Easter Profuel track time?
Discussion
Just seen the provissional running order for the Easter event - amazed and very dissappionted to see only one qualifying session Sat. Sun. for the fuel cars - what is going on? These guys need track time and we want to see them on the track! Never mind there's - oh wow fireworks! er fantastic side shows! DER - come on!
TopFuelNitroHead said:
Just seen the provissional running order for the Easter event - amazed and very dissappionted to see only one qualifying session Sat. Sun. for the fuel cars - what is going on? These guys need track time and we want to see them on the track! Never mind there's - oh wow fireworks! er fantastic side shows! DER - come on!
Probably cant afford to pay them for more. After all this is only seen as a practice session in many ways.
With all the great sportsman action, whats the problem?
When was the last time Easter had more than 1 session saturday and sunday?
I can't remember 2 sessions at all in recent times so why the big disappointment?
Seems a lot of this current "I don't like this and I don't like that" about SPR could be based upon nostalgic memories with very rose tinted specs or plain ignorance to the facts, but to be totally honest I'm totally lost as to where most of this crap comes from.
I can't remember 2 sessions at all in recent times so why the big disappointment?
Seems a lot of this current "I don't like this and I don't like that" about SPR could be based upon nostalgic memories with very rose tinted specs or plain ignorance to the facts, but to be totally honest I'm totally lost as to where most of this crap comes from.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's what I thought. As far as the Pro Shootout goes, Friday, Saturday have always just been test/time trials and the actual shootout a one-day only affair on Monday.
I will say this though, it will be a shame for the public that pay expecting a big show of fuel action like the advertising states. Like it or loathe it, we all know the majority of the crowd come for the nitro-burners, and I would feel a tad short-changed if I were them and only got 1 session's worth out of it. Not a dig at the Pod at all, just an observation.
That's what I thought. As far as the Pro Shootout goes, Friday, Saturday have always just been test/time trials and the actual shootout a one-day only affair on Monday.
I will say this though, it will be a shame for the public that pay expecting a big show of fuel action like the advertising states. Like it or loathe it, we all know the majority of the crowd come for the nitro-burners, and I would feel a tad short-changed if I were them and only got 1 session's worth out of it. Not a dig at the Pod at all, just an observation.
i've always classed the thunderball as a spruced up T&T event for the fuel guys but still go year in year out because the break between Nov and Easter is far too long without a Nitro hit. Irrespective of how many sessions are per day, this years event is more exciting for me because there's actually more than 2 floppers in attendance and i'm not fussed whether they run a low 5 or 60ft shut off, it's just nice to see them on the track again 
Plus there's a great entry in the sportsmans classes and the racing is always top notch in every class
Plus there's a great entry in the sportsmans classes and the racing is always top notch in every class
Edited by quarterpounder on Thursday 22 March 20:23
I remember a time when the Easter Meet was in danger of becoming a sportsman meet shortly after is topped being a major event for Alky cars. This year looks like being a damn good show to me - don't forget that the NFAA, Pro Mods and alky cars are there which are impressive in their own right.
Ok u guys interesting replies - It's good to have this forum to express our "individual" views and feelings. We are all v passionate about drag racing, I have expressed my "disappiontment" because I want to see our sport continue to progress. I don't think it has ever been better in the past - what we have now is really very good and I look forward to a great seasons racing in all classes. The top classes must be given every opportunity to progress - they bring in the big name sponsors, exposure and money. Easter is a test n tune - be interesting to know if any of the other Top Fuel teams were invited? As to the show - I think any new punters who come along on Sat. or Sun. will go away feeling a tad let down with high expectations set by the promotional advertising of the event.
So - no digs in any direction just strong desire to see faster progress.
So - no digs in any direction just strong desire to see faster progress.
Easter will be a superb meeting for all.
One test session for the NFAA friday afternoon, then 2 rounds for the rest of the 3 days. Sounds great to me, should be able to get the altered down into the mid to low 7 second range!
I believe the fuel cars just enter and aren't invited? I'm not sure. Either way to be honest it's great to see them there, and also that there are more fuel coupes. I looveee Fuel Funny Cars!
One test session for the NFAA friday afternoon, then 2 rounds for the rest of the 3 days. Sounds great to me, should be able to get the altered down into the mid to low 7 second range!
I believe the fuel cars just enter and aren't invited? I'm not sure. Either way to be honest it's great to see them there, and also that there are more fuel coupes. I looveee Fuel Funny Cars!
Edited by NuthinFancy on Saturday 24th March 12:13
got to agree one round of qualifying for the pro fuel teams is not really a good deal for those spectators who want to see the "big guns" running! especially if they can only make it for one day . due to work commitments i cant be at the pod on the monday for the eliminations so i was going to go for the saturday or sunday qualifying days,i dont think i will be on my own like a lot of other race fans by choosing "not"to go now ,in fact all my mates who usually make the "trek "to the pod and were going to just do the one day have all said there not going to bother to go now due to the lack of slots that the "pro cars" have been alloted .before everyone starts pointing out, yes i know theres a full supporting cast of "demo vehicles " and "stuff" happening plus more sportsman cars than you can shake a stick at "but" for us "nitro freaks" one slot of qualifying per day is "pants", sorry . the dilema i think most of us are up against is ! if your going for one day and you are going mainly to see the "pro fuel" cars is , which day of qualifying is going to be the best ? "saturday" which you will most probably see launchs or 300 foot blasts to get some data on the cars so your probably not going to see not much else then a few half pass blasts at best !or "sunday" when with "all" the data the teams have got on saturday in the qualifying session what are we going to see? probably another load of launches and maybe half track passes ! what a dilema . looks like we are all going to have to wait for the main event to see "real" qualifying and racing.unless you go to the "thunderball" and realise its only a "test and tune" meet really then your not going to be disapointed, but if anyone actually manages to run a full banzai pass then its going to be a "bonus".
So your friends aren't going to go due to the lack of slots for the fuel cars eh?
I wonder why they were going to go in the first place then? Because no-one ever told them there would be more than one session per day at easter, unless you did, mistakenly believing that the Easter event would be run in the same way as a full FIA Championship round would be, which it never has been. So who's fault is that? Are you a actually really a little bit peaved that your friends won't go to Santa Pod with you now and thats really not the racer's or the track's fault?
As for teams making 300ft passes to collect data...
Have you ever thought that the data from a full pass would be much more valuable to a crew chief than the data from a shortened pass? Do you believe that if the car was on a good clean pass that driver would get out of it just because he thought he'd collected some data? The fact is that without making runs and knowing how the car is reacting to the track, the weather conditions, any changes on the car, throughout as much of the run as possible, and without the knowledge already gained by an experienced crew cheif the car would never get to the startline nevermind making a 300ft pass. Sounds to me like you think these guys make short, sometimes motor hurting passes for fun and to scatter their dollars around in aluminium confetti.
If you want to know how hard it is to run a fuel car these days maybe you should get in touch with that Kenny Bernstein guy in the states... who even though he has still been running a long car with his son in the seat, didn't manage to renew his FC license with his newly formed Monster FC team in two weekends trying, even with what he thought were the best brains he knew on the team and a budget the European guys can only dream of.
So there's another other point... where do the rookies go to license if they don't do it at Easter? Do you even understand why there is a licensing process?
Have you also considered that some of the teams may actually not want to make more than one run in a day at Easter? For what may be a new team or crew with new members, turning a nitro car round in a couple of hours maybe a huge ask and making one pass per day will give a team the best chance at settling into their roles, thus giving them the best chance at not making any mistakes.
As for teams being there or not...
I would think its more of a case of if the track time and knowledge gained are outweighed by the financial cost or not. For some teams it is for some its not.
CP
I wonder why they were going to go in the first place then? Because no-one ever told them there would be more than one session per day at easter, unless you did, mistakenly believing that the Easter event would be run in the same way as a full FIA Championship round would be, which it never has been. So who's fault is that? Are you a actually really a little bit peaved that your friends won't go to Santa Pod with you now and thats really not the racer's or the track's fault?
As for teams making 300ft passes to collect data...
Have you ever thought that the data from a full pass would be much more valuable to a crew chief than the data from a shortened pass? Do you believe that if the car was on a good clean pass that driver would get out of it just because he thought he'd collected some data? The fact is that without making runs and knowing how the car is reacting to the track, the weather conditions, any changes on the car, throughout as much of the run as possible, and without the knowledge already gained by an experienced crew cheif the car would never get to the startline nevermind making a 300ft pass. Sounds to me like you think these guys make short, sometimes motor hurting passes for fun and to scatter their dollars around in aluminium confetti.
If you want to know how hard it is to run a fuel car these days maybe you should get in touch with that Kenny Bernstein guy in the states... who even though he has still been running a long car with his son in the seat, didn't manage to renew his FC license with his newly formed Monster FC team in two weekends trying, even with what he thought were the best brains he knew on the team and a budget the European guys can only dream of.
So there's another other point... where do the rookies go to license if they don't do it at Easter? Do you even understand why there is a licensing process?
Have you also considered that some of the teams may actually not want to make more than one run in a day at Easter? For what may be a new team or crew with new members, turning a nitro car round in a couple of hours maybe a huge ask and making one pass per day will give a team the best chance at settling into their roles, thus giving them the best chance at not making any mistakes.
As for teams being there or not...
I would think its more of a case of if the track time and knowledge gained are outweighed by the financial cost or not. For some teams it is for some its not.
CP
Edited by theMighty on Saturday 24th March 18:19
noggin the nog said:
got to agree one round of qualifying for the pro fuel teams is not really a good deal for those spectators who want to see the "big guns" running! especially if they can only make it for one day . due to work commitments i cant be at the pod on the monday for the eliminations so i was going to go for the saturday or sunday qualifying days,i dont think i will be on my own like a lot of other race fans by choosing "not"to go now ,in fact all my mates who usually make the "trek "to the pod and were going to just do the one day have all said there not going to bother to go now due to the lack of slots that the "pro cars" have been alloted .before everyone starts pointing out, yes i know theres a full supporting cast of "demo vehicles " and "stuff" happening plus more sportsman cars than you can shake a stick at "but" for us "nitro freaks" one slot of qualifying per day is "pants", sorry . the dilema i think most of us are up against is ! if your going for one day and you are going mainly to see the "pro fuel" cars is , which day of qualifying is going to be the best ? "saturday" which you will most probably see launchs or 300 foot blasts to get some data on the cars so your probably not going to see not much else then a few half pass blasts at best !or "sunday" when with "all" the data the teams have got on saturday in the qualifying session what are we going to see? probably another load of launches and maybe half track passes ! what a dilema . looks like we are all going to have to wait for the main event to see "real" qualifying and racing.unless you go to the "thunderball" and realise its only a "test and tune" meet really then your not going to be disapointed, but if anyone actually manages to run a full banzai pass then its going to be a "bonus".
Piffle! Also mildly insulting to others...
Since when has Easter been a meeting billed as the first meet of the FIA tour? Is that what you are expecting? The fuel guys are the sideshow thank you very much. It looks like a great setup however!
I cannot wait for one! As someone has said... if you dont go, then you surely cannot be a true nitro head!
And as I ranted...and Kirsty just reminded me...
True nitro fans will be there all weekend, will have booked the hotel last year, will be on the bank no matter how cold, and nothing else will get in the way. For gods sake I came to the Eurofinals in a suit on the saturday last year so I could then drive three hours across the country to a wedding without stopping. And when I say all weekend I mean from friday, because if you're a true fan of even only the nitro cars you will realise the need to support the sportsman racers who form the backbone of the sport too.
True nitro fans will be there all weekend, will have booked the hotel last year, will be on the bank no matter how cold, and nothing else will get in the way. For gods sake I came to the Eurofinals in a suit on the saturday last year so I could then drive three hours across the country to a wedding without stopping. And when I say all weekend I mean from friday, because if you're a true fan of even only the nitro cars you will realise the need to support the sportsman racers who form the backbone of the sport too.
Amen to that
I have been looking forward to this ever since the last wheel turned (actually make that drop of rain) at the National Finals last year.
I have been to the Easter meeting 27 times... almost 28.... I think this is my favourite meeting and to be honest i never worry about what will/wont be there. I know i will always be there as long as i enjoy the sport and i do not think it will ever leave me. I have been born with it.
Sometimes negative comments about the fuel guys or even comments which fail to mention the sportsman ranks really rattles me, especially as people only do this sport to entertain with no finiancial gain.
Sure, people can have their rant "oh only one qualifying 330 shot"..but lord help them if they do make it!
I have been looking forward to this ever since the last wheel turned (actually make that drop of rain) at the National Finals last year.
I have been to the Easter meeting 27 times... almost 28.... I think this is my favourite meeting and to be honest i never worry about what will/wont be there. I know i will always be there as long as i enjoy the sport and i do not think it will ever leave me. I have been born with it.
Sometimes negative comments about the fuel guys or even comments which fail to mention the sportsman ranks really rattles me, especially as people only do this sport to entertain with no finiancial gain.
Sure, people can have their rant "oh only one qualifying 330 shot"..but lord help them if they do make it!
MotorPsycho said:
its not fuel qualifying anyway, theyre test sessions before the pro fuel shootout on Monday
Oh...then you're saying the Shootout rules on the Easter Thunderball Final Instructions, the Event Coverage I sweated over, and the final qualifying standings I handed to the Event and Race Directors after session three, have all been wrong for all these years. Oh boy, how am I going to live with the shame
As long as the Shootout has run, and this is the eighth with the TFs winning 5-2 so far, every round on every day has counted as a qualifier. There is a huge penalty for non-appearance in a round: you are given the slowest ET of the round plus five seconds. The rules on who gets into the final have changed a few times. It's been the quickest aggregate TF and FC over three quarters of a mile, the quickest aggregate against index, and the quickest aggregate regardless of class.
A huge Thumbs Up to those who have made the point here that there are a couple of hundred or more Sportsman racers at Easter...sorry, Auto Trader Easter. If I was a Sportsman racer reading some of this stuff, which given that I have a Sportsman licence I kind of am, I'd feel roundly insulted.
Totally agree with you Tog, but, like it or not, the pod makes it dollar from fuel cars.Hence fuel is always used in the advertising as a draw, and draw it certainly does.
These days,the big meets seem more and more full of what I call day trippers, rather than true enthusiasts.
Whilst that in itself is not a major problem, (as they are the ones who help finance the improvements that us regulars appreciate more), they are really not terribly interested in the sportsman ranks, not do they have any understanding of what it takes to be there, in terms of time, money and commitment.
Easter is always a test tune for most anyway, with the majority of teams setting up winter mods getting a handle on new combinations.Couple that with very unreliable weather, and it can be a frustrating meeting for all, particularly those that came expecting to see 4.9's.
Far as Im concerned, its open headers all round and 440 yards of excitement whatevers running.
Just my 2p worth.
F
These days,the big meets seem more and more full of what I call day trippers, rather than true enthusiasts.
Whilst that in itself is not a major problem, (as they are the ones who help finance the improvements that us regulars appreciate more), they are really not terribly interested in the sportsman ranks, not do they have any understanding of what it takes to be there, in terms of time, money and commitment.
Easter is always a test tune for most anyway, with the majority of teams setting up winter mods getting a handle on new combinations.Couple that with very unreliable weather, and it can be a frustrating meeting for all, particularly those that came expecting to see 4.9's.
Far as Im concerned, its open headers all round and 440 yards of excitement whatevers running.
Just my 2p worth.
F
Furyous said:
Couple that with very unreliable weather, and it can be a frustrating meeting for all, particularly those that came expecting to see 4.9's.
Pro Fuel Shootout event records:
Shootout TF Low ET: 4.943 seconds, Andy Carter 2004
Shootout TF High Speed: 292.24 mph, Andy Carter 2004
Shootout FC Low ET: 5.450 seconds, John Spuffard 2002
Shootout FC High Speed: 241.88 mph, John Spuffard 2002
<nerd>
Jon Webster still holds the record for the earliest four-second pass in a season with a 4.979 on 27th March 2005.
</nerd>
Edited by Eurodragster.com on Sunday 25th March 12:43
Eurodragster.com said:
MotorPsycho said:
its not fuel qualifying anyway, theyre test sessions before the pro fuel shootout on Monday
Oh...then you're saying the Shootout rules on the Easter Thunderball Final Instructions, the Event Coverage I sweated over, and the final qualifying standings I handed to the Event and Race Directors after session three, have all been wrong for all these years. Oh boy, how am I going to live with the shame
As long as the Shootout has run, and this is the eighth with the TFs winning 5-2 so far, every round on every day has counted as a qualifier. There is a huge penalty for non-appearance in a round: you are given the slowest ET of the round plus five seconds. The rules on who gets into the final have changed a few times. It's been the quickest aggregate TF and FC over three quarters of a mile, the quickest aggregate against index, and the quickest aggregate regardless of class.
A huge Thumbs Up to those who have made the point here that there are a couple of hundred or more Sportsman racers at Easter...sorry, Auto Trader Easter. If I was a Sportsman racer reading some of this stuff, which given that I have a Sportsman licence I kind of am, I'd feel roundly insulted.
my apologies then, sorry Tog
Gassing Station | Drag Racing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff