Leicester, NY?

[ss wannabee]

I've been away from the computer several days and just checked this out. Sorry, I didn't want to cause any problems....Just kind of missed the place and wanted to bring the car there once I get it done and hopefully gas prices stabilize....that is if they got the Empire Nat's back. I'm pretty sure that at least 50% of the total entries of the past races if not more were within let's say a 5-hour tow of the track, and with everybody watching budgets these days, I thought it might have been a viable option for many racers. Mike, I wasn't there in the 'Empire Dragway' days, but I'm certainly impressed with the improvements you said the Metcalfes have made. And they certainly can run the place any way they set fit...after all it's THEIRS! Wasn't sure that hosting the big Event doesn't mean automatic PROFITS!?!? I do miss the old-time National Event feel the place had when it hosted the Nats compared to the feeling you get at some of the Motorplexes today....and that's not a knock on NYIRP or the Metcalfes'.....believe me! I think I've said too much...I do hope they bring back the Empire Nats. some day! Bye!

[raceannouncer]

Originally Posted by ss wannabee

I've been away from the computer several days and just checked this out. Sorry, I didn't want to cause any problems....Just kind of missed the place and wanted to bring the car there once I get it done and hopefully gas prices stabilize....that is if they got the Empire Nat's back. I'm pretty sure that at least 50% of the total entries of the past races if not more were within let's say a 5-hour tow of the track, and with everybody watching budgets these days, I thought it might have been a viable option for many racers. Mike, I wasn't there in the 'Empire Dragway' days, but I'm certainly impressed with the improvements you said the Metcalfes have made. And they certainly can run the place any way they set fit...after all it's THEIRS! Wasn't sure that hosting the big Event doesn't mean automatic PROFITS!?!? I do miss the old-time National Event feel the place had when it hosted the Nats compared to the feeling you get at some of the Motorplexes today....and that's not a knock on NYIRP or the Metcalfes'.....believe me! I think I've said too much...I do hope they bring back the Empire Nats. some day! Bye!

Don't let anything I have said prevent you or anyone to voice their opinion here. Heck, nobody misses the event more than I do--I looked forward to it every year it ran. I, too, believe it should have a place on the IHRA schedule. However, I also realize that these things don't just HAPPEN. It takes planning (lots of it), hard work (lots of that too) and MONEY (more and more of that, for sure!). No problems here, I just like to set the record straight when I perceive a misconception or misinformation that I have knowledge and/or experience about.

Having worked at the track as long as I have, I tend to come of as a "Bob & Donna Metcalfe supporter" which, for the most part, I am. However, they have made decisions in the past (and will continue to make them) that might not seem to the rest of us as the "right" ones. But none of us "out here" has ALL the information that they have when those decisions are made...if we did, we might think differently. I'm not saying that I think they do everything "right". However, my opinion and that of everybody else EXCEPT the Metcalfes doesn't count for anything when it comes to running that track. When someone else buys the racetrack and, by doing so, buys the "right" to make the decisions, theirs will become the only thinking that counts.

Again, I would like to point out that they have provided a great place for WNY drivers and teams to race for 21+ years and I personally believe THAT counts for SOMETHING!

Mike Paz, Motorsports Announcer

[chris ok]

I want to thank the Metcalfs and IHRA for the 12 years we attended 1990 thru 2001 for hosting my favorite national event each year on my schedule as a fan. I took my whole family on my vacations to Rochester yearly.
1990 mike ashley crossing the center line on his holeshot in pro mod, 12 midnite to 4 am saturday qualifying called for mist in about 92. but that top sportsman shoot out reminded me of the best damn heads up late nite races I ever seen. had to be there to understand.
Now on the last event in 01. I was fortunate enough to meet Bill Bader at the winners circle ceremonies and he invited my girlfriend, neice, and myself to break bread with them from the scorching day at the table they set up, and he gave the hat off his head to my 10 year old neice, and yes she still has it. We spoke and he said his heart was broken that they wouldn't be back in 02. The guard rails were a lil scary for top fuel, remember bobby lagana accident and NO it wasn't caused by the guardrail but a stuck throttle and went off the end of the track. Also the exit for the racers as there was not sufficient room for a mass exudus and something about leaving and crossing the racers path, a dangerous proposition at the very least.
none of this is meant to hurt anyone but a few of my memories. I hope one day for a return, but I do understand the investment involved has got to be tremendous.
thanks again for the GREAT memories NYIRP.