help needed for SGMP

[Jim Wahl]

"NHRA officials announced today that the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event previously scheduled for Valdosta, Ga., March 6-8, has been moved to Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Gainesville, Fla.

The event takes place the week before the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, giving racers in the Lucas Oil Series back to back events in Gainesville, Fla., and three races in four weeks at the facility, which also plays host to the second event in the 2015 NHRA Southeast Division, Feb. 20-22. The Summit Racing Series event scheduled for Feb. 28 at Auto Plus Raceway has been cancelled to help accommodate this schedule change."

Larry Sullivan is correct. There is a lot of arranging and rearranging to be done before a race such as the Divisional can be held. You wouldn't want to continue with the same staff. Insurance and financial paperwork must be plowed through. Even with the full cooperation of the NHRA there is just too much red tape to contend with. We all want a good, well run race and there is just not enough time to get all the ducks in a row. Jim

[jmcarter]

You're right Jim (and Larry), there's always more involved than meets the eye and given the D2 staff's demonstrated commitment to improving things for everyone it's probably the right call.

[rognelson777]

Tough decision for NHRA to make, but probably the right one.

Been through Commercial realestate sales and can be a real nightmare, think environmental. Not familiar with SGMP but have to believe that any type of new mortgage on the property will require a clean environmental report.

Also, title changes take awhile to go thru, so yes insurance issues for original event can be a problem

[Bruce Noland]

Just spoke to a fellow at the D-2 office. He says they may allow rigs to park in staging area between the Gainesville Division races. D-2 director will make the call after returning from Pomona on Wednesday. Not sure I can swing this much time off but I sure like the SGMP track - maybe they can swing a race between the two Gainesville races. That would be sweet!

[HR9121]

I can understand the red tape but I guess a postponement was too much to ask.
I'm mean really who wants drag all these races out over several months when you can get them all finished in a matter of weeks lol.

[Denny Steward]

Well the papers are signed Ozzy from Orlando Speedworld and Lakeland now owns SGMP!!!!!! Its a real shame NHRA didn't give him the chance to have the points race there. Just another hit for the racers SGMP is hands down the better of the two tracks to hold this race.

[Michael Beard]

Well that's funny, because you have an experienced and well-liked owner in Ozzy, Wade Rich is back, and the big Radial race is still on for Feb 19-22. What's NHRA's problem?