Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals

Jack Matyas · 08-19-2009, 12:19 AM

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 · 08-19-2009, 06:08 AM

you all play nice in the mud
see you soon

Billy Pires · 08-19-2009, 06:17 AM

Tony Elmo is the man.

Dan Fletcher · 08-19-2009, 06:28 AM

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 · 08-19-2009, 06:41 AM

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 · 08-19-2009, 07:00 AM

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

Rob K.

Jack Matyas · 08-19-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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...

Dan -- Ya shouda got here earlier like your buddy Michael Iacono who landed one of the premier parking spots in all of the Maple Grove pits ............

Bob Bender · 08-19-2009, 01:32 PM

Jack keep up the good up dates........I have to work this week.

08-19-2009, 12:19 AM	#1
Jack Matyas Live Reporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bethlehem , PA -Christmas City , USA Posts: 4,931 Likes: 407 Liked 2,052 Times in 400 Posts	Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals 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 . Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jack Matyas 1547 FS/C 2015 Camaro COPO # 62- 2012 Camaro Convertible COPO Last edited by Jack Matyas; 08-19-2009 at 06:18 AM.

08-19-2009, 06:08 AM	#2
vic guilmino Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: wv Posts: 884 Likes: 42 Liked 56 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals you all play nice in the mud see you soon __________________ Vic Guilmino 1129 STK

08-19-2009, 06:17 AM	#3
Billy Pires Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Somerset, MA Posts: 99 Likes: 6 Liked 23 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals Tony Elmo is the man. __________________ Billy Pires 1414 STK, 1414 SS

08-19-2009, 06:28 AM	#4
Dan Fletcher Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Churchville, NY Posts: 493 Likes: 129 Liked 1,045 Times in 70 Posts	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals 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... __________________ Dan Fletcher 1781 STK, SS, COMP, SG, SC DAN FLETCHER TRAILER SALES

08-19-2009, 06:41 AM	#5
keith ohanesian Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 392 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals 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. __________________ No prep is king

08-19-2009, 07:00 AM	#6
BKSG1198 VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vineland, NJ Posts: 2,628 Likes: 96 Liked 1,283 Times in 392 Posts	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals Jack, Look forward to hearing your updates throughout the weekend since I'm saving my money and staying home this year. Rob K.

08-19-2009, 01:32 PM	#8
Bob Bender VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,734 Likes: 1,599 Liked 460 Times in 91 Posts	Re: Live from Maple Grove-NHRA Toyo Tire Nationals Jack keep up the good up dates........I have to work this week. __________________ Bob Bender 144 O/SA 2010-2012 National Record Holder