Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals

[BKSG1198]

Originally Posted by Mickey Whaley

Whats the deal on virginia coming back, any news?

Mickey,

I heard from a pretty good source that VMP will be making the switch back to NHRA during the winter months and looks for it to be on the D-1 schedule sometime in March or April (Yeah that early). I was also told that Cecil is getting tore up in the winter time and new drainage system with concrete to the 1/8 mile and new payment all the way to the end of the track. So we will have 7 D-1 races next year, not sure about the Opens but, also heard Numidia might come back into the fold for an Open. I too would like to see the Dutch run as a Sportsnational. Remember this is just the grumblings I'm hearing from being at the track and until it's on paper is just a rumor.

[Jack Matyas]

Found more pics from the weekend ............

DRC's Jim Samuels and NHRA's Dave Mohn
Mrs.Worner with Porter and Haley along with her daughter-in-law
Ouch - Jeff Tripps' parts
Smile already Cheryl
Maple Grove's Lex Dudas and PC Richards Gary Richard
Gary and Mrs.Richard
Pete on his way to another
Lex giving the cart a last ride before giving it away

[Dan Bennett]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Bryan, let's talk up making the Dutch Classic a Sportsnationals! I'm pretty sure that the tracks owners wouldn't want to turn it loose but it seems like a perfect fit to me.

I remember working a race and telling the track owner that the place would be perfect for a Sportsnational due to the quality of the track and treatment of the racers.

He and and the Divisional Director just laughed as apparently they'd already had that conversation. As it was briefly explained to me, a Sportsnational is not a good deal for the track operator. It's got something to do with the NHRA fees and payments, but I have the impression that it's the worst of both worlds as it uses the worst financial aspects of both Points Races and National Events.

I'm thinking it was a case that money had to be paid to the NHRA, which would not contribute anything to the expenses. The track got 100% of the gate, but I think it's a rare non-national event (Norwalk Night of Fire, come to think of it maybe the Dutch) that puts very many spectators in the bleachers.

[Bryan Worner]

Originally Posted by danny waters sr

You better go this weekend and get some data ??????!!!!@@@*****$$$%%%****()()()()()

Damn right Danny! Anybody who doesn't is a fool!!! $5,000 plus contingency for the Sportsman race and $10,000 to win for the TOC!! You don't like sportsman racing if you don't show up this weekend at VMP! One of the best racing facilities anywhere!! It should be fast too! Probably faster than Maple Grove was this past weekend!!!

[Bryan Worner]

Originally Posted by Matt Welker

I know the payout might *slightly* increase and the eliminator/class would be for a Wally and not a plaque, but why would you want to pay $310 instead of $170 to race at MG in Oct.? So few actually race for points, that can't be it.

I don't think changing the name changes the race. I say don't mess with the Dutch. Now a Sportsnationals in addition to the Dutch would be awesome.

You don't pay $310 to enter a Sportsnational, it's $230. Plus, you win a heck of a lot more than $1000 unless you have no decals on your car!! And, you get the big wally!

I think Numidia would be a heck of a place for a Sportsnational! Maple Grove would also, and it's been proven you can get a crowd in there! Look at the points race when they gave away those carload tix for $5, or whatever they charged! The problem with sportsman races drawing a crowd is lack of advertising!

[Robert Pare Racing]

Numidia would be perfect.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by Bryan Worner

Damn right Danny! Anybody who doesn't is a fool!!! $5,000 plus contingency for the Sportsman race and $10,000 to win for the TOC!! You don't like sportsman racing if you don't show up this weekend at VMP! One of the best racing facilities anywhere!! It should be fast too! Probably faster than Maple Grove was this past weekend!!!

Wish they hadn't put it against the Fall Classic, the Dutch and Reynolds. Folks geography will probably be a main factor in car counts. Know it will be for me.

[BKSG1198]

Originally Posted by Bryan Worner

You don't pay $310 to enter a Sportsnational, it's $230. Plus, you win a heck of a lot more than $1000 unless you have no decals on your car!! And, you get the big wally!

I think Numidia would be a heck of a place for a Sportsnational! Maple Grove would also, and it's been proven you can get a crowd in there! Look at the points race when they gave away those carload tix for $5, or whatever they charged! The problem with sportsman races drawing a crowd is lack of advertising!

Bryan,
Hopefully if Numidia doesn't get a Sportsnational or an Open their maybe something BIG in the works for ALL sportsman racers (Stk,SS,SC,SG,S/ST) in 2012 up there on 1 weekend!!

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by Mickey Whaley

Put Div 2 in the pot also we need a sportsnational!

You got that right Mickey. Gainsville late in the year with some real cool weather. FAST!!

[skills]

I think a sportsmen at the grove is better. Its easier to get to hell didn't even know about numidia till this year.