What do you think of Norwalk runoff area?

[The Counterfeiter]

It was hard to tell how long the shutdown area is, but Angie flew through the sand (gravel) area into the grass and almost into a cornfield. Unless I really missed something, no nets or impact barrels. I don't know how fast she was going (no front brake), but a fuel or alky car could have been going much faster and carrying a lot more momentum.

Does anyone else think this is dangerous?

 

[Bubba]

The track might be prevented from building any structures out there because of the airport runway. I checked Google Earth and it appears the shutdown is over 2,100 feet in length.

 

[Dragracer]

That must be 2100' from the finish line to the corn field...
It sure isn't 2100' from the finish line to the end of the sand trap.

 

[Bubba]

That must be 2100' from the finish line to the corn field...
It sure isn't 2100' from the finish line to the end of the sand trap.

I measured the quarter-mile first to confirm the measuring tool's accuracy, then measured the shut-down's pavement.

 

[TooTall999]

I hate to think what would have happened to Angie if there had been a net at the end of the sandtrap

 

[Nick]

I'm no scientist or engineer, but I figure the Norwalk shutdown area is perfectly safe. There is nothing to run in to...all open land..flat & soft. I'd rather run off at Norwalk than Englishtown, Pomona or Denver.

 

[Leebone]

I hate to think what would have happened to Angie if there had been a net at the end of the sandtrap

Exactly. She should thank her lucky stars that happened at Norwalk and not E-Town.

 

[NYNitro86]

Exactly. She should thank her lucky stars that happened at Norwalk and not E-Town.

Remember 2007 when Connie Cohen wisely got down to get under the nets while the Bike went through them?

Plus you can't compare the two, that Beach was not the same as the "Beaches" on the other tracks on tour. That was probably left from the IHRA Days.

 

[PJ]

Norwalk is the second shortest track from start to sand but the also the second longest in start to next obssacle. meaning running through a field is a better option than a catch net

 

[clwill]

Hmmm... corn field or catch nets backed by sand filled barrels? I think I know which I'd choose.

 

[jpee]

Norwalk is the second shortest track from start to sand but the also the second longest in start to next obssacle. meaning running through a field is a better option than a catch net

Agreed 100% !! I'm sure she wouldn't have come out as well as she did if she ran into sand filled barrels or even a catch net...

Actually I think she had the best possible shut down area of any, considering she was on a bike.... Sand, grass, and finally a corn field ... which is better than hitting a 55 gallon plastic drum filled with sand

 

[Rollout96]

I wonder if cars will sink into the sand better to at least scrub off more speed...

 

[Crew Chief Pro]

The first run I made at Norwalk was interesting. I just finished a 8.90 @ 180 mph run a few years ago and began to brake while replaying the run in my head. A few seconds later I see someone jumping up and down in a yellow uniform. Turns out the sand was right behind him. There was no way to stop at that point, so in the sand I went. No big deal, they pulled me out instantly.

Weird part is you can't see the NHRA people from the finish line because it goes down hill. It is not a long shut down at all. Not that it is hard to stop you just can't forget to get on the binders right at the finish line. You don't want to break in a new set of brake pads there either.

I love the place, the fireworks show was simply amazing. People are great, they pack the place, and everyone is happy.

 

[hotrod]

What wasn't obvious on television was the deep trench at the first row of corn. They had to drag the bike up out of the hole. She may have seen that since she bailed at just the right time. It's too bad that the Norwalk event isn't at a time of the year when they could flatten out the cornfield somewhat.
The old track at Carlisle, AR had a bean field at the end of it with a pretty good drop off down into the field. Owen Johnston had the throttle hang open on his top fueler one time and he ended up with an engine full of beans. Those were the days...

 

[PJ]

The bikes are light and at that speed she just skimmed across the top, a heavy car would have suck down in, although a few of them have even made it through at norwalk.

If nets were there she would have had to bail as soon as she hit the sand in order to not get to the net

 

[Rat]

I hate to think what would have happened to Angie if there had been a net at the end of the sandtrap

I was thinking the same exact thing.

 

[james]

well a few years ago when i was there , von smith running the now tony bartone afc, kinda did same thing skimmed thru the sand and onto grass , slid it sideways on grass to a stop

 

[Larry]

I'll take a corn field every time over a net and barrels !

 

[Toejam]

I'll take a corn field every time over a net and barrels !

I bet Scott Kalitta would have!

 

[dboxell]

As has already been said the track drops off a LOT after the finish line. When the top fuel imports bikes are there they typically shut off at 1000ft. Same for US 131 in Michigan.
SMGP, Gainsville, and maybe Indy are about the only tracks that a TFB can run them out the back door.
Speed for speed a 1200 lb bike is harder to stop than even a funny car. I will try to find a down track shot of McBride in a shutdown area, those things move around a LOT.