Santa Pod FIA Euro Finals - Explain it to me
Discussion
As much as I love motorsport in all its shapes and forms, to my shame I've never been to watch drag racing.
I've noticed that the Euro Finals are coming up shortly at Santa Pod and was thinking of popping along for the day out with Mrs Dave.
Can anyone give me some pointers to get the most out of the day? We'd probably go for the Saturday - unless someone tells me that I really ought to go on Sunday as it's miles better.
Cheers.
I've noticed that the Euro Finals are coming up shortly at Santa Pod and was thinking of popping along for the day out with Mrs Dave.
Can anyone give me some pointers to get the most out of the day? We'd probably go for the Saturday - unless someone tells me that I really ought to go on Sunday as it's miles better.
Cheers.
Saturday will give you the best sample of all the action... except if its wet.
Make sure you go around the pits, see the engineering in the cars, talk to the drivers and crews where possible - they are in general a great bunch and a great laugh.
Watch a TF car warm up in the pits up close before you see one run down the track. Be ready with ear protection / fingers. Know that Methanol and Nitromethane exhaust gasses can make your nose burn / throat sting / eyes water - but after a while you will get addicted to this. Pro Mod will probably be the most entertaining pro class - so not one to miss. A good TF run will be impressive, but it can be 50 50 as to if they will make it down the track. Sometimes youll see a 60 ft launch, or youll see them smoke the tyres, or a big BOOM, or a good pass. Top Methanol should give solid passes most of the time, but arent quite as impressive to someone new to the sport as TF. TF Bike and TF Supertwin can be really impressive. Watch some sportsman eliminations which should take place late on Saturday. Most likely Pro ET and Super Pro ET. You'll see wheelstands, and some of the closest racing ever...
Also, have a crazy udder milk shake as they are AWESOME lol.
Make sure you go around the pits, see the engineering in the cars, talk to the drivers and crews where possible - they are in general a great bunch and a great laugh.
Watch a TF car warm up in the pits up close before you see one run down the track. Be ready with ear protection / fingers. Know that Methanol and Nitromethane exhaust gasses can make your nose burn / throat sting / eyes water - but after a while you will get addicted to this. Pro Mod will probably be the most entertaining pro class - so not one to miss. A good TF run will be impressive, but it can be 50 50 as to if they will make it down the track. Sometimes youll see a 60 ft launch, or youll see them smoke the tyres, or a big BOOM, or a good pass. Top Methanol should give solid passes most of the time, but arent quite as impressive to someone new to the sport as TF. TF Bike and TF Supertwin can be really impressive. Watch some sportsman eliminations which should take place late on Saturday. Most likely Pro ET and Super Pro ET. You'll see wheelstands, and some of the closest racing ever...
Also, have a crazy udder milk shake as they are AWESOME lol.
Cheers Doris,
Earplugs it is then.
Any suggestions as to limit the amount of stinging, burning etc. from the fumes? Scarf over the face etc.? I've one of those buff things that go round your neck. Would pulling that up over your mouth and nose help? I'll probably be just fine. More worried about Mrs Dave - wouldn't want to spoil her enjoyment.
Thanks for the top-tip on the milkshake.
What's the best time to get there - and any advice on where to watch from?
Earplugs it is then.
Any suggestions as to limit the amount of stinging, burning etc. from the fumes? Scarf over the face etc.? I've one of those buff things that go round your neck. Would pulling that up over your mouth and nose help? I'll probably be just fine. More worried about Mrs Dave - wouldn't want to spoil her enjoyment.
Thanks for the top-tip on the milkshake.
What's the best time to get there - and any advice on where to watch from?
Best advice on the fumes would be to stand upwind of them, and this is only in the pits. You wont have a problem on track. The first time they hit the throttle on a fuel car in the pits you will jump lol.
Eurofinals is the biggest meeting of the year so probably best to get there early to avoid queue's. There are curfews in place that mean that racing wont start before 9.30, and no engines fired before 9... im not sure what time is best to beat the queues though as im a racer so im already there lol. Racing will finish before 9pm, but there may still be things to see at that time if your about. Youll probably find crews working on cars if the pro classes run later in the day.
Theres stuff to see at both ends of the track that can be interesting. The bank is decent but gets quite busy. Grandstands are available but at additional cost. If you go down to the finish line it can give you an interesting perspective. They will be going at there fastest, and often can leave the ground when slowing down. You also get to see how close the races can be. Races can be won by inches. Theres alot of action on the startline, and that area is best if you want to watch the burnouts and the jet car.
Also some interesting facts. A TF car will go 0-100mph in around 0.8 of a second, or twice its own length at around the 60ft mark. You may see them go 300-330mph across the finish line which for them is at 1000ft instead of the usual 1320ft. Each run costs around £4000-£5000 from what we were told, and around £500 to warm up in the pits. Thats without major damage.
Also be sure to check out Super Street Bike and Street Eliminator if they are there (i think they will be) as those guys put in really fast times on treaded tires. Street Eliminator will go out out a cruise on the roads too.
Eurofinals is the biggest meeting of the year so probably best to get there early to avoid queue's. There are curfews in place that mean that racing wont start before 9.30, and no engines fired before 9... im not sure what time is best to beat the queues though as im a racer so im already there lol. Racing will finish before 9pm, but there may still be things to see at that time if your about. Youll probably find crews working on cars if the pro classes run later in the day.
Theres stuff to see at both ends of the track that can be interesting. The bank is decent but gets quite busy. Grandstands are available but at additional cost. If you go down to the finish line it can give you an interesting perspective. They will be going at there fastest, and often can leave the ground when slowing down. You also get to see how close the races can be. Races can be won by inches. Theres alot of action on the startline, and that area is best if you want to watch the burnouts and the jet car.
Also some interesting facts. A TF car will go 0-100mph in around 0.8 of a second, or twice its own length at around the 60ft mark. You may see them go 300-330mph across the finish line which for them is at 1000ft instead of the usual 1320ft. Each run costs around £4000-£5000 from what we were told, and around £500 to warm up in the pits. Thats without major damage.
Also be sure to check out Super Street Bike and Street Eliminator if they are there (i think they will be) as those guys put in really fast times on treaded tires. Street Eliminator will go out out a cruise on the roads too.
Dorris/Dave is right.
Visit www.eurodragster.com for daily news updates. Click on Alamo Event Coverage in the left-hand column for an event timetable and entry list.
Also visit www.santapod.com for full event information. Note that, should there be a rain-off, money is not refunded but a credit value is allocated to your tickets which is redeemable at any future Santa Pod event for the next year. But if we all pray together, perhaps the sun will shine.
I think queues can start to build up on the approach road after 9.30-10.00'ish. Like Dorris, I'm always there by then.
It's nitro fumes up the nose which cause the weeping, so if you get caught out suddenly, try breathing only through the mouth. But honestly, it's not something to worry about. You might never get a whiff.
Saturday should be a good day for first-time visitors. Everyone gets to run and perhaps some interesting battles for last-ditch qualifiers to make the field. Plus, if you like it enough, you can always come back for eliminations on Sunday.
Visit www.eurodragster.com for daily news updates. Click on Alamo Event Coverage in the left-hand column for an event timetable and entry list.
Also visit www.santapod.com for full event information. Note that, should there be a rain-off, money is not refunded but a credit value is allocated to your tickets which is redeemable at any future Santa Pod event for the next year. But if we all pray together, perhaps the sun will shine.
I think queues can start to build up on the approach road after 9.30-10.00'ish. Like Dorris, I'm always there by then.
It's nitro fumes up the nose which cause the weeping, so if you get caught out suddenly, try breathing only through the mouth. But honestly, it's not something to worry about. You might never get a whiff.
Saturday should be a good day for first-time visitors. Everyone gets to run and perhaps some interesting battles for last-ditch qualifiers to make the field. Plus, if you like it enough, you can always come back for eliminations on Sunday.
So you've tried motorsport - now try drag racing!
Don't worry too much about the nitro just don't get a face full up close - not first visit anyway. There's enough spectator distance from the track to prevent any harsher sensations apart from the aroma for a few seconds, usually, unfortunately.
Best place to watch, I don't like the grandstands as you get allocated a seat for better or worse - but others do your call.
The viewpoints at Santa Pod have been eroded over the years for 'safety' so you've only really got the grandstand and banking on the opposite side. Take it in from different viewpoints if you can to appreciate just how much goes on in a few seconds.
Chat to any drag addicts and you'll probably find very willing explanations to what is going on and what to look out for.
Don't worry too much about the nitro just don't get a face full up close - not first visit anyway. There's enough spectator distance from the track to prevent any harsher sensations apart from the aroma for a few seconds, usually, unfortunately.
Best place to watch, I don't like the grandstands as you get allocated a seat for better or worse - but others do your call.
The viewpoints at Santa Pod have been eroded over the years for 'safety' so you've only really got the grandstand and banking on the opposite side. Take it in from different viewpoints if you can to appreciate just how much goes on in a few seconds.
Chat to any drag addicts and you'll probably find very willing explanations to what is going on and what to look out for.
Another useful bit of info is to do with the timing system.
Each lane is timed independently of each other and each lanes Elapsed Time (ET) and speed (at finish line) are displayed on the timing boards at the top end of the track. The timer starts when the vehicle moves over the start line, not when the green light comes on, and ends when they cross the finish line.
This explains why you may see a vehicle with a slower time cross the finish line first.
Each lane is timed independently of each other and each lanes Elapsed Time (ET) and speed (at finish line) are displayed on the timing boards at the top end of the track. The timer starts when the vehicle moves over the start line, not when the green light comes on, and ends when they cross the finish line.
This explains why you may see a vehicle with a slower time cross the finish line first.
Best bit of advice for a newbie...get a programme!!! The santa pod ones are well worth the money and explain everything so if your ever stuck on what's going on revert to the programme! Other than that as others have said walk around the pits in the morning, then go watch some racing from the start of the bank all the way up to the top end.
I recommend the following also....danish and coffee, followed by milkshake at 11, then burger bar with beer and finally pizza!....for god sake get pizza!
I recommend the following also....danish and coffee, followed by milkshake at 11, then burger bar with beer and finally pizza!....for god sake get pizza!
Drag racing is the simplest form of motorsport and at the same time, the most complicated....
some classes are heads up/balls out start together/no handicap, 1st past the post wins
some are handicapped, each car states its best ET (elapsed time) and the slowest gets a head start, should a car go quicker than it said it could it will lose even if it wins....
some classes are indexed and run on a set time, anyone running quicker loses....
after that it is quite simple......lol
take food, drink, a spare bog roll (just in case), ear defenders/plugs and variable weather gear for sun, hot, cold, windy, wet weather always remembering drag racing doesnt happen if its wet, and there are no refunds if its rained off, often a credit is given for another meeting.
the banking and pits are free, the grandstand isnt
you may stand as close to running engines in the pits as the crowds and crews allow, but it will hurt....
only drag racing can come up through your feet, up your legs and invade your body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLJmpBcQyk
some classes are heads up/balls out start together/no handicap, 1st past the post wins
some are handicapped, each car states its best ET (elapsed time) and the slowest gets a head start, should a car go quicker than it said it could it will lose even if it wins....
some classes are indexed and run on a set time, anyone running quicker loses....
after that it is quite simple......lol
take food, drink, a spare bog roll (just in case), ear defenders/plugs and variable weather gear for sun, hot, cold, windy, wet weather always remembering drag racing doesnt happen if its wet, and there are no refunds if its rained off, often a credit is given for another meeting.
the banking and pits are free, the grandstand isnt
you may stand as close to running engines in the pits as the crowds and crews allow, but it will hurt....
only drag racing can come up through your feet, up your legs and invade your body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLJmpBcQyk
DWphil said:
Come round to the Andersen racing / Thomas Nataas Pit and if their not in the middle of preping the car i,ll explain the workings of a Top Fuel car to you , although you may be to rooted to the spot watching the racing
That's the equivalent of being invited to a private tour of the Hamilton/Rosberg pit at an F1 race. Not bad going for a first-time visit.If you do get a programme (which are very good) then take the track times with a pinch of salt. Try as hard as the track crews and racers will the chances of stuff running to schedule are very slim. That's no slight on anyone involved, but there are things that cant be planned for that will effect the on track action. Inclement weather, oil down, accident / recovery being just a few things that can knock the schedule. The good news for someone new to the sport is that the Pro classes will get preferential treatment so chances are you'll get to see the same amount of pro class action - although at the cost of some really great sportsman action.
I got back from Santa Pod late last night after spending the weekend there for VW Action.
There were plenty of people who will be competing in the upcoming final who were using the run what you brung weekend for some testing. There were the Pro street, funny cars, gassers, nitro all sorts there and it was great fun.
Big Yankee V8s putting in sub 9second passes really are something to see & hear!!
There were plenty of people who will be competing in the upcoming final who were using the run what you brung weekend for some testing. There were the Pro street, funny cars, gassers, nitro all sorts there and it was great fun.
Big Yankee V8s putting in sub 9second passes really are something to see & hear!!
dorrisdormouse said:
The good news for someone new to the sport is that the Pro classes will get preferential treatment so chances are you'll get to see the same amount of pro class action - although at the cost of some really great sportsman action.
Probably because it is a pro event.Summer Nationals and national Finals are predominantly sportsman events but the sportsman fields always seem to be much smaller than at the bigger International events?
Yeah, its to be expected that we get bumped about a bit. If there aren't too many incidents / oil downs / weather issues then generally its cool, but it can at times be a kick in the nuts for the sportsman racer. For those with sponsors and those looking for sponsors the FIA meetings are a big deal as they get a bigger attendance. There also tends to be more coming from over Europe to compete in the sportsman classes. They do have a certain amount of prestige too. All the racers love the big meetings, although it can be hard to justify for both the racer and the sponsor if you don't get many runs. That said the Track crews always work so hard to make sure we have the best chance of racing, and when the dedicated sportsman day runs smooth then were pretty happy with the runs we get. It's just hard when you get maybe 3 to 4 runs over 4 days, taking into account that you're likely to have spent over £500 on entering, getting your car, crew and equipment to the track and making sure you have the necessaries like fuel and oil.
dorrisdormouse said:
It's just hard when you get maybe 3 to 4 runs over 4 days, taking into account that you're likely to have spent over £500 on entering, getting your car, crew and equipment to the track and making sure you have the necessaries like fuel and oil.
It never bothered me when I was getting bumped for the pro classes. I know several racers that get really wound up about it, but we all know that the pro classes will get priority going into the meeting and that's what happens. Getting bumped for Pro ET was harder to take. FWIW, I was initially unhappy when SPET was dropped from the FIA events, but in actual fact, it's turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We get far more runs at the VW events than we ever did at the FIA rounds.Gassing Station | Drag Racing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff