Indy To Go or Not To Go that is the question

[B Parker]

I haven't been able to race much the last several years so I don't get many grade points. It's the only National Event that I can get into. I know my Brother plans on going. Mr.Tim Barret is going and I do believe this is his first. If you see him out there stop by and say Hi. Couldn't find a nicer guy. Indy has been the only track to actually give me goose bumps. It is the big go. At first I said no way but I'm falling on the going side of the fence. Barry

[SS3718]

While this year will be different than years past, it is still the US Nationals. Mr. Brian Lohnes posted the below message on Social Media a few years back which still holds true today!

Personally, I’m excited and looking forward to the Big Go.

For 57 years, NHRA drag racers have gathered at this place outside of Indianapolis to test their mettle against the best competitors from around North America and the world. There have been moments of overachievement, stunning failure, triumph, and heartbreak.

From Jim Nicholl exploding his dragster in the lights at the end of the 1970 race to Bob Glidden appearing in 13 straight final rounds, to wondrous underdog stories like that of Kebin Kinsley last year, this ground brings out the best, most intense, and sometimes heart stopping elements of the sport I love.

There are about 850 drag racers entered to compete this year at the Chevrolet Performance US Nationals. 14 of them will hoist a Wally when we complete the event on Monday, crowning champions in categories ranging from stock eliminator to top fuel.

For me there’s nothing like this place and this week. The talent, grit, and determination of the competitors will be on full display starting this morning. They come with a bounce in their step, hope springing eternal. By the time we finish that bounce has been replaced with a purposeful stride, a furrowed brow, and laser-like focus.

Drag racing is a sport of momentary perfection. Be better than whoever is opposite you on the race track and advance. The US Nationals will end swiftly and without herald for more than 800 people. A miscue of hundredths of a second will torpedo a 1,500 mile trip (or more) to the event and allow many quiet hours of reflection on the ride home. As unforgiving as it is brutal, this race takes no prisoners.

Good luck to all that are here, preparing to compete. I admire each and every person with the guts to strap in and who dares to dream the big dream of slaying this monster. Ultimate success at the Big Go is career defining.

I look forward to shaking the hands of winners on Monday, some for the first time and some for the only time.

This is Indy, this is the Big Go, this is the one that started it all. This is your time to shine. Be safe, be fast, and be better than the guy or girl in the other lane. Just that simple.

[Kenny Bomar]

I was there 1970 near the starting line when Jim Nichol crashed me and Eddie Wilbanks were on a scooter and were at the crash site in a few minutes and saw Jim walk to the ambulance!! Will never forget it !!

[GTX JOHN]

Without Class = We will not tow 2,000 miles again each way!

[Glenn Briglio]

I'm with you Barry. I can't get into another national event. I'm entered into Maplegrove national event but that doesn't look promising.So probably heading to Indy.

[Ralph A Powell]

I was at the US Nationals in 59 at Detroit 2 weeks after Detroit Dragway opened then went to every one till 1997. Been to Indy a few times since then.

[Spyphish]

No Hemi Shootout, no go! Phish

[Chuck Gallagher]

Indy and Labor day weekend has long been a milestone in the flow of our lives for most of us reading this post.
No matter what other success you have enjoyed in your life the US Nationals is "the" race to win.
This track has been very good to me over the decades and the source of so many of our fondest memories.
By now you no doubt have guessed my answer. No, we will not be going, though I truly wish that were not the case. The reason is because of a simple belief I hold sacred and that is, that no matter how much wealth you may possess, you really have little in this world if you and yours don't have your health.

Chuck

[Stephen & Horace Johnson]

Originally Posted by Spyphish

No Hemi Shootout, no go! Phish

I'm hearing that there may be one.....yes no?