What's a good race for a spectator

[STCK/SSFAN]

Hi All

I'm newly registered on the forum although have lurked around for a while reading as I find it very interesting. However, I've never joined since I don't race and therefore I don't think I am qualified to give my .02 cents on most stuff.

However, I thought I would go to the people that know best and see if anyone can give me a recomendation for a race to atttend this year.

I usually go once a year to a drag race somewhere and it has included some unique ones like the US Class Nationals, which was something that I really enjoyed

All that said, my usual has been to arrive early Saturday morning at an NHRA National event and stay late on Saturday to be sure to get all the Sportsman eliminations. I then return Sunday for final eliminations.

My thoughts are to arrive Friday for a race and get all the sportsman qualifying and then attend Saturday to get most of the eliminations and just see the Pro Qualifying.

My intial thoughts this year were Thursday Friday Saturday at Indy or go to No Problem for the Sports Nats but my schedule won't let me make those dates

Sorry for the long post to get to the simple question of "which race would a racer recommend to a spectator who enjoys Sportmen racing better than Pro racing?"

Thanks

Karl Mitchell
Toronto, ON

[Ed Fernandez]

If you want a race to attend at the end of the season go to the Dutch Classic at Maple Grove Pa in October.There's Stock/Super Stock,Comp,Hemi Challange,the Super classes,TopSportsman and Dragster.We run class runs for S/SS.A lot to see and many good cars and racers.Quite a few Canadians,so you'll feel at home.

[Gary Smith]

The CanAm S/SS series is run right in your backyard if you're looking for something local, Dutch Classic at Maple Grove is really good too. If geographic location isn't an issue Belle Rose is probably the best.

[Mike Bassin]

Karl,

Ed has it "dead on". The Dutch at Maple Grove in late Oct. is about as good as it gets for sportsman racing. Huge fields of all classes especially Stock and Super Stock. Everybody is fast, good viewing from starting line to top end. NHRA announcer Lewis Bloom typically announces the event [it was pleasure to work with him at this event from 2005 to 2007] and does an outstanding job especially with the driver profiles. Just a hint, make sure to spend time in the pits and walking the lanes, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to the drivers of your favorite cars. Now you will have a face to go with the cars you like. Now you've got racers to root for throughout the day, makes whole deal a lot more fun. The racers really appreciate having fans take an interest in their cars and racing efforts also.

Mike Bassin, announcer Quarter Aces Drag-O-Way

[Jim Blankenship]

travel south a little to Bristol night Q under lites worth price of tickets and day racing is great.


jim

[Adger Smith]

Quote: What's a good race for a spectator.
I prefer a side by side --- wheel to wheel race.
Even from the drivers seat... :~0

[Jim Wahl]

Ha! Right on Adger, right on!!!! Jim

[Matt Welker]

Another vote for the Dutch Classic, but check the forecast before you leave. The race often has weather issues. I love that race and it is very good if you are a s/ss fan. This year you would have seen an incredible Hemi Shootout, a sweet SS Challenger from the west coast in addition to most of the D1 cars racing for class.

Indy is the best if you can make it for Thur and Friday and when your schedule permits, that is one to watch. We flew out before we had cars, wed-fri s/ss during the day, Indy museum and track tour night/afternoon. Plenty of time to do it all.

Just my thoughts,
Matt Welker
E/SA 1741

[Michael Kilduff]

The US Nationals at Indy over Labor Day weekend is a great race for Sportsman racing too. Just have to get there at 8 am Thursday for the start of class elims. An added actraction is the 64 car Comp Eliminator field too.

Usually there are about 160 plus cars in stock and the same in SS.

[Joe Martens]

Originally Posted by Matt Welker

Another vote for the Dutch Classic, but check the forecast before you leave. The race often has weather issues. I love that race and it is very good if you are a s/ss fan. This year you would have seen an incredible Hemi Shootout, a sweet SS Challenger from the west coast in addition to most of the D1 cars racing for class.

Indy is the best if you can make it for Thur and Friday and when your schedule permits, that is one to watch. We flew out before we had cars, wed-fri s/ss during the day, Indy museum and track tour night/afternoon. Plenty of time to do it all.

Just my thoughts,
Matt Welker
E/SA 1741

Can't go wrong with these two races!