Pit Parking - This Week's Blog

John DiBartolomeo · 08-25-2021, 08:03 AM

https://dragracingactiononline.com/

I am not a fan of pit parking. Truth is though, I’m probably not a fan of being told what to do about anything, but pit parking?

Actually, I do have a lot of respect for those in charge of showing us where and when to park, and on what line and how far up to pull in. But I just have a problem with the concept itself.

I discussed this with a track owner one time and his explanation was, “Racers will always take up more room than they need. Before long, there’s nowhere in the pits for parking.”

My only comment to that is… well maybe more than just one comment, “As racers and occasional weekend neighbors, I think we can all work pretty well with our neighbor. If a person needs an extra foot or so of pit space, I think we all do a pretty good job of working with one another.”

How many times have you pulled into a pit spot and been asked of our neighbor, “Do you have enough room?”

Naturally though too, the rigs we have today have increased in size yet pit areas haven’t.

I guess my idea is this: Point out that “here is the pit area. Find a place to park and let’s go racing.” If it turns out that pit space becomes a premium, then maybe you should have gotten here earlier. I know that may be some harsh words, but having to hire someone to show us where to park and how, seems like a waste of good money. My only real problem with that involves the saving of spaces.

Everybody likes to park near their friends, but saving what sometimes appears to be acreage next to them should not happen. If your friend is only several spots behind you in line, then okay, but when cones, chairs, flags are put up for friends probably not showing up for at least a day or so… NO! And in that case the track owner/official should have the right to immediately take down the aforementioned cones, chairs and flags.

There is one particular track on the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series tour where it appears that if you don’t show up there on a Monday or Tuesday prior to the weekend, you’re likely not going to find a pit space even within the track’s pit confines. The amount of pit saving has gotten out of hand. This may have a tendency to… shall I say piss off… certain people but it’s true. We should have some consideration for others.

Last week’s Blog got a little long but it was more of a tribute to an old friend. In the last week, we’ve also lost another old friend, Sam Biondo. This is getting be a recurring story, one I don’t think we all like, but.

Anyway, I’m going to “Blog out” for this week but as always let me know your thoughts.

Jim Caughlin · 08-25-2021, 11:04 AM

I always particularly like it on Saturday afternoon when prime pit spaces that had been 'reserved' are still empty from no shows. As I have a fairly demanding job with not a lot of extra vacation days, I'm usually showing up Thursday night and parked in the weeds, it's always nice to see the nice close in empty pit spaces on Saturday afternoon.

Jim Caughlin
SS6019

Don Kennedy · 08-25-2021, 08:53 PM

I am the ultimate "Pit Snob" if I get to the track early I will pit where I want within reason and if I don't pit where I want I will leave the race and ask for my money back >

The Points race at indy the other day there was no one telling the racers were to pit the parking was awesome all of the cars got in within two hours that were in line > I drove all over the pits and saw no one abusing the pit space where they were parked >This is my feeling My money to get into the race is the same as the cars that get preferred parking if I get there early I expect to pit where I want if I get there late then most likely the good pit spaces are gone > oh by the way I will, not drive My Super Stocker on dirt or Gravel roads Just like anyone with a street rod will not do this either If the track can not afford to pave or concrete the roads call me I have a idea on how to get the roads pave or concrete, the cost would be minimal. The concept of a racer only saving 1 spot for his friend should be implemented also.602 284 6240

Greg Gay · 08-26-2021, 04:26 PM

Respectfully, I disagree. I will use Lebanon Valley as an example. By the time that I usually get there, the place is FULL. It's bad enough trying to go up and down the rows trying to find a place, but even worse when you get in one with no outlet and you have to back out or try to turn around. They have guys on scooters and golf carts that know what's available. I'd rather take what they give me rather than searching.

Bob Don · 08-26-2021, 07:22 PM

Don't worry, Greg. I've got you covered.

T Pogue · 08-26-2021, 10:43 PM

Less people on NHRA payroll means higher pay outs for racers,right?
Haha

rognelson777 · 08-26-2021, 11:37 PM

interesting years ago we had a great idea, a 2 piece awning that was roughly2, 6 x 7 pieces that was hinged in the middle and attached inside your single car enclosed trailer inside rear door, so when track was crowded and no space between trailers, you had shade for your car behind trailer. designed when we bracket raced at atco raceway in late 80's when they would get 120 cars in super pro and 100cars in pro and there was no pit space.. how times have changed, better have at least 12ft next to your trailer for your stock/bracket car
golf cart awning tow vehicle barbeque pop uptent. parked and worked on car behing trailer in those days. everybody lovefd the awning system, never sold one at $250. bucks
.

08-25-2021, 08:03 AM	#1
John DiBartolomeo Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Beaver Springs, PA Posts: 494 Likes: 1 Liked 1,282 Times in 159 Posts	Pit Parking - This Week's Blog https://dragracingactiononline.com/ I am not a fan of pit parking. Truth is though, I’m probably not a fan of being told what to do about anything, but pit parking? Actually, I do have a lot of respect for those in charge of showing us where and when to park, and on what line and how far up to pull in. But I just have a problem with the concept itself. I discussed this with a track owner one time and his explanation was, “Racers will always take up more room than they need. Before long, there’s nowhere in the pits for parking.” My only comment to that is… well maybe more than just one comment, “As racers and occasional weekend neighbors, I think we can all work pretty well with our neighbor. If a person needs an extra foot or so of pit space, I think we all do a pretty good job of working with one another.” How many times have you pulled into a pit spot and been asked of our neighbor, “Do you have enough room?” Naturally though too, the rigs we have today have increased in size yet pit areas haven’t. I guess my idea is this: Point out that “here is the pit area. Find a place to park and let’s go racing.” If it turns out that pit space becomes a premium, then maybe you should have gotten here earlier. I know that may be some harsh words, but having to hire someone to show us where to park and how, seems like a waste of good money. My only real problem with that involves the saving of spaces. Everybody likes to park near their friends, but saving what sometimes appears to be acreage next to them should not happen. If your friend is only several spots behind you in line, then okay, but when cones, chairs, flags are put up for friends probably not showing up for at least a day or so… NO! And in that case the track owner/official should have the right to immediately take down the aforementioned cones, chairs and flags. There is one particular track on the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series tour where it appears that if you don’t show up there on a Monday or Tuesday prior to the weekend, you’re likely not going to find a pit space even within the track’s pit confines. The amount of pit saving has gotten out of hand. This may have a tendency to… shall I say piss off… certain people but it’s true. We should have some consideration for others. Last week’s Blog got a little long but it was more of a tribute to an old friend. In the last week, we’ve also lost another old friend, Sam Biondo. This is getting be a recurring story, one I don’t think we all like, but. Anyway, I’m going to “Blog out” for this week but as always let me know your thoughts. Attached Thumbnails __________________ John DiBartolomeo DRC Race Products DragRacingActionOnline.com

08-25-2021, 11:04 AM	#2
Jim Caughlin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Woodburn, Or Posts: 674 Likes: 77 Liked 768 Times in 235 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog I always particularly like it on Saturday afternoon when prime pit spaces that had been 'reserved' are still empty from no shows. As I have a fairly demanding job with not a lot of extra vacation days, I'm usually showing up Thursday night and parked in the weeds, it's always nice to see the nice close in empty pit spaces on Saturday afternoon. Jim Caughlin SS6019

08-25-2021, 08:53 PM	#3
Don Kennedy VIP Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Portland TN Posts: 1,590 Likes: 3,847 Liked 902 Times in 237 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog I am the ultimate "Pit Snob" if I get to the track early I will pit where I want within reason and if I don't pit where I want I will leave the race and ask for my money back > The Points race at indy the other day there was no one telling the racers were to pit the parking was awesome all of the cars got in within two hours that were in line > I drove all over the pits and saw no one abusing the pit space where they were parked >This is my feeling My money to get into the race is the same as the cars that get preferred parking if I get there early I expect to pit where I want if I get there late then most likely the good pit spaces are gone > oh by the way I will, not drive My Super Stocker on dirt or Gravel roads Just like anyone with a street rod will not do this either If the track can not afford to pave or concrete the roads call me I have a idea on how to get the roads pave or concrete, the cost would be minimal. The concept of a racer only saving 1 spot for his friend should be implemented also.602 284 6240 __________________ Don Kennedy 7701 SS Last edited by Don Kennedy; 08-25-2021 at 08:57 PM.

08-26-2021, 04:26 PM	#4
Greg Gay Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 383 Likes: 21 Liked 278 Times in 68 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog Respectfully, I disagree. I will use Lebanon Valley as an example. By the time that I usually get there, the place is FULL. It's bad enough trying to go up and down the rows trying to find a place, but even worse when you get in one with no outlet and you have to back out or try to turn around. They have guys on scooters and golf carts that know what's available. I'd rather take what they give me rather than searching.

08-26-2021, 07:22 PM	#5
Bob Don VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 1,493 Likes: 1,095 Liked 887 Times in 189 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog Don't worry, Greg. I've got you covered. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Bob Don 128 SS

08-26-2021, 10:43 PM	#6
T Pogue Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Springtown,Texas Posts: 40 Likes: 22 Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog Less people on NHRA payroll means higher pay outs for racers,right? Haha

08-26-2021, 11:37 PM	#7
rognelson777 Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 376 Likes: 20 Liked 135 Times in 74 Posts	Re: Pit Parking - This Week's Blog interesting years ago we had a great idea, a 2 piece awning that was roughly2, 6 x 7 pieces that was hinged in the middle and attached inside your single car enclosed trailer inside rear door, so when track was crowded and no space between trailers, you had shade for your car behind trailer. designed when we bracket raced at atco raceway in late 80's when they would get 120 cars in super pro and 100cars in pro and there was no pit space.. how times have changed, better have at least 12ft next to your trailer for your stock/bracket car golf cart awning tow vehicle barbeque pop uptent. parked and worked on car behing trailer in those days. everybody lovefd the awning system, never sold one at $250. bucks .