Is Bob Lang

Jim D'Amore · 06-02-2013, 08:31 PM

Just curious if he is responsible for the schedule and track prep for all divisional and national events in division one? The reason I ask is so I can talk to the right person.

A little background on myself. I have sponsored race series for the past 14 years. Fun Ford Weekend for 10 years, we owned two classes in that series and NMRA for four years and had one class in that series. We have also sponsored Shake Down in E-Town and a dozen more in events across the country. I have been at almost all the tracks out there and I have been helping 6 or so racers in the NHRA series for the past few years.

This schedule this weekend at E-Town was the first I have seen of its kind where they ran ten rounds of small tire cars with high horsepower back to back, this all being done in about a four hour period. When you have a warm track, I would not say hot because the highest track temp. I saw was 124 degrees. Slippery track you don't put that many rounds of 9 inch tires, you must put some big tire cars in between. Especially the dragsters. They would help allot.

Factory Stock Shoot Out would have been more exciting if the track was working. I am sure Ford, Dodge and GM would have been happier if after first round if most of the guys weren't trying to take horsepower out of the car so they could get down the track. It was an insult to the factory stock class. It was tough enough they ran four rounds that close together in that type of heat.

Tracks prep is everything. I have been at tracks that where over 140 degree track temp and cars were working just fine. I don't know if it was the mixture of the new VP Compound, the balls of rubber leading up to the starting lines or bald spots clear out to the 60 ft. I do know what I saw could have been fixed.

I know of one instance that they were cutting the VP Compound with alcohol and they were using achohol with top end lube in it and that caused bad tracking conditions and caused accidents. It just seems like NHRA has not realized that allot of its Stock Eliminator cars make as much torque as Pro Stock with a 1/3 of the tire and suspension. They cannot blame this on the stock guys. They approved these cars. There is allot of the new and old drivers using them.

This is a very ego driven sport. NHRA being the promoter of these events should work with the sportman ego not against it. After all it cost each individual anywhere from two to five thousand a weekend.

Jim

Ed Fernandez · 06-02-2013, 08:57 PM

Good luck getting any traction with the knuckleheads in Glendora.Seems they could give a rat's sass if any sportsman racer can get down the track safely.Just collect the entry fees
and let 'er rip.
I think Bob tries to do the best he can with what he and the Div 1 crew are handed.That goes for the Nat. event guys also.

David Barton · 06-02-2013, 09:24 PM

I believe Bob Lang is the guy. At least that's what Danny Gracia told me when I had some words with him after losing to Connelly in the Showdown. I commented to him how I thought the track conditions were a joke. JC Beattie spun, Jack Matyas spun so bad I saw a cloud of smoke, then I went right behind them and did the same thing.

I know NHRA didn't do everything they could have because I was standing right there as the ***** happened. They kept misting the track with their spray without dragging it with the tractor. Before the 2nd round of the Showdown they sprayed and passed the tractor once in each lane. They both went up the right lane and came back in the left and parked. Without surprise both lanes still had bald spots.

Numerous people made comments to the starting line crew but they simply ignored most. The one time I heard a reaction they said they needed to hurry up and stick to the schedule. I'd rather lose a time shot if it meant the track prep would be better.

To make my experience even worse, I had to race Biondo heads up in the 2nd round of the Eliminator and probably would have won if I didn't spin. I'm usually not a sore loser but when it's due to the lack of track prep I fealt I was ripped off. Half of the reason I spun is because I removed all of the ballast from the car to run and support the Factory Showdown. I added my regular weight for the bracket race but needed to remove it again to race Sal.

Anyway, I have a lot to say about it but its not getting us anywhere. What do we need to do to make a difference? Many people were pissed with good reason this past weekend and something should be done about it. We can't keep sweeping it under the rug.

After I lost to Sal I honestly felt like I never wanted to come back ever again which isn't fair to me, my business, my car owners, sponsors, fans, and many more. NHRA is really pushing it if you ask me.

1320racer · 06-03-2013, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Barton

I know NHRA didn't do everything they could have because I was standing right there as the ***** happened. They kept misting the track with their spray without dragging it with the tractor. Before the 2nd round of the Showdown they sprayed and passed the tractor once in each lane. They both went up the right lane and came back in the left and parked. Without surprise both lanes still had bald spots.

Numerous people made comments to the starting line crew but they simply ignored most. The one time I heard a reaction they said they needed to hurry up and stick to the schedule. I'd rather lose a time shot if it meant the track prep would be better.

I'm usually not a sore loser but when it's due to the lack of track prep I fealt I was ripped off.

Anyway, I have a lot to say about it but its not getting us anywhere. What do we need to do to make a difference? Many people were pissed with good reason this past weekend and something should be done about it. We can't keep sweeping it under the rug.

After I lost to Sal I honestly felt like I never wanted to come back ever again which isn't fair to me, my business, my car owners, sponsors, fans, and many more. NHRA is really pushing it if you ask me.

NOTHING will happen to remedy this situation as long as you guys continue to show up to race on whatever junk lang decides is good enough.

What does it take for you guys to stick together and say enough is enough and BOYCOTT the next event?

Only when they lose $ will you get their attention.

When the track is junk from the get go, it's only because it wasn't prepped properly period!

I was in the stands on Friday and watched class car after car after car blow the tires off and not once was the program haulted to attempt to fix the starting line nor did I see lang anywhere near the starting line.

Only after several Pro stock and FC smoked the tires did I see lang walk the left lane to 330 feet.

I have been racing for 22 years and every comment I have ever heard about lang from division 1 racers whether running brackets or class is always the same.

Larry Hill · 06-03-2013, 09:18 AM

If Bob Lang is responsible for track prep, what is the job description of the starter? Does the track crew have to get permission from the tower to fix the track, or does the schedule trump everything including track safety?

So, if John Force spins @ Indy he needs to find Jay to express his disappointment in track prep?

Bruce Noland · 06-03-2013, 10:28 AM

Jim,
Thank you for your considered posts. You should consider creating a network of advertisers and event sponsors.The nhra executives have insulated themselves from the racers and fans to push their greed driven business model. They have developed a take it or leave it program for racers and fans alike. No one should forget that this corporation is still sucking off our tax dollars, at least for the time being. You can get the attention of this outfit only with the combined force that a network has to offer and possibly make a positive impact on our beloved sport.

Bill Hawk · 06-04-2013, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Barton

To make my experience even worse, I had to race Biondo heads up in the 2nd round of the Eliminator and probably would have won if I didn't spin. I'm usually not a sore loser but when it's due to the lack of track prep I fealt I was ripped off. Half of the reason I spun is because I removed all of the ballast from the car to run and support the Factory Showdown. I added my regular weight for the bracket race but needed to remove it again to race Sal.

David, with all due respect your comment about probably beating Sal is a little premature. The starting line was terrible, but our car has only spun once since is was built. It spun against Gary Richard in the final of the Shootout, we tried to step it up and the track could not handle it.

The track was bad like I said, but against you we added weight and adjusted for the poor traction. Something maybe you should have thought of. There was no way we were going to give it all we had in those conditions. You have a legitimate gripe, but my issue with you is thinking you could out run Sal and blame the track for the loss. Blaming the track for spinning is legitimate, the loss is a stretch.

You showed no performance advantage all week. You may have been saving it for when you needed it, but given the track conditions we were not setup to let it all hang out at this race.

John DiBartolomeo · 06-05-2013, 08:44 AM

I think I have to agree with Jack... Bob Lang would have to be crazy (no comments here) to come on here and answer questions. But I can guarantee he's listening. The week before the Maple Grove divisional, members of the super category SRAC had a meeting to discuss some issues, most notably track prep. Bob Lang was invited and gladly attended to rationally (key word here) discuss our concerns. He was more than willing to listen and accept some of our "suggestions." At the 'Grove, if anyone was paying attention, you would have noticed a marked difference in how the track was prepped, both before racing began and in between sessions. With Lang in charge of track prep at the nat events, that same scenario took place at E-Town. I'm not going to defend the poor starting line there, nor the crazy schedule but expecting to run two classes back to back with those cars shocking the tires in roughly the same place on a track that had temps well above 100-degrees, was probably a mistake. Something I think they (whoever "they" is at NHRA) would agree.

VP vs. VHT (which is really now PJ1)? Nat events use PJ1 (VHT). I don't know what they use on a weekly basis at E-Town or at a lot of other tracks, but the bottom line that both work well in most cases. My thoughts have always been that we spray too much and don't drag enough. Cars have to stick to rubber and the spray is only there to facilitate the rubber sticking to it.

Here's my point: If you think they're not listening, you're drastically mistaken. In regards to the track prep, trying to prep the track for different types of cars can drive anyone to drink. Trying to find that happy medium would probably have most of us popping open the Jim Beam a lot quicker than NHRA would.

1320racer · 06-05-2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John DiBartolomeo

I think I have to agree with Jack... Bob Lang would have to be crazy (no comments here) to come on here and answer questions. But I can guarantee he's listening.

Maybe he's reading but listening has yet to be proven and since you can "guarantee it, do tell us how you KNOW!

Quote:

With Lang in charge of track prep at the nat events, that same scenario took place at E-Town. I'm not going to defend the poor starting line there, nor the crazy schedule but expecting to run two classes back to back with those cars shocking the tires in roughly the same place on a track that had temps well above 100-degrees, was probably a mistake. Something I think they (whoever "they" is at NHRA) would agree.

Sure sounds like you ARE defending the deplorable starting line.

Quote:

Here's my point: If you think they're not listening, you're drastically mistaken.

that has not been proven in the past or now!

Quote:

In regards to the track prep, trying to prep the track for different types of cars can drive anyone to drink.

Again, sure sounds like you ARE defending the deplorable track conditions!

Randall Klein · 06-05-2013, 09:38 AM

I'm sure Lang won't get into a discussion on i-sites, as NHRA has a leash on social dialogues where the company line (or silence) can't be legal-proofed....it sure looks like they came down on Travis at one time, who now uses a disclosure

That said, it would be helpful if ND would just address what most of us believe, that is National Event track conditions are set up for wheel speed not dead hook...just confirm it and let the hi-HP sportsmen classes adjust chassis, low end power for that contingency

Since I believe NHRA will not listen to SRAC, board chatter or start line histronics, if I owned a new factory hot rod, taming 800-1000 HP on 9" tires, after spending $100K with one of the big 3 mfgs, I would ask those mfgs with their supposed clout to address this with NHRA.....how do they want their brands to come across to spectators, or heaven forbid, their customers

This is assuming they care after the sale

Since many believe Ford has lined NHRA pockets to acheive some unknown corporate stock-enhancement with their shareholders, and, it seems, the Ford flagship drivers are unhappy, go to Ford racing (or Mopar or GM) and ask them to intervene....do they want their corporate image looking like a tire-frying street junkie or a high flying wheels up balls-to-the-wall 21st century factory hot rod

Finally, it sure looks like NHRA is sending many signals that National Events are not for S/SS racers....if you attend, I think you must plan on the worst (parking, schedule, track prep, cancellation, no empathy)

06-02-2013, 08:31 PM	#1
Jim D'Amore Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 139 Likes: 2 Liked 66 Times in 17 Posts	Is Bob Lang Just curious if he is responsible for the schedule and track prep for all divisional and national events in division one? The reason I ask is so I can talk to the right person. A little background on myself. I have sponsored race series for the past 14 years. Fun Ford Weekend for 10 years, we owned two classes in that series and NMRA for four years and had one class in that series. We have also sponsored Shake Down in E-Town and a dozen more in events across the country. I have been at almost all the tracks out there and I have been helping 6 or so racers in the NHRA series for the past few years. This schedule this weekend at E-Town was the first I have seen of its kind where they ran ten rounds of small tire cars with high horsepower back to back, this all being done in about a four hour period. When you have a warm track, I would not say hot because the highest track temp. I saw was 124 degrees. Slippery track you don't put that many rounds of 9 inch tires, you must put some big tire cars in between. Especially the dragsters. They would help allot. Factory Stock Shoot Out would have been more exciting if the track was working. I am sure Ford, Dodge and GM would have been happier if after first round if most of the guys weren't trying to take horsepower out of the car so they could get down the track. It was an insult to the factory stock class. It was tough enough they ran four rounds that close together in that type of heat. Tracks prep is everything. I have been at tracks that where over 140 degree track temp and cars were working just fine. I don't know if it was the mixture of the new VP Compound, the balls of rubber leading up to the starting lines or bald spots clear out to the 60 ft. I do know what I saw could have been fixed. I know of one instance that they were cutting the VP Compound with alcohol and they were using achohol with top end lube in it and that caused bad tracking conditions and caused accidents. It just seems like NHRA has not realized that allot of its Stock Eliminator cars make as much torque as Pro Stock with a 1/3 of the tire and suspension. They cannot blame this on the stock guys. They approved these cars. There is allot of the new and old drivers using them. This is a very ego driven sport. NHRA being the promoter of these events should work with the sportman ego not against it. After all it cost each individual anywhere from two to five thousand a weekend. Jim

06-02-2013, 08:57 PM	#2
Ed Fernandez Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NOO JOISEY nexta NOO YAWK Posts: 5,879 Likes: 38 Liked 100 Times in 45 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang Good luck getting any traction with the knuckleheads in Glendora.Seems they could give a rat's sass if any sportsman racer can get down the track safely.Just collect the entry fees and let 'er rip. I think Bob tries to do the best he can with what he and the Div 1 crew are handed.That goes for the Nat. event guys also. __________________ Former NHRA #1945 Former IHRA #1945 T/SA

06-02-2013, 09:24 PM	#3
David Barton Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 199 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang I believe Bob Lang is the guy. At least that's what Danny Gracia told me when I had some words with him after losing to Connelly in the Showdown. I commented to him how I thought the track conditions were a joke. JC Beattie spun, Jack Matyas spun so bad I saw a cloud of smoke, then I went right behind them and did the same thing. I know NHRA didn't do everything they could have because I was standing right there as the ***** happened. They kept misting the track with their spray without dragging it with the tractor. Before the 2nd round of the Showdown they sprayed and passed the tractor once in each lane. They both went up the right lane and came back in the left and parked. Without surprise both lanes still had bald spots. Numerous people made comments to the starting line crew but they simply ignored most. The one time I heard a reaction they said they needed to hurry up and stick to the schedule. I'd rather lose a time shot if it meant the track prep would be better. To make my experience even worse, I had to race Biondo heads up in the 2nd round of the Eliminator and probably would have won if I didn't spin. I'm usually not a sore loser but when it's due to the lack of track prep I fealt I was ripped off. Half of the reason I spun is because I removed all of the ballast from the car to run and support the Factory Showdown. I added my regular weight for the bracket race but needed to remove it again to race Sal. Anyway, I have a lot to say about it but its not getting us anywhere. What do we need to do to make a difference? Many people were pissed with good reason this past weekend and something should be done about it. We can't keep sweeping it under the rug. After I lost to Sal I honestly felt like I never wanted to come back ever again which isn't fair to me, my business, my car owners, sponsors, fans, and many more. NHRA is really pushing it if you ask me.

06-03-2013, 09:18 AM	#5
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,635 Likes: 1,929 Liked 10,691 Times in 2,227 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang If Bob Lang is responsible for track prep, what is the job description of the starter? Does the track crew have to get permission from the tower to fix the track, or does the schedule trump everything including track safety? So, if John Force spins @ Indy he needs to find Jay to express his disappointment in track prep? __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

06-03-2013, 10:28 AM	#6
Bruce Noland VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,855 Likes: 83 Liked 444 Times in 145 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang Jim, Thank you for your considered posts. You should consider creating a network of advertisers and event sponsors.The nhra executives have insulated themselves from the racers and fans to push their greed driven business model. They have developed a take it or leave it program for racers and fans alike. No one should forget that this corporation is still sucking off our tax dollars, at least for the time being. You can get the attention of this outfit only with the combined force that a network has to offer and possibly make a positive impact on our beloved sport. __________________ Bruce Noland 1788 STK

06-05-2013, 08:44 AM	#8
John DiBartolomeo Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Beaver Springs, PA Posts: 494 Likes: 1 Liked 1,282 Times in 159 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang I think I have to agree with Jack... Bob Lang would have to be crazy (no comments here) to come on here and answer questions. But I can guarantee he's listening. The week before the Maple Grove divisional, members of the super category SRAC had a meeting to discuss some issues, most notably track prep. Bob Lang was invited and gladly attended to rationally (key word here) discuss our concerns. He was more than willing to listen and accept some of our "suggestions." At the 'Grove, if anyone was paying attention, you would have noticed a marked difference in how the track was prepped, both before racing began and in between sessions. With Lang in charge of track prep at the nat events, that same scenario took place at E-Town. I'm not going to defend the poor starting line there, nor the crazy schedule but expecting to run two classes back to back with those cars shocking the tires in roughly the same place on a track that had temps well above 100-degrees, was probably a mistake. Something I think they (whoever "they" is at NHRA) would agree. VP vs. VHT (which is really now PJ1)? Nat events use PJ1 (VHT). I don't know what they use on a weekly basis at E-Town or at a lot of other tracks, but the bottom line that both work well in most cases. My thoughts have always been that we spray too much and don't drag enough. Cars have to stick to rubber and the spray is only there to facilitate the rubber sticking to it. Here's my point: If you think they're not listening, you're drastically mistaken. In regards to the track prep, trying to prep the track for different types of cars can drive anyone to drink. Trying to find that happy medium would probably have most of us popping open the Jim Beam a lot quicker than NHRA would. __________________ John DiBartolomeo DRC Race Products DragRacingActionOnline.com

06-05-2013, 09:38 AM	#10
Randall Klein Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 785 Likes: 45 Liked 316 Times in 67 Posts	Re: Is Bob Lang I'm sure Lang won't get into a discussion on i-sites, as NHRA has a leash on social dialogues where the company line (or silence) can't be legal-proofed....it sure looks like they came down on Travis at one time, who now uses a disclosure That said, it would be helpful if ND would just address what most of us believe, that is National Event track conditions are set up for wheel speed not dead hook...just confirm it and let the hi-HP sportsmen classes adjust chassis, low end power for that contingency Since I believe NHRA will not listen to SRAC, board chatter or start line histronics, if I owned a new factory hot rod, taming 800-1000 HP on 9" tires, after spending $100K with one of the big 3 mfgs, I would ask those mfgs with their supposed clout to address this with NHRA.....how do they want their brands to come across to spectators, or heaven forbid, their customers This is assuming they care after the sale Since many believe Ford has lined NHRA pockets to acheive some unknown corporate stock-enhancement with their shareholders, and, it seems, the Ford flagship drivers are unhappy, go to Ford racing (or Mopar or GM) and ask them to intervene....do they want their corporate image looking like a tire-frying street junkie or a high flying wheels up balls-to-the-wall 21st century factory hot rod Finally, it sure looks like NHRA is sending many signals that National Events are not for S/SS racers....if you attend, I think you must plan on the worst (parking, schedule, track prep, cancellation, no empathy)