Galot $$$ (1 Viewer)

[Cliff]

Anybody watching the big $ ET race at Galot in Benson, NC? Live on Motormania. I really like that track. It's an old track that I think was originally 1/4 mile. Been re-done as 1/8 mile, first class track all the way. Only seen it on computer like PDRA race.

 

[Bob]

It was a very old school 1/8th mile track. Cars had to drive into the lanes, then back up and move into the burnout box. Many Super Comp cars without wheelie bars would bounce their slicks off the wall behind the burnout box during that process. The wall is still there, only a few feet from the road leading into the track, but they moved the burnout box and starting line during the remodel of the track. The changes made to the facility are all first class - it looks nothing like it did when I was there a few years ago. They ran some classes to 1,000 feet at the divisional event there last month, but the track length for the speeds that some of the Pro Mod, and TS/TD classes run is a little too short. They need more shutdown space before making it a high speed 1/4 mile track. I've heard that is part of the planned ongoing facility upgrades.

 

[vegasnitro]

Here's how dense I am, I thought Galot was someone's name. So we are sitting in the stands and the Galot Pro Mod comes up and I make the comment "that Galot guy must be loaded". After several minutes of laughing at my expense, I was informed Galot is an acronym for "Get A Load Of This".

 

[Cliff]

Bob, thanks for the info.I knew the track was old, but not the details. I've never been to an 1/8 mile track in person, but have seen lotsa videos. They did a good job of fixing the track. Didn't know it was short in the shut down area. PDRA ran a big race there this year & they were well over 200. Be cool to go there & see a race.

 

[Mike]

Mr. Wells ( track and team owner) also owns a couple of Agco multi-turbocharged alcohol burning super stpck pulling tractors, one of whom was driven by 2016 Pro Boost runner up John Strickland, who won the 2016 NTPA Grand National Championship in the Super Stock Open division.

The Galot vehicles went across the pond in March to run at the European Super Pull in The Netherlands. It takes lots of talent to drive your way to the top of 2 different motorsports disciplines.

 

[Bob]

Cliff, I'd estimate that a quarter of the 57 drag strips I've been to were 1/8th mile tracks. If you are used to 1/4 mile racing, it is definitely different, takes a little getting used to as a spectator. Some racers won't race 1/8th mile while others have no problems with racing at the shorter tracks. The less real estate necessary for the short tracks is probably the main reason some of them still exist. Smaller tracks tend to generate fewer complaints from neighbors.

The first time I went to Mooresville, I was surprised to find the little drag strip tucked away in the trees in NASCAR's home base. Even more surprising was Greg Anderson and Jason Line have their shop literally across the street from the drag strip. North Carolina has enough little drag strips to have had their own division in the IHRA. I've been to 7 different drag strips in NC, and they all have their own personality. I love the little tracks just as much as The Rock or ZMAX. It's all good as far as I'm concerned!

 

[ScojoDak]

Here's how dense I am, I thought Galot was someone's name. I was informed Galot is an acronym for "Get A Load Of This".

You're not the only one

 

[Cliff]

I have watched a lot of 1/8 mile videos, mostly Pro Mod, tracks like Carolina Dragway "House of Hook", etc. I think it's interesting that a lot of the big $ ET races are now using 1/8 format, like at Vegas. Guess it's a lot faster to run the race. One thing I thought about is at 1/8 mile track, sitting somewhere around the 330' mark would be the best seat. get a good view of both starting line & finish line.