Maple Grove Nat`l event questions.

[Rory McNeil]

Since I now live on the East Coast, I am planning to go to the Maple Grove National Event in mid September, just to spectate. I understand that Stock Class Eliminations will be contested at this event, just wondering if Class will be held on Thursday or Friday, and also if any Stock and S/S Eliminations will be started on Friday, or not until Saturday. I am looking at only going for 2 days, and wondering which 2 days would have the most Stock and S/S activity. Also, any suggestions for reasonably priced Hotels/Motels in the area? Thanks.

[Nick Heath]

Hi Rory -

Last year, they did qualifying and SS class on Thursday, round 1 eliminations on Friday. I can't imagine the schedule would be different or "better" this year.

We stayed at Holiday Inn in Wyomissing last year for the Dutch Classic. There are cheaper options but anything in that area should be good. The Holiday Inn is across from an office park, so very quiet.

[Bobby Fazio]

Funny you should ask. I actually contacted NHRA about this yesterday. I asked them to let Stock run class on Friday like we used to do at Etown and Maple Grove regularly when we had 100 cars. Heads-up muscle car racing in front of the crowd, easy to understand, wheelies, no breakouts, performance based first to the finish wins! It would help entice contingency sponsors as well because the current Thursday format does not. Last year they generously gave us 4 qualifying sessions, 1 on Friday morning before eliminations. Then Stock can run 2 rounds Saturday and 4 rounds on Sunday. Honestly after two rounds each sportsman category takes about 5-8 minutes to run so the 4 rounds Sunday would be a breeze and the other categories would likely be 2 rounds on Sunday. I will let you know when I get a response.

[Tom O]

Rory, the schedule on nhra competition site under national events has 3 runs for SS,SC SG, 2 runs for STK ,then class, on Thurs. 2 for COMP & T/S. Historically mother nature has not been kind to that race.

[BKSG1198]

Right now, all classes are full except Super Gas but, still a 6 round race for them. TS has only 6 & Comp has 2....I would think as we get through Indy, it might fill up a little as points chases become more clearer and with only 1 pro session Friday, I'm sure you could do class run-offs friday but, we know the detailed schedule won't come out till Mon-Tues the week of.

[Superfan1]

Rory, the Holiday Inn in Morgantown is reasonably priced and it is on Rt.10 which is the main road to the track. It is a 10-12 minute drive to the track; I stay there for the Divisional race in May and the Dutch Classic in October.

[Tom O]

Originally Posted by Superfan1

Rory, the Holiday Inn in Morgantown is reasonably priced and it is on Rt.10 which is the main road to the track. It is a 10-12 minute drive to the track; I stay there for the Divisional race in May and the Dutch Classic in October.

And there are some backroads into/out of the track from Morgantown other than rt 10 that bring you to gate 4 I think it is, that would avoid the "big show" traffic.

[Rag71]

Have stayed at Holiday Inn in Morgantown before likely full now. The Best Western in Shillington ( Reading ) is good stayed there before booked for the Dutch . Easy enough drive to track also .

[Superfan1]

I just checked the Holiday Inn in Morgantown; there are rooms available, but they are $270 a night.

[Rag71]

Paying 408.67 total @ Best Western in Shillington (Reading) booked some time ago