[mgarblik]

I just got my Smoke Signals magazine today for March 2022. One of the feature pages had a large picture of the Wilhite's two great full size Pontiacs wheels up at the drag strip. The race will be at Tulsa Raceway Park. You don't need to be a drag race fan to appreciate this is a great move and a much needed one to bring a largely ignored group of fans back to the National Convention. I don't know how many years it's been since drag racing was offered, but it has been a number of years. There is no denying racing and performance make up a substantial portion of the memberships cars and interests. To me, it's all about options, having lots of different things to do at a convention is the only way to sustain it IMO. This race will likely be very small, starting at 4:00 PM and eliminations at 7:00 PM. So nothing like the three full days of racing at Norwark. But something is better than nothing. What are your thoughts?

[1965gp]

I think that is great news- the racing adds excitement snd like you said it brings in more people. I think that the Mopar Nationals have it figured out- hold the show, race and swap meet all at the same place.

[PAUL K]

Agree with Mike's thoughts. I wish more folks would be interested in running their Poncho down the drag strip. Last time the POCI (atleast I'm pretty sure it was the POCI) was in Illinois that race/drag strip day was poorly advertised. I recall Big Dave Anderson saying "we will never bother hauling cars to this event". He / they were very displeased with something in regards to the promotion of the race.

I recall having a great time at the POCI race at Cordova in 1996. Each year after that the Pontiac racing events around Illinois seemed to dwindle.

[The Champ]

I got roped into co-chairing the event at Rock Falls Raceway for the 2001 event because I lived 20 miles from the strip and knew the roads to get there from Treasure Island Casino where the show was.. I thought it compared quite well to the event at Cordova in 1996.

In '96, I didn't participate because my GTO was my only transportation to and from the event, but in 2001 I made several passes to experience drag racing for my first time. I figured if I broke something, I could afford a 20 mile tow...

[camerjeff]

That is Good News, I miss Dave Anderson

[77 TRASHCAN]

Date of event is July 12-16. Hard Rock Hotel, Catoosa, Oklahoma (Tulsa area)

Even though I only spectate, drag racing is something I enjoy, especially Pontiac's. I only go to Pontiac events, these days, Great Bend being only event near me. We used to have an event in Tulsa, very few attended it, it shut sown 6-7 years ago.

If you have not been to Tulsa in a long time, it was completely renovated 10-12 years ago, track surface and pits. concession food is good.

I'd like to think Arnie will be there. One of his daughters lives in Oklahoma City area...

I plan to be there!!!

Anyone else???

[ramairhart]

We will be attending and racing

['ol Pinion head]

Plan on being at Tulsa early (mid week), have family commitment Friday & Sat.

77, made it to Great Bend last Sept, it was hot, would say the racer turnout was fair... didn't see any Texas tags in the pits, thought that odd. Not near the amt of KS & MO racers I remember from the early 00's.

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

Plan on being at Tulsa early (mid week), have family commitment Friday & Sat.

77, made it to Great Bend last Sept, it was hot, would say the racer turnout was fair... didn't see any Texas tags in the pits, thought that odd. Not near the amt of KS & MO racers I remember from the early 00's.

I was there. Attendance was much better in 2020, Arnie was there in 2020, It in 2021 though. Someone oiled the track down, big time. It shut down Racing for 2-3 hours. Didn’t bother me I got to talk toTom and Sharon Wilhite for quite a bit, and others. Met Jay S. From Nebraska, he’s been a wealth of knowledge, from his experiences with Pontiac engines ( not an internet cut and paster,)the turn out of vendors last year was a zero, had a lot the year before. They likely didn’t sell much in 2020, due to the continued lack of folks attending...

[Old Goat Racer]

POCI at Bowling Green had drag racing. 2015 ?

[gtohurstjudge]

POCI always has a drag race event if there is a track available
near where the convention is held. The track in Tulsa is a very nice facility
that was recently renovated.

[ramairhart]

OGR
Yes there was drag racing at BG

[455firebird1969]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I just got my Smoke Signals magazine today for March 2022. One of the feature pages had a large picture of the Wilhite's two great full size Pontiacs wheels up at the drag strip. The race will be at Tulsa Raceway Park. You don't need to be a drag race fan to appreciate this is a great move and a much needed one to bring a largely ignored group of fans back to the National Convention. I don't know how many years it's been since drag racing was offered, but it has been a number of years. There is no denying racing and performance make up a substantial portion of the memberships cars and interests. To me, it's all about options, having lots of different things to do at a convention is the only way to sustain it IMO. This race will likely be very small, starting at 4:00 PM and eliminations at 7:00 PM. So nothing like the three full days of racing at Norwark. But something is better than nothing. What are your thoughts?

When they canned Don, they lost me.