Sonoma Changes

[Dan Bennett]

I worked at a lot of tracks for DRC, small, large, and sometimes a bit scary.


Sonoma was the worst major event track I ever saw. The media center was totally blocked from seeing much of the track at all. Though it was a great location, it was clear they weren't that interested in drag racing even back then.


Others that come to mind are Seattle and Norwalk. The building at the starting line was suites only, and if you were covering the race you were working in a rented construction trailer at the end of the track. Even if you stood at one of those high, narrow windows you could only see the tops of the cars over the wall. That made it hard to add any useful content on any run.

Norwalk was a special case that at least made changes. For years, there was no media center at all. Story I heard (totally unconfirmed) was that Bill Sr. was not a fan of the press after he read an article he didn't like. Things got a bit better years later when he rented an RV which was parked alongside the spectator side grandstand. And eventually he created a real place to work and give good coverage.


So a bit off the topic, but maybe some insight into why some reports are pretty dry and only include numbers from the clocks.

Wanted to test both cars at the upcoming bracket races this weekend and the 4th. Found out they said no time runs! You have to enter a class. ��*
I didn’t think it could get worse? I was wrong again.

[John Winslow Jr]

That sucks was gonna take the boys up to license in my truck, well guess not going now, John

[Drew7082]

Originally Posted by Barry Polley

Wanted to test both cars at the upcoming bracket races this weekend and the 4th. Found out they said no time runs! You have to enter a class. ��*
I didn?t think it could get worse? I was wrong again.

I didn't realize that making time runs and writing a dial on the window negates any data you might get from going down the track.

[GTS340]

We have E.T. races here when it's well over 100. That is the best time for me to test unfortunately. I get two time trials and first round. If I need another run. I better win! Regular Shangrila!

Paul H

[Frank Castros]

If there were to be a new track built or a refurbished one in D7 (California) what would be its location?

[DG]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

If there were to be a new track built or a refurbished one in D7 (California) what would be its location?

Fred, in my opinion the Sacramento region, with 2.6 million people seems to be the most logical area for a track. Thunderhill Raceway is about 1.5 hours drive away and could fit a drag strip by extending their main straight away and its already a nice facility. Building a new track would be both expensive and permitting would be a nightmare. Therefore, a track built on tribal lands may be the only viable option. I have seen some very weak Casino EIR's get approved by tribal governments that go unchallenged due to their special status.

[Frank Castros]

It's Frank, and being that southern California is a heritage area of Hot Rodding it must be preserved as a place to drag race.
Gavin Newsom doesn't really understand California, does he?

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

If there were to be a new track built or a refurbished one in D7 (California) what would be its location?

One new in Kern County but I think it?s 1/8?
Gathering info.

[Dusterdoug1]

Originally Posted by Barry Polley

One new in Kern County but I think it?s 1/8?
Gathering info.

Mendota Raceway, in Mendota. 1/8 mile, old airport. Good news is the property is owned by the city and they seem to be giving 100% support.

Bad news, it?s best described as an outlaw track, although just recently obtained IHRA sanction. Google it; unless you?re the wannabe Street Outlaw / No Prep type, you will not be impressed.