Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals

[Jack Matyas]

How do you know you're at an NHRA Division One race ? Just look outside -- its raining isn't it ? Its only a little drizzle now but tomorrow thunder showers are expected .As usual we'll make the best of it .

We all know about having the best plans and I for one thought he had his house in order for this gig .So I was going to be the first in line by showing up Saturday as I had a volunteer to pick me up --only a short hour and a half ride and it left Sunday wide open for me .So much to my surprise when I pulled in there were rigs already in line -- oh well ! !

After parking I met up with my friend Tony Elmo ( who heads up Security - pictured below - many of you know him - now you know his name ) for a cart ride thru the grounds .If you've never been here when the place is empty you must .Believe me Lex Dudas and staff have this place sharp -- well manicured and maintained -- no excuses needed .Pics below .

Update 7:30 am EST - Got my wish - woke up this morning and was greeted by nothing but sunshine and warm temps with the trees covered with haze - its gonna be a stinker today .Special thanks to Geico Motorsports who had their 18 wheeler in line and ran the engine almost all night - don't know which was louder -- the diesel engine or their air conditioner when it kicked in .Running a generator is one thing but the rig engine is something else....I would have liked to strangle that little gecho........

Also pictured below are the newly lined staging lanes along with the new paved shutdown area and gravel pit .



PS - If you're on your way here hurry up as there are almost a hundred ahead of you .

[vic guilmino]

you all play nice in the mud
see you soon

[Billy Pires]

Tony Elmo is the man.

[Dan Fletcher]

how about a few pics of the newly paved and nicely manicured roads out into the field that we get buried in year after year...ok, then at least of all the stone they put down...

not really lol'ing...

[keith ohanesian]

Dan come on!! how about a picture of all the tires the stone punctures year after year.. This is the only race where you need to carry your spare tire to pass tech.

[BKSG1198]

Jack,
Look forward to hearing your updates throughout the weekend since I'm saving my money and staying home this year.

Rob K.

[AC]

i forget who made it but i have a t shirt, NED Never Ending Drizzle!!

That sucks hope its nice out i am bring my son down for the weekend to hangout at the track.

[ChevyII]

Jack,

Thanks for sharing the photos. The Grove is still one of the tracks with the best surroundings ie. tall trees, Amish horse drawn buggies, winding entrance roads and I miss this place.

Don't miss the line up to get in though...Vegas has spoiled us!

Good Luck this weekend and keep the pictures coming.

Mike Ferstl
PitMatCanada Distributor
SG SR 6091

[John Mason]

Jack said
"Special thanks to Geico Motorsports who had their 18 wheeler in line and ran the engine almost all night - don't know which was louder -- the diesel engine or their air conditioner when it kicked in .Running a generator is one thing but the rig engine is something else....I would have liked to strangle that little gecho........"

I usually get blessed by pitting next to the guy with the $300 Chinese 4500W generator, the 90db kind, who starts it as soon as he arrives and only shuts it off to refill the tank.
I miss the old days of Division 1 racing, but not the weather. Matching temps and humidity are too much.
Good luck.

[Dave Turner]

Originally Posted by ChevyII

Jack,

Thanks for sharing the photos. The Grove is still one of the tracks with the best surroundings ie. tall trees, Amish horse drawn buggies, winding entrance roads and I miss this place.

Don't miss the line up to get in though...Vegas has spoiled us!

Good Luck this weekend and keep the pictures coming.

Mike Ferstl
PitMatCanada Distributor
SG SR 6091

Hey Mike, do you think it would help if I forward Jack's pics to TMP; attn: "Facilities Maintenance"?

SIGH.....