"Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Well I hated to do this, but Bob Bender said it was time for Jack to go. I gave Jack his pink slip with no severance pay and told him to be on his way.

I got here last night and there was about 80 rigs in line. We are supposed to start parking in a few hours. I would say there are a few hundred rigs here now.

The weather is pleasant now, but the rest of the week will be very warm. The Summernationals will earn its name this week. Upper 80's and low 90's are predicted with very little chance of rain.

Here are a few shots of the stacking area and racers waiting online for their credentials.

I was just joking about Jack.... he will be rolling in a little bit later today.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Ken upper 80's very warm? You guys are spoiled up there. Come down to Texas for a race in summer. Then you can say it's only going to be 105 today! LOL

Good luck this weekend.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Wasn't the brutal heat the reason for the name/date change at Englishtown? That's how we got the Supernationals!

Nice that we finally have a weekend where there is no R*** in the forecast!

Hope everyone stays safe and does well!

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Another long day but I did manage to shoot some photos. Tomorrow we do not start until 10:15AM. The schedule is still the same, we will run all qualifying and class tomorrow.

The first photo is the truck washer service. Its a 225 gallon tank filled with water. Its putting a hurt on that Dodge for sure. The second shot is normal day in the life of a crew chief, putting up the awning.

Other shots are in the tech line, I know lots of fords, but that's what was around me.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Yep Lou. But check the schedule they're calling it the Summernationals again - about time

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

When it was the Summernationals originally, it was held in early to mid July, I think it was always after the 4th of July, and the Grandnationals were 2 weeks before it I believe.

Good luck to all, and thanks to those reporting

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Dave - If I remember correctly, Grandnats were always first week in August and it was always hot and smelly (from the nearby chicken farm) at Sanair.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Well I'm finally here and for a moment there I was free of this gig but he left me off the hook so I guess you guys and gals are stuck with me for another race .

But not without punishment for being late ....I'm so far from the starting line I'll have to stop for gas on the way there .No kidding - I could probably hitch a ride on Kalitta Air cause I already at the Airport here at Raceway Park .

And as for Bobby Bender and Co. - sour grapes is all .He had my bags packed last Sunday and was sending me home but gave it up and went home himself .....like they say here in the Great Northeast .........tough nuggies pal .

As for the Summernationals ......always a tough race and as usual it'll be hot and muggy .Its already 'close' at 10:30pm - whats it going to be like during class runoffs tomorrow afternoon ? But like many here I'm looking forward to it - and Ken along with myself will try and bring our members all the news and hopefully those who can't join us here will still feel like you're with us ----- stick around ........you'll like the ride ! ! !

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Jack you know I still I still love ya. Just kidding.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

A few more photos as it looks like Jack's camera is broke.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Not on your life my friend - I did snap a few on the way in ........just couldn't resist .Its worse than drugs or alcohol or even cigs ...............

Did you even think for a sec that you caught me goofin' off ? ? Stay cool boss .......

I may have come to school late but not without my homework .

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Good morning members and friends - let the Summernationals commence !! Actually they have partially because the Summer part has started - its humid and sticky even at this hour - only thing you could hear is the humming of generators - what will it be like at noon ?

This morning because of my near lakeside location I thought there was a "Duck Dynasty" film crew here but no -- it was just the ducks quacking nearby .Damn ! ! ! They have to be a little more quiet in the AM or they could end up under glass being dinner .....

This morning its already 76 degrees with 65% humidty and the barometer is just over 30 -- makes the final DA at 1800 .

Ran into Bob Lang and Dave Glick this morning who were working on the track into the wee hours last night and tell me its in terrific shape for today - thanks for your efforts boys .
Took a few shots just for fun ........later

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Jack:
The Summernats are back for sure, but the original D1 dime (quarter??) rocket appears to be sitting it out. I drove past Ray Golonka's house on my way to work today (as I do everyday) and I noticed the race car and trailer still in the yard. Call it what you will, but it ain't the Summernats without the big green Cadoo doing a burnout, putting a Cobra Jet or two in check!!
A fan favorite for sure, hopefully Ray will come down and sign autographs for the fans.

Let the time shotz begin!!
Be safe one and all!
Keep those coolers way stocked!!

Prez

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Talk about a hectic morning. We have two qualifying shots in stock already done. I have not had time to get any photos, but I did manage to get two in car cams. When it get a little less hectic I will try to get some more photos and videos.

We are getting ready for class, the weather is HOT ! .... 90 plus right now. the DA was 2800ft when we ran stock.

I will be back later....

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Hey Jack, get this. I have a friend who knows I am a racer, he said he saw a beautiful new body Camaro on Facebook. He asked me if I knew a guy named "Jack Flash"! I said sure, everybody knows Jack Flash! Jim


.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Nothing on DRC yet?

Edit: Nevermind. :-)

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Track conditions are a joke! I know it's hot but come on I felt like a nitro car I'm ok coming all this way to put on a show and run the factory Stock class but give us a decent track to run on! Every factory stock guy I talked to said they were blowing the tires off. What a joke!

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

7 out of 16 cars in the factory shootout 44%.

I hope the track gets better.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Bad news guys. As long as they are using PJ-1 for traction compound, you will have problems. If the track surface gets over 95, PJ-1 will not work. What happened to VHT traction compound? Will they use PJ-1 for the pros??? All you need to do is just walk out onto the track and see if the traction compound wants to pull your shoes off. We all know what that feels like. If your shoes feel like they are not stuck to the track, then the track is not sticky and the traction compound is not working! It is just that simple.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

lucky, when it's 90 here the DA is around 3600

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

You might be on to something Chris -- Three tries for me and I've not made it down the track once today ............

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Why thank them before you have verified their claim and for doing their job?

You've got a $100,000 factory race car that hasn't got down the track in 3 tries at a national event! I'd be very pissed off!

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Chris, you are spoiled from running in D3 where we only use VHT and have Redman and Brad running track prep. They can even make Columbus good.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Truth is I'm not sure if its the track or my car set-up...........I've learned not to throw rocks until I'm sure .

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Some cars on this track really impressed me today - John Shauls' A/SA running 10 ohs in the soup tells me some can run and hook at this place .......but others - no deal .Saw alot of good rides spin bigtime .

All that and I had a rude wake up this morning - opened the trailer door only to find the right rear flat -- hello Roy @ Hoosier for a pair of stickers .........

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

what's the consenus as to the starting line from the rest of the stock eliminator crowd? Is the Firebird hooking?

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Jack, the starting line is hit or miss. I would say it is more the track than your car. I put the in car cam in for the final of the Factory Shootout. I have a very good mount, but Gary Richard's car shook and spun so bad it move the camera back. You will see it when I upload later. I saw everything from high hp cars to low hp cars spin in stock. Super Stock was a little better, but tire spin was sill an issue.

The photos are from first round of class in the staging lanes, it was busy day for stock, I can not remember running so many rounds on a Thursday.

I have four videos to edited along with some more photos from Super Stock. Bear with me, I will get it all uploaded as fast as I can.

The internet connection is getting slow, so it me be a few hour before I can get the videos uploaded.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Hey Kenny or Jack if you get a moment can you ask John Shaul why he is running the 62 and not the 64. Love the 64 sad I won't get to see it this weekend. I will be down first thing in the morning. Good luck and god bless to all the racers give us a good show to talk about.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Skills, I talked to John. He said Tom could not make this race, so he left the 64 home and hoped in the 62 413.

The first video is round one of qualifying. Chris Butcher in his H/SA 86 Camaro.

I should have another one up soon.... internet is still slow.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Next in car cam is Bob Conway, in his L/SA 80 Malibu.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

This next video is Gary Richard in the final of the Factory Stock Shootout. Sorry for the video quality. The harmonics of Gary's car played havoc on my camera and when the tires spin it knocked the camera back. I wanted to show everyone how violent it was.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Here are some more photos. I'm still editing and uploading videos from super stock. They are very cool, so check back soon or stick around.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Joe Lisa in his 86 GT/FA Camaro, I love these SS wheel standers. Next up is Michael Iacono....

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Last one for the night. Michael Iacono in his wheel standing 87 GT/CA Camaro.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Awful for you guys!
Sounds similiar to the track in Atlanta last week.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Jeez,my car never had trouble hooking up.People told me my car could hook up on ice,never tried it though.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Ed, It was nice to see you yesterday. With all due respect, your combo is what they used for traction control in the 70's. Build a car with no power, and traction will not be an issue. Sorry I could not resist.

My thoughts on the Factory Stock Showdown. Although there were only 6 cars, it was cool to see a mix of brands. Chris Holbrock had the field covered with a 1.35 under. If not for the poor track conditions, Chris would have easily dominated the field. I think if there is no rule change for Indy, the there will be no N/A cars and Indy. I would love to see the class grow, but from the talk in the pits I can't see that happening with the current rules.

Chris's car is rocket ship, and I know he works hard, but I don't think that N/A cars have a chance against the S/C cars.

The Hawk and Cook car that was in the finals against Gary Richard has never spun the tire since it was built. I have driving it many times and this car hooks everywhere. Gary's car also works great along with most all of the Shoot Out cars. It was a shame that it came down who could pedal there car the best. It was an ugly sight to see high powered stockers struggle to gain traction. It was like funny cars trying to get down the track. In the final it was Gary against Sal Biondo. Sal left first and spun for the first time today. The car went straight and he shifted immediately to gain traction. Gary's Cobra Jet went to the center line, it was sideways, but Gary did a masterful job at bring it back. He pedal it, shifted gears and took the win by 6 hundreds. Lets hope tomorrows eliminations are better.

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

More photos from John DiBartolomeo - DRAG RACING ACTION Magazine
www.dragracingaction.com

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

A few more...

Re: "Live From" Summernationals - Englishtown, NJ
 

Kenny, maybe you've posted in the past, but why no helmet cam shots? Very cool during eliminations.