Racing at Daytona! - Lateral-g Forums

**bret** · #1 05-28-2014, 10:03 AM

Just got back from the SURREAL experience of racing at Daytona this past weekend. we'll get pictures and more info up over the next few days.

I've been doing events professionally since 1987...NHRA...Super Chevy...NSRA...Goodguys...and many others. They are ALL well run. NONE OF THEM ARE AS WELL RUN AS USCA.

Preparation...professionalism..scheduling...solid, common sense rules...on-time execution of the schedule...I do not take these things for granted...I admire the amount of discipline it takes to pull this off. If I sound like a fanboy its because I proudly am. That is why I bring my cars and our sponsorship dollars to this series of events. Their customers leave happy...and tired

Over the last 27 years I've done over 1,000 events. This Daytona event has already made its way into my top 3.

My Daytona highlights in no particular order:

* The sheer enormity of the facility [and I've even been there before]
* Being on the 40 degree banking for the first time [during the lead follow laps]
* coming off the banking for the first time at speed [and getting pulled 3 ft towards the wall]
* watching Danny Popp come out of Turn 4 at 175 mph
* HEARING Danny Popp come out of Turn 4 at 7400 rpm
* seeing the roof of our 62 Impala NASCAR come thru Turn 4
* peeing in the same place as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt
* bring home the same amount of cars that I took [4]
* the badass food that Albert Melchior grilled for all of us
* witnessing the absolute wonderful time that EVERYONE had at Daytona.

Next year there will be a lottery to see who gets to come.

I'll take 4 tickets please.

**Sieg** · #2 05-28-2014, 11:31 AM

Well said Bret!

#7 on the Highlights List..........priceless.

**fleetus macmullitz** · #3 05-28-2014, 12:14 PM

Great write-up as usual Bret.

**Steve Chryssos** · #4 05-28-2014, 03:07 PM

It was a big time for sure. I'll add ----> The following is really important ----> that the USCA welcomes participants of all skill levels. Their marketing might imply that USCA events are hardcore all-out competitions, when the truth is that everyone is welcome including novice enthusiasts.

I personally had this impression myself since in prior years, events had catchy names like Face-Off. I don't want you to remove my face. That name is long gone and while there is in fact a competition going on at USCA events, you need not participate at that level. Instead, you can enter as a novice, work on your driving with the help of a FREE instructor and enjoy the competition when not behind the wheel. To me, that's the best of both worlds.

I have driven Daytona as a competitor in a ChumpCar Race two years ago. Despite that experience, I still chose to enter the novice class. Lucky me, I pretty much had the track to myself. With a fresh engine under the hood, it was a great chance to shakedown my car. Can you imagine how much it would cost to rent THE Daytona International Speedway for two days of testing? Plus an instructor? Plus Albert's exemplary grilling?

The biggest concern was that Daytona would wear my car out -- especially since it was so hot. The USCA eliminated that concern by adding in temporary chicanes to limit speeds and increase safety. It worked.

... The entire experience costs far less than the price of a pair of billet hood hinges. Spectator, novice, or competitor, get yourself -- and your hot rod -- to the next USCA event and be sure to attend next year's Daytona event. Add it to the very top of your bucket list. It's THAT good.
Thanks,
Steevo

coolwelder62 · #5 05-28-2014, 05:03 PM

I'm planning MY 2015 year around the Daytona Event.Congrat's to all who attended.W/O the great sponor's,these event's could never happen.So folk's when buying your part's think about who is putting money back into the Hobby.

65_LS1_T56 · #6 05-28-2014, 05:37 PM

<--- Me, still, 4 days later!

slenning · #7 05-28-2014, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolwelder62

I'm planning MY 2015 year around the Daytona Event.Congrat's to all who attended.W/O the great sponor's,these event's could never happen.So folk's when buying your part's think about who is putting money back into the Hobby.

X2 Scott

I'll stop in Kansas on the way through and have a little convoy!!