Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => 2017 and before: SW & WF => SpeedWeek 2013 => Topic started by: jimwebb on August 20, 2013, 09:16:50 PM
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SpeedWeek was awesome. We had a great time even though we couldn't back up our qualifying run and ended up breaking in impound (fer cryin' out loud). The good news is we broke it in warm up, and not on the course which was good.
I offer kudos... first to all the volunteers for setting up and running a great event. The four courses are the bees knees and it is soooooo good to get to run w/o frying in the sun for 4-6 hours beforehand. We ran combo course 2 and with all four courses running, it is a dream compared to previous 2 or 3 course events. So, good on you all for awesomeness on making the passes happen!
Kudos for Miriam for talking everyone out of impound. We were fortunate to leave impound on Monday morning and even though we knew we had issues, the instructions on where to go and what to do were priceless.
Heck, even the tech inspectors were nice to us this year.
The course that we ran (2) was in good shape even though we only ran to the 3, I drove to the 4 and it was fine. The recon run showed it a bit choppy after the 4, but compared to last year, there was no comparison. So Kudos to STS and all the course prep folks.
Two critiques....
1. The FM broadcast was terrible. We turned it off for the most part since car numbers, classes and speeds were garbled or confused at best. Whoever the former pro baseball announcer was was awful. Please just bring back Glen and make him talk FM. The split between FM/CB for news/management worked great, but the FM content was very bad.
2. Where were the porta potties? I drove 1.5 miles of pits and saw 2 (or maybe 3) clusters of porta potties. Way too far to hike in either direction for us. Is it the new paradigm that each team must hire their own private privy?
Again, thanks to all SCTA-BNI folks for a great meet and maybe next year we'll give up one hotel room to rent a loo.
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This was my first Bonneville trip. I didn't have any issue with the FM or CB, but what would i know i have never been there before. I would agree the information was not consistent but seemed to get better thru the week.
The only thing I would recommend is a few Wheel chair accessible Porta-potties. The only one I saw was up at course 1 starting line.
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I forgot... another Kudo. The brown envelope pre-printed for pre-entries explaining what to do at each step was also very useful. This was our 14th year on the salt with the truck and those instructions were very welcome!
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Is it the new paradigm that each team must hire their own private privy?
I will say this:
I had a porta potty brought to our pit. I dropped the money for it and the clean-out.
When I told my wife that we had a private porta potty in the middle of nowhere where strangers wouldn't be able to walk in and pee all over the rim, I knew I was off the hook for forgetting our anniversary, or forgetting flowers on Valentines Day, or bringing back the wrong tampons from the grocery store.
A little blue water goes a L O N G W A Y . :wink:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo58/milwaukeemidget/327_zps368966f8.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/milwaukeemidget/media/327_zps368966f8.jpg.html)
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Ok, my turn!!!
All you racers were AWESOME this year!!! You were patient in a verrrry looong line of waiting and most of you waited for me to pull you out of line to go IN the EXIT when all 3 lanes were clogged with spectators waiting to pay to get in!!! I also want to thank you for not following the officials when they came up the outside with their hazzard lights flashing!!! I know it was a tough decision for you to wait in line instead of following them, but there can be no racing if the officials are stuck in line!!!
I wish we had freeway width roads going in, but since we don't, we have to work with what we've got....a narrow 2-lane road not built for 3-5,000 vehicles headed for the same place at the same time!!
Anyway, just wanted to thank all of you for your patience, understanding, and awesomeness!!!!
Love you all!!!
Lynda
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Is it the new paradigm that each team must hire their own private privy?
I will say this:
I had a porta potty brought to our pit. I dropped the money for it and the clean-out.
When I told my wife that we had a private porta potty in the middle of nowhere where strangers wouldn't be able to walk in and pee all over the rim, I knew I was off the hook for forgetting our anniversary, or forgetting flowers on Valentines Day, or bringing back the wrong tampons from the grocery store.
A little blue water goes a L O N G W A Y . :wink:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo58/milwaukeemidget/327_zps368966f8.jpg) (http://s361.photobucket.com/user/milwaukeemidget/media/327_zps368966f8.jpg.html)
Never used....because...they couldn't reach the handle...... :roll:
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Never used....because...they couldn't reach the handle...... :roll:
That was funny PorkPie! I laughed out loud. :-D :-D :-D
Pete
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I think I hear my name being called. Since I'm the POPP (Potentate of Porta Potties) - I'm the one that can respond to the comments (other than asking one of the SCTA elected officers to do it).
We had about 75 SCTA-rented "regular" toilets this year -- the same as last year. There were also three ADA (handicapped accessible) units - one at the #1/#2 start line, one by the vendor area (near registration/inspection/impound), and one at the very beginning of the pits hard by the driveway between inspection and registration. I can understand the potential for wanting another one further down the pits and will try to remember to pass on that comment.
We station toilets at every entrance to the pits - having done so for quite a few years. This year the pits, when Nancy and I arrived on Tuesday - were quite a bit longer than last year (1 1/4 miles in '12). Therefore we ended up with much longer spaces between units in the pits (which quantity of entrances was four, including the registration end). We did also put a few units just past the end of the pits - for spectators. We prepare the bid request in November and let the contract (including the number of units) in February or so, and back then I don't know anything about whether the pits will be longer than before. Again -- your comments are good and I'll try to see that they're considered for future events.
Now the other side: The organisation spends well over $10,000 or so to provide toilets, so adding more isn't just as simple as asking for more. The cost has to be considered. I am the one that has campaigned for "private" rentals - and it has cut down on the number of folks that come to our pit with complaints about how far it is to their nearest toilet. This year we had that above-mentioned 40, last year it was about 20, and in the years before than only a few. Racers/teams contact me of JoAnn (SCTA secretary) or go directly to Trevor Inman, the Honey Buckets manager, to make arrangements. All JoAnn and I do is refer calls to Trevor, by the way. For what it's worth, he keeps an eye on usage of various units -- to help us fine-tune the locations and the numbers of units.
That's enough of this cr*p for now. I'll watch this space for further comments.
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We had about 75 SCTA-rented "regular" toilets this year -- the same as last year. There were also three ADA (handicapped accessible) units - one at the #1/#2 start line, one by the vendor area (near registration/inspection/impound), and one at the very beginning of the pits hard by the driveway between inspection and registration. I can understand the potential for wanting another one further down the pits and will try to remember to pass on that comment.
I stand corrected, I apologize. I swear I looked but did not see the other 2 ADA potties, I never asked anyone either.
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A big thanks to the porta potty crew.
They were cleaner than the restrooms that we encountered in town and I thought they were dispersed about right.
Don
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Jon,
Nothing personal, for sure. From my (dis)advantage point about 200 yds down the back row of the pits, I could only barely see the pod o' potties near the pit/tech area. It wasn't till I drove through the pits after we broke all our junk that I spotted any others. Normally, we are in between two banks of potties which makes for an equidistant hike, bike or drive. But this year, I really didn't see any others till the pit drive and I didn't see that many. Of course, that may be because the middle row turned into three or four; but I wasn't able to eyeball anymore on Thursday when we got there.
If private potties are the wave of the future, perhaps you can give us a baseline estimate to enter into our Speed Week expenses and we can 'pool' with the neighbors. Till then, I'll reserve a "Used Beer" jug.
P.s. I know you've herded potties for a long time, and I respect your work.
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There're pluses and minuses on pitting near the potties. All depends on how the wind blows . . .
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Jim, I'd have to dig back to before SW '13 happened to get confirmation of these prices, but they're close enough for now. Remember that this is for SpeedWeek -- shorter events might be charged differently.
Rental of the unit, including drop off at the salt and pickup after the event: $95.00
Per cleaning (pumping out the used blue stuff, washing out, restocking toilet paper and hand disinfectant): $15.00 each time. The renter gets to decide how many times he wants the unit cleaned (i.e. once a day, once every two or three or four days, once a week/ once an event - whatever). As you probably have read while in one of 'em, the units are designed to have capacity for a ten-person crew working a 40 hour week. Extrapolate your crew's use of the unit from that estimate to come up with your own.
I don't remember the cost of a sink (water, soap, paper towels, refilling/cleaning), but I think I heard they're $40/event. That one I'm very hazy on, but I could get you the exact number if you really want me to do so.
As for you not being near enough to any toilets to see 'em from your pit - go back two or three posts and note that I've promised to alert SCTA to the situation about the pits being so big that there are times when racers and their crews are not near enough to even see units from their pit. I assume you did see that -- I'm just restating it so the casual observer doesn't think I'm trying to get off without any work.
I see that Stan Back has posted a comment about the potties and the wind blowing the fragrance toward the racer's pit, but I'll say that that shouldn't be a problem these days, what with Honey Bucket's pretty good cleaning of 'em. We had one in our pit. It was used by us and neighboring crews, and never had much beside the aroma of fresh blue liquid. It didn't get heavy use -- but it also didn't stink. It was about 25 feet or maybe a bit less from our tarp/trailer.
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Just trying a little humor. Very little. The maintenance was superb!
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A TEN person crew working 40 HRS a week??? I love my guys, but do you actually know any of these mythical people? Perhaps they hang around the Speed Demon! LOL. At $100/ a pot (pop), hell, even my wife might come back. With the 'Used Beer' jug, I was able to measure output and was amazed at the low volume. But, hey... I'm just one man!
Stan... you are funny, but sometimes the wafting odor of the blue water is somehow comforting.
And, as another kudo (lest you think I am all negative), the quality of the Porta-Loos has increased dramatically over the last few years, even if they are hard to find!
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Okay, we've killed the porta-potty issue. Anyone of the other 500 lurkers want to address bitch #1, the FM broadcast?
PLEASE bring back Glen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care if he dies on the mic. He is the best, knows the classes and can keep pace with four courses. Even though i could never hear it in my head due to helmet and stuff, I could always hear it in my head: "Take it to Impound"
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Ok I will chip in a thought here, the incident with the #77 streamliner shows that is absolutely essential that folks need to know when cars are leaving the starting line. Some of these cars are so quick and quiet if you don't have advance notice that they are on the course, you could get caught flat footed if they do something unexpected.
The rule never turn your back on a race car under power applies here, and the only way you can do that is if you know they are on the course.
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Jim;
"P.s. I know you've herded potties for a long time, and I respect your work."
I guess that makes Jon the "Potty Wrangler" :-P
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Okay, we've killed the porta-potty issue. Anyone of the other 500 lurkers want to address bitch #1, the FM broadcast?
PLEASE bring back Glen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care if he dies on the mic. He is the best, knows the classes and can keep pace with four courses. Even though i could never hear it in my head due to helmet and stuff, I could always hear it in my head: "Take it to Impound"
Jim and others as you know I have no say in what SCTA/BNI does. However for those at the WOS I will be the CB announcer, I consider this an honor to be asked. I am also a crew member on the Vesco teams and will be helping Rick prior to the WOS. I am so hoping to announce take it to impound to all who qualify and back it up. I am there for the racers. :cheers:
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Glen,
I have had many a time where you announced, "take it to impound" and if you ever wanted to send such a VM to my voice mail, I'd treasure it forever. in fact, at this meet Doug told me on the starting line to take this thing to impound and far from it for me to deny the starter! Too bad it blew up later in impound!
VM nine 7 nine 849-three 201. Anytime Glen, anytime............!!!!!
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Jim, I am part of the yblock Guy #416 Team and have been running on your D record for 3 years. We would love to meet you guys and serve you some tainted beef some day so as to help our efforts! :-D
Really, I would love to meet you guys. Trent :cheers:
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I tried a few times to listen to the FM broadcast. The last time they ticked me off enough that that I will never listen again. They offer nothing for the racers or experienced spectators and give new folks all kinds of bad, false, and just plain wrong info. Bring Glen back.
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One thing that I hope does not happen to LSR is the commercialization of it. I don't go to NHRA events anymore because NHRA sold their soul to the sponsors, and it is no longer about the racers but about Advertizing. I did not mind the announcers occasionally saying "Go buy some Sunglasses down at so and so's stand, or go buy some food from such and such, but I don't want to be bombarded with constant none stop advertising like NHRA.
I would like to hear more about the teams and the cars, after all this is amateur racing and the SCTA has done well in the past with out big money sponsors.
Tom G.
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Slim,
One more porta potty comment. I was last down in 2010 and WOW what an improvement when I got here this year. That year things were overflowing and not serviced, and the trash bins were overflowing with no pickup. You and all your helpers have done a GREAT job!! Hooley was one of those that got a personal potty, but with all the walking I visited several others around the pits.
Thanks again.
Doug
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I guess the subject isn't quite done yet -- the toilet subject, that is. Back in '10 (I think it was '10) we realised that the vendor for the toilets (United Waste) still wasn't doing the job as well as we'd like, so when we put out the bids we specified some new requirements -- including having the units serviced twice a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Those are the days with the largest attendance - and therefore the highest amount of use of the toilets. Honey Buckets was more interested in doing business with us than was United -- so they got the nod. That's the main reason you haven't found overflowing units since then. But HB is also pretty good on giving us feedback after the event - which units were used heavily and needed the most attention, which units were hardly used at all -- so maybe instead of a group of three in that location we could put two - and use that one other in someplace that was busier. And so on.
It's a pleasure to work with Trevor and the others from Honey Buckets, and since I know he reads this Forum now and then -- I expect he'll see what you folks are saying.
Enough for now -- back to engraving beer steins and pub glasses for the local Blues Festival next weekend.
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For all the years years I listened to Ron C. at the staring line (s) I thought he did a pretty good job. I have know idea what happened but he seems to have forgotten everything but what he did growing up.
Without him or someone else at the the starting line to give them whose coming up I suppose it's just tougher. If they hear the the car/bike numbers Jim Jensen or other starters give the tower that's all they know is a number if they are even listening. Since we had a portable radio on in out pits rarely did we know anything but a number. Once they start gabbing to themselves over some trivial BS all was lost. On one of our rums after starting the car and sending it off I went over to hear a radio at the starting line and listened to a Rick Gold Commercial for 5 minutes and never heard the time. AA/BG Modified running 230. Guess we were not as important.
To use up time other than BS it seems they could recap all 4 courses once in a while . Maybe they should also get copies of the runslips at least it has the class and speed.
4 courses 2 timing makes the CB for speeds probably unmanageble I would guess.
One last thing I'm sure they felt they needed to be talking all the time. Hey it's radio that's what is expected. LSR in not a radio friendly anything.
PS: the owner of the pit I was in told me to turn off the radio on Wednesday as he was sick of listening to them..........
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"I'm sure they felt they needed to be talking all the time. Hey it's radio that's what is expected."
As a former commercial radio announcer I was taught to minimise the amount of dead air - the times when nothing was being transmitted. That might be one reason Harold does his best to keep some chatter going. Ron sure used to have dead air lots of times -- bu his microphones were on the CB radio's speaker and sometimes picked up ambient (engine) noise, too.
For LSR - well, JD, you've got a very valid point when you say that LSR is NOT radio-friendly. I've described it to many friends as " mmMMMZZZZOOOOM!!!MMnnn" followed by about two minutes of dead silence and then another "zoom", and so on. It's boring if you don't know how land speed racing is run. And those two minutes are what today's announcers are trying to fill.
But -- how 'bout having a microphone or two set to pick up sounds from the race course, or maybe the course and the line, and maybe one in the pits, too? Those ambient/background sounds not only are a vital part of our racing -- but they're able to show the casual listener that no, the signal is not dead - there's just nothing to talk about for the moment. Heck - even the sound of a generator or two in the pits (or how about the one by the announcer's trailer?) is part of racing -- and would be proof that the radio is working.
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I thought the event was overall pretty good. I agree with the gripes about the announcing. I was at world finals a couple years ago and it was real nice knowing the number of the car and the speed. There were several times this year that I was watching for one car in particular and didn't know it was running till I saw it go by.
Honey Buckets were very well maintained! We camped at the Bend, and even those were serviced well.
The one thing I haven't seen mentioned yet was the food on the salt. It was outstanding!!! Those ham and egg breakfast sandwiches were fantastic! I forget the name of the food vendor by the pits, but I believe it was "Red Flame" or something along those lines. Any way they get a big thumbs up from this guy.
Only bad part about this year was the fact that my car was still in a garage in Colorado and not on the salt with me!
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I can recall before Slim took over the porta potties by the end of the week were bad. Those babies were full to the brim and then some. In short they were nasty and anyone who needed to sitdown was in a jam requiring a squat over the top or holding things in. Slim has made a 1000% improvement since he took over and he has my thanks. Im sure the woman who have their own facilities are happy about it too even more so. A lot of people could use a little practice with their aim too
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We are going to put signs in the Honey Buckets at WOS that say...."We aim to please, would you aim too please?"
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Just a few thoughts about Speed Week 2013:
1. The HB toilets were a very welcome change from the previous vendor. They were clean, serviced regularly, and kept supplied with TP, etc.
2. As pointed out by others, the radio broadcast was not up to the previous years' standards. Frankly, this broadcast is for providing information, not entertainment. If it can be both, so much the better but the primary purpose should not be sacrificed for an attempt to be "entertaining". And yes, Glen was far better at giving us the info we were looking for.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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Before I was the toilet guy it was J D Tone, and the issues you're mentioning about the previous vendor aren't his fault in any way. Mike Waters and I came up with the idea of pumping extra times, knowing it'd cost additional but we wanted to be rid of overflowing units. JD had to work with a much smaller budget and a vendor that was okay - but not nearly as accommodating as HB. Mike and I also decided to station units at the Bend in the Road - to the very great happiness of the folks camping there.
Nancy makes up the "Women only" signs at home -- prints and laminates them, then takes 'em to the salt with us. That started when the ladies in the SCTA trailers asked for one unit of their own and they labeled it. Since then -- we take about 5-8 "women only" labels. And this year she also made a batch that said "Private Rental" so that when you had gone to the hassle and expense to rent one for your pit - you weren't the subject of lots of tourists stopping by to use it - and then cursing you when they found it locked. They could read the sign from 20 feet away and turn around before getting in hearing distance of you.
As for aim -- well, Monte, that's your bailiwick. No more shall I say. :evil:
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Jim, I am part of the yblock Guy #416 Team and have been running on your D record for 3 years. We would love to meet you guys and serve you some tainted beef some day so as to help our efforts! :-D
Really, I would love to meet you guys. Trent :cheers:
Hey Trent, you guys are always welcome to stop by. We usually pit on the back row, as close to pit in as we can get. Or, you can just look for us in impound :-D. Since you're in SD, it probably isn't feasible to meet up off the salt, but if you ever travel to the Houston area, drop me a line. I hope you serve the tainted beef with a rich gravy, as we are suckers for anything with gravy.
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Jim, I am part of the yblock Guy #416 Team and have been running on your D record for 3 years. We would love to meet you guys and serve you some tainted beef some day so as to help our efforts! :-D
Really, I would love to meet you guys. Trent :cheers:
Hey Trent, you guys are always welcome to stop by. We usually pit on the back row, as close to pit in as we can get. Or, you can just look for us in impound :-D. Since you're in SD, it probably isn't feasible to meet up off the salt, but if you ever travel to the Houston area, drop me a line. I hope you serve the tainted beef with a rich gravy, as we are suckers for anything with gravy.
I can make a mean gravy! And the toilets were awesome this year! Best I have seen in the last 3 years, never found a stinky one. Not that I was looking :-D
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Decided to do a bit of "hear hear" piling on - this was my fifth event and have to say it keeps getting better. I firmly hold the belief that Bonneville Is Magic.
Appreciated the much-improved portapotty situation - kudos --
Appreciated the efforts of the volunteers that keep things going. There would be no show without them -- Thanks guys and gals, I really mean this.
As always, I appreciated the enthusiasm of Landsendlynda and her gang. I doubt if I could deal with us grumpy caffeinated racers so gracefully before sunrise every day.
If there is anything I would change, it would be reining back the four-wheelers that seem to think speed limits in the pits - and common driving courtesy - are for others.
Permitting the general population into the pits was overall okay with me, and in fact this provided opportunities for non-participants to get a good look at the nuts-and-bolts operation of our fine sport.
Fine show top to bottom - see ya next year
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I would like to thank the El Mirage Ladies Auxiliary. Their help and understanding was greatly appreciated. What a great group!!! Thanks again.
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8pack, the EMLA is a well-known institution in land speed racing. They aren't in the public eye much -- but as you've discovered, they appear and offer help when your mind is on a crash or something. That's why I've put a note about them on the home page of this site. I also commend - and note - the Utah Motorsports Foundation. To all of you folks on the Forum -- think about sending some $$ to both of these groups, and hope they never find the need to send some back to you.
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Critiques I have none. Kudos I have a ton. Great event period. As I only ran the short course I can't say enough good things about Buddy, Jeff and Nathan. They kept things moving at a very good pace. Waiting time was minimal. Except for one occasion when some parts were on the course. Clean toilets. There was only one thing missing. Speed from my sidecar. Just barely enough but i could have done with a lot more.
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You did bump an established, strong record.
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You did bump an established, strong record.
I had to bump it. There were none on sale that day.
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You did bump an established, strong record.
I had to bump it. There were none on sale that day.
:-o :-o :-o
Ron Cohn plugged in his IPOD at El Mirage to provide background music over the FM broadcast so that you would know it is still on the air.
The technical side was terrible. I refreshed the page a zillion times because it kept cutting out, and an equal amount just because of dead air and you couldn't tell.
Having another microphone outside pointing toward the track so the vehicle can be heard would be great. I can almost smell the nitro fumes when I hear a V8 pulling hard.
Keeping track of the runs is difficult for the announcer. I announced for a while at El Mirage (or is it Elmiraj like the new Cadillac?) Once you get the vehicle number you have hundreds of pages to thumb through to figure out the details. Bill Guzenski was a great announcer because he knew everybody, and that's the point, isn't it. Vin Sculley isn't looking up details, because he knows every player. The announcer at Bonneville (Glen) should be as knowledgeable.
It wouldn't hurt to recap the last 15 minutes of runs. Just because it was announced once doesn't mean you didn't garble it, or that everyone heard it.
It probably wouldn't hurt to put a tall flag on the porta potties to give them more visibility. Cause when you need one, you REALLY need one.
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I really liked the line that spectators could not pass when you were about to make run. Its fine when your sitting around waiting but when its time to go, you need your space.
It seamed to me that there were many more people driving around the pits just looking and not paying attention, there was nobody manning the pit entrance like years before.
When a car pulled off early on course one, crew and officials would all pull up next to the car so that now it was a 6 wide thing you had to drive around and push your car around, officials and crew pull up behind the car. unless it a emergency of course.. This is something that will just have to be coached about for years...
Really good event all and all... Thanks to all those who help make it happen...
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Guys,
Thanks for all the feedback - both positive and negative. We can't be everywhere and your perspective is very much appreciated. After all, it's what counts - the racers! Keep it coming.. I might not always chime in, but I do read. Feel free to email me too.
Miriam Macmillan
BNI Chairman
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I would like to comment on the importance of the last post.
It has been a very rare occurrence that any official voice of SCTA/BNI has posted here.
Miriam! Kudos on a great job.
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seriously AGREE strongly...
an SCTA presence....that CARES...big KUDOS
at one point during the SW radio Broadcast...the new guy (not Ron) said ..." if we dont
get something right...there are plenty of people who will get on the internet...go ahead knock
yourself out...I DONT READ THAT stuff..."""
which says ALOT about that person....these are constructive thoughts...and many of them DO matter...
in large part because...guess what...WE are the ones listening...!!!
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Check Wendover weather......NOW
http://www.wunderground.com/radar/radblast.asp?ID=MTX®ion=b1&lat=40.72999954&lon=-114.02999878&label=Wendover%2c%20UT
Don't like that.
FREUD
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As a spectator camping in the Bend I was supprised how clean the potties were.
The few days we spent at the bend ths HB guys were cleaning about 9:30 at night so we had fresh ones in the night and early morning.
Great job to all.
Nick
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Guys,
Thanks for all the feedback - both positive and negative. We can't be everywhere and your perspective is very much appreciated. After all, it's what counts - the racers! Keep it coming.. I might not always chime in, but I do read. Feel free to email me too.
Miriam Macmillan
BNI Chairman
Miriam, It was a delight to hear you on the CB giving direction in the morning when leaving impound.
Of course every thing is pretty damn nice when you've made it to impound. :-D
Don
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seriously AGREE strongly...
an SCTA presence....that CARES...big KUDOS
at one point during the SW radio Broadcast...the new guy (not Ron) said ..." if we dont
get something right...there are plenty of people who will get on the internet...go ahead knock
yourself out...I DONT READ THAT stuff..."""
which says ALOT about that person....these are constructive thoughts...and many of them DO matter...
in large part because...guess what...WE are the ones listening...!!!
Yup, gotta know your audience and NOT turn them off!!!!!!!!!!!
I too noticed no pit entry volunteer looking for crew stickers like we had in previous years. Maybe my timing was off and they were there at times?
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No, you were right, they were omitted. I have heard arguments both ways on keeping and ditching them. We would have to patrol both entries (return road and lands end road. Any suggestions?
Wouldn't it me nice to be able to turn away the BLM! (but I didn't say that).
Miriam
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No, you were right, they were omitted. I have heard arguments both ways on keeping and ditching them. We would have to patrol both entries (return road and lands end road. Any suggestions?
Wouldn't it me nice to be able to turn away the BLM! (but I didn't say that).
Miriam
Maybe save the bodies and just print up a nice sign for the entry stating "orange pit pass required". I did not notice any more rubberneckers this year than the last few years. Actually seemed like pit traffic was down. I don't think I ran over anyone either!? Turning a large F350 with a 62 Ford pickup on a strap takes up some real estate!
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As a first timer to the event maybe me views are a bit different.
First off, a big hand to everyone involved in the event prior to, during and after. We were only on the salt for 2 days but now understand the shear size of the event and appreciate how much hard work must go in to get this up and running.
Prior to the event I couldn't have hoped for anything better. The membership was sorted so when we arrived at the salt Lynda knew I had to pick the pin it up from the BMI trailer so we got on the salt with no issues. First impressions though, loads of cones at the staging area. Any sort of directions to where we could park would be good. The last thing I wanted to do was park somewhere I shouldn't and cause any grief. We couldn't work out what all the cones were for so didn't stop here (typical nervous Brits).
We drove through the pits on our 2nd day and it now seems like we shouldn't have been able to without a crew sticker. Is there parking by the pits? Maybe on the outside about halfway down? Again, any signs would have been good, or maybe we missed then? During our drive we found Stainless' pit area but they weren't about, then luckily found them in impound. I also managed to find Slim but only due to the trailer. Some other folk I was looking for but didn't find and this is my next point.
Is there any way that the SCTA or BNI could have a rough idea of where people are pitted or have contact details? I asked at both trailers and was told there was no way I could get in touch with any of them. Even just a rough idea based on a grid system of rows and blocks so spectators have an idea of where people are.
The announcers seem to be getting a bit of stick. Personally I find having an announcer of any sort is better than nothing. At an event like this which is so big it will always be hard to be completely accurate. However, I enjoyed the coverage as it certainly added to the experience. With so much going on across all 4 courses it was good to hear what was happening on the courses we couldn't see.
Thats about it from a spectating point of view. Maybe just a bit more signage to tell us where we can and cannot go, and a bit of direction as to where people are pitted. A few final points. Firstly, thanks must go to the tech people for making sure all vehicles are so safe to take part, I guess you guys are not the most welcome people who maybe at times have a thankless task but it ensures the safety of everyone. To the emergency support, we witnessed a few spins and slides and they all were on the ball right away. Finally to everyone who took part as we really loved our time over there and will hopefully be back soon.
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Maybe save the bodies and just print up a nice sign for the entry stating "orange pit pass required". I did not notice any more rubberneckers this year than the last few years. Actually seemed like pit traffic was down. I don't think I ran over anyone either!? Turning a large F350 with a 62 Ford pickup on a strap takes up some real estate!
Good Idea! And put on the sign where the passes are available. This could be a good fund raiser for the SCTA.
Actually a different color pass for spectators that are not connected with a car. And also that would limit those cars to pits and not to return road. There are to many cars on the return road between the pits and the start line.
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Maybe save the bodies and just print up a nice sign for the entry stating "orange pit pass required". I did not notice any more rubberneckers this year than the last few years. Actually seemed like pit traffic was down. I don't think I ran over anyone either!? Turning a large F350 with a 62 Ford pickup on a strap takes up some real estate!
Good Idea! And put on the sign where the passes are available. This could be a good fund raiser for the SCTA.
Actually a different color pass for spectators that are not connected with a car. And also that would limit those cars to pits and not to return road. There are to many cars on the return road between the pits and the start line.
That is a great twist to my idea! Orange for crew and support and Yellow? for "civilians" Bump the cost of the yellow ones up $5. Most folks would gladly pay that. It would also let Lynda know who gets the racer lane at lands end and who may still need to pay to get on the salt.
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As a first timer to the event maybe me views are a bit different.
First off, a big hand to everyone involved in the event prior to, during and after. We were only on the salt for 2 days but now understand the shear size of the event and appreciate how much hard work must go in to get this up and running.
Prior to the event I couldn't have hoped for anything better. The membership was sorted so when we arrived at the salt Lynda knew I had to pick the pin it up from the BMI trailer so we got on the salt with no issues. First impressions though, loads of cones at the staging area. Any sort of directions to where we could park would be good. The last thing I wanted to do was park somewhere I shouldn't and cause any grief. We couldn't work out what all the cones were for so didn't stop here (typical nervous Brits).
We drove through the pits on our 2nd day and it now seems like we shouldn't have been able to without a crew sticker. Is there parking by the pits? Maybe on the outside about halfway down? Again, any signs would have been good, or maybe we missed then? During our drive we found Stainless' pit area but they weren't about, then luckily found them in impound. I also managed to find Slim but only due to the trailer. Some other folk I was looking for but didn't find and this is my next point.
Is there any way that the SCTA or BNI could have a rough idea of where people are pitted or have contact details? I asked at both trailers and was told there was no way I could get in touch with any of them. Even just a rough idea based on a grid system of rows and blocks so spectators have an idea of where people are.
The announcers seem to be getting a bit of stick. Personally I find having an announcer of any sort is better than nothing. At an event like this which is so big it will always be hard to be completely accurate. However, I enjoyed the coverage as it certainly added to the experience. With so much going on across all 4 courses it was good to hear what was happening on the courses we couldn't see.
Thats about it from a spectating point of view. Maybe just a bit more signage to tell us where we can and cannot go, and a bit of direction as to where people are pitted. A few final points. Firstly, thanks must go to the tech people for making sure all vehicles are so safe to take part, I guess you guys are not the most welcome people who maybe at times have a thankless task but it ensures the safety of everyone. To the emergency support, we witnessed a few spins and slides and they all were on the ball right away. Finally to everyone who took part as we really loved our time over there and will hopefully be back soon.
Phil, the pits are first come first serve on Thursday morning. After you go one time you will have an idea where most teams pit. It seems to settle into a pattern.
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May I suggest that if you are looking forward to meeting/connecting with someone special that you exchange phone numbers or some other form of info prior to the event?
A pit map is almost impossible. The land rush comes in and crews go where they want(most to the front row), they may even change location during the event. It is like pushing a herd of cats on a slack rope.
DW
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I'll certainly second what Dan said about the land rush for pit area. In fact -- this year brought a new "issue" about the pits. For years we've put a rank of toilets at each of the pit entrances -- of which there were four, usually. Well - with the pits as long as they became in '13 - I got a number of comments (read: Complaints) that the wlk from such and such pit to the nearest toilet was so far. So for the next year I'll have to try to be more judicious in locating the throne rooms - or the racers will have to either 1: not insist on front row seating so the pits aren't two miles long, or 2: accept a half-mile (or whatever) walk to the potties.
We'll work on it -- but who would've thought that such a problem would arise?
And how does that relate to folks coming for the first time and wondering how to find someone in the pits? Well, if you've got the chance -- indeed, get a contact phone number to call and find where your intended "host" is located. And go to the porta-potty before you visit. :wink:
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The girl who sang the national anthem this year at Speed Week was terrific. It was the best rendition that I've ever heard!
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The girl who sang the national anthem this year at Speed Week was terrific. It was the best rendition that I've ever heard!
You're right about that Neil, I'd almost forgotten that, I remember thinking how good she was! a rousing start to proceedings. :-D
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Have to also add my kudos for the porta potties being maintained very well. Honey Bucket is doing a great job past few years since they took over. It was also nice they had 4 (I think?) at the museum site in Wendover for those of use camping out there.
I always listen to the CB and not the radio. Well, this year CB was useless to hear times and info on which car running. With no radio, sounds like I did not miss much, but it was really tough not having the info on runs and speeds. For the obvious question, my old car does not have a radio that could have been used. Next year will still bring CB, but also radio.
Lands End ran as good as can be, more kudos to the crew there.
Overall, seemed to be less spectators this year and maybe less racers? Anyone else notice this?
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Overall, seemed to be less spectators this year and maybe less racers? Anyone else notice this?
Yes we did notice that Terry.
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Being a newbie to the salt I take on board the comments about locating people in the pits. My phone decided not to work on the salt so I was just hoping that the registration trailer would be able to let me know what number they were running. I could then keep an eye out while cycling the pits. Next year I'll be more prepared.
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I hope you bought a program. Over 500 pre-entered vehicles were listed along with their class and other info. Most had pictures, too.
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There are no pit assignments or maps showing vehicle locatoins.
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That is why I like being there on Thursday. Scope out the pits, get to say hi to old and new pals. Get it out of the way early.
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I hope you bought a program. Over 500 pre-entered vehicles were listed along with their class and other info. Most had pictures, too.
I was meant to get a program as part of the international BNI membership. I collected the rule book and tube (with pin and patch) from the trailer but no program, maybe they'd sold out when I picked these up on the Sunday morning? I did email JoAnn about the program a week or so after SW so will drop a reminder. Having the program would certainly have helped in the hunt.
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Hi all,
Just a bit late, but it's OK... So all my thanks to all the girls and guys at the SCTA/BNI, plus others... that made it possible for me and me team to be there...
It was most enjoyable, we had a great time, had a good qualifier run that we couldn't back up... No complaints whatsoever!!!
Already modifying the bike heavily for next year...
So maybe 3dr time lucky???
And looking forward to seeing you all there again.
Patrick