Holeshot Drags Likes and Dislikes

[Tmac]

Jay Eastgate the CEO of the HDRA wants to know what you like and don't like about the holeshot drags. Today there was cars that run from 7 seconds to seventeen seconds and everything in between so for most people on LI minus dragsters I think you would have no trouble running your car here. Besides the 100 feet issue, what else would you like to see or why wouldn't you waste your time ? Just be honest it works best at solving problems.

[mmhotrod]

I just posted this on the other thread cause I didn't know this was started so here we go:

you have to consider all the double booking of car shows, and the lack of Riverhead taking the initiative to advertise the 100 ft drags. If you dont drive carefully you could drive right past the place and not know it was there. Twice I had to stop short and turn. They need to build it and they will come. On some of the videos you can hear people complaining about the short turn into the lights and being out of the groove. They need to make it worth while coming down. What we had was fun for the time being but it can't be like that to get a following. Time to pave the Lot and make it real. The dates need to be scrutinized from being double booked with other events in the area. Like the car show last week. The carshow was visible from rte 58 and 100 ft drags wasn't. When there is a conflict of events we usually travel the path of least resistance as family people with lives. Maybe Riverhead Raceway is the wrong place for this if we have to worry about conflicting race schedules involved. Where else can it be held? We need the air strips available on a weekly basis. How do we get this to happen?

[mikelbeck]

The biggest issue I have with this is the lack of advertising. They're relying on word-of-mouth and online advertising, I've found that a lot of racers and motorheads don't go online and don't hear about it until the last minute.

[Bob]

The first thing they need to do which WILL get more people out there is a 60 foot time. all the racers on LI would come out to work on their 60 foot. not having that time does hurt. I heard it from a few people who went and people who would have gone.

Other comments I heard is.
"that wall comes up pretty fast" the stopping distance seems to be a concern for alot of people.

along with the others I agree. conflicting with other car shows and especially swap meets. I was torn many times between the 2. and the advertising. It wasnt out there and people didnt know that they could run there all out drag car or their daily driver.

they need to mix up the dates. Sundays are rough for people. if they threw in a saturday here and there it would help. and having it rained out so many weeks and then having so many dates so close didnt help.

$40 to run and $20 to just hang out is kinda high and alot of people cant afford that every week or every other. plus you have to figure in gas, food, drinks, gas for the car etc...


traction is also a major problem. I get better traction on the street then there.

[sb454chevy]

The first thing they need to do which WILL get more people out there is a 60 foot time. all the racers on LI would come out to work on their 60 foot. not having that time does hurt. I heard it from a few people who went and people who would have gone.

Other comments I heard is.
"that wall comes up pretty fast" the stopping distance seems to be a concern for alot of people.

along with the others I agree. conflicting with other car shows and especially swap meets. I was torn many times between the 2. and the advertising. It wasnt out there and people didnt know that they could run there all out drag car or their daily driver.

they need to mix up the dates. Sundays are rough for people. if they threw in a saturday here and there it would help. and having it rained out so many weeks and then having so many dates so close didnt help.

$40 to run and $20 to just hang out is kinda high and alot of people cant afford that every week or every other. plus you have to figure in gas, food, drinks, gas for the car etc...


traction is also a major problem. I get better traction on the street then there.



i agree with all of this 100%

[k9hotrodder409]

YAWNNNNN !!! That didn't last long, now did it ??:violent1:

[rustrider73]

It should be called the 100ft burnout contest
how about a couple weeknite events like (wednesday nite grudge racing)
and the burnout pit to the staging lights is a shitty turn
they would be better off setting up the 100ft setup in the pits (atleast its flat and straight)

[Bob]

It should be called the 100ft burnout contest
how about a couple weeknite events like (wednesday nite grudge racing)
and the burnout pit to the staging lights is a shitty turn
they would be better off setting up the 100ft setup in the pits (atleast its flat and straight)

+1

and why isnt there a burnout contest? Im sure the fans in the stands would be thrilled and it could be done to start the event and then atleast there would be some rubber on the ground.

Ill grab a broom and sweep the stagging areas. and we can run towards the tires instead of a concrete wall

[mmhotrod]

YAWNNNNN !!! That didn't last long, now did it ??:violent1:

It aint over yet K9. We had all the dates they promised. So Im not so sure this all done. I think we can do our own 100 ft if we had to . Meanwhile back at the ranch other things are on the back burner..,....
Lets keep together as a group and just make a strong showing as a community. All else that is possible will fall in place.

[my600ho]

In general for riverhead raceway most track on a local level have fan appreciation night where admission is typically cut in half. Wouldnt be a half bad idea once a season

[rustrider73]

I'm all about supporting the local track,Riverhead Raceway,once that place is gone I dont think there will another for a long time

[Tmac]

There was talk about paving the lanes where we now stage the cars. Do you all think this would greatly increase the turnouts. I think it will allow cars that can't make the return road or get over the hump come out and a longer shut down add 60' times and mile an hour which just about everybody complained about maybe see if we could extend the race to 200'. The track owners wife was there Sunday and I think they would need to be swayed due to the last two turnouts maybe a petition signed by racers that would race if these improvements were put in place. The first couple of races were a success money wise for them and help make the track profitable Maybe a week night thing could be done but Saturday is for circle racing I don't think they'll change that but you never know. Keep the complaints coming. We were going to do a gamblers race that day for Wounded Warriors Project and LIDrag Racing was dumping a 100 into the prise money to sweeten the pot but that never happened, but could again in the future. Do you guys think doing a couple of these would help with the other improvements?

[mmhotrod]

There was talk about paving the lanes where we now stage the cars. Do you all think this would greatly increase the turnouts. I think it will allow cars that can't make the return road or get over the hump come out and a longer shut down add 60' times and mile an hour which just about everybody complained about maybe see if we could extend the race to 200'. The track owners wife was there Sunday and I think they would need to be swayed due to the last two turnouts maybe a petition signed by racers that would race if these improvements were put in place. The first couple of races were a success money wise for them and help make the track profitable Maybe a week night thing could be done but Saturday is for circle racing I don't think they'll change that but you never know. Keep the complaints coming. We were going to do a gamblers race that day for Wounded Warriors Project and LIDrag Racing was dumping a 100 into the prise money to sweeten the pot but that never happened, but could again in the future. Do you guys think doing a couple of these would help with the other improvements?

How can they need to be swayed. They did Zero to help bring in the racers. I don't get it. We had what , 6 events and at the last event, not enough showed up when they did nothing to make it attractive for anyone to race. Nor did they advertise. They aren't serious about trying to make it work. Having a race on sept 11th wasn't the smartest choice either. What do they expect. Pave the lot and advertise it in the spring. If people can't pull the wheels in the air they won't show.

[Art]

Likes: 20 minute ride there. 20 minute ride home
Dislikes: No prep, NASCAR insurance rule about 16 the minimum age in the pits, $20 for spectators is excessive, (Etown is $12) and the big one: I feel that 100' drags viritually eliminate any shot at a full facility. I supported the first one, I was away for the second, felt campaigning for Greg Fischer was more important for the third one,(though I did visit briefly) And was sick this past Sunday.

[mmhotrod]

ditto on that Art. Well except the sick part...anyway. lol
mario

[09jud]

Im thinking that if Jay and Riverhead Raceway don't promote this they lose money and if we don't promote this we may lose a future in drag racing, we may have more to lose that them we need to try and get this to work. I agree that the traction and the lay out or location of the 100 foot run can be improved on but i don't know if the possible profit can justify the investment of paving an area for this.

[Tmac]

It's obvious that the layout isn't what you would see as optimum and the main stay of RR is circle racing so they will obviously tend to do what's right for them. This seasons 100' was I think a test to see if it was worth doing again and maybe considering some mods to make it better for us worth the expense. Riverhead Raceway is struggling and needs something to pump up the revenues. Entry fees excessive I'd agree but if the fee keeps the only remaining racing venue opened I'll gladly pay it because when this track is gone it's done. Will 100' drags kill any chance of getting a 1/4 or 1/8 track no I don't think so people that don't know the sport need to be educated about how the competition works, how incrimentals set in the run are used to tune the car for it's best performance to give a winning edge. Can't do that in the current format. You can also point out that people racing on the streets are not going to give that up for a 100' in fact I've heard that some street races have been set up at the 100' drags. While I thought Greg Fisher had some good ideas the showing at the mock debate was on par with the showing at the last 100' and it was pointed out that no racers from the Riverhead area were in attendance. I don't think the politician makes a difference I think it's the amount of people supporting the idea does and it is this area where we have the most problems, as the years have gone by the base of support has dwindled. It's not that their don't want it it's just that most don't think it will happen. What would light that flame is an investor comming forward with a real plan that we could get behind and bring out to the racing community. The economy is right for something like this to get done and the rewards of such a facility would be great. Empty promises don't sell.

[my600ho]

Just was talking with a uncle tonight on what he sees in the future of riverhead raceway. From what he says in the 80;s and early 90's they annoyed the town by putting up a timing tower with no permit. Long story short they made them take it down. It wasnt much later that they didnt allow any new building on the premisis hence all the trailers around the property. Not shure that the town would allow for any new development. Maybe if a investor came forward and really cleaned that place up it could happen. Riverhead raceway could be a really good racing facility for both oval and drag racers just needs a investor and dedicated people and the right man in office.

[mmhotrod]

It's obvious that the layout isn't what you would see as optimum and the main stay of RR is circle racing so they will obviously tend to do what's right for them. This seasons 100' was I think a test to see if it was worth doing again and maybe considering some mods to make it better for us worth the expense. Riverhead Raceway is struggling and needs something to pump up the revenues. Entry fees excessive I'd agree but if the fee keeps the only remaining racing venue opened I'll gladly pay it because when this track is gone it's done. Will 100' drags kill any chance of getting a 1/4 or 1/8 track no I don't think so people that don't know the sport need to be educated about how the competition works, how incrimentals set in the run are used to tune the car for it's best performance to give a winning edge. Can't do that in the current format. You can also point out that people racing on the streets are not going to give that up for a 100' in fact I've heard that some street races have been set up at the 100' drags. While I thought Greg Fisher had some good ideas the showing at the mock debate was on par with the showing at the last 100' and it was pointed out that no racers from the Riverhead area were in attendance. I don't think the politician makes a difference I think it's the amount of people supporting the idea does and it is this area where we have the most problems, as the years have gone by the base of support has dwindled. It's not that their don't want it it's just that most don't think it will happen. What would light that flame is an investor comming forward with a real plan that we could get behind and bring out to the racing community. The economy is right for something like this to get done and the rewards of such a facility would be great. Empty promises don't sell.

Exactly right Tmac

[acecranky]

With out any traction I doubt the turnout will ever be better than the last one. I for one only went to show the need for a track, not the burnout contest(thou it was fun) like
previously mentioned, no 60 ft times or traction is a waste of time. Many people I spoke with feel the same and won't go again. With Mrs Cromety complaining about "we
need a track" on peoples windows she pissed off a lot of us, so why help them. Like Art said this may not help because those in charge may say we don't need a track, we
have the 100ft.

[Art]

Given this is a public forum, I am going to be careful with this. The Cromarty's are business people first and foremost. I first met them at Islip Speedway over thirty years ago. I am reasonably sure they have no plans of changing anything for us. And even if they were interested, think about the environment that is Riverhead Town. Anything for motorsports that would require a permit (like paving) might encounter "resistance". About the admission price, don't expect any relief. 100' drags are a "replacement" for the enduro's which were a very profitable thing for a long time. 100' drags had the potential to produce a more cost effective albeit smaller revenue stream. If they won't adjust their Saturday night pricing to get more folks in the door, I wouldn't expect a change for 100' drags.
I thought advertising through S/K was a good idea. I cannot begin to list the amount of places you would have to advertise to reach a large enough cross section of people. And I feel that is because of the advent of digital media. How many people still get a print newspaper delivered? Most people get their news online these days (or so it seems) Given the amount of "splinter interest" groups (IE honda guys, grudge race guys, mustang guys etc) and the fact that they exist only on the internet (or via nextel), how do you reach them? I saw few if any imports at the 100' drags and from what I see at "late night gatherings" they are a big thing right now. Why weren't they there? Outreach in this day and age is a tough nut to crack. (IMHO)
Outside of our group here, the public at large has little or no interest in our hobby. And quite honestly, I wonder how many of the people who say "I would go to the track if there was one" when approached at static car shows etc. really mean it? A interesting quote from another internet bulletin board goes like this: "Cats talk slick because it sounds cool and it's free". Which loosely translated to our situation I take to mean "since we are talking, yeah sure , I support you". Until you walk away. Most people, the folks we are looking for, are at Englishtown on Sundays. (or Island, Atco, Cecil County,Lebanon Valley etc) Sure they bitch about it. (it sounds cool and its free) But they still do it. And in a way I understand. Just like the illegal street scene. I know quite a few street racers. They are not interested in competing at a 100' event. Period. In their defense, they did come and watch once or twice. Same with the "money" racers, some of whom coincidentally were at at Greg Fischer's debate. (they did leave early though) I don't have any new answers. Wish I did. Because I'm getting old. I have been at the "what can we do to get a dragstrip/motorsports facility" grind for a while now, as have some of the rest of you.

[Tmac]

So what I'm reading out of this is the LI racer has settled into the way things are and we should just fold up the tent and call it a day. Maybe your right, racers don't help themselves and the few of us that do give it a go just aren't enough to change the tide here. I don't have any new answers either and my body hurts so it's not easy to get around, but have always had one pressing question that being why didn't the so called developer/ developers come forward to the racing community publically and state their case? This one thing I believe could have jelled the motorsports community and probably made this effort successful or at least got a real answer as to why not. The Rexcorp plan was seen by many drag racers as a rich kids playground and they didn't want to support the very people they felt put drag racing out of business here and they were right. We lost a lot of credibility there, but why would someone want to invest in such a dismal environment. People with money don't get rich making bad choices they see opportunity and jump on it. They weigh the risk. The market right now is a perfect environment to buy and politicians will bend to close budget shortfalls so they look good. Casinos in NYC proves that. It's on the table and it will happen. I think the 100' will have a following even though it's only a 100' some people enjoyed it. It's something to do with your car besides look at it. I'll continue to go, I like hanging with car people of any kind. Jersey I'll pass or move there if I'm going to race there. Street racing it kills, it's a burden I already carry, I can't take part in that and do this to keep others from living that nightmare and why I have to continue doing something.

[sb454chevy]

i think the 100 foot drags are fun. but its like a novelty. its like if the roundy round guys were to race on half a circle on ice. there is no traction at all i just burn up expensive tires. i get better traction on the street infront of my house. plus just the 100 foot time is useless we really need 60 foot times and mph. but i would definitely enjoy it more if there was more traction. a guy walking down the lane picking up and kicking things off of the track doesnt help. it would take the same time to give it a quick sweep with brooms. alot of people i talk to and tell them it is a good time all think i is a joke and a burn out contest. i think if there was more traction and 60 foot times that would help. i will be back again but i cant pay 40 plus the drive and plus the gas and food all season long. dont get me wrong i did have fun but i think it needs some help to get other people to spend the time and money to go out more often. plus like some other people said. the double booking doesnt help. i would of went sunday if there wasnt a car show and swap meet that i went to and i made $600 selling parts instead of spending $200(with gas and food) to fry my tires just my 2 cents

[mmhotrod]

Yeah it just sounds like they should pave the pits area and be done with it., It cant be done on the track infield. Take away the wall and fast cars will show. Fast Car Guys are afraid to drive towards a wall as fast as they can and then hit the brakes .. Can you blame them?
Price, well, we will just have to bite the bullet. Im not going to jersey except for some special occasion. Too expensive for my blood.

[Art]

Tmac, I'm not saying we should quit, I'm saying we need a new idea or ideas to get people involved. It appears to me that the 100' drags were not the answer. You and I (and a few others)have been at this a long time. In that time period, how many "interested parties"volunteer or other wise have come and gone? Plenty. I'm just out of ideas as to how get folks interested again.

[mikelbeck]

Tmac, I'm not saying we should quit, I'm saying we need a new idea or ideas to get people involved. It appears to me that the 100' drags were not the answer. You and I (and a few others)have been at this a long time. In that time period, how many "interested parties"volunteer or other wise have come and gone? Plenty. I'm just out of ideas as to how get folks interested again.

Provide people with some real information and they'll get interested again. Telling people "Hey, we'd like to get a track built out east" doesn't do much as people have been hearing this for years. They've been disappointed in the past and are now at the point where it's just noise to them. Remember when Rexcorp (or whoever it was) started promoting their plan for a motorsports complex at EPCAL? There was a website, Youtube videos, etc with some real information. There was huge excitement about it because people had something to look at and dream about. Right now it's just talk and that doesn't excite people.

[57tom]

Rexcorp had no plans for a drag strip was told that from rexcorp rep at riverhead meeting.Thats why 1000,s of racers walked away .Hey Mike you were there when 1000,s of drag racers showed up to support .

[mikelbeck]

Rexcorp had no plans for a drag strip was told that from rexcorp rep at riverhead meeting.Thats why 1000,s of racers walked away .Hey Mike you were there when 1000,s of drag racers showed up to support .

Yeah, I know, that was the "secret" dragstrip hidden in the middle of the straightway, right? I thought that was highlighted on the website at one point, or maybe in the promotional video. I can't recall, my brain has blown a head gasket or something today...

[Art]

Quick little bit of related stuff. While lurking on F/B I found this little bit:

Final race of 2011 this Saturday September 24th at Riverhead Raceway, a full card of Enduro racing at 4:00 pm. Grands, 4/6-Cylinder Trucks, two 8-Cylinder Enduros, plus a 6 & 4-Cylinder race. Pits open at 1:00 pm, in the event of rain the show will be run Sunday at 12:30 pm, with the pits opening at 10:00 am. A good car count here after the horrid drag racing turnout the week before wouldn't hurt!!!! So I guess it is all our fault... (j/k)

[Powell8]

Sure, along with the horrid conflict with the 600+ Nassau car show (including the governor), the horrid big grudge race at E-town, and the season long horrid lack of promotion and advertising.

[Tmac]

Face it every weekend there's something going on somewhere which doesn't help along with all the other points 100' drags needs a lot of help and revamping. Maybe bring the cars in the off ramp and running it towards the on ramp would be better at least you have an option other than a wall, plus the spectators could watch the cars run across in front of them not away from them. The traction issue can not be cured on the infield though and that's a problem. They can't treat the surface because of the round cars. Seeking a different venue like those unused Grumman ruways that cost Riverhead money when they could make or cozy up with a FD drill track for their gain. You could even move it around to make all FD's with drill tracks some money. That will get you free advertising on BAB and RCN as charity events. We just need to ask those that have the ability to say yes or no. The FD deal would move the noise around also and people aren't going to bitch about making their FD's money that could equal less prop tax.

[my600ho]

I know they dont prep the track because the cars get going to fast but i wonder if they could prep 60 feet if there would be enough time to lift. At least it might bring a few guys out

[Art]

I was talking to another 100' competitor and he said "I was all for supporting 100' drags. It was fun in my pickup, but when I brought my car out, it was a total waste of time. I won't be back". He spectated in May, ran his pickup in June, and brought the mustang out on the 11th. So maybe we need to be looking more towards the street car crowd.

[mmhotrod]

We should target the import street race crowd.

[Tmac]

I've always reach out to whoever will listen and the main and lacking ingredient is nobody coming forward saying yes if you get behind me I will build it. That statement from a credible builder/investor would go a long way to rally the masses. I can't build the track so when they hear it from me it's hear say but if an investor publicized the willingness it would go a long way. You can't start a business by staying in the shadows you need to come out and express your ideas and as I've said a bunch of times it's the business environment to do this. More people getting out there never hurts but if you could get out there with the name of the builder it would be key.
I've talked to people about the 100' drags mixed results but some like Pete Davis said for him it's a better deal than going to jersey which costs a small fortune and he said he gets more time behind the wheel at the 100's for a lot less money. He said the discussed improvements would be a great help and probably bring out more people.

[mmhotrod]

Pete is absolutely right. They need to pave the pits for it.

[Tmac]

We should target the import street race crowd.
I totally agree and we should have been doing it for a long time. There is probably more of them than us and who cares whos filling the lanes as long as there getting filled. I hear bald hill is their place now. If anybody knows these guys invite them in.

[Tmac]

He said a slab of concrete to launch off of would be nice too.

[my600ho]

I totally agree and we should have been doing it for a long time. There is probably more of them than us and who cares whos filling the lanes as long as there getting filled. I hear bald hill is their place now. If anybody knows these guys invite them in.

Believe me the import crowd would show if a track was built. Just going to school with them and hearing the stupidness come out of their mouths they wont show at a 100ft event. They are the kinda guys that dont try and hey at least they dont fail. Not saying their all like that but about 75% of them can talk a good line that they want a track but dont want anything to do with getting it. Not worth the wasted breath. Its sad to say but they would rather play some crappy video game watch jersey shore and listen to honda videos online with fart can mufflers.... welcome to my generation

[mmhotrod]

Im proud of you 600. you are my heroe.

[acecranky]

The import crowd doesn't show because most of them can't do anything for the first 100 feet. They're a top end group. Without a launch pad and traction no one cares. 60ft times are how we tune our cars so that is neede also. As for the builder, I am trying to get him out in public but we need a good tome for this. Keep telling everyone there are people willing to build if given the chance, but (WE) need to show more interest. Everytime I've asked for help, one or two out of thousands answered the call. This is our whole problem.

[my600ho]

Thanks mario im proud of myself just from looking at others my age im doing pretty damn good. Hopefully this winter i will have some free time ace i would love more than anything to help out i just have to focus on my studies this semester.

[Tmac]

I would think a serious builder would drop a dime to let people know he's here and willing, that will stir interest and get people out. I've been at this for more years than I'd like to think about and it was always the first question I was asked WHO. People lost interest after Yapank top gun deal then Rexcorp turned out to not have a drag strip as part of the plan, they felt used and lied to again so everything is a hard sell now. They want it but most can't be bothered to be lied to again, they don't think it can happen. Unfortunately now is the ideal time to pull this off, it's the market for it. Any attempt must have drag racing as part of the plan because that's about 90% of your backing. We can't tell people don't say that word we have to be up front with our desire. Lesson from our recent past. If we can get someone out there with a serious effort the sell should be easier.

[57tom]

Hey Terry well said That is why alot of drag racers walked away.

[k9hotrodder409]

A lot of those "RICEBURNERS" I see sound like my Craftsman Lawn Tractor. DOES NOTHING FOR ME !!! Just my opinion & I'm sticking to it.

Het TMAC..... From what I've seen over the years,there IS no one with a serious effort who will help, business man or otherwise.

THAT'S WHY I GAVE UP !!! I just got toooo tired of the B.S.

[Tmac]

Kd if you look to the past when there was supposed builder/ investors it was a time when this country was in great financial shape and property values were high so high that it made it hard to profit off of its investment (a track alone would not have the return needed to sustain itself with the costs of properties at the time) hence a bad investment. In todays market housing tanked, the economy is down, local governments are scrambling to close budget gaps (especially in an election cycle) they will approve and make deals they may not have in the past. They need to turn to a market where people are spending money and they see all the car shows and interest in cars still, even in this economy, Mangano and Cuomo even attended an event in THEIR cars. Despite the economy people are still building cars spending money on them. Their not stupid they see it, the motorsports community is stupid for sitting back on its lurals letting this opportunity slip by. They would probably work with us if we got organized in a real sense and asked if they would take a look at this Island and see if they have a place maybe a government owned parcel that would suit our needs. They at this point are more desperate than us and might just do what its constituants want for a change. I know the frustration and am also sick of the empty promises, but if we get them to point to a place and say yeah it will work there I'm sure a builder will step forward. We have more power than the civics now because our goal creates revenue while theirs like land preservation costs the taxpayers. This is the perfect storm.

[k9hotrodder409]

Hey TMAC, The name is Butch=:3gears: K9hotrodder409,not KD. Just thought I would throw that out there. By the way....I'm very close to saying "I TOLD YOU SO !!"

[jstahemi]

I went to the 1st one without my car to show support.I am off exit 33 on the LIE,so if my junk were going somewhere there had better be some traction.The difference between RHR & e/town for me is the $26 toll.The milage is about the same.
I understand why so many people have given up on a LI track,I have not!!As long as I have a keyboard to pecker at in cyberspace I will keep the faith untill I can't drive my heap!

[k9hotrodder409]

I really hope your right !!!

[Tmac]

Well Butch it is then. My name's Terry and if you and probably most of the people I know say I told you so well I gave it my best shot and came up short. I think it's worth the try. I'm trying to make a right out of a wrong and maybe save a life. It's my driving force.

[09jud]

Not all of us get involved in in changing things in life , even tho allot of us can benefit from or will wish for something we don't have the same opinion as to how to do something or or if it can be done. if every one said that not all of us have equal rights , we would still be enslaving other human beings. it was the vision of a few that got the ball rolling and brought about a change . the same is true here and I for one recognize the efforts of the few and the last thing I wish to do is tell them "it will never happen" I know that if we all sit around saying this it will be true but as long as someone is trying we have hope that it can happen . some of us may have been involved before and are disgusted and that's understandable but i think we should support the few and give them positive energy. we will not always agree on how to accomplish this and the important thing is to keep discussing it .

Thank you to all who get and got involved, Jud Fisher

[k9hotrodder409]

I haven't said it yet Terry. Keep plugging along. Hopefully we don't see the "SAME OLD SAME OLD !!!":3gears:

[LongIsland63SS409]

Spoke to Jay today and gave him the feedback that we collected.

I spoke about:

The lack of a 60 foot time and speed.
The lack of 100 foot speed.
The lack of track prep.


Mike

[mikelbeck]

Spoke to Jay today and gave him the feedback that we collected.

I spoke about:

The lack of a 60 foot time and speed.
The lack of 100 foot speed.
The lack of track prep.


Mike

And what did he said about it? Are they going to fix those issues for next season?

[Bob]

do they have it in CONN? if they dont i dont see it happening...

[prostreetz]

I was so excited when I heard about the 100foot drags coming to long island. I was all set to bring my pro-street car and get to do some burn outs and let go of the trans brake and race. I had to miss the first event due to a family gathering. I was told from friends who went, "You better check it out before you bring your car". Well they were right! To do a burnout on a incline with someone next to you is not a smart idea. As the tires brake loose and start to spin, the cars are sliding down hill towards each other....Not Good. Then, after your burnout, have to drive and make a right hand turn to the staging area. What was the point of the burnout? Then leave on a surface with absolutely no traction and race right into a concrete wall. when I went and witnessed this for myself..... I decided, that even though I was so excited to bring my car, It would never see the track. My car runs in the 9's. I have watched some fast cars in the right lane, hit a dip, then while braking hard hit another dip and sparks are flying and just barely turn before going into the wall. If there would be anyway this could be more realistic, like a drag race, launch in your own rubber and have a decent shutdown....I would def. bring my car and participate....... Just my opinion!!!!

[mmhotrod]

I was so excited when I heard about the 100foot drags coming to long island. I was all set to bring my pro-street car and get to do some burn outs and let go of the trans brake and race. I had to miss the first event due to a family gathering. I was told from friends who went, "You better check it out before you bring your car". Well they were right! To do a burnout on a incline with someone next to you is not a smart idea. As the tires brake loose and start to spin, the cars are sliding down hill towards each other....Not Good. Then, after your burnout, have to drive and make a right hand turn to the staging area. What was the point of the burnout? Then leave on a surface with absolutely no traction and race right into a concrete wall. when I went and witnessed this for myself..... I decided, that even though I was so excited to bring my car, It would never see the track. My car runs in the 9's. I have watched some fast cars in the right lane, hit a dip, then while braking hard hit another dip and sparks are flying and just barely turn before going into the wall. If there would be anyway this could be more realistic, like a drag race, launch in your own rubber and have a decent shutdown....I would def. bring my car and participate....... Just my opinion!!!!
that is exactly right. I think you said it all in a nut shell. I think Riverhead needs to pave the lot if we have to do this 100ft thing. I personally experienced the slide down the burnout which not to mention was all on wet pavement. It dirtied the car and probably had water on the inside of my back fenders after the burnout and I know that didn't do me any good. There was some talk about paving the pits instead of doing it on the infield.

[LongIsland63SS409]

I was so excited when I heard about the 100foot drags coming to long island. I was all set to bring my pro-street car and get to do some burn outs and let go of the trans brake and race. I had to miss the first event due to a family gathering. I was told from friends who went, "You better check it out before you bring your car". Well they were right! To do a burnout on a incline with someone next to you is not a smart idea. As the tires brake loose and start to spin, the cars are sliding down hill towards each other....Not Good. Then, after your burnout, have to drive and make a right hand turn to the staging area. What was the point of the burnout? Then leave on a surface with absolutely no traction and race right into a concrete wall. when I went and witnessed this for myself..... I decided, that even though I was so excited to bring my car, It would never see the track. My car runs in the 9's. I have watched some fast cars in the right lane, hit a dip, then while braking hard hit another dip and sparks are flying and just barely turn before going into the wall. If there would be anyway this could be more realistic, like a drag race, launch in your own rubber and have a decent shutdown....I would def. bring my car and participate....... Just my opinion!!!!

LID and HDRA are discussing options as well as the feedback from the posts.
Will update when news becomes available.

Thank you for the feedback!


Mike

[TURBOPOWERED68]

A must -- The lack of a 60 foot time and speed.
A must -- The lack of 100 foot speed.
A must -- The lack of track prep.

i organize Atco track rentals twice a year at $200.00 a car. This year i am dropping another $400.00 at Atco for two days worth of racing. At my last rental we had 4 LI cars. At my next rental we will probably have 6 LI cars show up.
i have no problem paying $40.00 to play here at home, No tolls, less travel time.
but the Spectator $20.00 is a lot of money for what they are getting.

i would also incorporate a (as large as possible) car show WITH the racing.
Car shows bring people out so why not have them side by side.

i went to ONE 100' event to spectate and show support.
$40.00 two adults
$10.00 two kids (i think)
No kids in the pits rule -- i wanted to go home 2 minutes after i got there. but dam i just drove 1 hour so i stuck around.

Would i go again ??? If its the same old format and NO kids rule. NO

[mikelbeck]

A must -- The lack of a 60 foot time and speed.
A must -- The lack of 100 foot speed.
A must -- The lack of track prep.

i organize Atco track rentals twice a year at $200.00 a car. This year i am dropping another $400.00 at Atco for two days worth of racing. At my last rental we had 4 LI cars. At my next rental we will probably have 6 LI cars show up.
i have no problem paying $40.00 to play here at home, No tolls, less travel time.
but the Spectator $20.00 is a lot of money for what they are getting.

i would also incorporate a (as large as possible) car show WITH the racing.
Car shows bring people out so why not have them side by side.

i went to ONE 100' event to spectate and show support.
$40.00 two adults
$10.00 two kids (i think)
No kids in the pits rule -- i wanted to go home 2 minutes after i got there. but dam i just drove 1 hour so i stuck around.

Would i go again ??? If its the same old format and NO kids rule. NO

There were kids all over the pits, and I didn't see anybody telling them they had to leave.

[mmhotrod]

there were tight insurance laws and rules the first couple of events, but i think after all the complaints they became more lenient with the pits. I think the point was oval racing pits were much different than drag racing pits. And they got the point

[my600ho]

A must -- The lack of a 60 foot time and speed.
A must -- The lack of 100 foot speed.
A must -- The lack of track prep.

i organize Atco track rentals twice a year at $200.00 a car. This year i am dropping another $400.00 at Atco for two days worth of racing. At my last rental we had 4 LI cars. At my next rental we will probably have 6 LI cars show up.
i have no problem paying $40.00 to play here at home, No tolls, less travel time.
but the Spectator $20.00 is a lot of money for what they are getting.

i would also incorporate a (as large as possible) car show WITH the racing.
Car shows bring people out so why not have them side by side.

i went to ONE 100' event to spectate and show support.
$40.00 two adults
$10.00 two kids (i think)
No kids in the pits rule -- i wanted to go home 2 minutes after i got there. but dam i just drove 1 hour so i stuck around.

Would i go again ??? If its the same old format and NO kids rule. NO


A car show with racing thats what i keep saying you have to draw the crowd any way you can

[mmhotrod]

In general for riverhead raceway most track on a local level have fan appreciation night where admission is typically cut in half. Wouldnt be a half bad idea once a season
Thats a great idea 600. Any suggestions are great and will be brought to the table with Jay. Cant have fan appreciation day if only a handful show though. So good idea as it may be it will have to be done when things start to swing in the right direction.

[09jud]

do you think we will have room for both? if the show is in the pit area you may have a hard time navigating spectators ,kind of like the belmore train station on friday night.

[my600ho]

Ya it would have to be planned. There IS a front lot a riverhead maybe have it there. I think the ticket would be to get on the yellow long island car show ticket/flyers. I really think that would draw a crowd. Hopefully the cromertys would agree on this with us.

[mmhotrod]

there is enough room in that lot for show cars but where are all the spectators going to park? In the lot next door? Car show spectators might not mind but carshow entrants guys dont like to park their rides in the dirt.

[Tmac]

You would have to seperate the show cars from the race cars and Riverhead doesn't provide much areas that aren't dirt outside the track and pits orher then where we set the cars up before the gates open. We could set a section along the front for cars that want to show and go in front of that trailer.Spectators could park off to the side of the road coming like during the roundie races. I think it would also be better to run the cars across the seating instead of away from it. Stage cars along the home stretch and have them exit the entrance. Could be done in groups of twenty cars or so.

[TURBOPOWERED68]

i have been to plenty of cover charge car shows that have the show cars parked on dirt and grass So i don't see this as a big deal (for the most part) we need to get people in.
Spectators should not pay anything over $5.00 .
Also show cars should not be charged, there are way too many nice free hang outs (Captree) for that to fly on a regular basis.
the Facility can also benefit from a 7-11 type but much smaller scale store.

On my kid thing i was there for the first one and thats when it happened and i've never been back ASSuming it to be the same way. Good to hear that that is no longer the case it will make it easy to drag the family along for the ride.

[my600ho]

Looks like we are heading in the right direction. If any one has been to carlise pa that entire show is on grass dirt isnt so pretty but it is what it is. Maybe charge spectators but a portion of ticket sales benifit some orginization of some sort, wounded warriors maybe. Mybe have the front lot confined to cars and the rear for spectators. Im shure if we presented the idea there would be a way to make it work.

[Tmac]

Okay so we put them in the front lot dirt. As far as admission goes Jay has to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,300.00 per event. It is a business and needs to show profit. The last race cost him money. I guess you could offset some of the costs with a judged car show and maybe lower the costs for spectators and racers.

[TURBOPOWERED68]

Okay so we put them in the front lot dirt. As far as admission goes Jay has to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $2,300.00 per event. It is a business and needs to show profit. The last race cost him money. I guess you could offset some of the costs with a judged car show and maybe lower the costs for spectators and racers.

the $40.00 for the racers to me is not a problem as long as its a well prepped track with all the bells and whistles of a full size track and i can get 5 plus runs per entrance fee.

WOW the cost to rent the track is $2,300.00??? :mad:

[LongIsland63SS409]

the $40.00 for the racers to me is not a problem as long as its a well prepped track with all the bells and whistles of a full size track and i can get 5 plus runs per entrance fee.

WOW the cost to rent the track is $2,300.00??? :mad:

That is the cost of the insurance for the events.

Mike