NHRA Columbus, Anyone been to one of these before? Options

[marka]

Howdy,

So I've been wanting to go to a top level NHRA event... There's one in Columbus on 5/21... We'd only be able to go on Sunday...

http://www.nhra.com/apcm/templates/event_s...=91&navsource=8

Anyone know what's up with these? Like, should I get tickets in advance? Do I want the $41 one (regular admission) or the $54 one (pit reserved seating)?

Ideally I'd like to be able to walk around through the pits and stuff.

Also... Where's the best place to watch drag racing? Near the start, near the lights, in the middle, or ??

Anything I should bring that I wouldn't normally think of? Right now its sunscreen, camera, and ear protection...

Thanks!

Mark

[bubba353z]

Howdy,

So I've been wanting to go to a top level NHRA event... There's one in Columbus on 5/21... We'd only be able to go on Sunday...

http://www.nhra.com/apcm/templates/event_s...=91&navsource=8

Anyone know what's up with these? Like, should I get tickets in advance? Do I want the $41 one (regular admission) or the $54 one (pit reserved seating)?

Ideally I'd like to be able to walk around through the pits and stuff.

Also... Where's the best place to watch drag racing? Near the start, near the lights, in the middle, or ??

Anything I should bring that I wouldn't normally think of? Right now its sunscreen, camera, and ear protection...

Thanks!

Mark

Trackbird and I went to the Spring Nationals (It's actually in Kirkersville, Oh) a few years ago. It was pretty cool - my first time at a major NHRA event. You can walk the pits with a "regular" admission, so unless you want to sit in the bleachers close to the starting line, you can save your money. I got my tickets for free, but I'd lean towards getting them at the gate - just in case of rain (it is May in Ohio......)

As I recall, the spectator area doesn't extend to the lights - only about mid track. Word of warning - it is LOUD when the Top Fuel and Funny Cars go off. Ear plugs are the minimum. You may want to double up with earmuffs, if you have sensitive ears. Don't forget a hat, aspirin may be a good idea too. I'd also bring a Sharpie or something similar, if you are going to go after autographs (easier than a ballpoint pen).

Watch where you park, when you go - especially if it has been rainy. Most of the lots are "low", and turn into mud (the real slippery stuff) if there has been recent rain. We had to get towed out.

Go! Have Fun

[rpoz-29]

If you can make it, go and watch the "slower" classes run. I saw a late eighties Q/SA Caddy run in the 12's. Pretty interesting stuff. Thankfully, the NHRA is returning to Virginia this year in October. It really is one of the best shows I've ever seen.

[nape]

They're a fun thing to do every once in a while, I go every couple of years.

bubba353z's reply is just about everything I was going to say except that earlier in the day the stands usually aren't that crowded (at least at Route 66 in Joliet), so you can move around to see how you like each seating spot. Definitely sit closer to the starting line and in the lower rows once if you haven't ever smelled nitromethane. It's a unique experience (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[trackbird]

Top fuel cars are so loud that they will make your vision blurry as they go by. We didn't take hearing protection (it was fingers all around). Learn from our mistake. Other than that, it's something every car guy should do at least once.

[jensend]

Agree with most of what was said. Have been to a number of "nationals" events at Englishtown, NJ. One thing that is interesting (at leats at E-town) is that you can easily get fairly close to the lights at top end. You can't fully appreciated how really quick and fast the Pro class cars are until you've stood at the traps and watched them from launch to finish. Six seconds and 200 mph sounds decent until you see how soon they finish and how fast they go by you. With the fuelers, noting tire growth is also a real trip.

Another great experience is the Nostalgia Drags. With the improved technology in both drivetrain and tires, many of the early drag cars are amazingly quick. Also, the pits at these events tend to be more casual. Most owners/drivers are more than willing to discuus their cars and their history. It's also great for showing kids what things used to be like. My kids loved it and were always anxious to go.

If they don't restrict it, bring your own food/drink. Food prices are usually stupid and the lines at a "nationals" eveny are usually long and time consuming.

[Ojustracing]

Top fuel cars are so loud that they will make your vision blurry as they go by. We didn't take hearing protection (it was fingers all around). Learn from our mistake. Other than that, it's something every car guy should do at least once.

I like how you can feel in your chest each time the cars go by. You feel every power pulse.. Kinda like someone lightly beating on your chest. Enjoy.

John

[patred]

If you can make it, go and watch the "slower" classes run.

I always like watching the Stock, Super Stock and Comp cars more than Top Fuel. Maybe it's because it's instant rain delay when the Top Fuel cars come out. A minute or so to get two started, 1/2 track burnout, back up from 1/2 track burnout, another little burnout, crew does something, stage -- all that for less than 5 seconds of track time! And 1/2 the time one car smokes the tires so it's not even a good race.

Be sure and check out the Comp Eliminator cars. There are usually some wicked/goofy/different engine setups.

Pat

[Wayno]

Try to park on the west side of the track,because if it rains,which it usually does,the creek on the east side floods the parking area.

[ERVRCG]

Ditto: what Wayno said. National Trials is misserable in the wet. Pay the extra for the Pit Pass you wont be dissapointed.

Try to be as near the start line for the Top Fuel cars or Funny Cars, it's an experiece everyone must have at least once.