Horsepower nats

[ijames]

I had a great time just spectating for the week - really got me enthused about fixing my car and racing next year. Was sunny and clear most of the time and we all got some sunburn. Got to put faces to another dozen or so names of people I've "met" here online. The track staff was friendly and helpful. The hotels were pretty scattered, some much further away than people realized. I didn't count but my guess is near 100 race cars and maybe 300 people on Friday and a few more cars and 400+ total people on Saturday. I was surprised how many more people showed up just for Saturday. I'm not really sure if Wednesday is needed as a race day. Not many passes and mostly seemed to be people getting into the pits and unloading. Maybe just do that, and not even try to run that day? If I'm just spectating again next year I may save that vacation day and arrive for Thursday. I went to the BPG Nats the last two years in August in Salem, OH. Weather-wise this was similar to the first one, and much cooler than last year's sauna where it took two days just to get a tuneup modified enough to spool a turbo on the line. The BPG seemed to be maybe 10% turbo cars the first year and maybe 20% the second year, and my guess fewer than 6 sub-9 second turbo cars. Indy was maybe 60-70% turbo cars and about twice as many sub-9 sec turbo cars. I hate to see these competing, but I like the turbo cars (and the somewhat better weather) so I'll most likely keep going to Indy and not BPG (only have enough vacation for one) even if it is 600 miles instead of 350.

 

[donZ]

The event had a great turnout in my opnion for a first year event

 

[tedrgeorge]

I thought the event was great ! I drove 6 .5 hrs on Friday just to find out that days event was over ! The fellow @ the gate APOLOGIZED ! Not his fault ....Regardless , I was there @ 8:15 am Saturday and had the best time . I went with the intention of finding a car and met friendly and interesting people instead ! Count me as a satisfied spectator . Ted

 

[6GUN]

I had a great time! For a first time event, I thought the Buick HP Nat's went very well. I wouldn't be surprized to see this event double in size next year. Obviously, John Chamberlain & staff put alot of effort into trying to deal with problems we've seen at Buick events in the past. All considered, I think this event was a success.
As a sponsor, I really appreciated the constant ( like clockwork) sponsor announcements over the reasonably easy to hear PA.
Most people seemed to be enjoying themselves.
And sure, it was HOT !! But it was fun being with the "Buick" crowd once again. And racing at " INDY" was a COOL experience !

Also, for anyone in the Mississippi area, I'd highly recommend going to see Alan & Jason at National Dent Co. ( thedentclinic@aol.com ) to remove those dings & dents in your Buicks ( or other vehicles) They did an awesome job of removing some nasty dings & dents on my GN for a very reasonable price. They do exellent work and are " Buick Guys" . Thanks, guys !!

The " Tinman"

 

[kh440]

Overall I'd say not bad, especially for a first year event. Heat was brutal (though nothing you can do about that), and the vendor/swap meet area was lacking. However IRP is a great facility and the event was well organized.Too soon to say whether or not I'd drive the 1400 mile round trip again.