Thoughts/Feedback on an Index race at Island Dragway (NJ)

[melissa@island]

Hey all,
We are looking at putting on an index race late this season at Island Dragway, which if successful we will probably start a points series next year.

The date I'm looking at is Sunday, November 1st. MIR has T/T, Cecil has Summit Points, Atco has a Nostalgia race and Englishtown has Imports.

Looking to do 8.50, 10.0, 12.0 (thoughts on moving down to 11.50?) plus Pro Dial. I'd like feedback on doing an 1/8 mile quick 8 10.5 class, a drag radial class as well as a slower index class (13.5 or 14.0) just to get other people out..

As far as rules are concerned, are Atco and Cecils rules pretty much the standard? Anything that should be changed from them? or keep everything the same as what you're used to

I've seen Cecil's payout. Thoughts on whether an increase in purse justifies an increase at the gate? How about qualifying money?

If there's anything I missed, should ask, or any other feedback, please feel free. We would definitely like to get some index classes going for next year to bring the new generation of racers to our track.

For those who don't know, we're located in Great Meadows, NJ (northwest NJ), website www.islanddragway.com

Thanks a bunch,
Melissa

[mike]

Hey all,
We are looking at putting on an index race late this season at Island Dragway, which if successful we will probably start a points series next year.

The date I'm looking at is Sunday, November 1st. MIR has T/T, Cecil has Summit Points, Atco has a Nostalgia race and Englishtown has Imports.

Looking to do 8.50, 10.0, 12.0 (thoughts on moving down to 11.50?) plus Pro Dial. I'd like feedback on doing an 1/8 mile quick 8 10.5 class, a drag radial class as well as a slower index class (13.5 or 14.0) just to get other people out..

As far as rules are concerned, are Atco and Cecils rules pretty much the standard? Anything that should be changed from them? or keep everything the same as what you're used to

I've seen Cecil's payout. Thoughts on whether an increase in purse justifies an increase at the gate? How about qualifying money?

If there's anything I missed, should ask, or any other feedback, please feel free. We would definitely like to get some index classes going for next year to bring the new generation of racers to our track.

For those who don't know, we're located in Great Meadows, NJ (northwest NJ), website http://www.islanddragway.com

Thanks a bunch,
Melissa

Hi Melissa and welcome to the site! Island was the first track I ever went to let alone made a pass on. Anything we can do to help promote your racing let us know. Glad to have you here.

[hrlqnnstang]

I would be in if they had 11.0.Etown does not get a great turnout for 11.50 so i dont think it be smart to do 11.50 but thats just my opinion....

[ss69ss]

Melissa, I think that would be a great idea. Use the rules that are already in place for the classes. I think Cecil and E-town allow you to run Alcohol in the 8.50 class and Atco doesn't. If your serious about having it next year, maybe schedule the Index classes for every second Sunday of the month or something like that. Atco, Cecil, and E-Town currently do not run their Index races regularly on Sundays. Maybe stick to 8.50, 10.00 and 12.00 Index classes for Sunday so you can get the program done. What's Sunday curfew 5:00? Or maybe have it on the second Sat. of every month and have the Index races along with some heads up 1/8 mile stuff and throw in a couple of N/T grudge races too. Don't go crazy on racer fees, remember drag racers are a "thifty" bunch . You will need some class sponsors to offset the costs of the payouts. You know you have "Shady E" in your corner and he has some good connections. Let us know about Nov. 1st and Good Luck!

[E107]

hey buddy,

i think its a great deal to have index classes, only problem that i have been hearing about is the payouts, you know i will do what i can to help, but the money has to be there or the racer wont. i just started this class but i tell you what its alot fun and tons of nice people. its a new breed of racing and i think it will go along way if payout and car count are there, let me know if you need anything, (expect money lol)

[Kurt70s]

I say go for it. Hopefully it will be something that will catch on if you continue to host these events.

[BADD68]

Melissa,

I applaud you for trying to make the index series work at Island Dragway.

One of the things that might be a problem is your shutdown/return road situation.

For instance, in the 8.50 index I would say about 75% of us use our chutes to stop--and maybe more with your short shutdown area.

(160 mph and 3200 lbs--chute def helps save on brakes!!-lol)

If I recall from when I raced there, once you make the turnoff the return road is ONE LANE WIDE??
This means that all of the racers that use chutes will have to pull over OFF the one lane road onto grass and drag thrir chute in the grass to safely get off the road for other cars.
You will have a TON of cars stacked up down there not only dealing with chutes but waiting for tow vehicles so they can be towed back that have to navigate back through the pits to get to the shut down lane.

I think this will be a problem not only for 8.50 but any of the faster classes you are proposing.
All of the faster guys tow back also from what I have seen.

Please keep us updated on your progress for these classes

[melissa@island]

Melissa,

I applaud you for trying to make the index series work at Island Dragway.

One of the things that might be a problem is your shutdown/return road situation.

For instance, in the 8.50 index I would say about 75% of us use our chutes to stop--and maybe more with your short shutdown area.

(160 mph and 3200 lbs--chute def helps save on brakes!!-lol)

If I recall from when I raced there, once you make the turnoff the return road is ONE LANE WIDE??
This means that all of the racers that use chutes will have to pull over OFF the one lane road onto grass and drag thrir chute in the grass to safely get off the road for other cars.
You will have a TON of cars stacked up down there not only dealing with chutes but waiting for tow vehicles so they can be towed back that have to navigate back through the pits to get to the shut down lane.

I think this will be a problem not only for 8.50 but any of the faster classes you are proposing.
All of the faster guys tow back also from what I have seen.

Please keep us updated on your progress for these classes

There is a lot of room down at the end for packing a chute, waiting for tow vehicle, etc. I understand the concern with stopping, our shutdown is 1800' long, and we do encourage people to pull their chute (I, myself, rarely pull it in a 7.50 dragster, but I do need pads fairly often.. I'm just too lazy to pack it every run )

I'm working on purses now.. debating between $55 entry vs. $65 entry, obviously the purse would reflect the difference. Scott was talking to me about a guaranteed purse, but having a race with this little advanced warning makes it difficult to get sponsors required for a guaranteed purse. As a track, a structured (though generous) payout is probably how it will be set.

I'm looking at a payout that looks like this with a $65 entry. Keep in mind, this is totally unofficial, without sponsors, and up here purely for feedback, so go easy on me

10-15 cars: $400/win, $150/runner up, $75 semi
16-20 cars: $500/win, $150/runner up, $75 semi
21-30 cars: $650/win, $150/runner up, $75 semi
31-40 cars: $850/win, $225/runner up, $125 semi
41-55 cars: $1000/win, $250/runner up, $125 semi

[BADD68]

It has been a couple years since I have been there so what you are telling us is the SHUTDOWN LANE/AREA is more than ONE PAVED LANE WIDE??

I know you have room down there to park and wait for tows and gather up your chutes--please reread what I wrote.

Based on your response it tells me that you NOW have a PAVED AREA IN THE SHUT DOWN AND A WIDE ENOUGH RETURN ROAD SO THAT NO ONE HAS TO PARK ON THE GRASS AFTER MAKING A RUN????

I know you run 7.50 dragster there--little bit of a difference between a 1700 lb dragster and a 3200 lb door car for stopping--wouldnt you agree?--lol
If you read what I wrote it didn't reference stopping and the short shut down so much as having to park and drag your chute thru the grass in the shutdown area.

Am I reading your response correctly???

Thanks

[drag-girl]

Melissa,
Welcome to the site! I think it's great you're thinking of adding index races to your program. However, the first problem I see right off the bat is your payout. Based on what you're offering you won't see a high car count for $400 to win. I doubt you'll ever see 41-55 cars show up. That's a Shakedown car count and that event pays $5000 to win. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out.

[ss69ss]

Melissa,
Welcome to the site! I think it's great you're thinking of adding index races to your program. However, the first problem I see right off the bat is your payout. Based on what you're offering you won't see a high car count for $400 to win. I doubt you'll ever see 41-55 cars show up. That's a Shakedown car count and that event pays $5000 to win. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out.

X2 Melissa, That last Atco 8.50 race had a pretty low car count of 12 cars and still paid $1000 to win due to the sponsors. I know you probably cannot get sponsors by Nov 1st but you could work on it for next year. Also I like the idea of another 5K 8.50 Index race maybe try to put one together mid year to offset the Shakedown next year.

[LETHALRAT]

Run 1/8 mile.
5.00 Index
6.00 Index
7.00 Index

Door Cars Only
No throttle stops. No electronic bracket racing aids.
only Delay boxes allowed
Alcohol allowed
Deep Staging will be allowed at driver’s risk.
.400 Pro Tree Heads-Up
MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED VEHICLE SAFETY SPECS
Rules may be revised in accordance as need arrives.

[racerlee]

none of the index classes running in the area allow delay boxes or any driver or electronic aids

i would try to stay with 1/4 mile, every time a track goes to 1/8 every one complains

at the last 10.0-12.0 at Atco there were19 cars in 10.0 and i think around 30 in 12.0. Atco has good payouts because of sponsors.

keep the rules simple, DOT tires,no electronics or driver aids, and a reasonable minimum weight if you want

most 10.0 and slower indexes are run a .500 pro tree

schedule race days on the weekends if possible to make it easy for the racers to get there

[AutomaticWeapon]

Pro Dial or 12.0, count me in for one or the other.

That is the weekend before the Ford vs.World at Atco.

Mike

[n20mstr]

Melissa,
Welcome to the site! I think it's great you're thinking of adding index races to your program. However, the first problem I see right off the bat is your payout. Based on what you're offering you won't see a high car count for $400 to win. I doubt you'll ever see 41-55 cars show up. That's a Shakedown car count and that event pays $5000 to win. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out.

WOW....what are you a big racer now??
You win a couple races, and now you wont put on your helmet for less than 1000.00 to win???

LMAO

Dont get too mad at me now LOL

[n20mstr]

Melissa, Island is a great track, thanks for taking the intrest in Index racing.
Keep the rules similar to E town and you will attract the most cars.
Keep it 1/4 mile
You will see the biggest classes being 10.00 and 12.00

THE best programs i have seen are the Cecil sat night races, The Atco thurs nights way back when they ran 8.50 and 10.00 together, and even Q8 on thurs. Those races drew the largest spectator crowds.

What would be a great program??
Drag Radial maybe 1/8 mile OR 275 radial class
8.50
10.00
12.00

theres your heads up class and index classes

Have it on a sunday once a month, schedule it around the other tracks (Cecil, Atco, E town, even Lebanon is getting into it now) and you have a nice little program.

I wouldnt worry about the low 400.00 payout aT first. 65.00 entry fee may attract more cars than you think. IF you get a program going and its attracting a pretty good spectator crowd, then you have something to go to sponsor with...just some ideas.

Also....with the return road etc...if i remember Cecil is a little tight also and is a one lane pave return road. I dont see a problem there. 8.50 guys do need alittle more time between rounds as they have a little more maint between rounds. E town has gotten us on a fast schedule for sure though LOL

IF you need any help call me 914-417-1312 Tony Russo

[drag-girl]

Melissa,
Welcome to the site! I think it's great you're thinking of adding index races to your program. However, the first problem I see right off the bat is your payout. Based on what you're offering you won't see a high car count for $400 to win. I doubt you'll ever see 41-55 cars show up. That's a Shakedown car count and that event pays $5000 to win. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out.

WOW....what are you a big racer now??
You win a couple races, and now you wont put on your helmet for less than 1000.00 to win???

LMAO

Dont get too mad at me now LOL

You know, I expect nothing less from you. You just couldn't wait to come out of the woodwork to blast me. Once a hater, always a hater I suppose.

And yes I do believe you won't see many racers show up for $400 to win. And for obvious cost reasons I don't even need to bother listing. Just my opinion. Maybe I should check with you in the future to see if it's okay to have one.

[BADD68]

NICE!!!!!!

Remind me not to piss you off--lol

[goldenz]

10.00 OR PRO DIAL IM IN!!!!!

[n20mstr]

Melissa,
Welcome to the site! I think it's great you're thinking of adding index races to your program. However, the first problem I see right off the bat is your payout. Based on what you're offering you won't see a high car count for $400 to win. I doubt you'll ever see 41-55 cars show up. That's a Shakedown car count and that event pays $5000 to win. Good luck with everything. I hope it works out.

WOW....what are you a big racer now??
You win a couple races, and now you wont put on your helmet for less than 1000.00 to win???

LMAO

Dont get too mad at me now LOL

You know, I expect nothing less from you. You just couldn't wait to come out of the woodwork to blast me. Once a hater, always a hater I suppose.

And yes I do believe you won't see many racers show up for $400 to win. And for obvious cost reasons I don't even need to bother listing. Just my opinion. Maybe I should check with you in the future to see if it's okay to have one.

im no hater.....just a crybaby

calm down, i know your big time racer now

wow im shocked, i cant believe you gave me this ..wheres the love???

i see Craig has taught you very well.....

hopefully i see you guys soon, not this coming weekend because im going to No Time nationals, and hopefully im out somewhere secret gettign ready on sat....