Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Stock got their last quailfier in this morning and there will be a change in schedule - after a few classes run this morning we will go into first round of Stock .

Kelly Boyle - driving the Parker family H/SA - went to the #1 spot this morning .Most racers went a touch faster this morning - anywhere from .01 to .05.

Uncle Buck is in the house this weekend and you can tell from the pic he's enjoying every minute .Some he won't remember but when I saw him last night he was having big fun ...........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The in car cam is in Gene Monahan's J/SA 86 Firebird. Gene's car leaves like a A car. I have been trying to get the in car cam in his Firebird for the last few races. Thanks Gene, enjoy.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Quick story about Gene Monahan. Two years ago I finally got around to having decals made for my quadrajet business. I also had tee shirts made to give to all my customers that were going to attend Indy. Jim Marshall wasn't going to make it and asked if I would drop off the stuff to Gene. Gene liked the shirt and asked what do you have to do to get one and I said have one of my carburetors. But that couldn't happen because he runs fuel injection. He said he would put my decal on for one of the shirts. I thought my decal on a F.I. car would be really cool so I gave him one and he did as he said. Think it's still on the car. Thanks Gene and good to you and Jim this weekend.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Jim Samuel, Larry Sullivan or any other person from DRC, I've been meaning to ask this question for a long time now:

How come you don't post the eliminations from the early rounds at the divisionals?

I could understand why you didn't do it before at any races because you had to type them in by hand. Now with you being hooked up directly to the Compulink computer, I don't see any reason why you can't post all elimination rounds for every event.

Anyway, does anybody know what happened in the heads-up race between Kenny Richard and Kelly MacKay in Stock?


-Toby

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

We are not hooked in at every division race. For example, I am doing everything manually here at Lebanon Valley because the track does not run a Compulink system.

Jim

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

With Stock and SuperStock both having their first rounds completed the fans are milling around with not much to do .........most of us just sat around watching them .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Ok, I can understand that, but how about Las Vegas and all the other tracks that do have a Compulink system?

Thanks a lot for all you guys do.


-Toby

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Hey Jack does the wife know about these pictures Lol

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

My bet is he has access to this site password protected and camera set to auto-delete once pics are downloaded lol.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

And then there's tonight - did I tell you I'm celebrating Thanksgiving early this year ? Why you ask ? Well there's the record deal - then winning first round not to mention getting the car back together properly and the list goes on but I'll be in the MASGA camp tonight for sure ........with a special guest of honor ( pictured below ) ................What a turkey ( the one in the bag ) - wait that doesn't work either as there both in the bag - its the Butterball . Sorry George - I couldn't help myself .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

She bought me the camera - its a duesy - great zoom don't you think ? Anyway - its like they ......you reap what you sow .......or something like that but you get it .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Guess I better get back to cars or the boss will be back on me again . A lot of surprises in SuperStock as one lane was prone to spinning from my view - they did fix it but I'm sure there were some unhappy campers after round one .It is also hard to tell if some who spun were bitten by the track or their cars .

Racing is done for the evening as the circle dirt track next door has begun their 4th of July events followed later by fireworks .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I'll expand a little on what Jim wrote. Not all tracks have Compulink timing systems, and even then, sometimes the Compulink systems and our data capture software are talking slightly different languages, and we still have to put all the numbers in by hand (that has happened to me twice - once in Bradenton several years ago, and at Ashcroft this year).

We are working on getting a usable data feed from other track timing systems. That process is still in a somewhat beta testing phase. We've had some success with Accutime and TSI systems, but every timing system is set up a little different at each track. The Compulink data feed can and usually does come right out of the timing system wiring punch block - that board under the counter with about 500 wires running in and out of it. The Accutime and TSI feeds that we've been trying to get to work utilize a tap into the timeslip printer feed. That involves figuring out which port is the timeslip printer feed (they aren't always marked on the track computer), what type of 9-pin Y-splitter you need (they aren't all the same gender), what the baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits the timeslip printer port is set at (they aren't all the same), and lastly, if we get all of that stuff figured out, hooked up and working, it is possible that our tap will draw enough power from the serial feed to the timeslip printers that they'll stop working. That's not a good thing!

A perfect world would have Compulink fiber optic timing systems installed at every drag strip. Those are plug and play for us. Entering the numbers by hand is done after each round is completed from the run logs. Not only is that tedious, we spend more of our time looking at run logs and our laptop screens than watching what is actually happening on the track. That takes some of the fun out of the job. It also limits our ability to provide extra info like incrementals.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

That would be mostly a matter of personnel. Divisional events only have one reporter working (with the exception of the Las Vegas season-ending divisional). Dial in classes need to be watched for dial in changes that don't make it through the data feed if the track clock operator doesn't re-enter both lanes. All classes need to be watched for wrong car numbers entered for the same reason. Winners lists and/or next round ladders until there are 16 cars or less allow us some time to do other necessary stuff, like eat lunch or go to the bathroom. Sometimes we even get time to talk to people! :)

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

You know, every time I go to the races I end up with a bunch of shots just like this......I keep telling my girlfriend that there must be something wrong with my camera......I swear I was shooting cars !

JimR

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Thanks a lot for the explanation, Bob, but about how often are the wrong dial-ins and/or car numbers entered into the computer? I would guess it can't be all that often. I know I could live with a few errors. It would be a lot better than just a winners list, IMHO.

Also, I know if I had access to the high speed internet they have at Las Vegas I could post a video in a few minutes instead of 2 or 3 hours. :)


-Toby

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The same thing can also happen with Compulink systems. I have been at tracks at which as soon as I plugged into the system, the track's dial-in boards go dark. I unplug, and the boards come back on. So in that case, I have to unplug and enter data manually.

There is also one track with a Compulink system on the second floor of the tower, while I have had to work on the third floor. The track owner refused to let me work on the second floor and refused to let us run the cable to the third floor.

Jim

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

It does not happen often, but when it does, it draws attention. The last time I missed and incorrect dial, it sparked the creation of a thread here calling me a dumbass! LOL!!

What does happen a dozen or so times at each race for Stock and Super Stock is that drivers change the class they are running in. We have to make sure we catch the class change because that affects the qualifying order. When we post an incorrect order, the drivers in the pits let us know. In addition, drivers often bring different cars to different races and we try to catch that too.

What I would encourage you, or anyone else that has a suggestion for DRC, to do is go to the DRC site, click on Feedback and send a message with your suggestion. The feedback is read by those who make the decisions.

Jim

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

I can tell you that Jack would have better shots to post if he could break his tendancy to get so engrossed in looking at the subjects that he forgets to take the photo.

Jim

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Third row first pic. What do you think the guy in the pic is smiling about??? LOL

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

It happens more often than you'd think. It depends on the clock operator. Some of them are flawless, or are quick enough to catch their mistakes and correct them that there isn't a problem. Some are just about guaranteed to make mistakes in almost every round prior to the semi's. I've actually worked a divisional race where the clock operator told me "this is the first time I've ever done this". She actually didn't do too bad that weekend. "Not on file" is not an acceptable name for a competitor in any class in eliminations. Having the wrong dial in won't show the wrong winner - our software will still pick up the winner flag from the timing system - but it will result in numbers that don't make any sense, which also results in conversations here as to why who beat who and how. While much of what happens in this sport is dictated by timing system computers, human input still plays a major part. Accuracy in reporting is paramount to myself and my colleagues. It would be very unusual for me to go through an entire event without finding a mistake made somewhere.
We post stuff when it is deemed to be official. Being official always takes some time. Sometimes it takes a long time due to a large number of cars having to clear tech. Even then, being official can change. I prefer to keep the number of revised results posts to a minimum.

Bob

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Ed - I'm kind of partial to the guy in the third row middle pic who is trying to rub the grin off his chin ...........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

There is one computer operator at one track I go to every year who enters all qualifying sessions as Q1. She told me she does not use Q2 or Q3 because "that's not important." I told her it was important to me but she refuses to do it differently.

Jim

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Me 2.... nice wording on his T shirt.........
MB

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Great pictures she bought you a good one.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Good morning gang - Lets start off with a four letter word I've not had to mention much this season - you'll remember it right away - Rain - and we've been very lucky so far this year but today the liquid sunshine started coming down about two hours ago - no heavy downpours but enough that the noise on my roof woke me up .With that I just rolled over for a little extra sleep .

We were to start off this morning with Stock going out first @ 9:30 but that's not going to happen . The good news ? The skies are cloudy but not black and the Sun is trying to peak out and we'll just keep our fingers crossed ....................later .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Morning everyone, I see Jack has given you the morning update.

Here are some shots of Super Stocks first round yesterday. I did got many, it has been a long day. Right after Super Stock I was helping Dan Fletcher change the ring and pinion in his Super Stocker along with his good home town friend Paul. We also had some racing friends helping out, as everyone knows, racers are always there to lend a hand. We loaded up the cart with tools and headed over to the barn. NHRA along with the track was kind enough to let us use the shop. It was much easier than working in the grass, the D 1 staff is always there to help when they can.

As you can see from the photos, Dan wiped out two teeth on the pinion in the Dana rear. We got the rear back together and Dan's ready for 2nd round.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

8:30 WEATHER UPDATE - According to local weather experts we are to have another cloudburst in an hour or so and after that we are "clean and green" for the rest of today .Track officials say they fully expect to finish this event today .

The local people missed it - forget that hour deal ................it just started again as I'm typing ............

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Noon update - Still raining - started hard about half hour ago - they are already talking about tomorrow - if it stopped now it would be mid-afternoon before they would have the track dry enough - but they have lights here so ..............

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The weekend hard partying award goes without a doubt to the Morehead clan - their pit space even after clean-up this morning looks used-up .........those folks know how to throw one ! ! !

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

DRC reports that track drying is underway and the plan is to complete the race today.
Have a safe race everybody.
MB

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

The plan at this moment (3pm) is to lead off with Stock in about an hour or so more of drying ............we'll see .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

First round of Stock in and completed ........S/S coming up ........accident in shutdown area ......Top something ?

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Wow! what a week-end at Lebanon, the weather was great until Sunday, but what can we say about this great facility. I enjoyed the great racing and the fantastic turnout in stock eliminator. The stands were full for all classes no one left their seats even with the blistering sun, I have to raise my hat to all competitors and spectators, you have shown me that this sport has a lot of heart left. I enjoyed myself talking with so many different racers about their cars and even their towing gear. From trailer to trailer everyone was so happy to take the time to talk about their cars. Thank you to all the partipants, and thank you for making an enjoyable experience for my daughter and myself. Thank You. Claude Ruel

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

6:45pm - Cleaned - up the accident ( no one hurt ) but shorly after it started spritzing on and off - we're on hold ........two pairs of Top then SuperStreet and SuperStock .


I hear engines .........maybe - yup , their running .

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Nice of you Claude, to take time to give some positive feedback.
Turning out to be a long race.

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Racing will resume tomorrow morning @ 8:30 sharp until completion .Round two of S/S finally got in tonight along with most of the other classes .See you in the AM ..........

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

God Bless America!

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Holy throttle stop Batman - Another picture perfect race day and how fitting on the Fourth of July - you couldn't ask for more today - Sunny , blue skies , low humidity and a very nice 68 degrees at this moment ..........like the man said - God Bless America .

In just over an hour SuperStock will lead off eliminations on this great holiday and being here is better than flipping burgers on the deck for your Mother-in-law ..............Matter of fact being here is better than being anywhere else ! ! !

Re: Live from Lebanon Valley-NHRA Lucas Oil Series
 

Round robin time -Stock and S/S finished rd3 and now its hot lap time as everyone wants to get on the road and beat the traffic .