Attention Bracket Racers.
Our first bracket race is history and nothing but a memory now. Unfortunately, the weekend was not without its problems.
If you have not already heard, the wind was the ultimate winner this weekend.
I want to thank all of the racers who came to the tower and complimented us on how good the track looked and hooked. My
crew busted their tales and hearing all the kudos made them feel like it was all worthwhile.
Now for some negative stuff… The Albuquerque Dragway management team had decided that we would see how cooperative
everyone would be with our new “Preferred Pit Parking” and our new race trailer parking policies. For the most
part everyone was very receptive with the new race trailer parking policy with very few problems. I am sad to report that
the same is not the case with “Preferred Pit Parking”. Our lax attitude backfired on us and the result was that
racers took advantage of the situation and parked their personal vehicles wherever they wanted. Some racers used their
personal vehicles to cruise to the starting line to watch their race car make a pass. Then they would turn around and
head back to their pits driving in the wrong direction. Other racers decided to use their personal vehicles as Pizza delivery
cars or pick ups. At one point, we had to make an announcement to have people move their personal vehicles from
the Pizza Shack so that the one of the employees could get to their parking spot. This is unacceptable.
We were not very aggressive in making sure that everyone followed the rules. Rest assured, we are going to get tougher
on this at the next race. Personal street driven cars (non race cars) will only be allowed in the pits under the following
conditions:
1. If you have a paid "Paved Pit Parking" spot…. personal street cars MUST have a "Pit Parking" decal
displayed on the windshield. As your contract states you will be allowed to park your personal car in your pit space or in
the “Preferred Pit Parking” area (north of the pits) at no charge.
2. If you purchase a tech card, and your race car is already in the pits, you MUST park your street
car in the “Preferred Pit Parking” area (north of the pits). If you are driving the tow
truck that pulled the trailer in that has your race car in it, then you can park your tow truck in your pit area.
You can not park your street car with your race car or in your pit area.
3. Your crew members, family or friends must either purchase a “Preferred Pit Parking” pass
for $5 and park in the “Preferred Pit Parking” area (north of the pits) or park in the free
parking area on the West or South side of the track.
4. Any personal vehicle found cruising the pit area will be asked to leave the pit area and park in the “Free
Parking” area located on the West and South side of the track. Your $5 will not be refunded.
I want to thank all of the racers who abided by the new pit policies. It was very much appreciated. I do not think
I have to tell you that we are not making much money at $5 a car. The payroll for the parking attendants took care of most
of the money we collected. What we are trying to achieve is a safer pit area. The pits are for race cars… not cruisers…
Lawren Jones
