Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Just noticed on NHRA.com that the Seattle National Event has been cancelled for 2020.
Not good news for all us racers.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Bummer. I had just seen the info and was going to post. Big blow to the Northwest Racers and everyone else in the area.

The info is also on the Pacific website. An article on the website tells the whole story. Big financial blow to Pacific Raceways.

Thanks for posting. Sorry it had to be done.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

One other thing I noticed in the press release with the cancelation was NHRA did not believe spectators would be allowed by the time the race was scheduled.
That tells me if spectators are not allowed at the National events several more of the events may be in trouble.
I think there may be several states which may hold up spectator participation and those spectators are what makes the National events profitable for both the NHRA and the tracks.
Our sport we all love may be in serious trouble this year which may keep it in trouble for the future.
I hope we can all get back on the track with spectators soon which will be good for everyone involved.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

I have a friend who lives in Vegas--Toby--said that he heard they want to put together a 215-Shootout--anybody else hear this?

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Kind of a sidenote to the cancellation but when we were at the divisional race a couple of weeks ago, you couldn't help but notice the entire spectator parking lot is now a giant gravel quarry. Where exactly were they planning to park the spectators?

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Great question.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

When I was at the swap meet there in February I asked about that. It's being developed into a racing business park to surround the track with friendly neighbors. Not the death knell.
I would imagine they have plans for parking some other spot. Not like the old days, I was parked in the middle of where the GoCart track is and that was full.

I was hoping the border was actually going to open July 21st like the latest plan and would be able to go to Seattle as the first time at a dragstrip this year (Mission won't allow spectators in case I wanted to see ten test and tune cars and talk to the twenty people allowed)

I am really curious how Dan Mercier from Quebec was at New England points meet last weekend... is there a motorsport exemption? Perhaps it is considered work related?

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

I bought my now 2021 tickets on the first day of sale to get VIP (the woods) parking because of the construction. They said they would "make up" for the lost space. Whatever that means.


Sidenote: The track is actually part of a massive sand and gravel mine that runs along highway 18 all the way to Auburn, so, yes, Jason can make up for the lost parking

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

The area that is torn up is for the retail space garage rental business complex. A space that was for spectator parking and staging for the National Event. Hey, maybe they will build a parking garage for the spectators - HAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great day, sorry the national event went away.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

No. It didn't.

I believe I heard them say he got his stuff across the border earlier this year before it was closed. Don't believe any other Canadian cars were there.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

My "sorry it had to be done" statement referred to having to post that the event was cancelled.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Apologies if I misunderstood.

Just seems a shame what has been allowed and then what has not been allowed lately. And the businesses that have been ruined.

But then I guess it's up close and personal for you.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Don't know about that. His Facebook site shows the car in the shop on June 6th, same shop as in the pictures last year. Even if the car was left in the US they supposedly forbid all non essential crossborder travel. I think there must be a loophole.

They have a ProMod and X275 race at Mission this weekend, no spectators allowed, cars with three crew only. Can't imagine much of a turnout if no US cars are there.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Just very frustrating right now. I am trying to do the right thing and stay healthy for my family and friends. Especially my 11 grandchildren and 3 great grand sons. I hope and pray that they all stay safe, also.

You all have a safe and fun time at races.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Hope other nationals aren't effected the rest of the year

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

I agree. My hope and prayer is that as many events as possible (both local and national) can happen this year . Everyone stay safe and do what is necessary to have as much fun as possible at each event.

Looking forward to a much better 2021. Prayers for everyone for a safe rest of 2020.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Wow ... Couldn't they do a pay purview or something ...come on NHRA get creative for Haven sake . Don't just roll over & play dead

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

One would think...the chances of getting to Phase 4 in King County were pretty slim plus the high probability that Canadians won’t be able to come (“planned” reopening July 21st is iffy and even then there may be a quarantine period to add on to that) pretty much put a nail in it. With the exception of the the two Pro shows in July at Indy (get the sponsors some time) I’d be surprised if we have nationals if NHRA can’t get their usual big gate receipts. That’s about the size of their business model.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Garage rental.. hmmm. As the sign that is still next to that field says...construction to begin in 2018.

When the go-cart track construction started it was going to be the 2nd dragstrip. It’s a go cart track. The field where the go-cart track is that used to be 15’ higher? All that went to the new runway up at the airport. I’m not sure where all the rock and gravel from the lot is going this time, but there’s a scale there to weigh the rigs coming and going.

Just like with the “new” drag strip in my opinion we’ll never see garages go in.

Funny thing is one of the reasons we can’t stack there anymore in this lot was because the neighbors were tired of hearing tow rigs drive in. Now they get to listen to gravel trucks all day long.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

How about a double divisional in the Seattle Nationals place? Mission probably won't happen, Woodburn is TBD, you have 4 days open and at least we are racing out there.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Also starting to wonder if the Sears Point dbl header is going to happen or not? I realize it is currently on but things seem to be getting worse, I could easily see it getting recancelled also. Year just sucks in general.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Mission should happen, but I doubt the borders will be open.

I might have a chance!

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Brian, great idea for another divisional in place of the National. Time is available so go for it. Who would you talk to?? Matt or who??

Derrick even if the Mission double happens and the border is open, the weather in September is VERY iffy.
Good luck with the double. Hope it happens and is very successful.

Remember back in the day. S.I.R. stood for "sorry it's raining" for the Fall Nationals and other events.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

I believe Matt's the man...I think a double would bring much more car count and make it worth it for the D7 guys to come up and play. The last divisional was lightly attended probably due to the very iffy weather we had...should be much better odds in August.

If the border opens..so much the better. Doubles are a good bang for the buck with travel costs what they are. If you have the nationals days already blocked out...I say let's go! I'll have my 2 out there!

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

I think I figured out how a Canadian team raced last weekend. Since the DOT wants to call the hauler a commercial vehicle and the racing a commercial enterprise it is simply shipped across the border in a commercial vehicle. Any crew not in the truck is allowed to fly, no restrictions on that and that is how the golfers and tennis players are able to cross the border.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

If you build it, we will come... sorry I love "Field of Dreams", LOL!

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

If I read it right Aug. 1st is booked at Pacific Raceways. The 2nd Annual Bracket Kings Showdown is happening.

So much for a divisional double header that weekend.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Just curious if the border isn’t open how will they have the Mission divisionals? The NHRA division director, most of the crew and the trailer is state side.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Good point Jody. Since the divisional at Mission is in September the border should be open by then.

The last I heard the border will open on July 21. Has that changed, just curious???

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

They can probably get around the border restriction by claiming it "work related", as it's not just casual travel.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

See they’ve cancelled the Pacific NHRA Alcohol event scheduled for Aug 7-8.

http://www.nhraracer.com/content/gen...891&zoneid=175

D6 throwing in the towel? Hearing nothing positive about the Canadian border opening later this month so “assume” that plays a role. If you folks thought you had long tows before...geez.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Latest " rumour " is that they will keep the border closed till the end of the year.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

From a Canadian viewpoint.
This map shows why it would be 'terrifying' to open Canada-U.S. border

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/this-map-...rder-1.5012933



Stan

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Jim, I saw that also. I don't fully understand this decision, but I assume the border being closed plays into it.

Pacific Raceways is having other events and this one was Alcohol cars ONLY, so I am confused. I guess that comes with age.

Oh well, not my decision so will go on having fun with friends.

As a side note the Goodguys events at Puyallup and Spokane have been cancelled, also. Not drag racing, but definitely car guy and gal deals.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

Stan...In British Columbia specifically, COVID-19 has been taken very seriously (because it's real). With the exception of Essential Services, the entire Province was completely shutdown pretty much for 3 solid months. We have a remarkable Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry and a Provincial Health Minister Adrian Dix who have coached our Province very well. They have kept us updated daily with our progress, as well as our shortcomings that has helped things along.
A lot of sacrifice and co-operation by the population of our Province has really been Quite Honourable.
Businesses and Restaurants are slowly beginning to open as of late. We have been encouraged to stay home if you can. An opportunity to stay home from work, seems like an answered dream. The statement "We are in this Together", allows us to practice our responsibility collectively and consistently with people who truly care for one another.
Its amazing to see how the 49th Parallel stands unprotected with protection. On this side we really care for one another. As Dr. Bonnie Henry would say "BE KIND, BE CALM, BE SAFE". With Sincerity...Maurice.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

NHRA can get across the border as "work related" meaning there shouldn't be any reason to cancel the event.

There was an announcement of a Canadian series with races in Medicine Hat, Edmonton, and Mission (one of which is on the divisional weekend).

I'd throw a bunch of cash on the border staying closed until 2021.

Re: Seattle National Event Cancelled
 

It's an interesting map to look at for sure but doesn't take into account that the entire population is only about the same as California. A person might look at that map and think there are hardly any cases in Canada but unless they realize that those wide open areas where there are no cases there are no people there either. Canada closed its border on March 21st but the peak of their cases came in late June into early July, did it work closing the border? It probably didn't hurt but I don't believe they would've had many more cases if they hadn't closed.