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Pontiac US Nationals
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Shame there are no heads up classes
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Nothing going on Sunday or is that Bowling Greens regular weekly program?
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Don't wait till the last 2 or 3 weeks before an event to get something going. :) |
I know of a heads up match that I want. We're working hard to be there.
SD |
Any idea on payouts????
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Ok any idea on payouts?
Wouldn't mind going but to $pend a ton on a weekend like going to Bowling Green it's Gota be worth it. I sill don't understand how The Tri-Power Nationals in Norwalk only pays back like 10% of what is paid at the gate. And what you win won't even pay gas money to get there and back. |
I don't mean to sound harsh and this will probably be taken the wrong way, but....
Because I feel, (and I think most other car people do) that it's more about the comradery and not so much what a payout might be. I suspect it's always been that way which is why big events with a mix of show and race like the Tri-Power Nats still draw a big crowd. I'm just glad that there are still people putting on such events. I go, and both race and show, and don't care if I win anything at all. I simply enjoy a chance to get the car out, have some fun on the track, enjoy a weekend among friends, and see other cars. When it starts to become a subject of "how much can I win" then I think the fun is over for me and I've lost the real reason I'm in the hobby. If I were worried about payouts I'd attend NHRA, NMCA (which has heads up racing Wreckmastr), IHRA events, not an event where most of the focus seems to be surrounding the classic car world. Personally I hope it's a success and that there will be more to follow. I enjoy the show/race mixed events and believe all shows should be at the dragstrip to add some variety. Lawn chair nationals are a bit boring. |
X2!
I agree 100% :) |
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GTO George |
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And roughly 200 in pro and about the same in street. That's $13000 gate and pays out $2200 to win/Runner up that's roughly 17% my bad I was off a few percent. Really don't get me wrong if I ever go back to that race (because I just wanna race) it would also be to see old friends that I've made over the past few years. It is about the commrodery to me and you can't take that away but has anyone ever thought about car counts vs payout at that race? |
Gotta pay the bills. I would imagine they have alot of overhead. I've been to alot of tracks around the country, California, Arizona, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio etc.. I can say without a doubt that Norwalk ranks right up there as one of the top notch tracks, excellent facilites, track prep and track surface is the best I've ever been on, it's a hookin' track. I can't even begin to imagine what it might cost to operate a facility like that but it must be immense. I don't mind supporting the tracks, especially the good ones like Norwalk, and hope that Norwalk stays around a long time.
I may not win anything, but, I get to race and have fun, and that's worth $65 for the weekend for me. I can't do anything near that out here on the West coast for $65. Just a goodguys event out here (if you enter a car) is nearly $100 and you don't race or get squat, except sunburn from standing around in the hot sun and doing alot of nothing. Somebodies getting rich on that deal. That's where back East has it all over the West coast. The car events, especially the track events are so much more reasonable and don't hurt the wallet so much, more activities, more tracks to choose from etc...Now if they just had the weather it would be perfect ;) |
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I hear more than a few great things about Bowling Green and what a great place it is to race. I have always wanted to make that 9hr drive and run a race there. I'm just wondering what it might pay so I can have a idea if I go to test and try crazy things that might make me a better driver or go and race the race.....either way my ultimate goal is to make some new friends and try to learn something from them........which seams to be the person that stomps a mud hole in me and makes me like it. |
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The track rental alone is probably a very big chunk. The track personnel to run, the $1.00 ice cream guys :D (at Norwalk), and other stuff. The camaraderie, seeing all those Pontiacs, priceless! :) |
I agree that the camaraderie is a big part of going to a race. Hanging with friends for the weekend is great.....but I won't go to a race where there are no payouts posted. Traveling 8 hours to a race that pays 2 or 300 to win isn't going to happen either. Most can get that at their local track and hang with friends and have all the camaraderie they can handle. I had a great time this weekend hanging with my racing friends even though I broke the car. It is a little different getting to see all the Pontiac friends you only get to see once or twice a year though, that's why I go to Norwalk. A win should at least pay for the gas to get there and back, and the entry fee. That's where I draw the line to wether I go to a race or not.
I see where Jason is coming from with the payouts at Norwalk. No one can complain about $70 entry for the whole weekend. That's for sure. It's a great deal for the small entry fee. The real cost is fuel to get there and time off of work without pay. With 4 times as many cars in the Pro class as S/pro class for the same payout is where the no box guys get the short end of the stick like Jason was getting at. S/pro is at 90 or 100% payback on entry fees where Pro is closer to 35 or 40%. But at least a win will cover the fuel to get there and back. If it only paid $400 to win I would probably draw the line there and only go once every few years. I realize no one is getting rich from these races but I do feel payouts are an important part of a race too to keep racers coming. With that said if they don't post a decent payout for this race the cars won't come and this race won't happen the following year. I hope they get the details figured out soon. I'd like to get it put on my schedule. |
This goes without saying but I'm sure every racer realizes that it's also a big gamble. Even if the payouts were satisfactory enough to please others, that's still no guarantee that you'll get it. So in the back of your mind, even if people don't want to admit it, they still go to these races, pay the gas, motel, entry, maintanance on the car etc...knowing that they may still walk away with nothing to show for it. Ya gotta go rounds and win to take that money home. That's why we keep our day jobs ;)
With that said, although the amount of payout might attract some people, I don't think it's the only reason the racers show up to an event like Norwalk. I've never viewed those that were only worried about the amount of money they could make as "real" car people. Hey John, I forgot about the $1 ice cream. I get it every time I go out there. Love it. |
$70 for 2 days racing, $35 a day for $800 to win both days ( not counting the KRE Q16 race which is only a small added fee) not too bad. Super Pro has less cars but normally they run quicker and cost more then pro and street cars. Just something to think about, not trying to knock anyone.
GTO George |
I don't know specifics about Norwalk, but we get to hear a lot of behind-the-scenes info from a lot of different sources. And we have heard from multiple sources that renting a track for an exclusive event is $10-15k a day. The Norwalk event takes up the track for 3 days; so there has to be some pretty stiff cash flow to make this event happen.
I suppose the BG event will be facing the same tall hill to climb, financially. I hope they make a go of it. FWIW, Eric |
As of right now I'm planning on being there!
GTO George |
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Wow- George got front page on the flyer! Now he wouldn't dare not go...
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Congratulations, George!
Jim |
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Im planning on going down to Kentucky and making some shakedown passes, getting ready to go 63 Tempest hunting! :) GTO George |
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Jim |
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GTO George |
So I'm fighting like hell to make this race..........but it's not looking good!
GTO George |
So as I understand if someone has a late model Pontiac F-body or late model GTO LS powered race car there is no class at this event to race in? When this event was held at Bowling Green in 2011 they allowed Pontiac's as described above to race at the event. Same goes for Norwalk, LS powered late model race cars are welcome. If I read the races rules correctly LS powered Pontiac's can only race in a class with DOT tire and closed exhaust.
Why are the two race car classes traditional Pontiac V8 powered only? It would seem the promoters maybe missing the boat here in helping this event have every chance to be a success. N2 |
You all have fun at this event.
I received confirmation from the promoters today that I should not plan to attend this event with my small cubed; slick tired 10 second naturally aspirated LS powered Pontiac. See you in the staging lanes another time. N2 |
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Bowling Green doesn't impress me one bit. ;)
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I've been to Beech a Bend ( a million years ago), Kil Kare and of course Norwalk and Norwalk is by far the BEST. Kil Kare is a nice track and would go back in a "Heart Beat" (I do prefer 1/4 mile racing), Beech Bend...........how can you not like a drag strip that has a camp grounds, water park and a amusement park all within walking distance!
GTO George |
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I thought you could in it in STREET class?
I think there was an online vote. GTO George |
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Eric |
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N2 For clarification car is an SLICK tired car not DOT tires and full exhaust!! |
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:confused: What question exactly did you ask them and what was the answer? :confused: Off-hand I'd say it is setup just like Ame's Pontiac Nationals and Steve Barcak's Pontiac Heaven event. (and most of the other Pontiac races that have been put on before.) Being the first year for this event, there is bound to be growing pains. :) |
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The rules are pretty clear on their website:
Elite 10 Heads Up - traditional Pontiac only Super Pro bracket - traditional Pontiac only Pro bracket - traditional Pontiac only Street bracket - corporate power allowed if the car came with corporate power; must use DOT tires and closed exhaust. There was an online opinion poll but the final decision rests with the promoter. Eric |
Thanks Eric.
Glad they stayed with the traditional Pontiac power. :) |
My opinion, you need every car you can get for an event like this, especially a first year deal. Jim Zeek can clarify that for you! He's been there, done it, several times.
Norwalk is a fluke that just works. Pontiac Heaven on the other side of the world appears to be growing but its nothing like Norwalk. The Pontiac race that was ran at Bowling Green 3-4 years ago had almost as many Nostalgia cars as it did Pontiac Participants, I was there, I participated, I saw it. And frankly it was a joke. Excluding newer model Pontiacs that never came with a traditional Pontiac motors is getting asinine. Its the same people who preach the purist pulpit all day long on the internet who either don't show up, compete, have a vehicle to begin with, or actually support the events they put their dumbass .02cents on rules to events that they NEVER participate in. I was originally planning on attending this event to actually help support it like I have almost every other Pontiac event over the years in the Midwest or east coast but its not happening this time. I hope they get a great turnout and can possibly do it again next year but excluding late models in any of the classes because people don't care or like the LS platform is stupid when your trying to get a new annual event started. |
1st off they can run in the STREET class, 2nd.........letting them race would increase the head count and help the event. 3rd........ They all had a chance to give their opinion and vote (I did), I guess they didnt speak loud enough. I hope the Pontiac racers show up its a GOOD track with a water park and amusement park to give the racers and their family's something extra to do. Maybe next year they will have another vote and the Chevyiacs will vote.
GTO George |
Roll Call
I'll be there as a spectator with a couple of buddies (Chevy and Ford guys).
Whose coming to show them how quick our Pontiacs are? Also who's coming to show and sell from here??? Ponchjoe |
A couple things...
Last years hot rod reunion event at BeechBend there were a few Pontiacs there...ALL of them had their best 60 ft times ever... Mid June hot weather. The track is in good shape. The owners also own Music City 1/8 mile track and went full concrete several years back. If there was a track issue at BeechBend they would likely do the same. Both tracks are well managed. Agree on allowing late model cars, they should be allowed more than just street class. A friend with an 88 GTA isnt coming because he doesnt want to race street class. How do we talk him(and many other corporate powered Pontiacs) into real Pontiac power if his 406 sbc doesnt get beat by Pontiac power? I cant understand not allowing them in the faster classes. It gives the appearance that Pontiac guys might be afraid to lose to a Chevy, which IMO is NOT true. FWIW I dont like to see corporate power where once was real Pontiac power, however if born with chevy or buick power its still a Pontiac as far as I'm concerned. |
Now that the event is over, I have a few comments on previous post from others.
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Not sure why you are confused unless you have trouble comprehending what you read. I was told in an email response that they did not have a race car class (i.e. open header, slick tired, trans brake) for Pontiac’s unless they had a Pontiac V8 engine in them. I was also told in the same email that the promoters/Sponsors compromised and allowed Pontiacs with non Pontiac engines in them to race in street car class only. BORING!!! Quote:
I am glad as well saved me at least $600.00 for the trip and two very hot days at the track! Quote:
2. Correct 3. No idea what you are talking about do not live on the internet 4. I looked at the flyer again and the name of the event was US Pontiac Nationals not US Pontiac “Engine only” Nationals. As stated before have old and older Pontiacs, no Chevyiacs. I am just using what Pontiac put in the cars when it left the factory. Quote:
Well put! During the Pontiac event they had in 2011 at Beech Bend I carried home over 20 time slips that I collected in 2 days of racing and I even finished 3rd in the non electronics race car class I raced in. I remember the staging lanes had no cars in them. The announcer was begging for cars to come up and make a pass so I did sometimes even round robin. I had a great time that weekend! For what it is worth, I would love to see a 350 CI Pontiac V8 pump gas engine in a 3,300lb Pontiac run in the 10’s in the quarter mile in any kind of weather all day long with no power adder like my Formula does. Best ET to date 10.47 at 127+ MPH at 3,370 lbs. Also I helped at a 2 day Pontiac event they had last weekend with over 200+ Pontiacs in it. They did not turn one Pontiac away. Somewhere around 80 of those Pontiac participants did not have a Pontiac V8 engine under the hood. It appeared everyone enjoyed seeing all of the cars. N2 |
I went to the event and must say I was very disappointed, I’m not sure how many Show cars they had maybe 25, 3 parts venders, and I think maybe 25 race cars total. I would be very surprised if they have another event next year. Plus having the show a week before the Nostalgia drags at the same location probably didn’t help either.
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2. No one lives on the Internet........BUT they still voted....... Chevys LOST! 3. They are having the event next year! 4. They quit making Pontiacs when they no longer but a REAL Pontiac engine in them! GTO George |
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