For those of you counting - 20 Stock/SS have withdrawn so far.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

Looking better, only 80% chance of rain for Friday and Saturday.
http://www.weather.com/weather/5day/l/USPA1348:1:US

EDIT --- WOW.
I just refreshed it and now it's down to only 60% on Friday.
Looking better every minute.

Re: Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone National
 

The percentages have dropped a little , but now it extends to Monday and Tuesday .
Yesterday they were called to be sunny .
I counted 87 rigs this morning when I walked the dog .
The lack of rain for months up here has helped ,as Jack said the ground is surprisingly solid , considering the soaking we got last night .