Atlanta Dragway Cobra event

Tony Radford · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 11:12 AM

A friend of mine was recently hired as the Sales and Marketing Manager for the Atlanta Dragway up in Commerce, GA. He called me this morning and asked if I though a Cobra event at one of the Friday night races would be of interest to the gang. I told him I would throw it out to get a read.

On Friday nights, they have an open track event where anyone can run anything they want to down the track as many times as time will allow (I think it's 6 PM to midnight). Though other cars would be running, it would be Cobra night and a lane would be dedicated for snakes if attendance would support it. It would cost around $15-20 dollars per car for the night. What do ya'll think? There are a couple of cars in particular (John Owen) that I would like to see run.

Cracker · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 11:20 AM

I'm in if we can get a dedicated lane!

Chiperb · #3 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 12:21 PM

I'd be up for it. cb except for 10/17 and 10/24-work out that way (Snellville). Would go straight to the track from work.

Tony Radford · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 03:09 PM

Tony, a dedicated lane was already offered.

hcollado · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 03:22 PM

Damn this sounds good ... let me think about it.

I am out of town the 10th but all other Friday's look good.

John Owen · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 04:23 PM

Sounds good to me - set a date. Only request would be to make this a team effot to get the best out of every car and driver there. I have had my fill of grudge races, lost friendships, running for $, etc. This is just playing with toys.

ToyCollector · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 06:31 PM

IF I had a running car, this would be neat. Where the heck is Commerce?

svobud · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Where the heck is Commerce?

Whu? Have you not been in Georgia long? It's up I-85 North towards South Carolina. Basicly .. in the middle of nowhere like most big racetracks.

redUnique · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2003, 07:27 PM

Tony,

This sounds like fun. I'd love to go depneding on the date.

Joel

Tony Radford · #10 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 03:35 AM

Joel, the date is open. I think Ron said mid November was the cut off. It just had to be a Friday. Everyone want to shoot for one of the last two Fridays in Oct. or the first Friday in Nov.?

Tony Radford · #11 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 03:41 AM

Mike, Commerce is 15 or 20 minutes north of the Chateau Elan exit on 85. I will post the exit number and directions to the track when the date is set.

rsnell · #12 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 07:25 AM

The guys are correct. Atlanta Dragway (owned by the NHRA) is either exit 147 or exit 149 off I-85. The are plenty of restuarants, gas stations etc. so fell free to hed this way when we get a date set.

By the way, we sell 105 octane VP Race fuel here at the track for about $5.00 a gallon, but it will make a difference!

Come out and match race your buddies in their Cobras and someone will go home with Bragging Rights (and a trophy).

Ron

Cracker · #13 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 08:08 AM

Tony/Ron:

An issue in the past at drag strips were Cobra's that went too fast (under 13 sec.) our cars are not up to par with full roll cage, battery disconnect, etc. etc.

Is there any way we can have an agreed set of regulations that our "Cobra's" need meet without turning our car into a ProStreet dragger? For instance, my battery is in the trunk and I don't have an external cut-off swith for it and niether do I want to punch a hole through my body for one - What can be done. It also defeats the purpose of dragging if I intentially limit my runs to over 13 seconds.

Not trying to be a party pooper but just would like to know how this will be addressed. Thanks for your time and can't wait to go down the track!

GeorgiaSnake · #14 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 08:51 AM

It also defeats the purpose of dragging if I intentially limit my runs to over 13 seconds.

Cracker the optimist. Cracker is that with or without fluids

Count me in if it is as John Owen request - a fun event. Here is your chance Chill

Randy

rsnell · #15 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 08:53 AM

Ok gang, here are the NHRA rules for the type of ET and speeds you guys would run.

All racers must wear long pants and shoes.
13.99 and quicker - Helmets must be worn, seat belts.
11.99 and quicker - 5 pt. harness and roll bar
9.99 and quicker - full NHRA chassis approval, full roll cage.

Hope that helps. The fun of driving the track with out a helmet will me holding down to above 13.99. But if you're serious and want to see what the car will do, please bring a helmet......

Ron

GeorgiaSnake · #16 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 08:59 AM

Cracker, based on the formula Ron posted you can run in your underwear and baseball cap. John Owen may need a parachute

This sounds like a blast from the past. I bet the crowd will love it, I know I will.

Randy

Cracker · #17 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 09:02 AM

At least I'm true to form - almost always positive! Randy - just-in-case you need one you can borrow my helmet.

Since glass half full would contradict my MO I'm definitely running full fluids.

Since were now looking forward to this I say we have a friendly comp between BB/SB cars (it was only a matter of time) with the best runs totaled and averaged. Loser's buys dinner. Game anyone?

Tony Radford · #18 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 12:04 PM

Somebody needs to convince Bill or Lewis to bring one of those big block boat anchors off the show room floor up to Commerce and blow the pipes out.

BB427 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 12:11 PM

Take all of the precautions you can guys. Don't cheat the rules and make sure you have good equipment. Cobra kit cars are not 140 mph drag cars. A good drag car has more bars in front of the firewall than most Cobras are built with. I dont mean to start a fight.

Be careful!!

Tony Radford · #20 (**permalink**) 10-03-2003, 01:06 PM

BB, are you implying that rocket-powered egg shells don't make good dragsters?