great racing at Indy

[cicero819]

Well I'm back from my yearly pilgrimage from the Mecca(sorry if I'm not politically correct) of Drag racers from all over the world US National, INDY, The Big Go, where you meet some of the nicest people in the world. I'm always amazed that so many people are ready to talk with you and even share some of their speed secrets. Jimmy Ronzello and his racing partner were incredibly forthcoming with their experiences and help to fellow racers, nice to see Charles Blossum come to Indy with his wife's PT Cruiser and become number one qualifier, I'm sure Billy Nees would be happy to see that someone else clock works counterclockwise like him. Congratulation to Dereck Atwill for qualifying his DP on his first attempt at INDY, quite an accomplishment for him and his Dad Rick who have supported his racing endeavor. I have to mention this as I witness myself a great moment of kindness that will probably past without being talk about but remembered by one racer: Don Garlits was standing around in the lanes waiting for his time trial just like everyone when he decided to look at this little red Mustang convertible which happened to be a standard shift convertible driven by a woman, he showed genuine interest in the car and took time to joke with the racer who was totally taken aback by this. I knew he was a great racer but now I know he's a good man. Wow! what a great gesture. Claude

[Tim H]

What the heck do you mean you were there and have come back now ??? Its not done yet, tell me you must have had a very urgent reason tugging you back home to Quebec.

[cs racing]

I don't see how this could be called Great Racing at Indy, I've been to indy a few Times and have enjoyed it every time, but as far as Class racing in Stock and Super stock it was a complete heartbrake for the guys that have put years of time and money into thier cars only to have them de-valued and useless as a heads - up race car for the next few years in the upper classes, AA,A,B and C ! How can we ever run with a car first year out runs a 9.79 135mph in "C/SA" in bracket mode ? lets hit it with HP, put it in "A/SA" oh wait still to fast !!!!! These cars need to be in an F/X Class, CJ and DP so they can all run each other except for eliminations with us !

Just saying !

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Did you have to say,"Mecca"? Calling hallowed ground such as Indy,Pomona, or other drag racing venues of such historical value such a name is akin to turning the Sistine Chapel, the Old North Church, or the Vatican into an adult theater in the middle of skid row. The only thing more insulting than that would be this Ground Zero mosque project. Glad you went and had a great time. How long does it take to get from Indy back to Quebec?Love to go sometime!!

[cicero819]

Greg I understand Pomona is my next destination this coming Winter but Indy is a special spot for racers from all over the world, I've met people from Finland,Sweden, Mexico who love coming to Indy. For me it's always been a great place to go racing, as a young wide eye teenager my brother brought me to Indy when he was racing his Jr Stocker, didn't matter that he didn't qualified, just the fact that he competed was all he needed, for him Indy was the Home of the PX where he could be normal with the world after serving in Vietnam as a pilot first with fix wing(Beavers) and on his second tour as Helicopter pilot, for him he just love all the camping, partying and going from motel to motel seeing all the pro's rebuilding their cars in the parking lots. CS I found people are pived off at NHRA but why would you be mad at a racer who builds a car that is competitive right out of the box? NHRA should just add a new class which should be AM/SA for a(top) M (manufacturing) S(stock )A (auto) It was still a great race, I'm always surprised at the resiliency of racers. Tim I usually only go to watch class and the first round, I leave Tuesday drive 15hrs(my daughter and a friend)at three drivers we alternate every two hours which helps in making it a safe ride. Wednesday is a great day for hard core spectators as we have the track to ourselves, same for Thursday and finally Friday the crowds start showing up for the circus that is the pro categories, Nitro Funny Car should change to John Force class, everything is John Force. We leave Saturday and Stop at The Auburn Auction to check on cars I can't afford but this year with the down turn in the economy the prices were down. The crowds can be problematic on Saturday, Sunday and Monday one of the reasons I won't stay for the whole event anymore. I forgot to mention that I got to talk to Bob Glidden and his wife Etta what a great couple, also have to mention that Don Garlits is 78 yrs old but he has a step of a forty years old man. I hope that I have his stamina when I get there. Claude

[Greg Reimer 7376]

Sounds like you've had an outstanding introduction to drag racing, with firsthand emphasis on Sportsman. Hope you make it to Pomona this year or next. I first went to Winternationals in 1980, only missed one since(the year they locked out Stock),and have raced at a dozen or so of them. I too have seen some real history,met some of the greatest people, and gone places and done things I never could have otherwise.I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Glad you had a great time at Indy.

[GarysZ24]

I'm glad to see that Steve Pohill is kickin' but and taking names with his fwd stocker...rnd 4 next tomorrow...WAY TO GO STEVE!!!

[cs racing]

Sorry if I made it sound as though I'm upset with the racers, NOT at all !! just the system, hey if I had an extra $100K I'd have a DP or CJ myself, however I don't think the owners or Drivers of those Cars should get the same glory as someone that has spent years of R&D and Money on thier Cars, only to get thier butts kick on a NHRA Tech blunder !! (AFS) Nothing against these guys, but most aren't winning rounds by thier driving skillls that's for sure, but Hey cash is king for now, and sooner of later they'll be back to watching it on TV and bench racing here on CR when NHRA wakes up!

[Jim Wahl]

Originally Posted by GarysZ24

I'm glad to see that Steve Pohill is kickin' but and taking names with his fwd stocker...rnd 4 next tomorrow...WAY TO GO STEVE!!!

I agree Gary! I kid 'ol Pothole a lot but I am sure proud of him and that FWD Escort this weekend! Hell, he knows I love him and I am rooting for him to be the first FWD car to win Indy! Yeah, even if he is from a foreign country. Jim

[JSLRacing]

I've had to race against Steve a bunch in my day...

I hope he brings home a Wally north of the border this year from Indy.