Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

At Joliet,they called the left side of the ladder for first round.Then they called the right side.
I was on the right side and ended up being in the first pair out for first round.
While I don't really care,there seems to be several drivers that like to "hang back" and see how everybody is running to decide on their dial-in.
This is probably a good strategy,but somebody has to be first.
I was at a Division 5 race last year where the first three pair to run were randomly chosen and it was noted on the ladder.Just wondering if anybody thinks this is a good idea?
I actually wanted to be first because the Perfectly Strange money was up to about $1500.(missed it by .004)I don't think anybody won it yet,so there is some big money up for grabs at Englishtown.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

its always the same people hanging back, they (tracks) need to go back to "the days" when there was chains that went across each lane, if you wasn't in the lanes 10 minutes after the call, to bad you was done.

I know one thing I would NOT put up with it at all at one of our Buckeye races unless I knew they was working on it trying to make the round.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

As long as they dont delay the race, but, I was at a race years ago when they made last call for SS qualifiing then they closed the lanes. When the first SS car went down out of over 100 the chain was pulled. probably 30 cars didnt make the run.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

Good thing there is a ladder at least in place. If there wasn't a ladder, there would be alot of duck hunting (I'd be a target) going on at National and Divisional events. I know that there are some racers that come into the lanes purposely late so that they are getting as much information as possible before putting their "guess" on the back window. Don't know if you should applaud them or penilize them.
Casey Miles
248H

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

It's not all about dial-ins and sitting back waiting to make sure you're dialed right. Most of the time, the predictor is accurate enough not to worry about that, however, mother nature does throw a curveball at you from time to time. For us, it's about the track. It seems NHRA stops the show after whatever "super" category runs directly in front of us. Then, they prep and spray the track. In our experience, being first out of the gate, the car tends to spin and doesn't repeat. We hate seeing the sprayer when we're next. After one or two pair, it's back to normal. This, quite possibly, is just us, but I imagine the automatic cars don't experience this.

Just my 2 cents.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

Very, Very Good Point,



Stephen Johnson#2162
Horace Johnson #2167
SS/D 427 Ford Fairlane NHRA-IHRA

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

When I was running both Stock and Super Stock last year, there were several occasions that I got back from my Stock run, and they were already calling Super Stock. I did my logbook, weather, checked over the Super Stocker, and headed for the lanes... and was afraid I might be late. Nope, first pair out, time after time. It's really pretty ridiculous.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

I understand Mr. Voth's point of view on the spraying. Only thing it is the opposite for me, I actually slow down due to the adhesivesness.

In terms of when I get to the lanes after they call varies. Knowing that we run at 8:00 AM, I will try to be the first pair out in qualifing to duplicate the air when eliminations start on Saturday. I will try to get my last qualifing run as late as possible to simulate the air change during the day.

During eliminations some drivers want to be late due to the suns glare on the tree or early latter on the day to avoid dusk.

I have been bitten too many times by watching what other cars do to adjust my dial. I have learned to just trust my own weather prediction. So therefore my arrival time in the lanes is of little importance.

There are many racers on this forum. What are their reasons for different arrival times. Lets hear it.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

In Div. 6 they pick 3 racers at random in stock and super stock. They are picked in order they are the first 3 with their opponents that get to go down the track in eliminations. No arguing that way. I think it is a good system.

Re: Selecting the first few pairings to run
 

One particular driver who has won many national events always lays back and generally is in the last two pairs out. We noticed this and watched at a couple years of national events and came to this conclusion. He doesn't want to be fast so he and his crew watch intently as to what is transpiring. You couldn't talk to that guy even if he shoe was on fire. He is watching with purpose. We also noticed this: If the session is close to dark, he is the first pair or second pair out without fail. Why? He hates driving at night and his stellar driving at day becomes horrendous at night. Some know of who I refer to and others will figure it out at the races. Suffice to say, if you have to race the guy at night, just be somewhat on time and watch it happen before your eyes.

Steve