Ortiz Unleeched Immokalee IHRA

Ron Ortiz · 02-07-2011, 11:32 PM

Well it was an unusual weekend, but if you are not prepared mentally as I was, it could have turned out to be somewhat of a discouraging weekend.

The adventure began by getting a late start Friday night and getting to the track about 10:30PM. The front gate was unattended allowing easy access to the grounds where I was stopped and then taken to my special pit spot across from the starting line by an individual who must remain nameless to protect his real identity, but is not an IHRA official. Now the sad news, I missed out on Connie's cookout of Brazilian beans loaded with a variety of meats. Good news, there were people out and about acting as if they were having a good time. Right up my alley. Indifferent news, stayed up quite late.

Next morning got up and went to gate for tech card and admission. As in the previous week at W. Palm Beach I noticed that on your IHRA tech card there is a full line available to put your e-mail address, not some tiny space which forces you to dwarf all the letters, same thing where your membership and license number and expiration dates go.

Missed first time run due to minor problem from the prior weeks driveshaft adventure. Second time run was over fast as it is an 1/8 mile track. My car is said to be a good 1/8 car, but I really prefer the 1/4. WPB was a 1/4 and it was more fun. Got whipped in the first round, sat and sulked for a moment, then started to enjoy the atmosphere.

The racing was over quickly as the fields were small again. I just don't get it, here was an event that had two races and one of them a qualifying shot at the TOC. The drawback might have been that it was an 1/8 mile track, but still the TOC thing, c'mon.

Since I knew that it was going to be over quickly, I immediately started to plan for what the night might bring. The track owner, Ralph Hester had a BBQ with fixins and beverages scheduled for later in the evening, so it was time for lunch. Yes, three racks of ribs with only Sean and myself to eat them. Smoke coming off the grill, Budweisers going down smoothly, soon it attracted various beings from the surrounding area. You know what the difference from an NHRA racer and an IHRA racer when it comes to having a good time, There is none. Well the day progressed into the night and the party continued, and soon it was necessary for me to retire as the ground started to become uneven. I lost my Hooters beer coolie.

Got up next morning as late as I could, I really like their schedule. The morning started out pretty rough in my head, felt tired, and sick, got whipped again in the first round, loaded up, went home and watched the Super Bowl. But, I had a real good time, the track people were nice, the schedule was good, no complaints.

Next week its Bradenton the first NHRA race. I can't wait, i just like to race and have a good time. We will see who shows up this week. IHRA, thank you for providing these opportunities to enjoy the races and and have fun.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA You can do this or you can do that

02-07-2011, 11:32 PM	#1
Ron Ortiz Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Englewood, Florida Posts: 989 Likes: 35 Liked 317 Times in 103 Posts	Ortiz Unleeched Immokalee IHRA Well it was an unusual weekend, but if you are not prepared mentally as I was, it could have turned out to be somewhat of a discouraging weekend. The adventure began by getting a late start Friday night and getting to the track about 10:30PM. The front gate was unattended allowing easy access to the grounds where I was stopped and then taken to my special pit spot across from the starting line by an individual who must remain nameless to protect his real identity, but is not an IHRA official. Now the sad news, I missed out on Connie's cookout of Brazilian beans loaded with a variety of meats. Good news, there were people out and about acting as if they were having a good time. Right up my alley. Indifferent news, stayed up quite late. Next morning got up and went to gate for tech card and admission. As in the previous week at W. Palm Beach I noticed that on your IHRA tech card there is a full line available to put your e-mail address, not some tiny space which forces you to dwarf all the letters, same thing where your membership and license number and expiration dates go. Missed first time run due to minor problem from the prior weeks driveshaft adventure. Second time run was over fast as it is an 1/8 mile track. My car is said to be a good 1/8 car, but I really prefer the 1/4. WPB was a 1/4 and it was more fun. Got whipped in the first round, sat and sulked for a moment, then started to enjoy the atmosphere. The racing was over quickly as the fields were small again. I just don't get it, here was an event that had two races and one of them a qualifying shot at the TOC. The drawback might have been that it was an 1/8 mile track, but still the TOC thing, c'mon. Since I knew that it was going to be over quickly, I immediately started to plan for what the night might bring. The track owner, Ralph Hester had a BBQ with fixins and beverages scheduled for later in the evening, so it was time for lunch. Yes, three racks of ribs with only Sean and myself to eat them. Smoke coming off the grill, Budweisers going down smoothly, soon it attracted various beings from the surrounding area. You know what the difference from an NHRA racer and an IHRA racer when it comes to having a good time, There is none. Well the day progressed into the night and the party continued, and soon it was necessary for me to retire as the ground started to become uneven. I lost my Hooters beer coolie. Got up next morning as late as I could, I really like their schedule. The morning started out pretty rough in my head, felt tired, and sick, got whipped again in the first round, loaded up, went home and watched the Super Bowl. But, I had a real good time, the track people were nice, the schedule was good, no complaints. Next week its Bradenton the first NHRA race. I can't wait, i just like to race and have a good time. We will see who shows up this week. IHRA, thank you for providing these opportunities to enjoy the races and and have fun. Ron Ortiz U/SA You can do this or you can do that __________________ Ron Ortiz 2102 STK