Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: justinp61]
#1359078
12/28/12 06:50 PM
12/28/12 06:50 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,958 Oakdale CT
gdonovan
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I have ran the 1/4 several times and honestly once you pass the 1/8 it's boring until you have drive the stripe.
I have had several races that were decided on the back half of the track.
Nothing like a high speed duel on the top end of the track to get the blood pumping ;-)
Put me in the 1/4 mile or nothing club, 1000 foot might be ok but there isn't any around here to give it a try.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: justinp61]
#1359079
12/28/12 08:00 PM
12/28/12 08:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md
383man
Too Many Posts
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Balt. Md
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I don't understand all the hate for the 1/8, to me it's simple. If you don't like it sell your stuff and take up golf. But would you play 9 or 18? You said it as I feel the same way about the 1/4 mile..............if you dont like the 1/4 sell all your stuff and go watch Nascar or golf. Ron
Last edited by 383man; 12/28/12 08:00 PM.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: Triple Threat]
#1359080
12/28/12 09:11 PM
12/28/12 09:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,786 Portage,michigan
B3422W5
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Quickly reading through this thread, you can see a very clear split between the type of people who enjoy one vs the other or both.
One thing I noticed, those guys who I would consider more serious racers, guys who race a lot, like both 1/8th and 1/4. Those guys on here who race a couple times a year, or who are in it for the "go fast" mentality, are the only ones saying its 1/4 or nothing. Yes I understand there are exceptions to this...
You can probably guess which side I fall on.
I posted earlier, and don't/ didn't fall into the " loves 1/4 mile but races seldom camp" The years I race, I race all the time
I think where you are from has more to do with what you prefer than how often you race. In the South, the greatest majority of tracks are 1/8 mile, so that is all many in those areas have ever done. Myself, living in Michigan, all the tracks around here(US131, Milan, Stanton, Osceola) have all always been 1/4 mile. So I think a lot of it has to do with tracks you were weaned on.
69 Dart GTS A4 Silver All steel, flat factory hood, 3360race weight 418 BPE factory replacement headed stroker, 565 lift solid cam, footbrake street/strip car Best so far, 10.32 1/4 1.41 best 60 foot 6.56 at 104.17
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: THE GLASS MAN]
#1359081
12/28/12 09:46 PM
12/28/12 09:46 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,410 Belpre,Ohio
CHAPPER
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Belpre,Ohio
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We had a track in Heath , Ohio which is 15 minutes away from National Trail Raceway, which was a 1000 foot track and the shut down was a hill and you could coast to your pit area. It was called 'Hyde Park Drag Strip". If you like rowing 5&6 speeds we also have a 1 mile track here in Willmington, Ohio for your speed runs.
I don't remember the track being 1000'. I thought it was 1/4 mile. Maybe that's why I liked that place so well.
Hyde Park was 1000' until about 1965 and then they built a 1/4 mile track that went across the 1000' at an angle at that time. Track closed in about 1971. That was the first track that I raced on and that was 1967. Been racing Mopars ever since.
I raced there first in EARLY spring of '68. Had to be in March. There was snow in places in the pits. I've told this tale before, but I LOVE it! I had just bought a new Roadrunner in December of '67. This was my first 'sanctioned' race. I won F/SA & F/PSA the same day!! I have been hooked on Mopars and drag racing ever since. So maybe my car was faster there if it was a 1/4 mile at that time. I raced there '68 &'69 with the RR. I don't remember ever having my '62 Savoy there..but,,lots of things I don't remember anymore.
If you like drag racing, support your local track.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: 383man]
#1359084
12/28/12 11:12 PM
12/28/12 11:12 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,702 W. Kentucky
justinp61
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I don't understand all the hate for the 1/8, to me it's simple. If you don't like it sell your stuff and take up golf. But would you play 9 or 18?
You said it as I feel the same way about the 1/4 mile..............if you dont like the 1/4 sell all your stuff and go watch Nascar or golf. Ron
Ron, I like the 1/4 fine and my car will run it. To me as a driver the 1/8 is more exciting.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: justinp61]
#1359085
12/29/12 12:00 AM
12/29/12 12:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,421 Balt. Md
383man
Too Many Posts
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Balt. Md
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Quote:
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I don't understand all the hate for the 1/8, to me it's simple. If you don't like it sell your stuff and take up golf. But would you play 9 or 18?
You said it as I feel the same way about the 1/4 mile..............if you dont like the 1/4 sell all your stuff and go watch Nascar or golf. Ron
Ron, I like the 1/4 fine and my car will run it. To me as a driver the 1/8 is more exciting.
By all means if we had no 1/4 I would run the 1/8 as I love drag racing to much to give up and play golf. Ron
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: kissmyaspen]
#1359086
12/29/12 03:21 AM
12/29/12 03:21 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,247 Mt. Vernon, Ohio
dartman366
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I didn't grow up racing the 1/4 mile, in fact I didn't make my first pass down a drag strip until I was in my 40s. The closest track to me that runs the 1/4 is Bowling Green and even they don't run it in their regular bracket program. I have ran the 1/4 several times and honestly once you pass the 1/8 it's boring until you have drive the stripe. In the 1/8 it all happens so fast there isn't much time to think about the stripe, even in a mid 6 second car. IMO guys that are GOOD 1/8 mile racers make VERY good 1/4 mile racers. The tree is the same but driving the stripe sure comes up in a hurry.
I don't understand all the hate for the 1/8, to me it's simple. If you don't like it sell your stuff and take up golf. But would you play 9 or 18?
I'm happy I have places to race, I read a lot of posts about tracks closing down.
100%
Golf!?!? No way!!,,I would race shopping carts across a wal-mart parking lot before I took up golf. I have to agree that what you grew up around has a big impact on a persons prefference, my first time down a drag strip was at National Trails, and I have been hooked on the 1/4 mile ever since,I have raced 1/8 mile ever since I moved to Mt.Vernon, but every once in a while I would stray off to a 1/4 mile track just to get that feeling back.
Light travels faster than the speed of sound,,,this is why some people seem bright untill you hear them speak.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: dartman366]
#1359087
12/29/12 03:29 AM
12/29/12 03:29 AM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,793 Mt.Gilead, Ohio
OhioMopar
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Posts: 8,793
Mt.Gilead, Ohio
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I didn't grow up racing the 1/4 mile, in fact I didn't make my first pass down a drag strip until I was in my 40s. The closest track to me that runs the 1/4 is Bowling Green and even they don't run it in their regular bracket program. I have ran the 1/4 several times and honestly once you pass the 1/8 it's boring until you have drive the stripe. In the 1/8 it all happens so fast there isn't much time to think about the stripe, even in a mid 6 second car. IMO guys that are GOOD 1/8 mile racers make VERY good 1/4 mile racers. The tree is the same but driving the stripe sure comes up in a hurry.
I don't understand all the hate for the 1/8, to me it's simple. If you don't like it sell your stuff and take up golf. But would you play 9 or 18?
I'm happy I have places to race, I read a lot of posts about tracks closing down.
100%
Golf!?!? No way!!,,I would race shopping carts across a wal-mart parking lot before I took up golf. I have to agree that what you grew up around has a big impact on a persons prefference, my first time down a drag strip was at National Trails, and I have been hooked on the 1/4 mile ever since,I have raced 1/8 mile ever since I moved to Mt.Vernon, but every once in a while I would stray off to a 1/4 mile track just to get that feeling back.
My first pass was down Pacemakers in a '72 or '73 Cuda. 400/Hemi 4-speed. It was enough to get me hooked. But the reap fun started when I went down Trails 1/4 mile. I would have to say I have probably made the same amount of passes on each(not many) but with the 1/4, I know what times I am chasing. When I say my stock Challenger ran high 13's, people can say that is respectable. But if I tell them the car would turn high 8's in the 1/8, they don't know if that is good or not. Sometimes I don't, either!
1969 Dart GTS 340 1969 Coronet R/T X9 N-96 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T RC 2015 Dodge Dart GT 2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: OhioMopar]
#1359088
12/29/12 07:04 PM
12/29/12 07:04 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,475 SW Ohio
cgall
top fuel
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Posts: 2,475
SW Ohio
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Years ago, I used to run local S/P with an 11.50 footbrake car, and I did win a number of races. Since then, I have seen lobbying from the RED guys for 1/8th mile, crosstalk, across the line burnouts, onboard computers, and ETC. Every one of these changes gave them another advantage. Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate. I have no fear of running a 7.20 dragster in S/P with my 10.30 door car on a 1/4 mile. On 1/8th mile, it burns my rear end to look over at a dragster and see the driver with his head straight forward and running dead on to my .01 over. Yes, he probably treed me, too, but the 1/8th took away my ability to play a little on the top end. Only a few of these new breed of drivers play the top end at all, they dial in with a weather station, let go of the button, drive it all out, then look at the numbers on the slip.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: cgall]
#1359089
12/31/12 02:33 AM
12/31/12 02:33 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,165 Central Ohio, USA
Bigbeep
super stock
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Central Ohio, USA
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Years ago, I used to run local S/P with an 11.50 footbrake car, and I did win a number of races. Since then, I have seen lobbying from the RED guys for 1/8th mile, crosstalk, across the line burnouts, onboard computers, and ETC. Every one of these changes gave them another advantage. Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate. I have no fear of running a 7.20 dragster in S/P with my 10.30 door car on a 1/4 mile. On 1/8th mile, it burns my rear end to look over at a dragster and see the driver with his head straight forward and running dead on to my .01 over. Yes, he probably treed me, too, but the 1/8th took away my ability to play a little on the top end. Only a few of these new breed of drivers play the top end at all, they dial in with a weather station, let go of the button, drive it all out, then look at the numbers on the slip.
Wow, thats just the opposite as what I have seen at Norwalk. There are alot of guys that play the stripe. Some will spray to get by you then back into you as they approach the stripe. I think it takes some of the advantages away from a RED. Of course you better have your act together either way! My opinion, lets race. 660 or 1320, the car will run either. Its just a bracket car and everybody knows they are boring and anyone can do it! Beep
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: Bigbeep]
#1359090
12/31/12 01:10 PM
12/31/12 01:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,247 Mt. Vernon, Ohio
dartman366
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Years ago, I used to run local S/P with an 11.50 footbrake car, and I did win a number of races. Since then, I have seen lobbying from the RED guys for 1/8th mile, crosstalk, across the line burnouts, onboard computers, and ETC. Every one of these changes gave them another advantage. Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate. I have no fear of running a 7.20 dragster in S/P with my 10.30 door car on a 1/4 mile. On 1/8th mile, it burns my rear end to look over at a dragster and see the driver with his head straight forward and running dead on to my .01 over. Yes, he probably treed me, too, but the 1/8th took away my ability to play a little on the top end. Only a few of these new breed of drivers play the top end at all, they dial in with a weather station, let go of the button, drive it all out, then look at the numbers on the slip.
Wow, thats just the opposite as what I have seen at Norwalk. There are alot of guys that play the stripe. Some will spray to get by you then back into you as they approach the stripe. I think it takes some of the advantages away from a RED. Of course you better have your act together either way! My opinion, lets race. 660 or 1320, the car will run either. Its just a bracket car and everybody knows they are boring and anyone can do it! Beep
Point well taken John, can't wait for opening day.
Light travels faster than the speed of sound,,,this is why some people seem bright untill you hear them speak.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: Bigbeep]
#1359091
12/31/12 01:15 PM
12/31/12 01:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,763 Walton's Mountain, Pa
Steve1118
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Posts: 2,763
Walton's Mountain, Pa
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I don't know, maybe some of it's generational. I've always considered myself a serious racer (I've been doing this since 1969); and 1/8 mile doesn't appeal to me at all.
I've been to tracks where they have decided to run 1/8th on a quartermile track, and will generally load up and go home. I just don't like it.
It doesn't speed the program up, at all, as far as I see. To me it is just something to cater to the "we race for blood" scienced out bracket guys that do this for an entirely different reason than motivates me.
And, no, I wouldn't sell anything and buy golf clubs.
"Old age and treachery trumps youth and enthusiasm, every time!" East Central Director / Chrysler Power Magazine www.reasbeckracing.webs.com
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: cgall]
#1359092
12/31/12 05:04 PM
12/31/12 05:04 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 11,702 W. Kentucky
justinp61
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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W. Kentucky
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Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate.
I'd say it's about 60/40 door cars to engines on a stick around here in SP, but they have the same electronics as the diggers do. The diggers are hard to beat bracket racing because they are so consistent, no matter if it's 1/8 or 1/4.
My local tracks run a pro class for cars without dleay boxes but still can have trans brakes and air/electric shifters. I run foot brake or no e class.
All we have is 1/8 mile racing unless Bowling Green is running a special event, so we race the 1/8.
BTW I hate golf too .
Good luck this year guys no matter what you race and be safe .
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: Bigbeep]
#1359093
01/01/13 07:13 PM
01/01/13 07:13 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,413 Newark,Ohio
kissmyaspen
pro stock
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,413
Newark,Ohio
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Years ago, I used to run local S/P with an 11.50 footbrake car, and I did win a number of races. Since then, I have seen lobbying from the RED guys for 1/8th mile, crosstalk, across the line burnouts, onboard computers, and ETC. Every one of these changes gave them another advantage. Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate. I have no fear of running a 7.20 dragster in S/P with my 10.30 door car on a 1/4 mile. On 1/8th mile, it burns my rear end to look over at a dragster and see the driver with his head straight forward and running dead on to my .01 over. Yes, he probably treed me, too, but the 1/8th took away my ability to play a little on the top end. Only a few of these new breed of drivers play the top end at all, they dial in with a weather station, let go of the button, drive it all out, then look at the numbers on the slip.
Wow, thats just the opposite as what I have seen at Norwalk. There are alot of guys that play the stripe. Some will spray to get by you then back into you as they approach the stripe. I think it takes some of the advantages away from a RED. Of course you better have your act together either way! My opinion, lets race. 660 or 1320, the car will run either. Its just a bracket car and everybody knows they are boring and anyone can do it! Beep
I agree beep... Many people still play the strip.. I love setting at the finish line and watching... Much better at big money races.. Guys praying and dumping... I'll race at any distance they want.. I have talk to many loca racers and they all like the idea of trails running 1/8 mile.
79 Dodge Aspen 12.265 at 109.75 MPH
67 Satellite NSS/E 11.83 @ 110
1968 Plymouth Road Runner 472 Hemi
3 time MOPAR NATIONALS CHAMP '03 FWD and '06 & '09 Street. '07, '10, '12 Mopar Nats runner-up Street.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: kissmyaspen]
#1359094
01/01/13 09:37 PM
01/01/13 09:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,247 Mt. Vernon, Ohio
dartman366
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I Live Here
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Quote:
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Quote:
Years ago, I used to run local S/P with an 11.50 footbrake car, and I did win a number of races. Since then, I have seen lobbying from the RED guys for 1/8th mile, crosstalk, across the line burnouts, onboard computers, and ETC. Every one of these changes gave them another advantage. Now you see few door cars in S/P, many tracks have taken to running dragster and door car seperate for a few rounds to compensate. I have no fear of running a 7.20 dragster in S/P with my 10.30 door car on a 1/4 mile. On 1/8th mile, it burns my rear end to look over at a dragster and see the driver with his head straight forward and running dead on to my .01 over. Yes, he probably treed me, too, but the 1/8th took away my ability to play a little on the top end. Only a few of these new breed of drivers play the top end at all, they dial in with a weather station, let go of the button, drive it all out, then look at the numbers on the slip.
Wow, thats just the opposite as what I have seen at Norwalk. There are alot of guys that play the stripe. Some will spray to get by you then back into you as they approach the stripe. I think it takes some of the advantages away from a RED. Of course you better have your act together either way! My opinion, lets race. 660 or 1320, the car will run either. Its just a bracket car and everybody knows they are boring and anyone can do it! Beep
I agree beep... Many people still play the strip.. I love setting at the finish line and watching... Much better at big money races.. Guys praying and dumping... I'll race at any distance they want.. I have talk to many loca racers and they all like the idea of trails running 1/8 mile.
I have only heard of S/pro changing what about the pro class is that class changing also?
Light travels faster than the speed of sound,,,this is why some people seem bright untill you hear them speak.
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Re: another track switches to 1/8 mile
[Re: kissmyaspen]
#1359096
01/13/13 10:35 PM
01/13/13 10:35 PM
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 63 Silver Springs, Florida
Charrlie_S
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 63
Silver Springs, Florida
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Any one ever think, the tracks are switching to 1/8 mile, for insurance reasons? Slow the cars down, and reduce risk. Personally, I was raised in the east with 1/4 mile racing. Didn't think I would like 1/8 mile. Moved to Florida, and did 1/8 mile, and 1/4 mile. Guess what? I have just as much fun, and win about the same number of rounds, either way. Just be glad you have a track to race at, with so many closing.
PS: Try 500 ft sometime. Straightaway of a circle track.
Last edited by Charrlie_S; 01/13/13 10:39 PM.
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