"Live From" Gainesville's Double Header

[Al Loyrat]

Originally Posted by Brett C

As usual at an NHRA national event, the grass roots sportsman racers have been treated like dirt (or worse) yet again. We all realize that weather has had a tremendous factor with the schedules. Yet, they bow down to the almighty dollar and let the pros get their runs in, but not the paying customer, the sportsman racer. Truly sad! And yet again and again nonetheless. With new leadership, maybe things would change, but NOT!
Everyone enjoy the Gatornationals.
Sorry Ken, couldn't help it.

That is why I only go to national events on Thursdays, to watch and talk to the sportsman racers. Hopefully I'll get to race the stocker I built someday soon. A ZL1 stick car.

[Bobby Fazio]

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

DRC has posted the results. Ryan Herem spun hard and had no chance to recover, Kevin Skinner ran an impressive 8.44 for the win. You can get the rest of the info from DRC. I thought it would be nice to get some driver shots. Most drivers looked calm and collective, but I'm sure the butterflies were there.

Shoot I had butterflies watching! It was a great round, stands were still mostly full and each car pristine in appearance. Chuck Watson's '16 is unbelievable. Anywho, it's 6:10am and Raindrops keep falling on my head hoping it stops asap so we can get this 8am round in. Getting restless..

[Brett C]

Bobby,
I Was getting ready to post that it's wet again too.
Good luck to all that will stick it out.
We're gone.

[Ken Miele]

Good morning everyone, well the weather has finally broke and the rains are behind us. We should have a nice day for racing, We were scheduled for 8am, but they are still drying the track. I'm sure they we will get at least one round in for the sportsman this morning. Many cars left yesterday and it will be random pairing for first round.

[doglover44]

Hope they get it all finished they go alot to do but pros are the first priority and Sportsman are tossed aside and forgotten as usual

[Dave Casey]

When we race at these events we know that the pro schedule is the top priority. It is the way it is , not a surprise, I mean , does anyone think that it would be wise for our sport to screw up the tv schedule and disappoint the fans that came to see the pro's to run us ?

What I don't get is why a racer would leave this event before racing. When entering you are planning on winning and being there late on Sunday correct ? I know everyone cannot race on Monday, but it may get finished today.

Good luck to all today, sounds like the weather is improving, and thanks loads for all the reports.

[Kevin McKenna]

Round one of Stock just finished. Super Comp in the lanes. Fingers crossed that we can have a nice productive and safe day and crown some champions.

[Myron Piatek]

Don't know how long before it shows up on DRC, but did Stock include several solos or random pairings due to some racers leaving?

[Mike Delahanty]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Don't know how long before it shows up on DRC, but did Stock include several solos or random pairings due to some racers leaving?

52 cars first round of Stock - about 20 cars did not stay for first round.

And S/S - 39 of 65 made first round.

[Brett C]

Was told random pairings.

As far as leaving early, personally I have a commitment at home on Monday that would not allow me stay and race on Monday. As well, last flight out would not allow me to race late Sunday evening. As a racer, I did not feel right to possibly run a couple of rounds, then back out. Let the people that can see it through to the finish fight it out.

Good luck everyone there.