Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Good morning everyone, I am not there yet in fact I haven't left home yet. I had planned to leave early this morning but when I got up this morning I realized I would be driving straight into what is now a tropical storm. So the plan now is to sit here and wait to see which direction it goes. If it goes a little more nothing I may take off on a detour through South Carolina and then back north to Charlotte or possibly just wait for it to pass and drive up tonight. We'll just have to wait and see, if there's anyone there that would like to chime in on the conditions there now please jump in. I'll have more later.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

James, They started parking Sportsman yesterday about 3:30. Moved many more over and parked on roads on far side of track. Raining and some wind(not bad). Were supposed to start parking around 8:00 this morning but got text from NHRA that said we are on an extended delay because of the weather. They will update later.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

This bad weather is to be out of here by 5pm today. Be safe Cooter

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Thanks guys, I'm watching it and probably won't go up till later this evening after things calm down a bit. Last thing I want is to drive straight into 50 to 60 mph wind gusts in a motorhome. Y'all keep your heads down until I get there and don't get too wild having a hurricane party!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Hey Cooter! Man, 2 hurricanes in one year! Wow!
But if you need some help on hurricane parties, us Cajuns sure can help out with that! Safe travels to all.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

What is the new email for national event text notifications? I got the email, noted that it siad there was a new email, but deleted it and finding the actual information needed on the website or event page is a joke.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Anyone have an update on when they are going to start parking?

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Hey Matt it's nhratext@nhra.com then "Add your name category#" 13 for Stock.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Brett we got it like that! We have lots of experience here, in I think 1997 we had 2 direct hits 2 weeks apart so we know a thing or two about hurricane parties.
I think we've decided to drive up late this evening after things chill out so we will miss this party!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Safety to all...good luck!! Keep them win lights coming on!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Latest estimate try to start parking around 4. It is pretty windy now.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Just got an email that they will resume parking at 3:30 but no word on how late they would continue.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Moving in

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Be safe headed in James.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

This just posted on NHRARacer.com


Depending on weather conditions, we intend to start moving sportsman racers into the pit area by 3:30 pm today, Thursday. We will attempt to park all rigs today. Safety Safari is establishing an action plan for their team to begin work on the track surface this evening in an effort to begin racing activity as planned Friday morning. The Daily Run Schedule will be revised as necessary based on when we can begin racing activity and the conditions moving forward. We will make every effort to provide the best racing conditions possible.
We are aware that the current weather has not provided an enjoyable experience for you so far and we hope that changes. Some of you may also be feeling the effects of this storm system at home. If a sportsman racer would prefer to not participate in the event and instead turn your focus to next week’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Rockingham Dragway, you will still receive a credit from this week’s Carolina Nationals.

Thank you.



Great decision by NHRA!!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

We have drove through the storm and come out to pretty skies around Greensboro. It wasn't that bad as we had timed it pretty good and only run through a couple squals along the way. We are getting some fuel and will be there shortly, hopefully they will be still parking when we get there in a couple hours.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

They are talking like things could be on schedule in the morning.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

We made it! In line now for parking and it must be my lucky day because they locked the gate behind me. Can't have no better timing, if you happen to be looking for us to drop off any donations or beer we are parked right beside the pole G-4 on the not paved side.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Good morning from Zmax, it's chilly this morning and it will be fast. Stock has been called to the lanes.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pslc19lyip.jpg

Todd Hoven AA/SA

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5ihimrfk.jpg

Randy Parker J/SA

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Stock and SS have made their first qualifying runs. It felt like it would be fast this morning but the weather station didn't agree and it was correct. The barometer is not very good and the humidity was still a little high but things are improving a little. 1st round of class will be coming up shortly for Stock after the Alcohol classes. There was alot of wrong classes this morning so it might be a little slow getting sheets out.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psa1zdvhpf.jpg

Jeremy Holmes SS/JA

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psgbqdzytr.jpg

Jeff Warren SS/FA

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

They are about half way through with Alcohol so if the schedule holds up we should start class in about a half hour. So far the donations are going awesome, we are overwhelmed and will soon be thinking about renting a Uhaul if this continues! I can't thank everyone enough!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Wish I was there to see J/SA....should be interesting.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psgrfobcpc.jpg

Raymond Skipper B/SA

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psenzmt3oh.jpg

Scott Gove A/SA

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psdsm4teku.jpg

Kenneth Stott H/SA and Aunt Emily Stott Volman

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Mine Shaft!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

It was close but it did make it. We have been waiting around chilling all afternoon. Last word I got was SS would get their last run around 8 followed by the remainder of Stock class eliminations.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psnd7dwseb.jpg

Adam Keir A/SA

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pscdmhjihi.jpg

Jeff Myers FS/B

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

James, 63 cars in stock, number 33 was .855 under. Mine shaft

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Hey everyone, sorry I went MIA a little this evening and I missed the last rounds of Stock class. We went out and did a few things this afternoon and then we went to a walk through of carved jackolaterns called The Glow. It's just down Bruton Smith Blvd from the track and it was pretty cool. My wife and Piper really enjoyed it and it's less than a mile from the track. The carvings were amazing so I took a few pictures to share.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psmaphvcj0.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pskjdwywh9.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psxo3hjqge.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psqh4nkfiq.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pscomtrtjz.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psp7usqtjs.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psmzybyqaa.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0yyd5zga.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8y1ngcfh.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pspnvyqz8o.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pswdvohx4y.jpg

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Hard to believe these were all made from pumpkins.

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psfzate98r.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pscbqgoxsw.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pssxrdhgse.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pszihx8iac.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...pspwjdkanl.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psjjcpespe.jpg

http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/...psnazskdxq.jpg

Well that's all I have for tonight, Stock is first out in the morning at 8 for first round and I'll have more tomorrow.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Good morning, we are up and running. The air is much the same as yesterday and I have seen none of the traction issues that have plagued the first few pairs in recent years. That being said it seems no one wants to be in a hurry to get down the track as usual.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Well I'm done after 1st round, I mysteriously picked up over a tenth and so did the guy I was racing. I don't know maybe just a coincidence..... I may stick around for a while and try to get some pictures to post.
I got to say thank you again for all the donations and contributions. I will find some good people in need and I can guarantee they will be grateful. Thank you thank you!!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

The estimated time for Stock to run round 2 is 5:40.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Well sorry guys I didn't take anymore photos, we just sat back towards the finish line and enjoyed some good racing. I must say it was nice to sit back and watch, I guess it's getting late in the season and I must be getting tired.
One thing that was a bit odd about this event was that they ran all the classes down to just the finals left. I'm not sure why or if this is a sign of things to come or what. Me personally if they are going to do that I would just assume finish it instead of sitting around for 18 hours waiting for one round. Oh well I guess we'll see if this is something new or if it was just this race.
I will be back Thursday evening with a Live from Rockingham and also hopefully get some pictures for the other thread of the donations we collected this weekend. My wife plans to those organized and start distributing those this week. Thanks again to all the racers for the support!!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

James
They got everything down to a Final probably cause they don't start until Noon on Sunday.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

My first time at Charlotte, not fond of cars coming from both sides, My weekend started of lovely, nothing like finding out you got a 4 horsepower surprise ! Oh well see y'all at the Rock.

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Surprise? Need to keep up with averages NHRA releases regularly and mid-season HP adjustments (where the 4 HP hit was announced). Welcome back to Stock!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

Jim I'm glad you like this new improved STOCK racing . I don't,!

Re: Live from Charlotte- Carolina Nationals
 

I don't know know Pete, it's always been that way here but this is the first time they ever ran us down to just the Finals left.