Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals

John DiBartolomeo · 06-11-2009, 04:26 PM

Would assume (and we all that what that means) that the first rounds scheduled for Friday would be a time shot, but... Then again, Friday's weather isn;t all that promising either. Shoulda left this race in July. Heat I deal with with, cold and wet is another matter.

RPinoski1 · 06-11-2009, 04:48 PM

Hey JACK
With all the down time .....Has there been any sightings of the "Cracked Rim Bandit"?

Jack Matyas · 06-11-2009, 07:33 PM

Angie -- when are you planning on rejoining the 'tour' ?

RP -- Not sure about this bandit thing -- but then this is New Jersey ........

Johnny D -- I'm with you brother -- bring back July and the Summers ....

As for everyone else I'll try and get some car shots tomorrow if we ever get out on the track .

Jack Matyas · 06-12-2009, 06:14 AM

Not good ! ! Not good at all is what this day is looking like - we've got it here - fog - extra cloudy - mist and a little chilly but here comes the good news -- its not raining at least at this moment .The grounds are very wet and there are no drying efforts going on at this time .

Yesterday afternoon and evening were tailor made for adults - most just sat around eating and enjoying adult beverages with great stories and you could tell it was all good as the evening came around the parties got louder .Personally I planned on going to the 'Ford" deal but never made it -- maybe someone who attended could fill us in on 'who and what' went on there .

Just saw Joe Demarzo out for a walk this morning (or maybe he was just getting in ) and he had on a new second design 'Tilberg" t-shirt -- he must spend a bunch of money with those folks .

Wish I could tell you there are plenty of racers and spectators out and about but today its all umbrellas and ponchos -even the TV has terrible reception .Sounds like card games and Monopoly are the order of the day .

I swear that everytime I tell you that its not raining -- it starts -- Yes , I've taken my meds today and I'm hearing big drops on the coach roof.............Later -- and as our friend Bob Frey would say in his 'Tales' - I'll be the one with all the Monopoly money.........

danielct301 · 06-12-2009, 06:29 AM

It will be interesting to see how sportsmen racers are treated if today is washed out.

stefan callender · 06-12-2009, 06:43 AM

Jack, so does that mean I should stay home or do you think they will get some racing started today?? Spoke to Ang yesterday, recovery is slow, still in therepy, doesnt know when he will be back....

Jack Matyas · 06-12-2009, 08:12 AM

Here's the latest -9:30AM EST- the NHRA has brought out every piece of drying machinery that they have on the grounds to try to dry this place up as the rains have stopped and maybe , just maybe we have a 'window' and get on the track this morning yet .This afternoon looks better on the Radar map (isn't that right Johnny D. ? ) and I can't wait to see a schdule .In a few minutes I plan on hopping off my bedpan and dragging our racer out of the box .............

PS-- Also pictured below is 'motorhome row' at the 900' mark and the tailgaters are out in full force.

Almost forgot -- Stefan -- Like they say in TV land -- come on down ..............

Update -- 10:15 AM -- The Sun is out in Philadelphia and headed our way .

John DiBartolomeo · 06-12-2009, 06:48 AM

It's going to be interesting to see how this could affect the whole weekend. This has certainly not been a good year in terms of national events especially in this economy. I think I read someplace that stated there have only been two events so far this year not affected by the wet stuff. Now I'm not one to to be exactly pro-NHRA, but things like this are part of the reason the Competition Fees had to be raised. I'm not sure I really feel sorry for them, but maybe just a little. I know there were some who took offense to them stating that the sportsman portion of the program has to be... what was the word... oh yea, subsidized, but it always has been and in truth that will never change. I did and interview with Graham Light in the current issue of DRA (which is being distributed at this race) and while I think we agreed to disagree, I've sort of taken a slightly different view of the whole situation. Basically if you want to play, you have to pay. Oh this is getting too far off from the main topic here. Yes, it's still raining and if they even bothered to make up a new Friday schedule last night, I would think that effort was a total waste of time cause today's going to be another wait and see day. This flat sucks! Cards and monopoly? What is this an old-age home? Truth though is that if somehow more young racers don't get involved, that's what this is going to turn out to be. Bedpans, carburetors and seat belts. Bring on the meds!

Rich Biebel · 06-12-2009, 07:08 AM

You funny John.....Senior Citizens only or F.O.G. drag racing....and I can surely relate to that although I don't need no bedpan yet. I am extremely glad I am not there! The SummerNationals was usually hot and humid.....sometimes very hot! The reasoning behind moving the race was for better weather....and better conditions for both fans and racers. It's been worse weather wise some years since they moved it, for a number of years now and looks like it is again.....

Anyone who was there in the old days will recall the camping over in the fields and the crowd looked pretty rough by Sunday......fireworks.....bonfires.....streakers.. .drunks....and some creative artwork on sign boards as well as chants from the stands that went back and forth.....Way more fun than 2009..........I raced at York for the very first SummerNationals....1970......I miss the old hot and humid days and would welcome a change back to July...

BKSG1198 · 06-12-2009, 07:16 AM

We were discussing the future of racing this past weekend at the MASGA race at Atco. Just talking about how there is not a bunch of young Super Gas drivers out there waiting in the wings to take over from their fathers. We were going down the list of D-1 guys and girls in S/G and their is not many at all. Myself, Don Knoblick, Kelli Barbato, George Smith Jr., Leanne Luciano were about all that we came up with in S/G. Down the road in about 10 to 20 years Stalba's, Derek Clark's kids will be ready to race but who knows if S/G will even be around then but, it's looking bleak to say the least in the "Future of the sport". Either Dad's are getting smart and telling the future to not get involved with racing or everyone is going S/C racing because of the Jr Dragster days and they are all used to being in a dragster type car.
I think they also should move the Supernationals back to July like before, thats the true Summernationals and always will be. Remember when it used to be in early May and it was either extremely COLD or RAINY. So what Englishtown will not be able to set any national records because it's in July but thats the fun of it..Tradition!
Have fun in the rain guys playing cards and winning the green stuff. Have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very WET SUMMER in the northeast for us.

06-11-2009, 04:26 PM	#1
John DiBartolomeo Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Beaver Springs, PA Posts: 494 Likes: 1 Liked 1,282 Times in 159 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Would assume (and we all that what that means) that the first rounds scheduled for Friday would be a time shot, but... Then again, Friday's weather isn;t all that promising either. Shoulda left this race in July. Heat I deal with with, cold and wet is another matter. __________________ John DiBartolomeo DRC Race Products DragRacingActionOnline.com

06-11-2009, 04:48 PM	#2
RPinoski1 Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PLACERVILLE, CA Posts: 182 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Hey JACK With all the down time .....Has there been any sightings of the "Cracked Rim Bandit"?

06-11-2009, 07:33 PM	#3
Jack Matyas Live Reporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bethlehem , PA -Christmas City , USA Posts: 4,931 Likes: 407 Liked 2,052 Times in 400 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Angie -- when are you planning on rejoining the 'tour' ? RP -- Not sure about this bandit thing -- but then this is New Jersey ........ Johnny D -- I'm with you brother -- bring back July and the Summers .... As for everyone else I'll try and get some car shots tomorrow if we ever get out on the track . __________________ Jack Matyas 1547 FS/C 2015 Camaro COPO # 62- 2012 Camaro Convertible COPO

06-12-2009, 06:14 AM	#4
Jack Matyas Live Reporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bethlehem , PA -Christmas City , USA Posts: 4,931 Likes: 407 Liked 2,052 Times in 400 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Not good ! ! Not good at all is what this day is looking like - we've got it here - fog - extra cloudy - mist and a little chilly but here comes the good news -- its not raining at least at this moment .The grounds are very wet and there are no drying efforts going on at this time . Yesterday afternoon and evening were tailor made for adults - most just sat around eating and enjoying adult beverages with great stories and you could tell it was all good as the evening came around the parties got louder .Personally I planned on going to the 'Ford" deal but never made it -- maybe someone who attended could fill us in on 'who and what' went on there . Just saw Joe Demarzo out for a walk this morning (or maybe he was just getting in ) and he had on a new second design 'Tilberg" t-shirt -- he must spend a bunch of money with those folks . Wish I could tell you there are plenty of racers and spectators out and about but today its all umbrellas and ponchos -even the TV has terrible reception .Sounds like card games and Monopoly are the order of the day . I swear that everytime I tell you that its not raining -- it starts -- Yes , I've taken my meds today and I'm hearing big drops on the coach roof.............Later -- and as our friend Bob Frey would say in his 'Tales' - I'll be the one with all the Monopoly money......... __________________ Jack Matyas 1547 FS/C 2015 Camaro COPO # 62- 2012 Camaro Convertible COPO

06-12-2009, 06:29 AM	#5
danielct301 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 54 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals It will be interesting to see how sportsmen racers are treated if today is washed out.

06-12-2009, 06:43 AM	#6
stefan callender Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: zoo york Posts: 572 Likes: 3 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Jack, so does that mean I should stay home or do you think they will get some racing started today?? Spoke to Ang yesterday, recovery is slow, still in therepy, doesnt know when he will be back....

06-12-2009, 08:12 AM	#7
Jack Matyas Live Reporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Bethlehem , PA -Christmas City , USA Posts: 4,931 Likes: 407 Liked 2,052 Times in 400 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals Here's the latest -9:30AM EST- the NHRA has brought out every piece of drying machinery that they have on the grounds to try to dry this place up as the rains have stopped and maybe , just maybe we have a 'window' and get on the track this morning yet .This afternoon looks better on the Radar map (isn't that right Johnny D. ? ) and I can't wait to see a schdule .In a few minutes I plan on hopping off my bedpan and dragging our racer out of the box ............. PS-- Also pictured below is 'motorhome row' at the 900' mark and the tailgaters are out in full force. Almost forgot -- Stefan -- Like they say in TV land -- come on down .............. Update -- 10:15 AM -- The Sun is out in Philadelphia and headed our way . Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jack Matyas 1547 FS/C 2015 Camaro COPO # 62- 2012 Camaro Convertible COPO Last edited by Jack Matyas; 06-12-2009 at 08:34 AM.

06-12-2009, 06:48 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: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals It's going to be interesting to see how this could affect the whole weekend. This has certainly not been a good year in terms of national events especially in this economy. I think I read someplace that stated there have only been two events so far this year not affected by the wet stuff. Now I'm not one to to be exactly pro-NHRA, but things like this are part of the reason the Competition Fees had to be raised. I'm not sure I really feel sorry for them, but maybe just a little. I know there were some who took offense to them stating that the sportsman portion of the program has to be... what was the word... oh yea, subsidized, but it always has been and in truth that will never change. I did and interview with Graham Light in the current issue of DRA (which is being distributed at this race) and while I think we agreed to disagree, I've sort of taken a slightly different view of the whole situation. Basically if you want to play, you have to pay. Oh this is getting too far off from the main topic here. Yes, it's still raining and if they even bothered to make up a new Friday schedule last night, I would think that effort was a total waste of time cause today's going to be another wait and see day. This flat sucks! Cards and monopoly? What is this an old-age home? Truth though is that if somehow more young racers don't get involved, that's what this is going to turn out to be. Bedpans, carburetors and seat belts. Bring on the meds! __________________ John DiBartolomeo DRC Race Products DragRacingActionOnline.com

06-12-2009, 07:08 AM	#9
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals You funny John.....Senior Citizens only or F.O.G. drag racing....and I can surely relate to that although I don't need no bedpan yet. I am extremely glad I am not there! The SummerNationals was usually hot and humid.....sometimes very hot! The reasoning behind moving the race was for better weather....and better conditions for both fans and racers. It's been worse weather wise some years since they moved it, for a number of years now and looks like it is again..... Anyone who was there in the old days will recall the camping over in the fields and the crowd looked pretty rough by Sunday......fireworks.....bonfires.....streakers.. .drunks....and some creative artwork on sign boards as well as chants from the stands that went back and forth.....Way more fun than 2009..........I raced at York for the very first SummerNationals....1970......I miss the old hot and humid days and would welcome a change back to July... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R Last edited by Rich Biebel; 06-12-2009 at 07:11 AM.

06-12-2009, 07:16 AM	#10
BKSG1198 VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vineland, NJ Posts: 2,630 Likes: 96 Liked 1,284 Times in 393 Posts	Re: Live from Englishtown -- NHRA SuperNationals We were discussing the future of racing this past weekend at the MASGA race at Atco. Just talking about how there is not a bunch of young Super Gas drivers out there waiting in the wings to take over from their fathers. We were going down the list of D-1 guys and girls in S/G and their is not many at all. Myself, Don Knoblick, Kelli Barbato, George Smith Jr., Leanne Luciano were about all that we came up with in S/G. Down the road in about 10 to 20 years Stalba's, Derek Clark's kids will be ready to race but who knows if S/G will even be around then but, it's looking bleak to say the least in the "Future of the sport". Either Dad's are getting smart and telling the future to not get involved with racing or everyone is going S/C racing because of the Jr Dragster days and they are all used to being in a dragster type car. I think they also should move the Supernationals back to July like before, thats the true Summernationals and always will be. Remember when it used to be in early May and it was either extremely COLD or RAINY. So what Englishtown will not be able to set any national records because it's in July but thats the fun of it..Tradition! Have fun in the rain guys playing cards and winning the green stuff. Have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very WET SUMMER in the northeast for us.