SportsNationals Div.1

[Dave Ley]

As of this past Wednesday, the dirt pits at Atco no longer exist. Over 100 truck loads of asphalt millings were brought in and spread and rolled over the dirt. Two months ago the return road at the end of the track was widened and paved to 3 lanes.

Originally Posted by Mark Markow

sorry joe but I don't think atco is a good option, unless they update the place a little, the pits are a disaster, and the track has been very on and off the last few years. maybe re-pour a new launch pad without all the exposed stone than blisters the rubber, and try to do something about the dirt pits , I don't know if grass will even grow there, but anything to keep the dust down.

[Mark Markow]

Originally Posted by Dave Ley

As of this past Wednesday, the dirt pits at Atco no longer exist. Over 100 truck loads of asphalt millings were brought in and spread and rolled over the dirt. Two months ago the return road at the end of the track was widened and paved to 3 lanes.

wow Dave.
that's good to hear. it's a start, but i'm still not sure if it would be a good venue for a sports national. I know they have been making other improvements ,and i'll be more likely to attend a divisional , open ,or ECSS race there knowing the pit situation is being addressed. time will tell .

[Pistol Pete]

Yes, I would consider Atco as well for a SportsNational Race now that they're
improving the pit area, plus you've always got the Atco Bar........lol

[Greg Barsamian]

With what was confirmed this year with attendance and participation at the Inaugural "New England Nationals", and the updates that Shareholders have and continue to make, Smart Marketing for both the NHRA & Jeg's would be to host a D1 Sports Nationals event at New England Dragway

[Kevin Panzino]

double post

[Kevin Panzino]

Reading and in the fall. That would be my vote. Georgeous location, great starting line, big air, and central location to most div1 racers. E town and atco are a damm long haul for those in the western half of pa and md.

[Lee Valentine]

A nywhere but E-Town unless they can get curfews like they have for the national e vent. Only NHRA class cars Comp ,>90's SS, Stk Maybe TD and TS, no index classes sleds etc. I vote for Maple Grove, the dutch is usually a good race make it a sportsnational and maybe make it early Sept. or May with a rain date.

[Dave Casey]

In a perfect racing world, a Sportsnationals in D1 is a great idea. But the schedule is already very very full, just proven by the cancellation of the Dutch. We filled up 2 more weekends this year with the addition of the Open and National event at Epping.

After some thought, the only possibility I could think of was if the Dutch, at it's present date , became a sportsnationals.

These and many more things would need to happen

1. the track would need to want it , keep in mind that they need to make money, and they may make more with the Dutch in it's current open format

2. NHRA would need to want it and approve it, I have no idea if they want to add another national event for us sportsman racers

3. What happens if they have weather like this week, season is closing fast , less than 1 month of racing left. Their only choice would probably be to stay there until it was completed,,,,even if it was monday or later.

[Pistol Pete]

Dave, that probably would be a great idea
Stay until race is finished.
But, if they had tons of rain, where would the
Rigs park in the mean time.
If there was seepage say sat n sun then are
we racing on mon & tues.

[joe176]

Originally Posted by Dave Ley

As of this past Wednesday, the dirt pits at Atco no longer exist. Over 100 truck loads of asphalt millings were brought in and spread and rolled over the dirt. Two months ago the return road at the end of the track was widened and paved to 3 lanes.

Great news Dave....for me Atco is one of the best tracks around.....love hearing the new owners are making improvements...good for the sport !!!