Author Topic: Here goes nothing...  (Read 7192 times)

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Offline burbanite

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Here goes nothing...
« on: July 09, 2015, 04:56:48 PM »
Complete newbie here! Link to the obligatory introduction: http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,3693.msg277480.html#new

I'm planning to head out to El Mirage this weekend to acclimatize myself and my wife to life on the lake bed in advance of a proposed trip to Speed Week later this year.

I've seen the map in a link from the SCTA website https://www.google.com/maps/search/El+Mirage+Off+Hwy+Rec+Area,+Mountain+View+Road,+CA/@34.658063,-117.543755,14z?hl=en but is that actually where we should head? I'm coming from Santa Clarita so will be going North on the 14. What time does the action start on Sunday, I want to make sure we are there in plenty of time. What about viewing locations, I know we will want to wander the pit area but also see some of the runs from other vantage points, is there a set location for spectators?

I have taken note of all of the obvious requirements for being out there, water, food, shade, clothing etc but what about the things that are good for a novice to know in advance.

Thanks for any info yo can give me.   :cheers:
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.

Offline Dynoroom

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2015, 06:18:44 PM »
Well, this is kinda long but....

Coming from the 14 exit @ Palmdale Bl. aka 138 and head east. Palmdale bl. effectively ends at 240th St. E turn left on 240th and go to Ave. P which becomes El Mirage Bl. Turn right (you will see the nose of a airliner in a yard on the corner) following El Mirage Bl. all the way down to Mountain View Rd. and turn left. Mt. View is not a major through fair so it is not well marked so keep an eye out for the sign post with the SCTA logo etc.
Now travel up Mt. View Rd. to the El Mirage Recreation/Ranger station. Buy a $15.00 vehicle pass and enter the lakebed on the left. Stay to the right hand side of the lakebed after you enter and drive all the way back to the west end staying to the right. As you get to the far end of the lakebed you will see cones marking off the course and trailers lining the viewing area. You should get the lay of the land quickly.

By the way, El Mirage is NOTHING like Bonneville.....
Michael LeFevers
Kugel and LeFevers Pontiac Firebird

Without Data You're Just Another Guy With An Opinion!

Racing is just a series of "Problem Solving" events that allow you to spend money & make noise...

Offline burbanite

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2015, 06:44:19 PM »
Well, this is kinda long but....

Coming from the 14 exit @ Palmdale Bl. aka 138 and head east. Palmdale bl. effectively ends at 240th St. E turn left on 240th and go to Ave. P which becomes El Mirage Bl. Turn right (you will see the nose of a airliner in a yard on the corner) following El Mirage Bl. all the way down to Mountain View Rd. and turn left. Mt. View is not a major through fair so it is not well marked so keep an eye out for the sign post with the SCTA logo etc.
Now travel up Mt. View Rd. to the El Mirage Recreation/Ranger station. Buy a $15.00 vehicle pass and enter the lakebed on the left. Stay to the right hand side of the lakebed after you enter and drive all the way back to the west end staying to the right. As you get to the far end of the lakebed you will see cones marking off the course and trailers lining the viewing area. You should get the lay of the land quickly.

By the way, El Mirage is NOTHING like Bonneville.....

Perfect, thank you very much.

I understand the differences in the two venues but the choices are limited if I am to introduce my wife to this type of event before jumping in with both feet. I earn my living in the racing industry so am used to different environments, she on the other hand only attends a limited number of races, most of which she gets to hang out in hospitality....  If she can handle the heat and dust out here for a day then she has a fair chance at making it a week on the salt if I take an RV. As it was her idea to go to Speed Week I don't want her to be sorry, happy wife etc... :-D

Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.

Offline Dynoroom

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2015, 06:51:56 PM »
You are correct about acclimating your better half to this "type" of environment.
My wife would much rather spend a week or more at Bonneville, sitting in the sun reading, sitting by the pool, going to the casino's, eating out, visiting with friends, etc. than spend a single day on the hot, cold, dirty, & always windy El Mirage. But she does both.....  :-) For over 25 years now....  8-)
Michael LeFevers
Kugel and LeFevers Pontiac Firebird

Without Data You're Just Another Guy With An Opinion!

Racing is just a series of "Problem Solving" events that allow you to spend money & make noise...

Offline wheelrdealer

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2015, 06:56:31 PM »
Any wife the wants to go to speedweek even once is keeper. Have fun and bring your own hospitality!

Bill
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Offline jl222

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2015, 07:07:23 PM »
  I wouldn't chance it, El Mirage can be really hot windy and dusty.

  When I first raced desert bikes, instead of left to El Mirage we went right and around the corner to the base of
the hills. The area was known as the asx of the desert. It was hot but a lot better than some days at El Mirage.

  Bville is  cleaner and Linda likes it way more. Well there's casinos :-P

                        JL222
« Last Edit: July 09, 2015, 07:15:05 PM by jl222 »

Offline Glen

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2015, 07:19:36 PM »
She sounds like a lady that is willing to give it a try, more power to her to try both. I say go for it. Linda enjoy the expirence of both. :cheers:
Glen
Crew on Turbinator II

South West, Utah

Offline burbanite

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2015, 07:46:58 PM »
Thanks folks! What time should I plan on turning up?
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.

Offline Dynoroom

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2015, 07:52:34 PM »
They start running between 7:45 & 8:00 am usually.

Have fun!
Michael LeFevers
Kugel and LeFevers Pontiac Firebird

Without Data You're Just Another Guy With An Opinion!

Racing is just a series of "Problem Solving" events that allow you to spend money & make noise...

Offline 1leg

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2015, 08:21:33 PM »
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/34.4346562,-118.3812522/34.6235664,-117.5468707/@34.6487537,-117.5831822,7624m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en

Once on the lake bed follow along the right side until you start to see all the cones, soon you will see a lot of spectator cars, then you will start to see some pit areas. It's not like a drag or oval race the pits are spread out all over the place. You will be driving around to get to places.

I would get there early to check out the pits and inspection area before the car start running. I would get there around 6:30 to 7am. 

Do not drive into any area that is coned off. If you are driving between cones then you are not where you should be.

Best place to watch is near the timing trailer about 1.3 miles from the starting line. Bring Binoculars. Tune the radio to 88.3 or 88.7, forgot. If you have a CB bring it Channel 1 or 10.

Prepare to leave early because it will be HOT AND WINDY.


Print and read map of race course on the last page.
http://nebula.wsimg.com/ab43b32f8c6f4188a73702b74a633175?AccessKeyId=1B489604A3781742F233&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Jerry
SDRC Member since 2013

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Psalm 27:17

Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2015, 08:22:50 PM »
I first witnessed LSR at Elmo, better than 20 years ago.  I've been wanting to get back ever since.

I'd get a motel room in Victorville.  There's nothing wrong with El Mirage that a hot shower won't cure.

Kate's been with me to Bonneville 4 or 5 times over the last 20 years.

And we're still speaking!  :cheers:
"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Offline 1leg

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #11 on: July 09, 2015, 08:23:58 PM »
Forgot it cost $15 to get on the lake bed. Bring exact change or CC. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/mirage.html
Jerry
SDRC Member since 2013

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Psalm 27:17

Offline Glen

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2015, 08:42:25 PM »
I don't think the BLM will take credit cards.
Glen
Crew on Turbinator II

South West, Utah

Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2015, 09:44:41 PM »
I don't think the BLM will take credit cards.

\

From the site - http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow/mirage.html

"Permits will be available for sale on-site using a fee machine. The on site fee machines take cash and credit cards. Please bring exact amount of the pass, the machines do NOT make change. The fee machines at EL Mirage sell daily, weekly and annual passes. Also permits can be purchased online, http://www.elmiragepermits.com and at the Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow Calif."

Glen -

Did you really think that the BLM would pass on an opportunity to make a few bucks?  :wink:

And conversely, would you trust the BLM with cash?  :-o
"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Offline 1leg

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Re: Here goes nothing...
« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2015, 10:36:41 PM »
I used my Debt/visa card last time through. So it might be debt card only.

Jerry
SDRC Member since 2013

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Psalm 27:17