"Live" from Atco,NJ-PC Richard National Open

[Ken Miele]

Here are some more shots on the final day of racing. Most of the pictures are at the 1/8 mile finish line, just for a different perspective. The camera I use is only a 3 mega pixel, its hard to get good shots, but it gives everyone an idea of what's going on.

Thanks Jack for keeping everyone informed. Shoot me an email so we can finish up what we were talking about.

On a side note, I was struck by the lack of response when it comes to a positive post about our sport. With the exception of Robert, Todd an Bill, there seems to be very little interest from members that post the most. I guess its because when they post, it is mostly looking at the bad things in our sport, not the positive things. It is kind of sad that they do not have much to say when there are good things to post about. So be it, enjoy folks, what ever makes you happy. Every time a member comes on here to post what's wrong with our sport, I will try to find something that's right with our sport.

[dean ribeiro]

Jack:
A big ol' thanks for taking the crew to atlantic city last night. We enjoyed the "wings and things" LOL.It was great to see some of my race friends for the 1st time in 2 PLUS years.I am reminded what a truly unique "bunch" drag racers are! It is not all doom and gloom today.

At Atco raceway, Atlantic City and elsewhere, people can were found spending money on themselves and others. Each restaurant (chains and local mom & pop locations) we visited were busy. Although car counts were down, it was still very impressive to see folks following their dream of drag racing. I have not attended an 1/8th mile race since I was a very young kid. This decision was a wise decision and was not complained about. After all, do you really want to complain about someone watching out for your safety? This would be like the fools complaining about the inconvenience of changing airplanes due to mechanical difficulties???? Having not raced at Atco Raceway in over 2 years, I was reminded of what an excellent facility this is (those of you know me, know I have not had the best luck while racing at this track). To me, this track is an excellent example of a racetrack run, by a race family, for the racers. The race was completed by 1:45 on Sunday.

Congrats to all the winners at Atco (including the Sway Family!)

[Jack Matyas]

Dean-- Its good to have you back--and you're very welcome -- I too had a super time with you and your extended family the other night .While out I also noticed many of the same things you did -- people are starting to spend again in many ways -- it may be some time but we are returning to where we were" before " .Looking at the positive side of things is helping our economy for sure -- being negative will only drag us further down .

At Atco this weekend I also think that running 1/8 mile was a wise choice even if it was unpopular with some racers .Seems to me that everyone who did race realized that they had better get sharp on the tree or get eliminated very quick -- its that different .Yes , the car count was down but so what -- those who did race had a great time and even if they made it to late rounds were home early last night -- we need to support track owners like Joe Sway who made it all happen......and happen damm well ! ! ! ( can I say that here ? )

Kenny -- I understand last year Santa needed to bring you parts for the engine that "expired" but maybe in '09 he'll bring you a camera if you're good.I'll shoot you an email on that "other" matter .

[Steve Calabro]

Photos from Atco

http://www.davemilcarek.com/