Question about Drag Week "camping"...

[cjshaker]

I was wondering, during Drag Week, does Hot Rod open the track the night before for anyone who may just want to stay at the track or camp there until the next days events? Or is it strictly a hotel/motel stay? My Son and I are pretty adept at survival outside of the "civilized world", so we were considering just camping at night and saving the $400+.

[AlanCasida]

I know of a few folks who have camped all week but not sure they were able to stay at every track. I think it's more up to the track itself than Hot Rod. You might want to post this question on Bang Shift's Drag Week forum for a more informed answer.

 http://www.bangshift.com/forum/forum/bangshift/unofficial-hot-rod-drag-week-board

[cjshaker]

Thanks for that link, Alan. Not much of a forum guy except for us nutty FE guys, but I'll spend some time on that one to try to pick up a few pointers.

[thatdarncat]

I'll second that it's a good idea to follow the Bang Shift Drag Week forum. The forum will be fairly slow during the summer, and pick up more the closer it gets to the start of Drag Week. But it's interesting to see what people are working on, and there is a thread going there right now on advice for things to bring along, for example. It's also a good place to check after Drag Week for pictures and stories.   Like Alan said, I'm sure if you post the question there you will get some answers. I mostly just lurk there, but I have seen people comment in the past on camping, you won't be the only one.

I wish you nothing but smooth travels on Drag Week, but it's not unusual for competitors to only briefly get to sample their motel room bed. I've been following Mopar Billy & his family's exploits and those guys barely make it to the motel sometimes before the continental breakfast is being put out. So your idea of just camping isn't a bad one.

[Qikbbstang]

Doug, does your 69 R-code Mach 1 have the fold-down rear seat? ............   
   If you're roughing-it/camping there could be an occasional time or two (rain) that it could beat a tent big time. Fold-downs will add weight vs fixed seat, though leaving it down w/o seat cushions adds great stowage.

[TomP]

I think there were more than a dozen who camped at the tracks each time I've been. We were usually there very early and there would be guys still asleep in the tents at each track.

[cjshaker]

Thanks for that bit of info, Tom. The couple of times I went, I didn't get there early enough to see. I went ahead and made reservations in case of bad rain but will keep an eye out on weather and just cancel each day ahead of time if the weather looks decent. If I take my backpack I can set up 'camp' in about 10 minutes. Takes me about another 5 minutes to make a good hot meal.

And thanks for the well wishes, Kevin. My Son and I are really looking forward to this, even if I don't stand a chance.

[turbohunter]

And thanks for the well wishes, Kevin. My Son and I are really looking forward to this, even if I don't stand a chance.

Prolly be one of the best (if not most tiring) weeks of your life.