Race or Show?

Race or Show?

  • Total voters
    119
driller

driller

El Presidente
Staff member
Should the 'Blue Flame' going to the World Ford Challenge in St. Louis, May 18-21, race or show? If race, what class? Or should the '93 Mark VIII just sit it out in the Auto Show Spectacular?

It's been a fretful decision. At first I was just going to the event as a show car participant. However, several have been encouraging me to enter the drag race competition. I thoroughly enjoy drag racing the Mark, but honestly feel outclassed.

But a bracket race levels out the competition. Afterall, I could get lucky. Or I could red-light my way out of the eliminations. Bracket races are Saturday and Sunday with the ability to enter one or both. The big prize is $1000(each day). The ET-3 class is an all-run field, ET handicapped eliminator (dial in) using a Sportsman-Tree (.500), for vehicles running 13.00 and slower. http://www.worldfordchallenge.com/class.phtml?c=bracket

Some have suggested I race in the Modular Street class. An all-run field, Open Comp format, handicapped, Pro-Tree (.500) start for Ford-bodied cars with 4.6L and 5.4L Modular engines. Drivers will make three qualifying passes. The quickest ET from the qualifying runs will be a racer's competition index throughout eliminations. A one-tenth breakout (1/10th) allowance is permitted in each round. http://www.worldfordchallenge.com/class.phtml?c=modstreet

The Mustang & Fords / Mustang Monthly Auto Show Spectacular is divided into four main categories, Stock, Modified, Super Modified, and Special Interest. I would be in the modified category of course. We will have our own section for '93-'98 Mark VIIIs and plan to represent our club and cars the best we can. As you may know, the Lincolns of Distinction is an official "Ford Club" sponsor of the Auto Show. Each of the 70 judged classes will present trophies to the First, Second, and Third Places. In addition, awards will be given to Best of Show, Best Engine Compartment, Best Paint, and Best Interior. http://www.worldfordchallenge.com/autoshow-classes.phtml

So I humbly ask my fellow club members.

Show?
http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/carlisle2005/small/100_0962.JPG http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/bashinthegrass05/small/100_1139.JPG http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/mamn12summerblast4/small/100_1544.JPG
Or race?

Race?
http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/2006racing/small/100_1912.jpg http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/lincolnracing2/small/mini-100_0447.JPG http://photos.imageevent.com/driller/atthetrack/small/mini-100_0298.JPG
Or show?

Help me decide. :)
 
RE: Race or Show?

RRRRRRace! haha But you knew i would pick that anyways if i was able to go. Judging from seeing all your reaction times and consistency of your car. I'd go race in the brackets if i were you. Beats shining up the car and sitting in a lawnchair anyday. But then again, if there are hotties there it makes it difficult to talk to them if your grinding gears. lol Heck, do a little of both and get someone to take pics or jpeg videos for those of us that can't make it all way out there.

1995 DK Blue Lincoln Mark VIII
1998 DK Blue Chevrolet 1500 P/U
2004 BLACK/Silver HONDA CBR 600RR
 
RE: Race or Show?

JP, I'd love to have you show with us. I think people would drool over your car. But... considering your love of racing, and that you will be showing at Carlisle, I'd vote for you to race. :-(

I didn't vote, cause I'm not sure which category for racing would be best (maybe see what category STPro will be racing in)?

And if the racing days are too long for Mrs. Driller, since you're staying at the same hotel she can always get rides with us.
 
RE: Race or Show?

I voted race :) Would be good to have a Mark out there showing for us. Would be even greater if you could take away a win :)
 
RE: Race or Show?

I appreciate the replies. As far as racing in the brackets, that was my first choice. I even figured I could do both the Auto Show and a little racing if I choose to. I could Test and Tune some Thursday, be on the showfield Friday and race Saturday and/or Sunday.

I'm confident of the car running consistent. On a good day I can cut decent lights and put down 0.0xx reaction times. My worst fear is picking a dial-in, especially with only one or two time trials. I seem to need 3 or 4 runs to really get a feel for what the driver and car is doing. Besides, it seems most times in the past that I've bracket raced, I've broke out at the end setting a new best ET! As far as the Modular Street Class, I'm not really familiar with the race format and especially the Pro Tree as opposed to the typical Sportsman Tree.

Work and wax? Sitting in a lawnchair? LOL.

I almost have anxiety attacks before races and the same at car shows. I get all stressed out trying to get to the track on time with plenty of time to empty the car, change tires, go through tech, etc... and at car shows it's the same. I stress out getting there early, signing in, unloading the cooler, chairs, tent and all detailing, polishing, etc... LOL

Trixie, I'm sure Mrs. Driller will accept a ride anytime, especially if it involves a casino! I think she enjoys seeing me race but she doesn't necessarily like watching others race all day. I guess I maybe should've included another choice in the poll: Race whatever class you want.

I appreciate the opinions and comments. Keep them coming. ;)
 
RE: Race or Show?

The Car Show goes on every time you park the car,even in the pits. Its only ok to put your foot down on the track. So that's where I would be.
Keith
93 BLACK
93 MAROON
Only use the brakes to stop and get gas.
 
RE: Race or Show?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
The Car Show goes on every time you park the car,even in the pits. Its only ok to put your foot down on the track. So that's where I would be.[/div]

I had to read that about a half-dozen times before I finally got it. ;)
 
RE: Race or Show?

wow...you sure have a tough decision to make.

here's how I decide things like that:

screw "which class do I have the best shot of winning?' attitude(for me)...because Judges are people, but they are also the Jury...they deliberate, and decide as a group on who wisn what over who...and quite frankly, even the original Tasca Mark might not have a chance...it's up to the judges, their taste, and their mood...not to mention how 'good" they are at being unbiased. I have been judging car shows for years, and there have been times I have almost quit because a couple guys liked so-and-so's 55 Chevy better, because "they're part of a club that brings in many entries which supports our charity". crap that! It's a CAR SHOW, not a "who supports us the most" or "who are we going to let buy a trophy"....at least in racing, YOU decide who wins. Your performance behind the wheel is who decides your fate.

what is more fun for you? sitting there answering a million questions about what you have done to the car? Polishing off every little gnat that lands on your chrome grill brow while you notice a spec of grease down in the intake that you forgot about and hope the judges didnt see it while you were off buying yet another warm $4.00 beer in a 8 oz plastic cup(which is all foam anyway, and is probably watered-down lite beer)

you have to decide what is more important to you...another trophy to clean, or $1000 in racer's purse to help off-set the expense of your kid's trip to California to pick-up your new 96? But no matter what, you MUST enter the race(if yo so decide) with the attitude that you WILL bring home the money. otherwise, if you came to lose, sign up for the car show, where all but 3 LOSE in your class.

I think you know my answer. I am a racer. I judge car shows. I can stop you from winning any car show, but I cannot stop you from winning any race unless I pay the entry fee, and line up with you...and even then, I cannot beat you, if you beat me....


whatever you decide JP...good luck. remember this though...as far as which class to race in(if you so decide)...can you leave on a .500 PRO tree? That's where all 3 ambers glow at once(like a .400 pro-tree) but for 5/10ths of a second....no count-down...just STAGE-GLOW-GREEN

you might have to stage a little deeper if your R/T's are sleepy pal...can you adjust accordingly? I dont know about you, but most "no box" racers leave before they see the last yellow(in a 13 second car)...which means, on the .500 tree, you'll get clobbered.

Go with what you know. go with what you've been practicing....go with the good ol' fashioned .500 multi-amber class...dial it in, and bring home the money...this is what you have been working for....and whatever you do...DONT RED LIGHT!

The trick to the "1/10th margin" and using your fastest ET from your 3 passes is this.....do NOT run it all the way out....period...in any of the 3 passes...just back off the throttle at about 1200 feet, and hold the rpms there. do the exact same thing on all 3 passes. that way,m you have a "cush"...it's called sand-bagging...and guess what? they ALL do it. That's the only problem with that form of handicap racing...the guy who runs it all the way out on all 3 passes will most likely go out by second round because he got "fender raced" by someone who sand bags....and no, it aint cheating, if no one gets caught...trust me, you'll see.

Again, only if you decide to race ;)

Then again, I wouldnt run the .500 pro tree anyway.
 
RE: Race or Show?

Hmmm, Craig, I think you're a little biased. }(

No warm beers for us! We have coolers. :7
 
RE: Race or Show?

Well, between BlackIceLSC's discourse and the poll results, it appears that the Bracket Challenge it shall be. ;)

Can I leave on a 0.500 PRO tree? Ummm, no. I was caught unexpectedly once on a PRO tree once and my RT was 0.534. :eek:

Do I have the attitude to win? Oh yeah, I believe I can win anytime I stage at the lights. Have I made mistakes and lost? Of course, but with each one, I recognized my failure and learned from the experience.

MY weakest link in the past has been the dial-in. Or so I believe. The question to answer is will I be able to predict what my car will run without a handful of practice runs? Sure, I hope to get in a couple runs or more on Test and Tune Thursday, but what does that tell me for Saturday and/or Sunday if I don't get a chance of time trials before the brackets begin?

The event rules say:
"There will be two separate bracket races for ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3. One on Saturday and the other on Sunday. There also will be a minimum of one time trial on Friday and open test and tune on Thursday. Additional time runs will be permitted if time allows."

Will that be enough to tell me what I can dial-in? I'm not sure, I guess we'll have to see. But in my favor is the car I'm driving. Consistent. Predictable. Repeatable. Confident. Once the car and I are 'in the groove', it's tough for the opponent to play 'catch the Lincoln'. ;)

One sure benefit of the bracket race is the down-time opportunity to be on the showfield with the rest of our clan! :D
 
RE: Race or Show?

I thought you said you get 3 qualifying runs, then your quickest run is your dial-in, with a 1/10th margin? Or was that just for the pro-.500 tree class?

either way, I have yet to enter a drag race where at least 1 time run wasnt possible, let alone more...

just remember...you can always slow down at the top end alot easier than speeding up....learn where your car's front tire is by creeping up in the staging lanes next to your competitor...then get out, and look at where your front tire is...as soon as your front tire is one full tire size ahead of his, get back in, glance over at a fixed spot on your car, or his, and line them up(i.e. your side mirror and his antenna, or whatever)....this is where you want to be at the stripe...either back in to him if you're ahead, or dump him if he's ahead.

The key to bracket racing voctory is clearly stated in the rules...

"whoever gets their first, without breaking out"...

also, remember this...the finish line beams are 4" off the ground...your car sits low...if you think you are ahead of him, but arent sure...hit the brakes hard enough to drop the front end in the lights...this will allow your front bumper to trip the beam instead of your front tire...it's called "dumping"...

I have all sorts of tricks for you, if you have an open mind, and want to win. My email is at your disposal JP.
 
RE: Race or Show?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I thought you said you get 3 qualifying runs, then your quickest run is your dial-in, with a 1/10th margin? Or was that just for the pro-.500 tree class?

[/div]

I think the three qualifying runs are just for the Modular class, but Maybe I'm confused. I'll have to recheck the rule-book at home.

According to the WFC website, the brackets are just what I quoted previously; T&T Thursday with at least one time trial Friday, with separate bracket races on Saturday and Sunday for all 3 ET classes. It says nothing of time trials for the bracket races on Saturday or on Sunday. So my fear is if I only get to T&T a couple runs on Thursday, one time trial Friday, on what basis do I pick for a dial-in for Saturday and/or Sunday? Geesh, I'll have to bring my laptop and garner weather data to be able to calculate the density altitude and prognosticate my ET.
 
RE: Race or Show?

Honestly, unless they are getting 300 cars in the "MODULAR" class, they better give time runs to the other classes...otherwise, they might only get 10 entrants.

can you email them to ask? I just have yet to see a drag event of this size that only allows one class to get time runs, while the others just pick a random number as a dial-in. especially since the Mod class gets the 1/10th margin.

EDIT: I just went back and looked again at the ET-3 bracket(13.00-slower), and I understand your concern...but keep in mind...the playing field is even...if you dont get a time run, neither does anyone else in the class. it would suck, but that's what "seat time" is for...dial light, and nail the brakes on your first run, if you get no time trials...in other words, if you run 13.50-13.60, dial a 13.65, and when you get up top, you should be ahead of the guy...back in to him and take the stripe...hopefully the win light comes on, you get your time slip, and use your logged runs to determine what it "would have' run...it sucks to run like that, but they might leave you no choice...hopefully, if you get lucky, your competition will red light first round, and you'll get a time run! Just remember, you can use a brake pedal to slow down, but there isnt a second gas pedal to speed up!
 
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