Sonoma Changes
 

Anybody know the truth behind the rumors rurrounding Sonoma Raceway? Apparently the tower is being demolished and I've heard various opinions that it's just being relocated or replaced in another location, etc.

We certainly can't afford to lose any more tracks on the west coast but if any were to go away this would seem to be the most likely....at least for drag racing.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Morning Mark. I’ve sent a message and haven’t heard anything yet. Supposedly they are looking at options for the National.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

I was told that tower operations are moving to the media center on the left side next to the garages. The tower crew should be able to see car #’s and dial ins just fine if we were to line up in front of the main grandstand like we do at the national event. Or they would likely have to radio every pair to the tower if we continued to use the normal staging lanes. The dragstrip manager was given VERY short notice that this was happening and is working on a plan for the (few) bracket races and wednesday night drags happening this year. Still doesn’t make sense to spend the time and $ on a demo and give up the revenue from the tower suites, all just because it was obstructing the view of a small section of their precious road course.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Should??
That’s quite a distance and I’d need binoculars to see the dial from there..
There’s no view of the track ( only maybe starting line or second floor) from the Media Center.
Things went downhill from the covid years and continues..
Certainly hope things improve..

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Message sent Drew.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

I worked at a lot of tracks for DRC, small, large, and sometimes a bit scary.


Sonoma was the worst major event track I ever saw. The media center was totally blocked from seeing much of the track at all. Though it was a great location, it was clear they weren't that interested in drag racing even back then.


Others that come to mind are Seattle and Norwalk. The building at the starting line was suites only, and if you were covering the race you were working in a rented construction trailer at the end of the track. Even if you stood at one of those high, narrow windows you could only see the tops of the cars over the wall. That made it hard to add any useful content on any run.

Norwalk was a special case that at least made changes. For years, there was no media center at all. Story I heard (totally unconfirmed) was that Bill Sr. was not a fan of the press after he read an article he didn't like. Things got a bit better years later when he rented an RV which was parked alongside the spectator side grandstand. And eventually he created a real place to work and give good coverage.


So a bit off the topic, but maybe some insight into why some reports are pretty dry and only include numbers from the clocks.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Wanted to test both cars at the upcoming bracket races this weekend and the 4th. Found out they said no time runs! You have to enter a class. ��*
I didn’t think it could get worse? I was wrong again.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

That sucks was gonna take the boys up to license in my truck, well guess not going now, John

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

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.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

We have E.T. races here when it's well over 100. That is the best time for me to test unfortunately. I get two time trials and first round. If I need another run. I better win! Regular Shangrila!

Paul H

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

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.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

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.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Message sent DG

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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

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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.

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

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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.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

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.

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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?

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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.

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One new in Kern County but I think it?s 1/8?
Gathering info.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

The Teflon Don has already stated he does not care Motorsports.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

I was just at Sonoma for an event . Apparently it is one of the only two they scheduled for the year . The other being the national event . The tower gone is definitely a different look at the track . The only issue is that I can see is they had to have one person in the staging lanes dedicated on the radio giving car numbers to whoever is located wherever they are inputting it into the computer. That should be interesting to see how that works not only giving car numbers but also dial-in. The event I was at was mostly heads-up racing so not so much an issue .
Also those familiar with Sonoma know of the bump in shut down in the left lane ! That has very much seemed to gotten worse as it tore the front section of our nose up on a car that has been down that track many times before in years past ! Very frustrating what?s going on in this state with racing facilities for sure .

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Second floor media center where you usually get your passes is where the tower is now. North end of the garages.

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July 4 bracket race. The Foggit Super Comp guys let us run with them. Thank you! . I visited the media center and yes you can see the lanes as well as most of the track however it’s not what announcers could see from behind like before. There will be a lot of monitor viewing.
We did notice a few bumps also. Confirmed with a few others too. Won’t be an issue for slower cars I’m sure.
Really weird! I kept looking for the Tower!

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Glad you got to run Barry!!?

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John. Jeff and I tested the Top Sportsman GTO.
I’m waiting to finish stocker transmission upgrades.
It will be ready for Sonoma however I probably won’t race it.
My own personal protest and I realize it means nothing to others but I’m not happy with Sonoma Raceway.
A centrally located California race track and zero Sportsman racing.
�� ��

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It is a real bummer for sure, heading to Woodburn this weekend, been to Vegas and been to Boise, lots of driving to get points for sure. Would be great to have a local double, miss those days. Hope to see you guys soon, maybe local!! LOL John

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Mendota Raceway, in Mendota. 1/8 mile, old airport. Good news is the property is owned by the city and they seem to be giving 100% support.

Bad news, it?s best described as an outlaw track, although just recently obtained IHRA sanction. Google it; unless you?re the wannabe Street Outlaw / No Prep type, you will not be impressed.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Good luck! Safe travels.
This big dog motor won?t hunt yet. Not impressed so we aren’t going.. up in points too��
Frustrating.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

Good luck! Safe travels.
This big dog motor won?t hunt yet. Not impressed yet so we aren?t going.. up in points too
;(
Frustrating.

Re: Sonoma Changes
 

I feel the frustration Barry. I'm playing on the other end of the class with Paul's R/SA valaint. Since the National here. I have had all 3 big pieces out of the car. It was looking like a comp eliminator car in my driveway. The weather here has been a challenge in itself. This whole week coming. The highs will be near 120 degrees. There is a one and only et race here Saturday. Luckily it will be only 110 Saturday. Come on down. I would enjoy giving you a hand! Bring some of Captain Jack's dry ice too!

Paul H