GATEWAY'S PERFORMANCE SO FAR

[moonbeam]

I am not here to either promote or slam the "other" track in town, but what is you old timers view on how Gateway is being operated?

I have been out for several of the TnT events, and it seems that there are a lot of delays. Is this normal or to be expected in drag racing?

Be nice!!!!!

[sg3526]

They are having some growing pains right now. I think the biggest issue is the lack of communication by the management. The delays are pretty much par for the course with any track their size. Oil downs and tech seem to be the biggest issues but like I said everyone there is new and they will hopefully get the hang of it.

[davestradtmann]

Let's be happy that we have a place to race like sg3526 said its going to take time for thing to run smooth.

[slingshot383]

And they are dealing with some operating changes forced upon them from the local governments. One being the new way you have to enter the track to stop the traffic jams on Route 203.

[sg3526]

The new entrance doesn't really bother me as much as it does to sit there for an hour past the time the gates were scheduled to open.

[moonbeam]

That is my biggest beef too. I try to get there early so that I can get some quick runs in before the masses come.

One of the workers told me that the contract security group was having a hard time with people not showing up on time.

[sg3526]

Yeah I kind of saw that too. No one was there to work the gate and have you sign the waiver's.

[hemiman4262003]

i run there every weekend,yea its not like the old gateway,yea new faces,yea people who never worked at a dragstrip or bracket racing,but there coming around,i like the place and enjoy it,i see lots of crying from other people,im happy to have a local track back,and other people should be happy too

[dennismopar73]

Everyone should be! like any puzzle all the pieces has to be there, , fit,, before it is complete,
biggest piece is the RACERS, , if they don't show, it will be a short life for sure .

[davestradtmann]

People need to stop crying like little babeis . Show up and race and enjoy it things will come around have fun and support the sport of drag racing.

[slingshot383]

Well, high horsepower cars still have issues getting hooked up. Actually they need to spray less and drag the track more than what they have been to keep heat and bite in the track surface. They were a little quicker on clean-ups, so maybe they are starting to gel as a team a little bit.

[dennismopar73]

They say they are changing the type of traction compound , so that should help that issue!
Some things should start to get better as they roll along.
Hoping that the information and answer get better,seams right now that they go with the wind, they need to set standards, set payout week to week instead of trying to mail it out!
Also the need of getting someone to take pictures of the racers cars, and winners pics, and trophies need to be top prioroity the racers need to feel like they are appreciated there !
but I'm sure Pats table pretty full just getting this in motion, but still it's his ship to run , and the need to get it worked out sooner rather that later is best for all!!

[sg3526]

I think they are following NHRA's lead. Several years ago NHRA changed their payout system and now rather than you going to the NHRA trailer to get your money they mail it to you. Sucks in some aspects but in others it's a good thing thing. One less worry you have to deal with.

[crossbonesdennis]

The payouts are mailed because it's handled by an outside accountant. When they are able to do more in house, they might be handed out at the events.

[slingshot383]

There is supposed to be a meeting with track management this week before Wed. TNT about track prep and operations. Hopefully positive results will come from it. These guys are trying, they just need training in real world conditions on what works best and most efficiently.