Medicine hat national open pictures

[Cam]

Another thanks to Chuck and Sandy's efforts to make the race in MH enjoyable. Last time we were there was in 2007 we had just thrown the drivetrain in the car just to get through tech for the first time. It's didn't even run when we arrived. Chuck and his son Jason helped us work through electrical issues until 2 am when we finally got it fired up.
This year on Saturday in the middle of setting up the combo race, Chuck took the time to track the fuel guy down then drive me back to our pit in the back 40 with the jug in hand. Mnay thanks.
We met a number of S/SS racers for the first time and and swapped stories with the ones we already knew. The people operating the track were very helpful as well. It's the people in the sport that keep you coming back for more.
Cam

[Nitro Joe Jackson]

Can anybody tell me what Randy Hastings was running?
Thanks

[Chuck Porter]

Originally Posted by ChevyII

Congrats to all the winners and runner-ups at the Hat!

Dion, thanks for continuing to provide coverage from behind the lens...

Chuck, good to hear you had a successful weekend and saved your awning/pop-up!

We raced in Edmonton due to our commitment to the TOP Eliminator points series however until MHDRA does something about more pavement and less dust, we will NOT be venturing to the HAT in the forseeable future. After last years near miss with the wall at this facility, our team and many of the Super class racers have decided we don't want any part of this race track. Wallys are nice to have but having a racecar with the trophy after the event is more important.

The combination of wind, dust, oppressive heat and no protection from all sides at this facility leaves you as a sitting duck when the weather goes bad and it has with regularity for the past number of years.

I don't mean to put a downer on what sounds like a very successful weekend at Medicine Hat but the truth does hurt.

Congrats to the MHDRA, finalists and everyone who enjoyed themselves!

Mike Ferstl
SG SR 6091

Mike
Thanks for your comments. It’s good to know what people are thinking.

As far as the facility is concerned, I personally have watched the MHDRA grow from racing 1/8th mile on the street on Briar Park Road in the 80’s to a modern permanent facility with the racers interest in mind. The MHRDA have been VERY forward thinking in the development of this facility and continue to make improvements despite the economic downturn in this area.

As far as pavement is concerned, I know for a fact they are looking at options. In a perfect world the MHDRA would make a call and a paving crew would show up and pave 10+ acres of pits. Everybody wants that to happen, however it takes money – A LOT OF MONEY.
Will we see paved pits at Medicine Hat in the future? I’d bet money on it.

As far as weather is concerned. How do you control that? The same storm that hit Medicine Hat Saturday night originated northwest of Edmonton. It hit Spruce Grove and Stony Plain which is a few minutes away from the Edmonton track. Look what happened at Camrose and Calgary. They all got hit as well. I was at Castrol yesterday and there was plenty of mud and water laying around so I have to presume the weather affected the Edmonton race as well. As far as oppressive heat. The heat is just as oppressive in Edmonton when its hot. If it’s a 100 degrees in Edmonton and a 100 degrees in Medicine Hat it’s still 100 degrees except there’s likely more humidity in Edmonton.

Medicine Hat is located in a prairie desert region. Trees don’t grow there naturally. The rule of thumb is “if there’s a tree - somebody put it there”. What would be your suggestion for a functional wind break at the MH track Mike? (And I’m not being sarcastic here.) Calgary had dust and plenty of mud when it rained. Edmonton can be dusty when the wind comes across the spectator parking lot. Ashcroft is high desert with similar problems to the “Hat”, Saskatoon is sand based. So that leaves us with Mission which is located in a rain forest region, on the other side of the Rocky mountains. No comparison there.

The great part of this sport is as racers we can choose to participate or choose not to. It is evident from your comments that you nor your super class brethren (whom you speak for) choose to support the MHDRA. That Is your choice. Perhaps sometime in the future the Medicine Hat facility will meet with your standards and you can once again join us at this race – where the “racer comes first”.

[Chuck Porter]

Xx

[Chuck Porter]

Joe
Randy was running a V/SA Volare - 6 cylinder. Sorry but I don't know what year.

Chuck

[ChevyII]

Bob, Dion and Chuck thank you for your candid feedback! I will try to respond to each of your posts.

Dion, thank Michelle for all her efforts and to both of you keep it coming. We truly enjoy them!

Bob, again congrats on your Wally and thanks for the reply! You and I have talked considerably over the years and I truly value your judgement. My earleir post may have been perceived as harsh and therefore have edited my "thoughts."

My apologies to the MHDRA, it's members and all of those who truly enjoyed the event. I will address any issues with Mike Williams, president of the MHDRA.

Cheers!

Mike Ferstl
SG SR 6091

[ChevyII]

Bob,

Thanks for making the adjustments as we discussed on the phone.

Good luck in your racing adventures and looking forward to wherever our paths will cross again on the divisional or national event front.

Mike Ferstl
SG SR 6091

[R Hastings]

Joe, I race a 1980 Dodge Aspen in V/SA. 225 super six (2BRL) Car is named Necessary Evil.

[ChevyII]

Hi Blair,

Great shot of Cam's new ride!

Sorry we missed you at the Hat as well as Mission and the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals this year.

Hope all is well!

Mike Ferstl
SG SR 6091

[Nitro Joe Jackson]

Thanks Randy, your in the stats now!