The 24th race

[The Swegian]

I don't know if somebody already posted something about this?

NHRA News: Rumor – 24th Race Reserved for Bruton Smith

 

[Rajunz]

Well, one thing is for sure, it's not going to Australia!

 

[PJ]

seems liek a tight construction timeline to have a race in one year in a place where their isn't one now.

I would think the logistics of teams, sponsors, fans and nhra people who would need to travel to the race having it be up in the air awaiting construction seems like a big gamble. I would think that the smart thing to do would either be wait till it opens, just have the 24th race start in '09 or have it at another track for next year and move it to Burton's the next.


With rumors of Burton's unhappiness with nhra and his tracks contracts up failry soon, I wonder if adding another race to his portfolio is an attempt to make him happy and to keep all his tracks under the nhra banner?

 

[Rajunz]

Charlotte would be ideal, and construction would be alot easier than anywhere else. Lowe's Speedway already has all of the infrastructure, parking, access roads. Most everything is already in place.

 

[vegasnitro]

Bruton's folks built the Strip at Las Vegas Motorspeedway in less than 6 months. In October '99 there was a dirt lot, in April '00 there was a National Event. Winters are mild in Charlotte, a similar construction timeline is not inconceivable.

 

[PJ]

6 MONTHS WOW!!!!

Guess I'm just used to Michigan construction seasons being tight with winter weather

 

[The Swegian]

I think Charlotte would be a terrific venue. I've been to the roundy round races at LMS on 3 occasions. It's a great city and I'm sure Bruton would do it right (read, make it like the Strip at LVMS).

 

[XPilot]

Charlotte would be excellent. Very large gearhead base in that area.

Nashville would also make an excellent choice, as would a second Atlanta race.

 

[The Counterfeiter]

Charlotte is a no-brainer! The economy is booming there - lots of folks with income who could easily afford a weekend at the drags.
If Bruton decides to do this, you can bet your a$$ it will be right and ready!

 

[none]

If it is Charlotte, I`m booking flights asap! Wouldn`t hurt my feelings to see Pomona get a third race either.

 

[NitroMustang65]

A second race in Gainesville sounds good for the first year!!!

 

[blackbeard]

bring back the cajun nationals!! Bruton can build his strip in new orleans east!

 

[Toejam]

If it is Charlotte, I`m booking flights asap! Wouldn`t hurt my feelings to see Pomona get a third race either.

And you thought Indy had Rednecks Chris???

 

[Rajunz]

Charlotte is an awesome city with a great economy...... The Speedway is top notch, so yeah, a Strip there would be perfect. I too would plan that trip. The race is exactly a year away from this weekend and the weather forecast for this weekend looks about perfect. Highs in the 70's/ lows in the 50's.

 

[Rich]

bring back the cajun nationals!! Bruton can build his strip in new orleans east!

That would be nice. And Charlotte is certainly appropriate too. But looking at a map I'd say that New England needs to get a race as well. Personally, I'd like to see a race in every region of the country.

 

[megadeth]

I wonder who will show up if the sponsors don't ad the extra dollars to the budget of the teams?

Judging by the Kenny Bernstein interview that might be a real problem!

 

[mick]

if bruton wants to build in charlotte, i'd say it's a no brainer,
let him build it. as others have stated.......
- booming economy
- motorsports central
- good climate
- bruton's facilities speak for themselves

regarding the extra expense: no denying the bottom line.
if moving from 85% back to 90% truly would save for the majority
of the nitro teams, then maybe this is the time to change back
to help offset expenses?

 

[force fan]

A second race in Gainesville sounds good for the first year!!!

I agree with you. Once a year is not enough of a nitro fix for me!!!!!

 

[Zak]

Nashville would also make an excellent choice, as would a second Atlanta race.

I'll vote with you for Nashville!!

The Nashville Super Speedway already has the layout and infrastructure for a drag strip. Just need to build the tower and pour some concrete. Of course the NHRA might not like 3 races in Tennessee (Memphis, Bristol and Nashville) - but it sure could open a door into the mid-south for someone....say.... IHRA

 

[Bobby]

You don't want to race in Gainesville in September. It's the height of tropical storm season, ,IT WILL RAIN.

October is a different story weather starts to calm down by then.