October 2021 event Blythville

[mtiberio]

I was looking at the registration web page, and it shows 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 KM (1.24 miles) as options. I have regularly run El Mirage and I'm partial to its 1.3 mile length. Just ran Loring last week and was surprised to see I often did pick up speed between the mile and 1.5. At Loring you get a speed at both for one fee. With ECTA, does one entry only get you one speed reading? (yes I saw the different entry costs for 2 KM.) Are they really fitting a 2 KM track onto that airport?

Thanks,
Mike

[Stainless1]

They have a similar runway length as Loring... and a unique length race might attract folks....

[ronnieroadster]

Nice thing about Loring there's one price for everything. In one run and you can get a mile and the 1.5 mile times and records in both as well
 two for the price of one.

[mtiberio]

This isn't an LTA vs ECTA vs SCTA thing. I'm grateful for the opportunities all provide.  Whenever I go to a new venue, I like to have the lay of the land before I get there. The question about the 2KM track fitting is merely conversational. The question about what you get for your fees (especially on the more expensive 2KM entry fee) is so that I can get the best bang for my buck. No judgements, just my frugality coming through.

I have gone back to the ECTA site and perhaps answered part of my own question. I see from the run logs, that they provide 1/2, 3/4, 1 and 1.24 mile numbers for every entry.

So I still wonder, if they give all 4 numbers for every run, why pay the extra $100 for the 2KM? Is it that you can only set a record if you pay? If so, then it would be worth it for me.

[Red_Kitty]

Hi Mike

- The Blytheville runway is 11,602' long vs. Loring at 12,000' long, so with a 2km / 1.25 mile course there is still about a mile for the shutdown. A 1.5 mile course has been tested a few times but needs very good brakes, so 2KM was chosen for a better safety margin.
- When you register you choose which distance you will be officially recorded at and can set a record at, but you will get a timeslip for all four of the distances if you drive though the speed traps
- You can register for additional distances for an admin fee if you choose, which would allow you to set multiple records in the same run at different distances
- The extra fee for the 2KM is new for this event, based on lessons learned at the May event when it was run for the first time. It was found that it takes much longer for vehicles to run the 2km and then slow down to exit the track vs. the 1 mile (maybe 30% longer), so the new pricing is to try and separate the 2km runners from the 1/2 mile or 1 mile course runners. I suspect that if you don't register for the 2km you may be instructed to lift after the mile to allow you to take an earlier exit and clear the course faster for the next racer; your difference in trap speed between mile and 2km would show whether you did this or not.

[mtiberio]

Is ECTA like LTA or SCTA in terms of return road rules. In other words, do I have to be picked up by crew at the far end of the track, or am I allowed to drive (ride) my race vehicle back to the pits?

[RansomT]

You can ride back to the pits.

[jacksoni]

Cancelled.

[ronnieroadster]

Word is Covid is the reason for the event being canceled.

[jacksoni]

Steve Strupp in ICU on ventilator, wife in hospital per ECTA email and Facebook page.  Not looking good ( my opinion as the mortality rate when ventilator is needed is high I am sorry to say)

[PorkPie]

this is a very sad news....indeed....

but more....to all who has contact with them...also during Speedweek....maybe go for a proper test....unfortunately the best to do in our current situation....

hope they can overcome this tough time and recover properly.....

[mtiberio]

Bummer, sorry to hear about Mr Strupp. I was looking forward to this event.

[thommysgarage]

Does anyone know the status of Steve and CJ? I am not on Facebook and can't find any information about their condition. I do hope they are improving.

[WOODY@DDLLC]

From ECTA FB 09/23/21:

Good morning. It?s been a little while since we have provided an update on Steve Strupp and that?s because things largely remain the same. He is still in the ICU on a ventilator. He?s had two surgeries and had his heart shocked back into rhythm. But he?s still fighting.
As CJ put it, we?ve learned this recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint.
We celebrate small wins like decreasing his oxygen concentration, squeezing the nurses hand on command and breathing on his own for brief periods. Other days he has setbacks and we?re reminded that?s it?s a marathon.
We thank everyone for their patience and kind words.