Ocala Problem?
 

We just heard a rumor that USAC is not happy with the new track configuration at Ocala. The problem (supposedly) is that that added banking, but did not raise the wall. I was told I might have made a mistake in buying my plane tickets already?

Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

I hope they run there. that place seemed pretty fast last year. no fence between 1 and 2 looked like it could be a concern to me.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Dick, did you here this from a good source? I looked at the Bubba Raceway Park website. They had pictures of the track. It looked wider and like it was flat on the top 10 to 12 feet.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

From my last visit at Bubba Raceway Park in October (Top Gun Series race) - No, track is not wider, and is not flat at the top of the turns. Progressive banking was constructed by adding dirt, but the walls in the turns are the problem area. The walls in October were - "temporary steel guardrails" - as best as I can describe them. I saw a full size stock car take down part of the wall from a moderate impact, leaving a section of steel sticking out from the wall at a right angle - not safe at all. Here are my photos from that day -

Turns 1 & 2:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...Rich/002-6.jpg


http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...Rich/003-5.jpg

Turns 3 & 4:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...Rich/026-2.jpg


Also, notice in this last photo, at the far left, at turn 4 exit, wall is very low, and is directly in front of a grandstand.

I believe that if the track owner built new permanent concrete walls for the entire radius of both turns, then it would be "problem solved."

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

I was at my track today so when I left I went by there and yes they have added ALOT more banking from when USAC was there last year and as of a few weeks ago added even more to where is is supposedly 18* of banking and with only the 2 guard rails....the concrete wall is covered up...But if there is a concerned I sure Mr. Clem will address it but there is only 3 weeks to do it....It is WAY FASTER then last year!!!!!!!

---------- Post added at 9:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 8:45 PM ----------

...HERE ARE A FEW PICS...
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/679ca41d.jpg

Front Stretch
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/315c95e0.jpg

Looking from 3 across 4
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/3dcb2dcd.jpg

Back Stretch exit 2
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/c0f74289.jpg

Middle of 1&2
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/ee75cea4.jpg

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/07e78331.jpg


Entrance into 1
http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/...w/894d5687.jpg

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Surely there is a cheaper quicker alternative to new concrete....could some strategically placed Jersey Barriers help elevate the wall where needed?

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Isn't the Jersey Barriers the problem they're concerned about at THAT ?

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Noticed a problem, the 1st photo shows a cable w/ the fence, the cable should be on the other side of the fence. That way the post helps support the cable if a car hits it spreading the load among the other post too:10:

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

No Cable on the Back stretch at all...had one tear it down this summer but still no cables????:7: but there is time for improvement

Has anyone ever been to brownstown or Bloomington. There are no fences,walls,or barriers.it doesn't matter big or small. U race according to the track. Stay away from the edge.

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Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Ocala pictures say a thousand words. The walls are not very high, the fences are not very strong. We attended the Florida non-wing show in October. One car went through the back stretch fence, two cars in a double flip tore down the fence in front of the little hot dog stand on the front stretch, then during the late model feature, one late model got on top of the steel guard rail on the back stretch and caught the blunt end of the steel guard rail sticking out and tore the bottom out of his car. It was so bad that he had to hire a roll back to get it home, couldn't get it in the t railer. If this track were in New Jersey, there would be no racing at all until the problems were fixed. If you do go, just beware of where you sit! I will probably go myself if USAC is there or some type of non-winged sprints.
Falconeddie:22::22:

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

When the banking was added did they also add the old fence and guard rail? It appears that there are several open ended guard rails that are a safety issue? Also, with the cable behind the fence polls, the fence gives way, the poll does not move with the fencing, thus, causing the vehicle to contact a stationary poll? Why would you add old open ended guardrail and fencing issues, or, were they overlooked last year? :14:

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Wasn;t Terre Haute just a double guard rail like forever before they put in the present wall ? How many times did USAC race there with that set up ? Yes I know a bunch of cars went out of the ball park but that didn't stop them from racing there did it Not looking to agrue am just saying

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Jim at THAT there was not trees 10ft. from the track and entering 3 the hi-way is less then 50 ft....just saying and notice the I-beams stick up above the the guard rails.....Bubba should take care of this before race day though....the track itself will be very very fast!!!! he also has made and is making many other changes!!!

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

I was not going to jump into this, but I can't let a completely untrue statement go with no response. There are trees in turns 1/2 at THAT and I would guess some are less than 10 feet. Not only that, but there are times when cars are parked right outside the turn, again perhaps less than 10 feet. I remember the announcer in one of the races in 2010 (I think), announcing that there was good news and bad news after someone went out of the track. The good news was that the driver was OK. The bad news for the driver of the Buick which was parked outside of Turn 1....... Needless to say, that got a hearty round of laugher. Also, during the county fair, the fair is set up outside of turn 1/2 and it appears to be a lot less than 50 feet. You can see most of the rides from the grandstand or infield. Rides = people walking around.

I choose not to express an opinion on the safety of Ocala because I don't know, but I would like for us to make sure that we are considering facts, not erroneous statements. If my perception of the distance any of these things are from the outside wall, please let me know.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

i like the new banking. did they change the shape of the track since clem has taken over? haven't been there in twenty years and thought i remembered trees outside 1-2 kinda close??

This is coming from a racer I dont know if any of you or all of you are racers or fans that are commenting on this problem, but from a racers view we know going to any track there are dangers and we all know the risks that's part of racing. I've seen many cars go out of THAT and cars land in woods at paragon and LPS to me this is no different.. The gaurd rails are a bit of a scare and maybe they will put some kind of barrier up like at THAT or something. But I say let's us race if someone thinks it's not safe to race they probably won't go that's their choice.


Logan

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Re: Ocala Problem?
 

they changed 3 and 4 and made it wider since last year also. the car that went out of the track during the top gun non-wing show had the fence post go thru the side of the body and hit the braided fuel line which kinked, but stopped it from going any further (thank god) and taking out the driver's ankle

If only USAC was always this safety conscious. They used to run on tracks with ruts deeper than the radius of the wheels on the car, at tracks with posts for rails, and at Langhorne. Not to mention the whole cageless "thing"! They used to treat deaths as an inconvenience to completing the show!
On the other hand, just let the racers race!

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Re: Ocala Problem?
 

I would think comming up with the proper required insurance might be hard.

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The track looks as dangerous as any sprint car track that I've seen in the last several years. Only a slight curb left of the concrete wall, armco guard rails that are bad enough but the support posts look to extend past the top of the rails. I really hope that the safety of the racers can be improved over the present situation. I would hate to loose the USAC Winter Series but would really hate to have a racer seriously injured

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Just spoke to a reliable source who said everything should be in order by the USAC dates.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

High walls are bad for sprint cars, just ask shane hmiel. THAT was safer with guard rails. Most of the time these days they don't get hurt if they just flip without hitting anything. Leaving the track is fine as long as there isn't anything solid to hit on the other side. Check out the Mellenberndt flip from PA.on you tube. He returned to run his back up car that night. The only issue I see is the I beams sticking up above the guard rails. They should be cut off flush with the top. Racing has always been dangerous. Drivers don't care. They are waiting in line and begging to run those cars.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Please explain further. What is being done?

Thanx.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

I will be down at Marion County Speedway doing some work tomorrow and BRP is just 2 miles up the road...I will take pics and give everyone an update....I'm sure Bubba is taking care of ANY concerns USAC or any other organization needs taking care of.....just come on down and enjoy this 80* weather we are having...stay and extra week and see the midgets/lightning/mico's race at MCS wing and non-wing

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Thanks - I'm a Floridian, so I can't "come on down" - as I'm already here :6: !

I'll be at BRP for the USAC & also ASCC shows in Feb.

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C'mon Brent now YOU are using the "reliable source" thing??

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So am I Max....Ocala is 2 hrs south for me

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The guy didn't want to be quoted. Said there is a plan, and everything would work out. It is not like the promoter dosen't have a little cash. Just trying to calm the rumor mill, until someone knows something for sure.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

is the place safe or not?? 980 miles to get there ....and not race?

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

they will race and take care of any problems from usac. he has been promoting this race and his whole month of speedweek race's for some time.the money is there to get anything taking care of that usac want's. and last year's races were fantastic.more banking and wider turn 3-4 will just add more excitement to the show's

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Was not able to go down today cause of rain, so well go tomorrow to work on the track and will swing by there...here is a quote from a very reliable source from the track yesterday

"I stopped by the track earlier today. Lot's of people working on different things when I was there. The track looks like it's been widened considerably all the way around. I didn't actually walk around it to see if the banking was changed but it looks similar to what it was. It depends on whether they widened the shelf on top. Actually the racing surface looks great. They have more to do on the walls. They are working on some things for the spectators. The playground has been removed and there are forms for concrete to be poured. I believe there will be some sort of concession in that location and the playground will be moved to the turn 4 area. Still a lot of work to be done in the next two weeks. BTY, there are pictures on the BRP web site showing the track work."

AGAIN...BUBBA is from Warsaw, Ind. and knows how USAC is and WILL GET IT FIXED!!!!!

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Reply to papa outlaw:
Thank you for stopping and looking at the track. Pictures on bubba's raceway park website same as on iow. Doesn't look like any change to the guardrails. The blunt end is still on the backstretch where the late model got tore up. That is the same place where the non-winged sprint car went through the fence. I will try and make it to the bullring for some of the non winged shows. Only live about 60 miles away. Thanks again.
Falconeddie

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

im saving money and staying home.....16 hrs and 800 in gas...and unsafe conditions dont sound like a place to be

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

why don't you call the track yourself and ask them, your gonna miss a great show if it's anything like last year.everybody on here is giving you our opinion's . from previous dealing's with the track (we race there) anytime there has been any issues and it was brought to there attention they took care of it and they have owned it only one full season .hell i drive to indiana to watch races and get rained out:3:

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

Stopped by there today and spoke to track workers...things will be done...meet and elderly couple from Salem Ind. that is on here (IOW) also and gave this website address to the track management....The track is wider 15' or so,,,little more banking...took all the tires out from the corners and made a new concrete victory....nothing else done to the walls from last year.....I will not give my opinion on the safety other then I have seen worse...these races will go on and they will be better then last year with the new clay and the ability to get down into 3 alot better....have pics on my phone and will post as soon as I can get them off...Wayne Davis

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

USAC issued a press release this morning promoting a pre-race party. Sounds like they plan to be there.

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

The posts on the guard rail? Did they water them for a year so they would grow or did they overlook them last year? Same question for the blunt-end guard rail? Cable on the wrong side of the fence? Have to think that someone must have made all these changes since last year?:14:

Re: Ocala Problem?
 

it was not there last year...guard rail was put up after Bubba the love sponge aka Todd Clem bought the track in May...he added a lot more clay to the track and only a foot of the wall was left