Gainseville question(s).

#31 01-03-2007, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Sullivan

One word of advice, however - get there early. Since there's only one main road into the track, things can back up if you try to sleep in.

If you can find somebody who knows "the back way in," use it on Saturday and Sunday - it's longer, but quicker.

Heck yes,,,the back way is the only way to go Friday thru Sunday. You'll think you're going off into Deliverence land, but trust me,,,,,you'll be gald you made the trip. You'll be back at your motel while most people are still a mile from the track.

If I am not mistaken, they force some cars to the right when the days events are over with...that's the back way folks. Use it coming to the track in the morning and you won't be disappointed

#32 01-03-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Richerson

Yes sir....the one near the airport. There was 3 in Gainsville. The one by the airport, the one on 13th and one on Archer out by I-75.
Do you remember back in the late 70's KB had one of his Chelsa Strret Pubs in the Gainesville Mall?

I lived up the road from you in Brandon from 72 to 95. We have probably seen each other...maybe even raced against each other at Bradenton, Sunshine, Lakeland, Twin City, Tampa Dragway, or even Orlando.

I don't recall the Chelsea Street Pub, but many years ago I ate in one of those in a mall somewhere. My memory is not what it used to be.

I raced at Bradenton and Sunshine regulary in the 80's and early 90's, so our paths have certainly crossed.

Brandon area continues to grow.

#33 01-03-2007, 10:40 PM

Thanks for all the replies guy, I really appreciate it.

#34 01-04-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Hammon

Brandon area continues to grow.

Indeed it does - my wife and I got out of there just as they were widening Providence in 1999 and moved to Plant City. It looked like Brandon was fixing to implode on itself. This was when that area behind Lowe's was a field with cows.

Anyway, back on topic and a few questions from an NHRA-Major-Event-Noob

If I go on Friday, what time would be good to arrive?
Is the Manufacturer's Midway open on Friday?
Can anyone give me directions to "the back way"?

#35 01-04-2007, 11:05 PM

I'm not sure what the back way is, but I go U.S.301 to SR 225.

Mfgr's midway is open on Friday.

I try to arrive as early as possible,I'm usually there by 7am.

#36 01-05-2007, 03:29 AM

Will hopefully make it back this year, missed last years race. Love it out in gnv, great track, and always an awesome race!

#37 01-05-2007, 09:41 AM

Well a slight change in plans, and I'm very excited

We're going Sunday instead of Friday. I just ordered the tickets, got Pit Side, Section A, Row 32, seats 1 & 2

I can't wait!

#38 01-05-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Patterson

If I go on Friday, what time would be good to arrive?
Is the Manufacturer's Midway open on Friday?
Can anyone give me directions to "the back way"?

Dave, the best answer to that is get there as early as you can. I typically drive up on Friday morning from Orlando and don't get there until 10:00-10:30am which is not as early as I would like, but then again I can't make myself get up at 4:00 or 5:00am to get there when the gates open.

I've never used the "back way" although it sounds like it is the quicker way in once you get close to the track. Looking on a map, I would say it would mean you would want to find your way North to NW 156th Ave which turns into NE 156th Ave and as you are driving East on that road, you would turn South on NE 39th St. which is what Gainseville Raceway is on. I just might have to try this route this year.

My typical route from Orlando has been to get off I-75 at the last Gainesville exit, which is NW 39th Ave and I take that East (approx 10 miles) all the way to Waldo Rd. (SR 24) and then go North on Waldo Rd. past the first turn off to get on NE 39th street and instead go further North about 1-2 miles and turn left at NE 77th Ave which is also known as Fairbanks St. and you are then heading West about 1/2 mile to NE 39th St. and this dumps you out at the Gainesville Raceway Campgrounds. Turn Right onto NE 39th St. and you are about 1-2 miles South of the track and usually I get into the parking lot (on the Right) in less than 10 min. Google Maps (or any map program) can show you all the streets quite well. Yes, the Manufacturer's Midway is open on Friday. Good day to go as it saves you some bucks to get in and is not as crowded as Sat. or Sun. and still get to see two Pro Qualifying sessions. Have a great time and maybe we will see you there.

#39 01-05-2007, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt Leinenkugel

Dave, the best answer to that is get there as early as you can. I typically drive up on Friday morning from Orlando and don't get there until 10:00-10:30am which is not as early as I would like, but then again I can't make myself get up at 4:00 or 5:00am to get there when the gates open.

I've never used the "back way" although it sounds like it is the quicker way in once you get close to the track. Looking on a map, I would say it would mean you would want to find your way North to NW 156th Ave which turns into NE 156th Ave and as you are driving East on that road, you would turn South on NE 39th St. which is what Gainseville Raceway is on. I just might have to try this route this year.

My typical route from Orlando has been to get off I-75 at the last Gainesville exit, which is NW 39th Ave and I take that East (approx 10 miles) all the way to Waldo Rd. (SR 24) and then go North on Waldo Rd. past the first turn off to get on NE 39th street and instead go further North about 1-2 miles and turn left at NE 77th Ave which is also known as Fairbanks St. and you are then heading West about 1/2 mile to NE 39th St. and this dumps you out at the Gainesville Raceway Campgrounds. Turn Right onto NE 39th St. and you are about 1-2 miles South of the track and usually I get into the parking lot (on the Right) in less than 10 min. Google Maps (or any map program) can show you all the streets quite well. Yes, the Manufacturer's Midway is open on Friday. Good day to go as it saves you some bucks to get in and is not as crowded as Sat. or Sun. and still get to see two Pro Qualifying sessions. Have a great time and maybe we will see you there.

Thanks Kurt, I appreciate the info. A hotel at this stage in the game is out of the question, at least one that's less than $300/night

We'll be staying with my in-laws in Old Town (Dixie County) the night before so we'll be heading due east from there early Sunday morning. I'll put your directions to use once we get closer to the track. Thanks again!

#40 01-05-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Patterson

Can anyone give me directions to "the back way"?

Here is a link to the G-Ville Raceway web site with the directions.

Gainesville Raceway: Locator Map and Driving Directions

The "back way" directions are the first ones described -- "Traveling South on I-75..." The directions sound confusing, but are not when you are on the road, plus there are directional signs along the way to help.

I am not sure if going this way makes a lot of difference on Friday, but on Saturday and Sunday this is the only way to go, especially if you arrive by 8:30-9:00 or so. You will be parked near the tower and the beer and food in your cooler will be a short walk from the pits.

#41 01-05-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Patterson

A hotel at this stage in the game is out of the question, at least one that's less than $300/night

The "back way" exit off the interstate is in Alachua. You might be able to find a motel around there, even at this late date.

#42 01-06-2007, 07:27 AM

If you are driving up 24 by the airport the traffic backs up where everyone takes a left to get on 225 near the gas station. Stay in the the right lane to pass it. There is a left hand turn (NE 55 Pl) right afterward, maybe a 1/4 mile, how fitting

. You then take a right on to 225. You still have to drive up 225, but there is a little less aggravation in it.

Seems to me they could relieve a lot of the traffic by reconfiguring that whole 225, 232, 24 intersection. All they would have to do is put more pavement down to allow you to go directly from 225 to 24. As it is now when exiting from the track you have to take that left then that right, that what slows eveything up. Make it a straight shot to 24.

#43 01-08-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Vail

If you are driving up 24 by the airport the traffic backs up where everyone takes a left to get on 225 near the gas station. Stay in the the right lane to pass it. There is a left hand turn (NE 55 Pl) right afterward, maybe a 1/4 mile, how fitting

. You then take a right on to 225. You still have to drive up 225, but there is a little less aggravation in it.

Seems to me they could relieve a lot of the traffic by reconfiguring that whole 225, 232, 24 intersection. All they would have to do is put more pavement down to allow you to go directly from 225 to 24. As it is now when exiting from the track you have to take that left then that right, that what slows eveything up. Make it a straight shot to 24.

Jim, that's the same route I take as it takes you right by the Gainesville Zoo err...Campground. Turn Right on that corner, and you are 1-2 miles from the entrance to the track.

I agree with you about straightening out that intersection of 225,232, and 24 as all they need to do is extend 225 a couple hundred feet and it would merge right onto 24 and they could re-direct 232 or make it dead end into 225and people could either turn Right or Left and then figure out what they wanted to do in connecting to 24. That is a messed up intersection as it is and I avoid it.

GO GATORS...and I mean the football team tonight!

#44 01-09-2007, 10:20 AM

BTW, I just ordered my tickets for Sat and Sun. Section A pit side and rows 35 and 37.

#45 01-09-2007, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuel Davidowicz

BTW, I just ordered my tickets for Sat and Sun. Section A pit side and rows 35 and 37.

I'm sec A all 3 days on the Isle rows 22-23

Gainseville question(s).

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