Landracing Forum

East Coast Timing Association => ECTA General Chat => Topic started by: Kevin G on September 16, 2012, 10:36:40 AM

Title: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Kevin G on September 16, 2012, 10:36:40 AM
A long distance friend I have has been talking to me about comming out to bonneville next year. Then I found out about the Ohio mile and seeing that it is sooner and way closee i figured Id go and see what its all about. Never been to a speed event before. What do I need to know? What do I need to bring? Should I b?ring the kids? Food? Snacks? I'm flying in blind on this since I don't know anyone that has ever gone
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Cajun Kid on September 16, 2012, 11:02:48 AM
Kevin, Welcome to forum... The ECTA /Ohio Mile is a family event, so yes kids are welcome. Normally there are a few food vendors to choose from. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a folding chair.. A hand held CB radio does help you hear the tower but is not required as there are some speakers posted in a few locations.

Come on and have some fun.

Charles
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: saltwheels262 on September 16, 2012, 11:06:51 AM
welcome.
you can bring the kids. I don't think infants would be a good idea. it can be very loud so ear plugs or muffs might be right.
there are a lot of food vendors at Wilmington. some people bring their own eats.
no alcohol or glass bottles.
chairs, shade, sunblock and the camera.

you can get to ecta or Wilmington sites from landracing.com homepage on the left side.
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: saltwheels262 on September 16, 2012, 11:10:59 AM
charles,
like my wheels; my typing isn't as fast as yours either.

bf
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Kevin G on September 16, 2012, 11:24:52 AM
Good stuff. So basically lawn seating? How far is the walk from parking? My oldes is a stat nerd so I know she'll like it.  I do have a little guy though.  Might have to get baby ear muffs send him and Mommy off with daddys wallet to the nearest shopping and live with the consequences.
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Dan Stokes on September 16, 2012, 11:26:13 AM
You'll be some distance from the action for safety reasons.  This makes it difficult for kids to hang in with it - it's not like a stadium event.  If the kids have a good attention span and are old enough to understand they might like it.

Also, bring binoculars and/or a long camera lens.  Otherwise all you'll see is an occasional blur going past.  The real joy is to spend time in the pits hangin' with the racers.  Most will welcome you as long as you don't interrupt when they're in the middle of a thrash.

Dan
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Kevin G on September 16, 2012, 11:35:16 AM
Cool. So the pits are open then? Thats what i like. Getting up close and seeing how things are put together and interacting with people is what I'm really interested in.
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on September 16, 2012, 01:33:22 PM
Kevin, the way that I like to describe the pits in any land speed event is:

You're welcome to get as close as you want (unless thrashing is going on, of course).  But watch out -- if you get too close and look like you're interested - you might hear the crew you're watching saying things to you - like "Hey, you -- would you mind grabbing that wrench and helping us loosen this nut?"  I've also heard "Hey, you -- please help out.  Here's a towel.  Wipe the grunge off that thing over there."

I admit to having done this kind of stuff at the pits.  The spectators love to help, too.  Be forewarned.
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Kevin G on September 16, 2012, 01:40:18 PM
Thats what I like to hear. As that picture over there <---<  can attest I seek out ways to get grimy.
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Kix on September 18, 2012, 12:43:06 PM
Welcome aboard Kevin... If you like cars you'll love cruising the pits and the queue at the starting line and you'll see a lot of things you won't see anywhere else.  DEFINITELY bring ear protection for the little ones!  Most of these cars are running open exhaust (some are extremely loud!) and fire up often to keep things warmed up.

Kix

Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Plmkrze on September 19, 2012, 10:23:44 AM
Good point Kix.

Spectator parking is by the start line.

When you see Plm Krze come by, bring the kids, we have a purple "grab bag" with a treat for the little gearheads!
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: Captthundarr on September 19, 2012, 12:17:25 PM
And don't hesitate to ask questions as most everyone will be more than happy to give you an ear full. Best group of folks we've been associated with. :-)
Title: Re: First timer coming to watch.
Post by: 55chevr on September 19, 2012, 06:32:39 PM
Walk the pits.  All are welcome.  You might get drafted to work if stand still too long.

Joe