NCK planning Nov 24th at Sears Point raceway

Jim White · Joined: 21 Jul 2001 Posts: 994

As we get down to planning the schedule for the annual Thanksgiving Saturday race at Sears Point (aka Sonoma Raceway) We are looking for input concerning a practice only group. We ran it at Thunderhill with much success (see the current issue of Karter News).
At Buttonwillow it was very poorly entered and almost not worth using the track time for it. We are currently debating whether to offer it for November and are looking for thoughts on the matter.

Ray Chiappe · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:34 pm Post subject:

I would consider the shorter daylight that time of year. Just saying

Dean Martin · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 280

Can you explain a little more - what is a practice only group?
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DEAN MARTIN

Erik Maxfield · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:15 pm Post subject:

I am 50-50 on if I can attend at all.

My wife has a small parasite...er baby.... that is looking to make an appearance around then.

Depending on what happens.....
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Erik
The early bird gets the worm.....
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Kerry Matthews · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:56 pm Post subject:

I'm with Ray on this one... Days are pretty short that time of year.

Dean, for a reduced entry fee, you can do 'practice only' sessions. NCK will run several sessions during the day for this 'practice only' group. No races, just practice sessions. For those that don't want to run with a fast racing group.
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Larry Dobbs · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:57 am Post subject:

Unless we have more entries than last year, there would be time to have a set of practice sessions mixed in with the race sessions. This is the time for us to have nonmembers try out a big track (so that it is fun and they want to join the club afterwards). We need to try new things to get new members. NCK is doing a wonderful job managing race days so it won't be a problem. Let's tell our friends and get them on the track Smile

Bill Cox · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:07 pm Post subject:

As one of the fellows in the last race of the day, the amount of light is a problem. Has been an issue the last two years. Plus, flying up the hill to turn 2 with the low sun right in the eyes is dangerous.

I'm not in favor of a pratice-only group. However, I understand Larry's point.

Either way won't change if I'm coming to race at Sonoma.

See you all in November!
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Bill Cox
NCK Super Stock CR125 #36

Greg Lindahl · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 266

Limited practice session or none at all because of short daylight hours and limited time for all of us.

Larry Dobbs · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:22 pm Post subject:

I guess those poor guys in the last session practicing better wear some sun glasses Cool

Bill Cox · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:31 pm Post subject:

Interesting idea, Larry.

Last year I put on my dark face shield to help me see up the hill into the glaring sun. A few laps later, after the sun set behind the hills, it was difficult to see anywhere...because of the dark shield.

This time, I'll put some tape on my clear visor...below the visor strip...to help me see in the blinding sun. I may even put the extra tape on the tear off and remove the tear off after the sun dips.
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Bill Cox
NCK Super Stock CR125 #36

Kerry Matthews · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 3:54 pm Post subject:

I know.... NIGHT RACE!!! lol j/k!!!
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Danny Chew · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Posts: 36

Dude Kerry, I'm all for that night race!!! haha Very Happy

would be total fun.

But anyways practice-only sessions, I would recommend that they spend the majority of the time after all of the races. Their main goal is a feel for the kart on a big race circuit, without pushing...

Well I'm excited for Sonoma!
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blair nelson · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

Hey i was THERE for the NIGHT RACE (serious dark, like sitting-up-in-my-laydown dark) a few years back. I would recommend a few more lights on the back side of the course. Wink

There will be a group of Dyer Flyer Laydowns making the trip this year. Always a good time at Sears Point.

Chris Hegar · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 11:07 pm Post subject:

I'd run it after all racing/delays are done for the day.

Were in for this event, stock moto & open ICC.
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Greg Lindahl · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 266

Glad to have the Hegar group down and hope to have nice weather for you.