In the Mid-Atlantic area Outlaw Pontiacs run a neat race series. http://www.outlawpontiacdragseries.com/index2.shtml I race with them occasionally and it is well run and fun series. Entry fee is minimal and payout excellent. They used to run numerous tracks but lately just Cecil and Mason Dixon. I was thinking of approaching them to see if they could invite Buicks to run with them at a couple races and see how it goes. Maybe invite Olds as well. Maybe TA would contribute $$$ and make it interesting. Maybe Gary Kubish can come out and show em how it's done! Not sure how receptive they may be but since we have so few races anymore it might be worth a shot. Otherwise....I might build a fast(er) Pontiac.....Buick powered of course.....so I can run with them more. They are pretty flexible....Pontiac engine OR Pontiac body. Maybe we would be allowed same: Buick engine or body. Any interest? Bruce
Here is the response I got. I was also going to reach out to the Olds racers I know to see if they are interested. WHO'S IN? Bruce, Again I’m sorry for being so long in responding…been a crazy month for me. At the driver’s meeting for our first race I brought up the subject of a BOP race and had a very positive response. Everyone seems to like the idea and maybe we can make a go of it if it’s not too late. However, it was agreed among our group that we would like to maintain the same format that we usually run and it must be remembered that we are a group of casual racers that enjoy our Pontiacs and just want to have a good time doing that. There are no cut-throat people in our group and I am certainly not implying that anyone outside of our group is. It’s just that we are out to have a good time and maybe pick up a little cash on the way. Just to be sure, here are some of the guidelines we follow: In our Pontiacs series we allow any Pontiac bodied car (regardless of power) and any brand body if it’s powered by a Pontiac motor. Door cars only. We have cars that run 8 sec up to 16 sec. One class- all run-this means we may have an 8 sec car run against a 13sec car. 1/4mile/ Sportsman full tree/ Tru-start/ bracket format No delay box, but Transbrake and 2-step are allowed. If you run a box we ask that it be dialed to zero, tapped-over or disconnected. Our payouts are modest- we pay $500 to Win, $200 RU, $75semi and $50 Qtr along with some sponsor perks. Slightly less for under 20 cars and 30 or more the purse goes up. Our entry is Gate Fee (at MD $15) and OPDS entry of $25. If you think that this would work we’ll go from there. I’m thinking that our race in July, either the 14th or the 28th would work for us (preferably the 14th). Both of these races are at Mason Dixon and both dates are Saturdays and they are evening races, gates opening at noon.
OK guys, I tried.....I guess I'll tell them no interest. I can't just go by myself. Mason Dixon Dragway has seen major upgrades in the past few years. Paving, new scoreboards, better lighting. Super track prep. Plus this is 1/4 mile racing not that 1/8 horse crap that a lot of tracks are going to. Plus it is centrally located on the east coast also easy drive from Ohio (right off Interstate 70)....hint, hint.
From me here in Ohio that's 350 miles each way, for a 500 dollar purse, that's just too far for too little pay. By the time I drive the rv race gas, food, etc......even a win is loosing money. Trust me I have been to plenty of races where I have towed that far to loose first round or break......but at least I left home with the idea I could come home with more, not that I knew I was coming home with less. Bit it sounds like an awesome local event for those close and hope it stands and stays
I feel ya....I recently ran an Impala SS race with my Roadmaster and got to semis and asked what the payout was and the organizer said " a trophy and a good handshake, it's not about the money". I said OK....but thought I drove 2.5 hrs each way for that? Some of the guys drove a heck of a lot further like from CT and NY to Maryland.
I don't want it to sound that's it's all about the money. The odds are not in any one person's favor to win......but the chance to break even for that event has to be there for me.......very very few of us do this hobby cause make money, it's for the fun and love of it, but the few times I fet to each year is important to me.
Just seems like few Buick events anymore so I'm tryin.......I'm not the best at organizing the troops....more a racer. I guess I'll say we will bring some cars we'll just see what happens. I also know that a lot of folks never commit until a week or so before so they can see the weather forecast. Another thing is that I imagine sponsor payout money gets funny when you have different brands....what are we going to do with a gift certificate to Butler Performance and vice versa?.... Also, would say TA be willing to throw something in and have a Pontiac guy win it? Kinda doubt it. Then again might be interesting to show em some GOOD running Buicks. Some people do have both brands......
Now this should stir some controversy. If you got to a race thinking about money, are you really a racer? Frank
If you are a billionaire probably the money is meaningless. Or if you totally suck racing. But most of us fall somewhere in between.
I'd be down with this if it was later in the year and preferably closer to home. It'd be a 12 hour drive each way. I do plan on going to Cecil this year in Oct
why cant you be the only Buick? a race car is a race car...go and have fun..dont worry about anyone else..just go... id be more worried about others signing on than crickets...how cool would it be if people say yes and no one shows...forums are fickle..worry about having fun for yourself..post dates etc..if they show they show..
No matter who shows or how many or how much - good idea ! Nice to know that someone out there is doing some outside the box thinking and a little leg work . Thanks .
If my car is back together you can count me in. I raced with the Pontiac guys at Capital last year when they were there with the stick-shift guys and the Nostalgia guys. Had a very nice time with a bunch of great guys!!
If my car was finished and the races where closer I'd be in. I kind of feel that's it's inevitable that we'll see more "BOP" events in the future as all of our clubs are "aging" and thinning to some degree. Not a bad thing really.....it could open up some new rivalries and be somewhat more competitive. I like their philosophy of keeping it "low key" and mainly to have FUN. Not one of us are earning a living racing these things, so why not make it as fun as possible....cash is good, but it's not the MAIN reason for going. Personally I hope to see more "BOP" events in the future, as I'd love to attend them once my new ride is complete. Steve P.S. Good job Bruce, on trying to get something together. "A" for effort! LOL
