Bret Kepner
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2004
Here are a few notes on what’s happening at Gateway at the moment.
The construction of the massive new NHRA-mandated sand trap/safety net system is underway. The new sand trap extends roughly sixty feet to the south over the old asphalt and the eastern retaining wall has been cut back accordingly. New and much taller walls have been poured past the new last turnoff and the nets/fencing beyond the sand trap will be huge, (as at other NHRA National Event facilities). Total cost: $40,000.
Installation of the new fiber-optic lines for the timing system has started. When CompULink finishes, GIR will have the most advanced FO wiring in the sport. This will allow GIR to run, as Drag Racing Manager Rich Schaefer put it, “even if lightning bolts are hitting the tower”. Bear in mind lightning strikes have wiped out over $80,000 worth of timing and scoreboard equipment over the past two years. Total cost: $30,000.
Since the long-range forecast for the March 21 IceBreaker season-opening test-and-tune event looks decent right now, those who wish to purchase spots for the Swap Meet, ($25), might want to contact Gateway at 618-482-2404 before next Saturday to reserve a space.
As a reminder, there will also be a Car Show during the IceBreaker for $15 entry with dash plaques awarded to the first one hundred entrants.
The construction of the massive new NHRA-mandated sand trap/safety net system is underway. The new sand trap extends roughly sixty feet to the south over the old asphalt and the eastern retaining wall has been cut back accordingly. New and much taller walls have been poured past the new last turnoff and the nets/fencing beyond the sand trap will be huge, (as at other NHRA National Event facilities). Total cost: $40,000.
Installation of the new fiber-optic lines for the timing system has started. When CompULink finishes, GIR will have the most advanced FO wiring in the sport. This will allow GIR to run, as Drag Racing Manager Rich Schaefer put it, “even if lightning bolts are hitting the tower”. Bear in mind lightning strikes have wiped out over $80,000 worth of timing and scoreboard equipment over the past two years. Total cost: $30,000.
Since the long-range forecast for the March 21 IceBreaker season-opening test-and-tune event looks decent right now, those who wish to purchase spots for the Swap Meet, ($25), might want to contact Gateway at 618-482-2404 before next Saturday to reserve a space.
As a reminder, there will also be a Car Show during the IceBreaker for $15 entry with dash plaques awarded to the first one hundred entrants.
