I suspect that part of Gary's definition of fun is like mine. Tension of getting it right at the launch, holding it straight down the track especially if you didn't hook and are spinning wheels off the line, hitting gears right down the stretch, and getting stopped. I would emphasise the last one as a big part of the rush. You have to try it.
Thanks for the replies, It sounds cool - I didn't know it was bracket racing! So what about safety - Helmet? etc Cost - It's $25 right?
Helmet required. They will check the date on the helmet to see that it's up to current standards. Your old snowmobile or dirt bike helmet from 15 years ago won't cut it. They will also "tech" your car for leaks, etc. You MUST have a coolant overflow bottle, battery hold down is a good idea (not the stock one, but something that straps over the top). Driveshaft loop is required when into the 13s or is it 12s? Seatbelts, of course. Common sense stuff mostly. Try to find an NHRA rulebook at a local speedshop or you can order one through Summit at 800 230-3030 for about $10. Tech at Vegas wasn't near as thorough as was Firebird in Boise but that doesn't mean it won't be this year. Don't sweat the safety stuff; it's really not difficult or expensive to comply until you're into the 11s range. But it's a good idea to KNOW what's required so you're not all nervous when the inspector starts crawling around your car. And it's for the safety of everyone involved - the NHRA is really on our team. You're in Vegas Dan? Take a ride to The Strip for a minor event when they have bracket racing, watch the proceedings, paying attention to the little things the guys do, and you'll learn a lot. And most of the V8 guys that will be in Vegas this October will be happy to help you in any way possible, including help with tuning, procedures, and execution. Be warned however.... racing is ADDICTIVE behavior! Can you say "Adrenaline!"?b http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/ETQuickRef.html $25 gets you entered into the event. There will be an addtional charge to get into The Strip with your car. I'll post the WCN webpage when it becomes available. You can get all the details there.
Well let's see....One car for sure, both if I can find another driver. Dan - the tech guy pulled on my battery to make sure it was secure, radiator overflow bottle in place, no leaks or drips. Helmet if you go 13.99 or quicker. Most of the fun is during the test and tune time, where you can go heads-up against your Buick buddies.
Vegas Event http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?threadid=13876&goto=newpost Right John and it's a bit more fun when you drive your GS to the meet, like you guys did. Len
FYI I spoke to Mike T. at TA Perf. on Monday while ordering parts. He hadn't heard about the dates but said they'll do their best to help sponsor the event and setup a display again, depending on his schedule for October. Now, if Sam can persuade Mike to get the Wagon from Hxxx out of mothballs...
Hey Gary, if you bring your Rivi, and we can get Dave at TA to bring his, we can have a boat race too! :beer
I will try my best to be there, probably wont run but it would be fun to watch none the less, have to see if i can stay with my family while im there. chaz
Chaz, Consider running your car if it's mechanically sound. It's bracket racing so you don't have to be ultra-fast to compete and have a chance to win... and it's a BLAST!
Hi, thats just it , it needs a few things but maybe if i can get it together by then but money is tight and i have alot to do to it so i guess ill just have to play it by ear. chaz
Hey, Bruce.....if JW gets my GS together by then, I'll join you en route. Car won't be totally done, but engine and paint should be good to go. Never been on a track before.....could be ugly!
Gary, Do you know if were able to register yet? Also, what hotel will be the host hotel? I'd like to get all the stuff squared away. :TU: (I'm assuming the cars will be safe in the hotels parking lot????? Rich
50/50 here.. Depends on a few things... Mainly, will my car be back on the road yet... :ball: The other is cost.... Everything else can take a backseat.. :grin:
Rich, Jon said the webpage would be up in a couple weeks. I assumed he'd notify me when that happened but haven't heard back from him. That was a month ago or so. The host hotel last 2 years was Main Street Station. I liked the place just fine and will reserve there when the page is out and dates solidly confirmed with signup, etc. They provided us with roped off parking last year and there were no vandalism problems that I heard of.
Thanks Gary, that's what I was after. Keep me posted, so the wife and I can get a room their as well.
Won't miss it! I'll be bringing my T-Type if its still here, otherwise, the Skylark goes on the trailer. This event is not to be missed, it's good old fashioned racing for the fun of it, and its in VEGA$!
We're on the schedule at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Buick GNs). For now it shows only Oct. 4 but I've written Jon Whittington to ask for his official West Coast Nationals webpage and signup sheet so we can get more details. See the LVMS schedule here: http://www.lvms.com/track_info/strip/schedule/ Scroll down to 10/04/03
Gary, I'm looking to make it - not totally sure at this point. Sure sounds like a good time. BTW, I've got a 67 GS CA with 455 & 4 speed. Thanks, Wes Wes Peters
Wes, We'd love to see you rowing through the gears. I don't think there were ANY 4spd cars there last year. Still no word on the webpage from Jon Whittington. Gary