Gainesville approaches - questions from a noob

#16 02-26-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuel Davidowicz

Oh, speaking of Gainseville, how is that Japanese restaurant that's located next to the motel 6?

I always stay at the Motel 6 on Archer, the Ale House is just a block down the road. That's where all the Racers hang out.

#17 02-26-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Williams

I only go to one NHRA nat’l event a year, but Gainesville is it and I’ve been going for twenty years now.

One last thing—if you get a chance check out the Don Garlits Museum in Ocala. It’s right off of I-75 and is pretty awesome.

Hope this was helpful. My first post—woohooo!

Chris,

Welcome aboard and GREAT 1st post! Stick around and enjoy the banter.

I appreciate you adding your slant on things in regards to when to get to the track. I have been going to Gainesville for about 16 years now, and for the last 5-10 have only gone on Fridays. I plan to go Sat/Sun this year and am glad to know that things are pretty ugly traffic-wise unless you get there real early so I plan to do just that. Will probably leave Orlando on Sat. morning around 5:00am based on what I'm hearing from most of you. Still may not be early enough, but dang, I don't do well on lack of sleep and how is sleep possible the night before an event like this? I've not had problems getting to or into the track on Friday's even arriving as late as 10:00am, but I know Saturdays and Sundays are the big days for attendance, but Fridays aren't slow either!

I suspect that a Mater Meeting is going to get planned soon, and Joe Sherwood just might be the guy to pester about that.

Looks like it is about time to get that rolling, although we've got 3 weeks to iron those things out. Hope I can make a meeting this year.

#18 02-26-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Williams

I only go to one NHRA nat’l event a year, but Gainesville is it and I’ve been going for twenty years now. Here are a few little tidbits I’ve gleaned over the years.

Get there EARLY—we like to arrive at the track no later than 7:00. Not much will be happening then but that’s okay—you just avoided the Mother Of All Traffic Jams. We normally cook some sausage and eggs on the mini-stove and read the newspaper. This also leaves some time to purchase loot and roam the pits.

During the race, if you like to get the full “blast effect” by standing at the track-side fence, go over to the Spectator side of the track. I’m pretty sure the fence is actually closer to the track on that side and the crowd is not quite as large as it is on the Pit side.

Check the weather forecast carefully before you go—that part of Florida can be a mixed bag in March. I’ve gotten sunburned a few times but also dang near froze one year because I didn’t think to bring a jacket. Plus, the Gatornationals and the “R word” have been closely associated in the past, so have the proper gear ready. Knock on wood…

If you drink water during the day, either bring it in with you or buy it. The water that comes out of the water fountains at Gainesville Raceway is some of the nastiest, foulest-smelling stuff there is.

Don’t be in a huge hurry to leave right after the final round because the MOATJ, Part II will be under way. One thing that usually happens after the final round (I don’t know if other places do this or not) is that you can walk the track and take pictures—a lot of people like to do that. Plus, you can roam the pits with a much smaller crowd. It’s true—as one of the earlier posters mentioned—that many of the teams are long gone, but some will still be there and the atmosphere is a lot less hectic. In the past, a lot of the teams have stayed to test on the Monday after the race.

When you get back to your car, break out the grill and cook some sausages and have a beer. By the time the coals are ready, the sausages get cooked, and you finish eating them, the MOATJ II will be cleared out and you can leave at a normal pace.

One last thing—if you get a chance check out the Don Garlits Museum in Ocala. It’s right off of I-75 and is pretty awesome.

Hope this was helpful. My first post—woohooo!

Great first post Chris. You are pretty much spot on. I hit ever Gator race from 1973 through 1995...from 1975 until 1990 was there Thursday thru Sunday....and Mondays too,,,,,when there was a Sunday rainout or two. 91 to 95 just there on Saturdays and Sundays.

Get there early..avoid traffic at all cost...was our motto..Heck I remember long a$$ lines filing into the parking lot when first round (TF, FC, PS) was almost over.

Make sure you eat at Sonny's BBQ.

#19 02-27-2007, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuel Davidowicz

Oh, speaking of Gainseville, how is that Japanese restaurant that's located next to the motel 6?

I know there was a Japanese restaurant on the main drag, close to the Super 8 we stayed at when my buddy and I went to Gville in `99. We went there after Fri. qualifying and the place was packed. Had to sit in the bar to eat, but got to talk with Bazemore and Etchells who were sitting next to us. Pretty good saki and sushi if I remember correctly.
Oh yeah, pretty good topless club right next door too!

#20 02-27-2007, 05:17 PM

I have been going to Gainesville for the last 14 years and may have some tips for you. We stay at the Traveler's campground which is about 30 min. away. we get there on Thursday and stay for TNT on Monday. We try to get to the track by 5:30 to 6:00 Friday thru Sunday. I believe the parking lot opens at 6 We usually get pretty close to the side gates. I usually have about 20 to 30 cars to be signed so I'm used to the pit crowds. If your at the ropes its usually who can fight their way through he crowds but at the driver's souviner trailor there is a line that is formed. I like fighting my way up to the ropes, I seem to have better luck there. Be sure to stick around after eliminations. The fans can go to the winner's circle. Last year my husband won the powerade chugging contest and got 2 VIP passes to winner's circle. I actually got some pics taken with Capps and he gave me his hat and signed it for me. It is worth staying for. Hope you enjoy your 1st Gatornationals and be sure to come to the mater meeting.

#21 02-27-2007, 06:11 PM

Another thing that's kind of fun for the fans Dave is to stick around for the winners circle. You get to see all the winning drivers, including the sportsman. Enjoy. It's a real spectacle.

#22 02-27-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Schoen

I know there was a Japanese restaurant on the main drag, close to the Super 8 we stayed at when my buddy and I went to Gville in `99. We went there after Fri. qualifying and the place was packed. Had to sit in the bar to eat, but got to talk with Bazemore and Etchells who were sitting next to us. Pretty good saki and sushi if I remember correctly.
Oh yeah, pretty good topless club right next door too!

On Archer right? If I remember correctly that's the one, thanks.

#23 02-27-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samuel Davidowicz

On Archer right? If I remember correctly that's the one, thanks.

I`ve only been to Gville once, but if Archers the main road thru town, then that`s the place I was at.

#24 02-28-2007, 03:26 PM

In my experience, coming down County Road from the north is an easier approach, if you can get round to the north side. I do try to get there early though.

Gainesville approaches - questions from a noob

Gainesville approaches - questions from a noob

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