Vince Nelson
Posts:1019
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| 06 Jan 2009 08:43 AM |
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Losing (most likely) Redbluff and possibly Chowchilla got me thinking, we need to find some legitimate race sites on the west coast. Besides the obvious (in my eyes, Firebird) I was wondering if you guys had any ideas.
I'm thinking why not race back at Blue Water (Parker)? The circle boats and the Enduro are successful why couldn't dragboats be like they use to?? Just a thought, been wondering why someone couldn't set something up there?? Water level, as of now, isn't an issue. What are the down falls of a location like this?? Pit space, dealing with the tribe, setting the course up, what else?
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2005 IHBA Top Eliminator DIV 1 World Champ
Hellbound Train Racing |
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Daryl Busby
Posts:461
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| 10 Jan 2009 09:04 AM |
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Finding a person or firm who is will to become the promoter. Most santioning bodies do NOT want to be the promoter. It is hard if you don't live in the area to know who to talk to and "HOW THINGS GET DONE" |
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robert mccutchan
Rookie
Posts:10
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| 10 Jan 2009 03:02 PM |
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I AM SURE THAT MOST OF YOU REMEMBER WHISKEY TOWN RACES. THAT IS THE FIRST PLACE I RACED MY T/FH. I AM SURE IT IS NOT AVAILABLE AND IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY... YOU COULD NOT CHARGE ADMISSION......SO MUCH FOR THAT. BOY......IF ANYONE CAN COME UP WITH A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN RUN THE BIG BOATS AND MAKE IT WORK......LET ME KNOW. I WILL WORK WITH ANYONE TO MAKE THIS THING WORK SINCE ALI HAS THROWN IN THE TOWEL...... |
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Maggie Winslett
Posts:357
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| 10 Jan 2009 04:48 PM |
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WHY NOT THE BEST PARTY TOWN IN THE COUNTRY…..
Las Vegas Baby
Don’t bitch at me guys….
Right now they will do most anything to get NEW customers….
Or new visitors, new events….etc.
The Westgate resorts just built two HUGE towers and they will just about GIVE the rooms away….really, cheeper than the no-tell-Best Western would give us here in Jupiter Florida during the holidays.
Imagine what they would do with a whole new cliental?
Yes, Vegas has enough water (clean, not full of gunk…like…never mind)
Don’t laugh, T.V. coverage is all over the U.f.C., BOXING, POKER, AND
YAWNNNNNNNNN GOLF.
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO NO ONE really knew about the U.F.C…..now….since LasVegas…we all do…
My husband is working with the company that sponsors the U.F.C… (The Body supplements company named B.S.N.)
So, YES I have had to become familiar with it….
And, it sure seems to me that what YOU guys do is one heck of a lot more exciting and potentially HAS A BETTER AUDIENCE FOR BIG STAKE GAMBILING AND big time SPONSORS than two men in a ring TRYING TO killing each other …
Anyway,
Thoughts from
MotherGroundHog
P.S. Relax; it is only a few more weeks until one of my friends sees his SHADOW and I will stop posting my RANDOM IDEAS.
Attached at the bottom are my GOOD underground Friends...Jake and Elwood....outside the House of Blues Cafe...let the good times role.
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Tod Thompson
Posts:294
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| 10 Jan 2009 05:20 PM |
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Lake Las Vegas would be unreal ! They are going bankrupt so a little cash flow in the Monte Largo Village would be nice . Make it happen promoter people !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| "It ain't the neighborhood your in it's the neighbor that you are." |
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brad hagberg
Fan
Posts:2
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| 11 Jan 2009 07:43 AM |
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why not a real bitchin place like nimbus in folsom ,plenty of shut down and never wind! |
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Ron Deems
Pro Racer
Posts:31
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| 11 Jan 2009 08:06 AM |
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I raced at nimbus back in the 70"s at that time there was no out ramp after your pass you pulled over to the side and waited for the rest of the boats to run then you would either drive back or wait to get towed. But it was great water. |
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Scott Burrows
Posts:1444
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| 11 Jan 2009 08:15 AM |
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So what does it take to be considered a good race site? Here are a few items to start with.
1) As little red tape as possible for permits
2) Protection from prevailing winds
3) Minimum of 3500 feet for a 300' wide straight corridor
4) An in-ramp and an out-ramp
5) An accessible pit area, preferrably paved or at least grass
6) A spectator area
7) Close proximity to addequate motels
8) Reasonable water depth (30 feet max) Deeper would make it very difficult to set timing equipment. It would also make for very dangerous salvage and recoveries and god forbid a rescue.
9) Dependable water every year. |
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| Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series
National Rescue Coordinator
rescue.coordinator@lucasoildragboats.com |
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brad hagberg
Fan
Posts:2
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| 11 Jan 2009 11:23 AM |
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nimbus is being used by sacramento state university for there water sports . but none the less it brings a tear to my eye to see such a sweat piece of good water go to waste , too much red tape. im sure their take on it is "if its fun , its probably illegal! " damn shame! whats a guy gotta do to lay down a pass these days ? |
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robert mccutchan
Rookie
Posts:10
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| 11 Jan 2009 03:54 PM |
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OK GUYS. IF THIS 'NIMBUS' PLACE IS SO ATTRACTIVE........WHY ARE NOT SOME OF YOU TRYING TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE.......I DON'T REMEMBER IT MYSELF....BUT...IF A PROMOTER OR ASSN...... OR BOTH......TRIES TO BRIDGE A GAP WITH LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OR BUSINESS GROUPS.......WITH THE ECONOMY BEING WHAT IT IS TODAY.... AND WHAT IT LOOKS TO BE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.......YOU MIGHT FIND SOME OF THESE FOLKS RECEPTIVE TO AN INFUSION OF A WHOLE BUNCH OF MONEY WITH TOURISTS.....ETC. IT'S WINTER NOW........DON'T WAIT TIL RACING SEASON TO GET SOMETHING GOING........ |
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richard hobson
Old Timer
Posts:27
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| 12 Jan 2009 04:44 AM |
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there is another lake in the Phoenix area that may be possible and that is tempe town lake (right next to ASU) it is quite long and straight I do not know about in and out ramps but water depth is 6 to 16 feet deep and they pump it in there so there is always water. just throwing out other possibilities |
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For IHBA Rescue Sponsorship Package
http://www.ihbaracing.com/rescue.htm
Medical, Diver, Firefighter
G.C.S.O. Medical DirectorIHBA Team Rescue |
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Courtney Cleckler
Old Timer
Posts:33
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| 12 Jan 2009 08:12 AM |
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Wasn't there drags at Oroville. They race circle and run kilo's. Just a thought. |
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Geral Laney
Posts:210
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| 12 Jan 2009 10:49 AM |
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Nimbus Dam/ Lake Natomas was a great place to run. Constantly changing water levels played heck with the lights, but it was managable. It was shut down after an incident with a RRF and the following law suits. The final straw was the million dollar homes built on the bluffs over looking the lake. Orovile and anoher site on the Feather river had races. I think the Afterbay for lake Oroville is where they ran the Miss Bud for the record. Oroville could draw from Sac and Red Bluff. |
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Geral Laney
Bullet
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Bob Murdoch
Old Timer
Posts:54
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| 12 Jan 2009 07:51 PM |
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I have a feeling that when IHBA posts their schedule there will be just as many races this year as last. |
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John Haas
Pro Racer
Posts:43
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| 13 Jan 2009 03:48 AM |
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Dont no how good the info is I heard.But rumor has it that High Point NC is back. John Haas |
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Jimmy Todd
Posts:220
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| 13 Jan 2009 05:14 AM |
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Seems to be plenty of lakes both old and new sites, but are there promoters attached to these areas? Just a thought...Jt |
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| I am the luckiest guy alive..Great kids, great job, great friends and a GREAT Wife...... |
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Eddie Knox
Posts:1044
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| 13 Jan 2009 08:53 AM |
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John,
I heard the same rumor. That's a looooooong way from home but then I guess Red Bluff is a looooooooong way for the East Coasters. |
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www.eddieknoxracing.com
Problem Child TFH #712 |
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John Haas
Pro Racer
Posts:43
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| 13 Jan 2009 10:31 AM |
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Yea Eddie it is in my back yard like 800 miles or so from home.And that will be the closest thing I have seen for a race in the last six years or so.Not complaining just talking. John Haas |
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Eddie Knox
Posts:1044
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| 13 Jan 2009 12:44 PM |
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Uh Oh!!!!! In your back yard???
We better cancel that one. On second thought, that would make you the host and you would be required to buy all of the beer!!!! How's things going for the Speed Sport team? Are you guys planning on making another run for the jacket?? Most of the racers that I've talked to aren't quite sure about 2009 yet. It's definitely up in the air for us still.
I've got my fingers crossed and my lotto tickets handy!!!!! |
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www.eddieknoxracing.com
Problem Child TFH #712 |
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Eddie Knox
Posts:1044
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| 13 Jan 2009 12:47 PM |
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Whooops!! Don't quite know how I did that double take. |
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www.eddieknoxracing.com
Problem Child TFH #712 |
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John Haas
Pro Racer
Posts:43
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| 14 Jan 2009 02:56 AM |
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Lou says we are going for it as long as the cash holds out. John Haas |
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Vince Nelson
Posts:1019
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| 14 Jan 2009 07:12 AM |
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Posted By Scott Burrows on 01/11/2009 9:15 AM
So what does it take to be considered a good race site? Here are a few items to start with.
1) As little red tape as possible for permits
2) Protection from prevailing winds
3) Minimum of 3500 feet for a 300' wide straight corridor
4) An in-ramp and an out-ramp
5) An accessible pit area, preferrably paved or at least grass
6) A spectator area
7) Close proximity to addequate motels
8) Reasonable water depth (30 feet max) Deeper would make it very difficult to set timing equipment. It would also make for very dangerous salvage and recoveries and god forbid a rescue.
9) Dependable water every year. Dealing with #1 in California has to be the biggest deterent in my eyes!! That's why I think Blue Water would work because you deal with the Indians only (well for the most part).. Hotel/Casino right on the water, spectator area, water is there ALL year around. The only thing I think might not work is the pit area?? Don't know how much room is there now?? I know, as most of you guys do also, they have ran them there in the good ol days with a lloonnggg rolling start area so I don't think there would be a problem!!! |
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2005 IHBA Top Eliminator DIV 1 World Champ
Hellbound Train Racing |
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Howard Jaquith
Posts:152
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| 15 Jan 2009 07:22 AM |
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I think the solution is to convert some club races to National events maybe a % purse until the event gets going, God forgive me if I suggest trying to get along for the best of the sport. Southern Or. replace RB, Chow IHBA/NJBA, Elsinore IHBA NJBA, 2 Firebirds(every club or sanc body), pick the best of club races going east add the IHBA with a % purse and min fees. It takes years and $$$$$ to get one of these events going at a profitable level. |
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Jak Young
Gold Memeber
Posts:33
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| 16 Jan 2009 06:33 PM |
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Given that weather wise, FireBird could be run between 4 to 6 times a year with adequate intervals, there is an ample population to draw a substantial crowd from for IHBA & Allen to profit from and, there is adequate secure storage space for those that want to leave their rigs between Races, perhaps FireBird should be considered as an alternate site for the Kalifornia Races that have fallen through ..... ?
Might even help Programs/Boats get local Sponsorship ..... been told too many times that we don't Run here in The Valley of The Sun for businesses to provide backing ...
Also remember that Charlie Allen KNOWS the Market here and Knows how to Draw a Crowd .....
Just couldn't resist posting the above as I'm here local and if such were to happen I'd think "I died and went to Heaven".
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Eddie Knox
Posts:1044
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| 17 Jan 2009 08:24 AM |
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"Jak" I think your onto something!!!!!!
I'm in for that! |
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www.eddieknoxracing.com
Problem Child TFH #712 |
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RON PITTS
Posts:416
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| 17 Jan 2009 11:18 AM |
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Posted By Jak Young on 01/16/2009 7:33 PM
Given that weather wise, FireBird could be run between 4 to 6 times a year with adequate intervals, there is an ample population to draw a substantial crowd from for IHBA & Allen to profit from and, there is adequate secure storage space for those that want to leave their rigs between Races, perhaps FireBird should be considered as an alternate site for the Kalifornia Races that have fallen through ..... ?
Might even help Programs/Boats get local Sponsorship ..... been told too many times that we don't Run here in The Valley of The Sun for businesses to provide backing ...
Also remember that Charlie Allen KNOWS the Market here and Knows how to Draw a Crowd .....
Just couldn't resist posting the above as I'm here local and if such were to happen I'd think "I died and went to Heaven".
I think Charlie Allen wanted to do only one race the Finals.That is why CF (IHBA) promotes the first race in April. |
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Tod Thompson
Posts:294
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| 17 Jan 2009 06:18 PM |
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Well then let IHBA promote the other 3 or 5 or 6 or !!!!!!!! |
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| "It ain't the neighborhood your in it's the neighbor that you are." |
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Howard Jaquith
Posts:152
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| 17 Jan 2009 08:38 PM |
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It is hard to develop a fan base if the event does not happen year after year and at about the same time. It is more difficult to find a promoter who is willing to take hit after hit (how bout $100,000+) to do something that takes months of hard work and $$$$$$. That is why it makes sense to use "club" events that have potential to grow and continue to develop a "national series". Seriously if we looked at every club race in the US (FLA whats up with your state) I think we could have a IHBA/****/****/? race every two or three weeks. I have made it very plain IQ is not going to all the effort and $$$$ to promote an event that does not have full support and resonable representation of every racer within resonable driving distance and over the years we made every effort to help every racer from RR-1 up if they called and said IF I had a little help I would be there we tried, ya even my favorite TAH driver from TX who ate so much in our hospitality lounge that he could not get the lid closed and had to retire. We are trying to keep Chowchilla going and finally there are some folks that realize if we work togather it can happen. |
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Blair Neelands
Crew
Posts:9
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| 18 Jan 2009 08:56 AM |
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Not to be a party pooper, but, it seems that we need to focus these efforts for the 2010 season starting now. It will take that long. Considering the economy is so bad, it will be tough to get anyone to let go of whatever money they have to promote. It could be sold, however, for the next season since they don't have to pony up the money til later and they are attracted to the idea now due to the potential revenue and not a lot of capital. If we could have an open forum with the powers that be, it would make lilfe easier for sure. But we all know that if the idea is not Mr. F's, it would fall on deaf ears. We need someone inside who knows the guidelines to set such an event up. Maybe we could approach someone like Ali. He would be a good source of info to help us build a case that couldn't be ignored by the powers that be. I think a goup effort and real organization could make this happen and not just be a discussion on a website. Just my .02.
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robert mccutchan
Rookie
Posts:10
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| 18 Jan 2009 02:48 PM |
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no one knows what ali is going to do.......except him. i agree that someone needs to promote the boats......get ali to promote firebird......charlie allen is a drag racer... and promoter.......several times a year at firebird would work for me.....let's get something going..... |
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scott cone
Old Timer
Posts:49
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| 20 Jan 2009 09:50 AM |
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If NHRA held all of it's events at Pomona all year, do you think they'd get the crowd that they do at the operner and the finals?? I don't. If you have one race course holding several events throughout the year, you'll end up like bakersfield/NJBA getting very little spectators and income to the sanctioning body and promoter. there are too many excuses for people not to go the, they'll just go in a couple of weeks when they run again. You have to spread it out so the fans have something to plan for. |
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Vince Nelson
Posts:1019
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| 20 Jan 2009 10:05 AM |
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Jak I like your idea!! I wouldn't mind if the whole series ran there!! I know some hate the water but can you ask for a more perfect place??
And Scott based on that your right but I think there's things that can be done to have a course like Firebird not to end up like Bakersfield!! But all in all who knows!! At this pace that's what we might just end up with!!
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2005 IHBA Top Eliminator DIV 1 World Champ
Hellbound Train Racing |
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Gary James
aka "Gaz"
Gold Memeber
Posts:71
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| 20 Jan 2009 02:36 PM |
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mmmmmm, don't forget to allow the Australian leg of the IHBA tour in there somewhere! We have a nice track here we can ALL race at!!!!!  |
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Scott Burrows
Posts:1444
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| 20 Jan 2009 03:20 PM |
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Gary, that's gorgeous. Is it a river chanel of canal or is it a lake? What is it's orientation with prevailing winds? |
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| Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series
National Rescue Coordinator
rescue.coordinator@lucasoildragboats.com |
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Duane Sims
aka "The Admin"
Posts:936
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| 20 Jan 2009 03:22 PM |
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| Get Interactive and let's Preserve the Past, Report the Present and Promote the Future through Teamwork and Technology! |
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Jak Young
Gold Memeber
Posts:33
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Gary James
aka "Gaz"
Gold Memeber
Posts:71
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| 20 Jan 2009 03:38 PM |
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Happy New Year everyone! Scott, the wind that comes from the south, being the bottom r/h corner of the picture can make it very lumpy in the big end. Other directions the river is protected from most winds due to high built up banks. It was built as a rowing course for Melbourne's attemp at an early 1980's Olympic bid that never happened. Now it's used for school rowing, water skiing and of course Drag Boat Racing down under!!!! When you coming???? BTW there is plenty of water in there!!! |
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scott miller
Rookie
Posts:5
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| 20 Jan 2009 03:57 PM |
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Maybe someone thats been a promoter/marketing for a while and knows the business of motorsports could start working with these big nascar sites....I guess what I'm getting at is getting with these guys that own say california speedway,texas motorplex,Utah motorspeedway, and las vegas speedway and see if there is any possible way to work out a drag strip on the property like what firebird is.
I know that firebird is ran by the Indians but....if we in the boating(racing) side can find a promoter/marketing agent that can talk with these owners and see what it would take to make this happen.I know $$$$$$$$$$$$$'s.......But I think the payoff for these sites could be huge for the owners as well as the boat racers.
I know they would maybe say something about insurance and the safety of drag boats,but from what I can now see is that we are damn near if not there by being equally as safe as the NHRA.Death wise anyways.Thats pretty damn remarkable in itself!
Plus we all want to watch drag boats grow,become atleast a talked about sport right?What better way to bring in sponsers/promoters than to be in these huge venues with all the great amenities and broadcasting abilities.WOW that would be awesome!!!
Just my two cents of thought,but it would sure make sense.I really think that we need to almost stop looking at lakes and rivers....the tree huggers are killing us and know body will stand up and fight against them.
Plus damn that would be cool to pull your boat and rig into these sites wouldn't it.
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Geral Laney
Posts:210
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| 22 Jan 2009 08:56 AM |
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I know we have talked about this before, but how long and wide is lake LLoyd at Daytona? What if? |
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Geral Laney
Bullet
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Paul Hosler
Posts:677
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| 22 Jan 2009 11:47 AM |
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Not sure on exact stats, but if this map is to scale and Lake Lloyd is 2/3 (+/-) the length of the backstretch; my assumption would be that the lake could not even be 1/2 mile long. Way too short for even a 1,000ft course. How's THAT for some off season rambling? Scotty; you're a math major. Looking at the map and accounting for the tri oval; how long is the lake?  |
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| Paul Hosler
National Rescue Director
I.H.B.A. |
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Mark La Nicca
Crew
Posts:26
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Duane Sims
aka "The Admin"
Posts:936
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| 22 Jan 2009 05:52 PM |
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Just like San Diego!!! 250' short of the standard requirment of 3000' and 1000' short of what should be today's standards!!! ;) |
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| Get Interactive and let's Preserve the Past, Report the Present and Promote the Future through Teamwork and Technology! |
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Tod Thompson
Posts:294
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| 22 Jan 2009 10:41 PM |
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Yeah Let's go to daytona . |
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| "It ain't the neighborhood your in it's the neighbor that you are." |
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Eddie Knox
Posts:1044
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| 23 Jan 2009 08:57 AM |
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A couple years ago at the P.R.I. Show, the owners of Gainsville Raceway talked to us about holding a boat race there.
They bought the property next to the track and were planning on building a water strip. I haven't heard anything of it in a while but they were very interested. |
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www.eddieknoxracing.com
Problem Child TFH #712 |
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Just A Few Seconds Just A Few Seconds
Gold Memeber
Posts:78
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| 23 Jan 2009 04:46 PM |
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If possible, it would look close to this;
- Firebird 4 or more a year
-Parker at least once, more likely 2 times. (I just cant understand why this isn't being pursued.. A perfect location)
-Castaic, just because I loved racing there.
A few years ago the SWDBA was in talks to race in Carlsbad New Mexico. If that was a good site, that would be worthwhile also.
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scott miller
Rookie
Posts:5
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| 23 Jan 2009 05:16 PM |
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Has anyone maybe thought about talking to ali about pursuing some of these mega sites and talking with the owners,he seems to be one hell of a promoter and loves the entertainment side of motorsports.
I am not a drag racer persay....been going since I was two(40 now) and cannot stand even thinking about losing our sport.
I know that some of you drag boaters must know ali on a personal level....talk with him and see if he would at least maybe try to contact these business men and their mega motorsports parks and just see what they would say and maybe do.
Could it hurt,atleast I don't think so.
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Rick Carlson
Old Timer
Posts:48
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| 24 Jan 2009 08:28 AM |
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Eddie,
Gainesville in owned by NHRA. I don't know think that would be "workable." But many times, with all the rain at the Gatornationals, we could probably race in the pits.
Rick |
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| "We never knew exactly what he did, until he quit doing it." |
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RON PITTS
Posts:416
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| 24 Jan 2009 10:30 AM |
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What about going back to High Point,NC.That was a great place to race.  |
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Duane Sims
aka "The Admin"
Posts:936
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| 24 Jan 2009 03:35 PM |
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It was said today at the meeting that Lucas Oil and the IHBA will announce the schedule tonight.
The rumors of the IHBA being bought out are just rumors. Lucas Oil has joined IHBA with the marketing by offering their services.
In addition to they talked about bring back Class Reps more on that later. However they have formed a group of racers that will be a kinda laison to the IHBA and Lucas Oil, also more details later.
Eddie were did you go today? I was looking for you!
Will post more after the banquet tonight or first thing Sunday. |
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| Get Interactive and let's Preserve the Past, Report the Present and Promote the Future through Teamwork and Technology! |
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Tim Townsend
Posts:338
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| 25 Jan 2009 09:43 AM |
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Thanks for the tease, Duane. Any more info, and a schedule Please. |
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| River Rat TE 005 |
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