Sonoma Changes

[Barry Polley]

Originally Posted by Drew7082

I didn't realize that making time runs and writing a dial on the window negates any data you might get from going down the track.

It does not and yes it can work. In the past we had an ET/Lic lane that worked really well. It doesn’t take any more time than running additional cars in a bracket. This decision will cost car counts , especially new cars licensing new drivers and cars.
The main reason most class cars go to test there is track prep and usually more cars means a consistent track.
I also think it takes away from the bracket racers, my opinion.

Taking away Sportsman Class Racing at Sonoma is my issue. Loosing Sacramento is a big hit for class racers. Is it the raceway or is it NHRA?

IMO Sonoma could step up and help Bracket racers as well as Class racers.

BTW, most all great class racers came from bracket racing with exception of a few and they all support bracket racing.

[DG]

It is sad that NHRA officials have not fostered a better relationship with the people that run Sonoma, Famosa and Pomona on behalf of Division 7 racers. With the loss of so many drag strips in California, its critical for us to maintain drag racing programs at these three NHRA tracks that meet NHRA member needs. Such programs should be more than just cater to ET bracket racers and street cars. We need a National open at one of these tracks, designated test n tune dates with good track prep and stock/super stock combo dates. NHRA needs to represent the racers that support their LDRS and National events by working with member tracks to ensure track schedules meet NHRA racer needs. Specifically, we need the return of the LDRS at Sonoma the weekend before the National event, we need a test n tune plus stock/super stock combo at Famoso the weekend before the Winternationals and we need a National Open at Pomona perhaps combined with Lynsi Snyders' In N Out Burger Anniversary Celebration.

[Barry Polley]

Message sent DG

[John Winslow Jr]

Need the license runs like you said Barry, makes it hard to upgrade for my boys, now I have to put a ton of weight back in it so they can run a slower class, what fun is that

[DG]

Originally Posted by John Winslow Jr

Need the license runs like you said Barry, makes it hard to upgrade for my boys, now I have to put a ton of weight back in it so they can run a slower class, what fun is that

I am in the same situation, want to teach my boys how to drive my stocker, but getting quality track time in California is tough.

[Frank Castros]

If there were to be a new track built or a refurbished one in D7 (California) what would be its location?

[Mike Gray]

Originally Posted by DG

I am in the same situation, want to teach my boys how to drive my stocker, but getting quality track time in California is tough.

I?m using the ANRA races at Bakersfield. 2 TT and 1st round for $100. Enter 2 classes for $160 and guaranteed 6 runs min. I think a regular TnT cost more. It is two days, Sat. and Sun. but you can go a few rounds and have a good time.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

If there were to be a new track built or a refurbished one in D7 (California) what would be its location?

Fred, in my opinion the Sacramento region, with 2.6 million people seems to be the most logical area for a track. Thunderhill Raceway is about 1.5 hours drive away and could fit a drag strip by extending their main straight away and its already a nice facility. Building a new track would be both expensive and permitting would be a nightmare. Therefore, a track built on tribal lands may be the only viable option. I have seen some very weak Casino EIR's get approved by tribal governments that go unchallenged due to their special status.

[Frank Castros]

It's Frank, and being that southern California is a heritage area of Hot Rodding it must be preserved as a place to drag race.
Gavin Newsom doesn't really understand California, does he?

[Gary Evans]

In my more than 60 years of association with the NHRA, I have never seen a track that refused license runs. If sanoma wont allow them I would be on the phone with the division director immediately.