help needed for SGMP

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by HR9121

Sounds like some more rational thinking from the same idiot that came up with the 4 races in 5 weeks schedule.

It seemed as though having damned near all the races well south of Atlanta and all bunched up early in the year was a Bill Holt thing, but it seems to continue well after his departure. You'd think everyone in Division 2 lived within a 250 mile radius of Gainesville. And could take off 4-5 weeks at one time to race.

I've often thought those of us here in Tennessee should just go Division 3.

[jamie2370]

Guess I will see yall in Montgomery, LOL I might make the newly moved Gainesville race but I work a regular job that I am needed at and can not take that much time off that close together.

[jmcarter]

And the official announcement...


http://sportsman.nhra.com/apcm/templ...2140&zoneid=14


Too bad, except for Gainesville's longer shutoff it sure doesn't offer much over Valdosta. Personally think the pits and track are better at SGMP and early morning runs into the sun at Gainesville are a killer. With NHRA having Montgomery and Rockingham now suppose they can 'afford' to take money out of a proven track owner's pocket? Think D2 has taken some good strides toward proving themselves racer/track owner friendly so wonder where this decision was actually made? Will be interesting to see how NHRA handles divisional racers, will they have to leave the premises in order to reenter for Gators credentials/parking?

[CFM]

Originally Posted by jmcarter

Will be interesting to see how NHRA handles divisional racers, will they have to leave the premises in order to reenter for Gators credentials/parking?

Probably go into full "campground" mode and charge per night for those staying over.lol

[Steve Quien]

http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templat...2140&zoneid=14

Paperwork for NEW ownership will take sometime to get all sorted...

[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.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

It seemed as though having damned near all the races well south of Atlanta and all bunched up early in the year was a Bill Holt thing, but it seems to continue well after his departure. You'd think everyone in Division 2 lived within a 250 mile radius of Gainesville. And could take off 4-5 weeks at one time to race.

I've often thought those of us here in Tennessee should just go Division 3.

Or Div 4? Back when my hair was still brown, Memphis was a Div 4 race.

[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!