Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Well said Mike,

To anyone that has been monitoring this thread that has thoughts of participating. Irregardless of past history, LVD can be a good facility and has a lot of friendly people. I have been racing there since 1979, seen the ups and downs and have had more than my fair share of run-ins with the management. They did take the "Wanted Dead or alive" poster with my picture on it in the tower down, that has to be a step in the right direction. I would hate to think a racer stayed home because of something I have posted. If the owner and management invest the money and effort to put out a quality product, meaning a safe, sticky track and organized execution of the race, everyone involved will have fun. If they choose not to that is on them, and I don't blame anyone for not coming back.

Bill Krug
NHRA T/D 1531
S/C 1531
S/G 153K

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Man you can tell it's winter.

All I can say is that "my wife and I will be there to support Wayne and his series sponsors".
I DON"T care if it is 1/8 mile or 1/4 mile, I will race what ever it is.

Since it's Wayne's series (and his sponsors) he can make the cut off whatever he wants (6.50 for all I care).
I just want the series to be a success for every one involved.

All my point is, is that IHRA went to 7.40 for a reason, that's all. Since I don't race IHRA divisionals I can't speak to that.
I think for the price, for the number of rounds and the payout, it can't be beat.
There will be 2 dragsters there for sure :-).

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Its cold Here too!!!

If the bump is 7.70 i will gladly be there to support Wayne and the program.

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

frank your correct it is waynes race i guess that says it all .. thank you all for your messages and good luck to everyone this year this thread is officially closed

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

due to all the death threats i have received if i dont keep this thread open its back so dont be shy tell it how you feel .......but be fair.....

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

I have a few questions based on some info, and some conversations I've had today.

First, to anyone who is feeling like they are "taking a chance" running a Top Dragster at Lebanon valley should know that both Wayne and I have many fast runs at that track, in October, and have lived to tell about it. Do you think we don't care about a safe track? I know our families do. If anyone wants down grade LVD now or any time by what people say, there isn't much I can do.

Second, as Wayne said to me this morning, This is Lebanon Valleys Top Dragster Series, not Wayne Hofmanns Top Dragster Series. Wayne is getting way more grief than help on this forum. He has had at least 18 guys commit to running. They know that Wayne is NOT responciable for the following:

Track Conditions
Track Temprature
Weather
Car Count
You Attitude
Your driving ability
Your interest in racing Top Dragster
And Your Budget

But so far, all i've read is that he some how is responciable for this some how.

This Forum is not helping this whole deal.

Bill,

I have a question that had been a topic of a few conversations in the last day or two with me. You have a Dragster that I beleive you said has a 598" engine. If that is the case, a dragster with an engine that big can 7.30 with no problem. I'm guessing your chassis can't certified for Advanced ET. If this is the case, no matter what happens, you couldn't run quicker than 7.49 if I built you a 632" engine? Is this true or not...........If your car can be certified for Advanced E.T. I WILL PAY THE $135 TO CERTIFY IT THIS YEAR! Something tells me that this is the case.

What happens when the Top Dragster feild takes a 7.30 to get into it. Will you want us to make it a 32 car feild, or an all run feild? I'm not sure where this will end for you. The comment about us quick racers not wanting to run a slower more consistant car really threw me. Unless you have been following my career closly, i'd ask that you don't assume that I don't like to race any one.

I've been warned my some that trying to run a series is more work than its worth. I'd like to think that it could at least get off the ground before we are worn out from it..............Remember, this is Lebanon Valley Dragway Top Dragster series. Wayne is the one who made the first races happen. And they were both 1/4 and 1/8 mile. This adjustment is made based on the saftey of the racer. its an option that will alway be available.

If some one wants information about the series thats positive, and more inside thoughts about it to, please call me at Moroso at 800-544-8894 x 306 from 6 A.M to 5 P.M Monday through Thursday.

Scott Hall

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Scott,
I appreciate the offer and if you have a spare 632" laying around we could work something out. My new car is certified to 6.00 and the 598" engine is only 4 or 5 races old and has ran 178 mph. With a little tweaking it may very well run 7.40s . However the car is very heavy, over 2,000 lbs with me in it. It was set it up to be easy to race. The biggest radiator and tranny cooler made, 2 separate brake systems, dual cup holders, fuzzy dice etc. Last year I ran T/D and qualified for the only full field ever at a D1 race, I paid my $170 bucks and let it rip. If I did not qualify so be it, next time bring enough. I wouldn't show up at Epping for the Nat's with 7.50 car and expect to get in.

We both know there are more than enough sub 7.50 cars within a reasonable tow to easily fill a 16 car field. Getting everyone to make that tow for all of the races is the issue. It is easy to talk yourself out of towing 4 hours if the weather is iffy or its rained all week, etc.. etc.. As a local racer I am saying It would be silly to have a 6 or 7 car field when there are another 6 to 10 (maybe more) NHRA legal 7.50- 7.70 Top Dragsters sitting in trailers on the property. I can tell you there is a fair amount of regulars at LVD that can't run 7.49 but would join and support the series . Business-wise if you were fortunate enough to get a lot of cars to show, I would think twice before sending that many people home "Unqualified". Whether you DNQ at 7.70 or 7.10 a racer is going think twice before bothering to come back. With towing expenses so high everyone is trying race "smarter" and get the most fun out of every dollar. As I posted before, I appreciate Wayne's efforts organizing this. I would like to participate and support the program, but it has to be with the equipment I already own.

Bill Krug

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Bill,

Thanks for the responce. I undertstand the weight issue on your car. I have it, and so do many others. At least I know you have the ability to run 7.49 and quicker.

Whats your take on having to police the cars that can't run 7.49 or quicker having to be checked and "marked" as cars that can't go under a 7.50 dial or break out going 7.49? This is the problem we don't want to get into. It happened at the first race in mid-october, and could have turned into a "great job on winning the round, but your out" for going 7.48 and not being legal, and knowing it.

Waynes been keeping an eye on this forum in Florida, so i'll ask and see what he thinks................

If this change happens, we better have a 16 car every race, no matter what the conditions are. If the local racers complain about $125 entry, or what ever else, this will all be a lost cause.

Scott Hall

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Scott,

After some consideration I had few thoughts that I will "throw out there" These are just my opinions and my goal is strictly a safe user-friendly race.

Wayne Hoffman can and will be held accountable for the weather. We all know he has the connections.

Use Existing NHRA and IHRA safety rules with 7.70 minimum. I think they are the same. Accept IHRA credential, license and chassis cert if possible.

Zero tolerance for running out of certification, there is no reason for it. DQ during a race, reinstatement for the loser. There will be plenty of guys around to sign licenses and during qualifying any one needing an adv lic can run single to upgrade. cars that can't cert to 7.49 can add ballast. A one weekend "amnesty could be considered to let everyone get certified.

Excessive braking policy pre-establish a guideline and enforce it.

On Saturday petition the track for set run times 11am and noon qualifiers 1st rd at 12:45 and every 45
minutes. Allowing the finalists 30 mins would let a 6 round race to be completed at 5:00 pm.
When situation ( breakage, weather etc..) does not allow a Sat race to finish, finish on Sunday during qualifying. All started races must be finished for a true "points Champ". On Saturdays have the track isolate street cars to 2 lanes and "cone off" the inner middle part of the stating line groove for cars without slicks.

Business-wise, I would suggest "all run format" the added pressure of trying to qualify for 16 spots with the high number of 6 second cars within a reasonable tow could keep even low 7 second racers home. A number of guys have stated I will give it "ONE SHOT" and if it sucks I won't come back If the track holds up their end of the bargain and provides a quality product, A racer-run series and the 2 races for 1 tow WILL attract a crowd. There is strength in numbers. The extra cars will give the track a reason to spend extra money for spray etc. Obviously no one minds a larger purse for an extra round.

Race wise, All run lets you have potential for a bye. I would give a bye to the # 1 and # 2 qualifier if an even # of cars. Then let the sportsman ladder determine late round byes. Higher qualified car should have lane choice throughout eliminations. It should pay to be fast.

On Sundays petition management to schedule T/D opposite of super ET so racers can get 3 races for 1 tow without holding up the show.

I know from the number of views there are a lot interested people watching this thread, now would be a good time for input from anyone considering this series. It would be easier to bounce ideas off of each other online than try to meet in person. After ideas and viewpoints etc.. are considered Wayne and Scott can post a complete rule sheet online, so racers can choose to take part or not.

Bill Krug

Re: Top Draster wheelbase
 

Bill,

Good points - however I disagree with your all run idea. You state that if there are a bunch of 6 sec cars it will bump put the mid-low 7 sec cars. Not to sound like an *** - but that is the point. A very fast series. All the cars you speak of (mid-low 7's) for a very minimal investment can easily step their cars up to a high 6 sec car with one system. Believe me if we could have a 32 car field with the bump being in the 7.0's I would welcome the extra round - but not to allow 14 people in who are running 7.40's - if that is the case I will park the faster car and run my bracket dragster.
I have heard it on diff chat rooms people dont want to spray there cars - well then sorry you dont race the TOP DRAGSTER series and you can pay 60 to enter super pro and race for 500.
That is the beauty of drag racing - you cant qualify in one race then you have other classes.
As far as being able to run super and the series - that is up to the people running the series. However I would say no to that - not everyone who will easily make the series will be able to do that so the issue will come up as far as extra runs.
Either way the series should be a good time and I do see it growing into something - so all of the above statements in time will be a non issue.

Just my 2 cents - I have known to be wrong.