Live from Maple Grove- NHRA Lucas Oil Series

[Jack Matyas]

Its been dark here at Maple Grove Dragway for more than an hour but its still very nice temp wise at more than 70 degrees .This being the second stop on the D1 tour and probably the most popular with the racers and fans.It shows in the pits as tomorrow is "only" test n tune but there are a great many teams on hand .We may be in a recession but not this weekend .The only place to be Memorial Day weekend is here . Period . Personally I wouldn't know where else to go on this particular weekend every year..........guess its just habit .

In the morning we'll start our tune-up runs at Eleven AM sharp -- I'll try and let you know who's hot .

PS -- Interesting side note -- you wouldn't believe how many motorhomes are tuned in tonight to "American Idol"...........Hmmmmmmm..............................J ust for the record -- none of that stuff for me as I'm a "Law & Order" kind of guy . Double edition on tonight .

[Robert Pare Racing]

Best of luck Jack..I am married to a "Criminal Minds" kinda woman..anyway, I miss class racing, but I am having fun back here bracket racing the Soul Train...The stocker is undergoing some updates, and hope to be out later this year..I also have a new car finishing up for next season...in the mean time, please know that I really enjoy reading your posts. Have fun and take care..

[Evan Smith]

Jack,

This is the first time I've missed this race in years. Thanks for the updates, I'll be checking back all day. Let me know what JB and Frank Bialas run if you can. Good luck.

Evan

[Jack Matyas]

Good morning and pass my sunglasses please -- wow -- this place is extra brite this morning and will be welcomed by all .If you were on the fence about where to spend your holiday let me help make up your mind -- this is it -- pack the car and get yourself over as between the super nice weather ( with not-so-much as a drop of rain in sight ) and the fact that Lex Dudas and his staff have this track looking terrific ( Lex was spotted very early this morning on his cart taking care of "details"-- he's a hands on guy ) .

Speaking of weather check this -- 63 degrees already -52% humidity- .30 vapor pressure -- 29.93 barometer and a final DA of 1030 --- certainly not mineshaft conditions but OK to race in .

Robert - thanks for the kind words -- hurry with your updates and get back with us .BTW-- new car -- give it up - inquiring minds want to know .

Evan -- Sorry you're going to be AWOL - most thought you'd be here with your new racer - Englishtown maybe?

Later ...........

[Jack Matyas]

Couple of early notes -- Al Mark in his dropdead nice '69 Camaro A/SA - 10.32 , Gary Parker H/SA -- 11.18 - looked good , Donnie Carroll in Frank's B/SA Firebird --10.47 ..........more later -like I said --no mineshaft but decent .

[Dave Ficacci]

Any idea when the gates close tonight?

[Jack Matyas]

Good morning gang -- The racing gods are shining on us again this day with plenty of sunshine and very nice temps to boot.Action begins in a little more than half an hour and most of us are chomping at the bit to get our chance at charging down Maple Grove's asphalt .We'll all get a couple of shots today and move one step closer to earning a" Wally " .....................later .

[Jack Matyas]

Just finished Stock- #1 Sansome's "Mighty Mouse" early Nova -- #2 Boudreau B/SA -- looks like its just a tick slower tan yesterday -- plenty of blow-ups and oil downs.... more when the sheets come out . Lots of new rides here this weekend - one I saw this morning was Ken Kier's big block Nova with his son Adam driving in A/SA -- pretty neat piece .

They just now called SuperStock..........

[larrylomascolo]

drag racers do eat well

[Jack Matyas]

Stock and S/S got their final shot this morning and what a difference a day makes -- even yesterdays bad air looks good today -- most slowed another 2 or 3 -- first round dials are going to be a real crapshoot at best - its a" you pick it deal" .Speaking of first rounds it could turn into more than one as the officials are saying tomorrow could bring some very bad weather suddenly and they'd like to run at least two rounds of everybody today .Also concerning first rounds all ladders are now being revised -- not sure why -- I'll find out .Later ...........