Drag Strip

[tls90lx]

If someone was going to build a new drag strip, I can't imagine why it would not be 1/4 mile. You can certainly run an 1/8 mile race (event) on a 1/4 mile track, but it's pretty hard to go the other way. If you're going to do it, do it right! If the start-up/construction costs of paving a 1/4 track are too high to get the project started, then only pave and run 1/8 for a few years until the owner has enough money to finish paving the 1/4 mile. Just don't make the same mistake as the Mid America Motorplex did and pave 1/8 (plus shutdown) with no room for future 1/4 mile expansion. They have a property line at the end of their shut-down area, and their tower blocks the other end of the track. They could expand but it would require the tower to be relocated and to run the drag strip in the opposite direction as it is now. Lack of planning....

Nothing better than night racing, under the lights. However, I'm sure permanent lighting on an 1/8 or 1/4 mile drag strip is one of the bigger expenses in building a new track. And I'm sure the local residents would frown on night racing. My suggestion.... Don't mention anything about night racing while trying to get city/county approval. Once the track gets built, only run daytime events for a year or so while the locals get to know the track management and employees. Then, after the dust settles, you can bring in those portable light plants (like road construction uses) and run a few night races. If the locals throw a shit fit.... at least you can still run day races and you're not out a bunch of money for permanent lighting that you can't use.

An idea for concessions..... You could let the local cub scouts, boy scouts, girl scouts, 4H group, and other youth groups run your concession stand for you. Sure, you may be giving away some of your profits by doing this, but it would certainly help the "image" of the drag strip in the eyes of the local community. Hell, it may even be the deciding factor in getting the city/county approval.

Just a few thoughts.

Some good points in their!

[orange88]

I love everyones comments, the majority on this board will never show up,but want this and that...

Yup lol

[orange88]

Nick it should have vip spots like bir with power at them. Id pay 10 bucks not to bring a generator

[taank]

it's very complicated. press the right pedal for 6-20 seconds and steer straight.

/seminar

Hardy har har. Fuck off.

[squeeezer]

1/8 is real racing, and I can prove it.............I've never done it
For me its simple track prep,location,and a tnt less than $69

Nick..........If you build it they will come

[tirenick]

1/8 is real racing, and I can prove it.............I've never done it
For me its simple track prep,location,and a tnt less than $69

Nick..........If you build it they will come

Great comments so far guys. Keep them coming

[Brownman]

Keep it cheap!

I think if the prices weren't fueled by greed, it would be a lot more fun for everyone and actually generate a ton of interest.

[Shark]

I would definitely build a 1/4 mile track... you can always run the 1/8 mile for certain events. I typically go to Rockfalls at least 6 times a season. Grove Creek... maybe once or twice at most.

I went to Beech Bend racetrack in Bowling Green Kentucky last September for a race. Very nice track and setup. They have timing boards for both 1/8 and 1/4 mile racing. They have a lot of different venues for bracket races, fun run races, test & tune, and specialty races.

They have covered grandstands down the sides for spectators. Very nice setup. Went down for a test & tune Saturday night, and a NHRA points race on Sunday. Test and tune was 1/4 mile if you wanted to run it out, and the points race was 1/8 mile.

If you could set up a track up here that was comparable to that track, you would have a winner.

Here is a link with the schedule for 2012. I'm going back down in May.

http://www.beechbend.com/dragschedule.htm

If anybody gets a chance to go down in that area... you should really check out the track.


Jeff

[chevyguy15]

Saturday: $60 8a-2ptest'n'tune, 2p- 6p bracket/index.
After they run, 8p-2a street cars for $30
No point in having a track and not using it since, we only get 5-6 months of use. That's why you run day and night.
Anyone that know anything about a business knows the first few years are the hardest. It may take a year or 3 till they find a schd that brings in the most money and is profitable.
As far a winter, ice down the track and do ice drags.

X2

[KrisR]

I think that 1/8 mile is fun to watch and I can see the appeal of it, but I've never had a car that's good at 1/8th mile since it seems to me that if its designed/built for 1/8 its not as good of a street car, which is what I do with mine 99% of the time.

That being said any new track would be cool.

[95 whitestang]

Since youre talking an hour and change from the cities, which direction from the cities?

[70chevynovabbc]

i would run 1/8 mile or 1/4. upside to 1/8 mile is you get 2 times as many passes before your car brakes haha

[squeeezer]

I don't really get the 1/8 v.s.1/4 mile debate
wtf does it matter
1/8 mile purpose built cars compete against their peers
Street cars race against their peers,etc.
What does the point a to b matter?????
It is still apples to apples, I for one can get over the big mph number and 1/4 mile time
Im total grass roots and will never make money doing this
I personally like the comradery

[octanehuffer]

From what I saw from the southern boys doing, the 1/8 race mile was all business and was mostly cut throat competition. 1/4 mile was more common to the run what you brung crowd. It didn't look fun at all. But that was also non sanctioned events. Most of them guys had some serious cars. I wouldn't mind running 1/8 in a well organized layout, but one thing is certain. A 5 speed car is a ton more fun if you can run it out through another gear. Lifting mid way through 3rd aint right. Either way. Racing is racing. Only if your having fun, does it count.

[Dipp]

If there was a local track I'd go all the time seeing as how I usually go to BIR 2 or 3 times a year and went to cedar falls 5 times. If there was something closer it would bring out a lot more people from the cities who don't want to trailer there cars.