Why was PRP closed this weekend?

[somethingclever]

Am I the only one that couldn't figure out why they cancelled the WHOLE weekend because the weather was supposed to be poor on Sunday?

What does that have to do with Saturday???????? :(:(





Ok...that's enough smilies.

[u1arunit]

Just the normal PRP stuff. Nothing new..

[somethingclever]

Just the normal PRP stuff. Nothing new..

This saturday was the most absurd closing I have seen yet.

It reached an all-time low.


(and i'm bitter that I stayed up until 2:30 am the night before finishing up my car since they changed the forecast for saturday since Friday MORNING!) :D


The message on the phone went something like this:

"Well it rained yesterday and becuase our drying equipment is sub-par, we won't have the track dry in time for the noon racing. And, since it's supposed to rain tomorrow, we are just going to cancel today too!"

[wick]

HAHAHAHA Wasnt Saturday DRY????? No wonder that shithole is not going to make it. HAHAHHAHAHAHA I would rather sit at home and jack off than to waste 2 hours sitting in traffic for nothing. Not to mention the $30 for gas.

[yellowstang03]

lol it only takes me like twenty mintues to get there:p

[Killercanary]

Same old same old... yet I'm sure someone will come in here and actually defend them.


This weekend is the first autocross of the season and they race rain or shine, so you know where I'll be! LOL!

[phillysrt4]

Damn someone beat me to the "rain within a 1000 mile radius" excuse lol.

[somethingclever]

Saturday at Noon:

[molnartr]

Saturday at Noon:

There might have been some rain up in those clouds

[fin1]

I was surprised too. I got up that morning ready to head out to PRP since I saw the sun outside and street looked dry. I looked at that day's forcast and it looked good. I when to the PRP site and it indicated "rainded out". Hmm.. I thought that was odd. There was no explination. About 20 minutes later I get a PRP email that indicated the pits where not dry and that they were worried about mud & water being dragged on to the staging lanes and track.

[Balaska347]

I wasn't going to post because everyone knows everything and it is pointless to try and explain because everyone is biased anyway. But I don't care so I will do it anyway I'm a little bored.

I was the same way before all the way back when it was Keystone. When it would rain and they canceled I was pissed. Now that i deal with the track more I have a better idea of whats going on and why certain decisions get made. First of all your driveway and the road in front of your house has nothing to do with the track. Second the track is at the bottom of a hill so all the water runs off and lays on it at the 1000' maker. You can sit there all day with the dryer and it still just seeps up through the track. The pits are all mud and saturated from the rain friday night which was a lot. One time they tried racing anyway and the track got trashed and had to be scrubbed. Do you actually think that they enjoy closing!! Come on thats just retarded its a business and it still has expenses even if they are closed not making money. They pray all week so the millions they put in a business can sit there . Wait I have a better one they just cancel because they don't like the TNT guys that even better. I wish the only problem I had in my life was why the local dragstrip cancel I would be lucky.

No one said anything about them working over time to get 4 runs in on opening day. Everyone laughs and bets on how many runs they would get on opening day. Saying we would only get two. They are only having a gamblers race every 4 weeks but let me guess thats not good enough either. If I owned the track I would tell all the b***** to keep their junk at home and leave the ****hole for people who enjoy it.

[phillysrt4]

Im pretty bored too... :)

Come on thats just retarded its a business and it still has expenses even if they are closed not making money. They pray all week so the millions they put in a business can sit there .

1) They have a ton of racing events on their calendar that will make them money, and
2) They have scheduled make up days for test and tune built into their schedule.

Let's not make it sound like they're taking a big hit by cancelling or that one missed TnT will put them in the red for the year

Wait I have a better one they just cancel because they don't like the TNT guys

I agree that is silly. When they're the only local game in town why close when some people are so desperate to race or worried about breaking their car 2 hours from home they'll pay the entrance fee to get 2-3 runs.

When the announcer says in an annoyed derisive tone that "this is test and tune, you get what you get [no refunds]" even if its just one run (because a car broke and it took them forever to clean it up) its kind of hard to say they're overjoyed to have us come out.

I understand the point of what he said, but the *way* he said it left a lot to be desired.

No one said anything about them working over time to get 4 runs in on opening day.

which, had their season opened on time, NEVER would have happened, but when enough people are angry over a business decision you have to make concessions nomatter how much you dont want to.

When the public transit system in Philly went on strike for 2 months in the summer, people were pissed. Some people bought cars and a lot of people vowed they would never ride Septa again because they felt the strike revolved around the union being super-greedy. Then they went off strike and all transit was free for one week. People were suddenly no longer pissed and were taking public transit again. It helped set the tone to get people back to riding Septa.

IMO, staying late to get 4 runs in was the same thing- an attempt to set the tone of "this will be a new era in PRP" instead of same old same old so that people would come back.

Everyone laughs and bets on how many runs they would get on opening day. Saying we would only get two.

So you're upset that people were realistic based on what's happened in the past??

And besides, there weren't *any* runs on the (rescheduled) opening day- i think it rained in Texas somewhere and they had to re-reschedule


Perhaps I am overly cynical. Perhaps PRP is turning the page to a new chapter and the weather simply hasn't worked out to make the start of the year they way they want. Perhaps they truly want to make sure TnT is top notch and are putting their best foot forward this year to make it so. And if that really, TRULY does come to pass, I'll be the first to admit my cynicism was unwarranted.

[Balaska347]

Philly I enjoy conversing with you because you do make sense and you are empathetic when debating or what ever you want to call it lol. I agree with what you are saying. What I'm just trying to get across is that they are trying to improve on things. They are taking steps forward even if they are baby steps. Instead of talking s*** we should try and support the local track. There are a lot of things that I don't like about the track too but its what we have local. If it is good enough to hold a national event it can't be that bad for the TNT cars. Yes I hate the rocks like everyone else and I'm sure they will be gone someday but its what we have for now crying about isnt gonna make them disappear it will just give you high blood pressure.

As for the one run and not getting your money back I don't think that would ever happen now the least amount of runs you will ever get is two which would suck but I don't think you should get your money back. The employees still need paid and the insurance and electric. And yes the announcer can be an a-hole lol.

As for opening day or cancelling I don't care if it has been sunny for a week or if its raining in Texas when there are puddles of water coming up from the ground you can't race on the track. When someone wrecks the first thing they are going to do is b**** about the track. Right now the ground is saturated and if it rains enough the day before there is one spot on that track (left lane 1000') that will not dry. Take my word on this a good friend of mine, no relation to the Tedescos, was asked to come up the track saturday morning to decide whether they could open or not. He has two cars that need to be tested badly along with me and it killed him to decide that they couldn't open. All I'm trying to say is that its not always what people think.

I know I sound like a a-hole a lot on here. I don't have a problem with anyone even if we disagree. I'm here to get info and give it. If someone doesn't agree with me there's no hard feelings I would still help anyone out if they needed it.

[HidalgoGT]

WEll all bitching aside. If they know they have this spot at the 1000 ft mark which is probaly a natural spring. Why not fix it? Sure it would take some time and money. But, wouldn't the offset be well worth it? As, for the gravel even reclaim(rotameal) old ground up asphalt would be better then those large stones that hurt when you get hit by them. Been there done that. I havent raced or been there since my car has been gone which has been several years and it still sounds like the same old track. Must be hella small baby steps. I love the tracvk regardless. It's close to home and its just a blas to go watch/race. Maybe if they were a lil more people friendly they would get more support from street car's.

For example the street car challenge I went to up there. All street car's. Think they need to redefine that. We were up against trailer only car's. Think we would have rather had a smaller purse to win and make it a actual "Street Car" race.

[casper gt]

after the last prp debate with the ricer I was trying to stay out of this but I cant. to start off with everyone who seems to do nothing but bash prp I would like to ask have you ever been any where else? I have raced all over the north east at one time or another & every track has plenty of problems. try not being by your car in the lanes at National Trail or getting a questional car through tech at QCR. just some examples but you get the point. shure things could be better, but for those of you that have been around think back 15 years heck even 5, its night & day. I think the Tedescos & crew are doing an exceptional job with the problems they inherited & I would think most regulars would agree. so since we are lucky enough to have a local track why not try to support it or at least not bash it. just my

[HidalgoGT]

after the last prp debate with the ricer I was trying to stay out of this but I cant. to start off with everyone who seems to do nothing but bash prp I would like to ask have you ever been any where else? I have raced all over the north east at one time or another & every track has plenty of problems. try not being by your car in the lanes at National Trail or getting a questional car through tech at QCR. just some examples but you get the point. shure things could be better, but for those of you that have been around think back 15 years heck even 5, its night & day. I think the Tedescos & crew are doing an exceptional job with the problems they inherited & I would think most regulars would agree. so since we are lucky enough to have a local track why not try to support it or at least not bash it. just my

I'm not totaly bashing them. They do have alot nicer track equipment then the old keystone did for sure. Yes, they have made some improvements and yes it all takes time. Maybe this fall/winter when they shut down they can address the water at the 1000' mark. I would say asphalt it all but, that is a rather large bill to tackle all at once. Have to spend it to make it though right? I'm no newbie to the track I have been going there 10+ years minus the last 2 cause it was depressing after my car was gone. I got another one now so back to PRP I will go. It's kinda like your job. You like the money it gives(most times) and what you do. Though there is always something to bitch about.

[Balaska347]

WEll all bitching aside. If they know they have this spot at the 1000 ft mark which is probaly a natural spring. Why not fix it? Sure it would take some time and money. But, wouldn't the offset be well worth it? As, for the gravel even reclaim(rotameal) old ground up asphalt would be better then those large stones that hurt when you get hit by them. Been there done that. I havent raced or been there since my car has been gone which has been several years and it still sounds like the same old track. Must be hella small baby steps. I love the tracvk regardless. It's close to home and its just a blas to go watch/race. Maybe if they were a lil more people friendly they would get more support from street car's.

For example the street car challenge I went to up there. All street car's. Think they need to redefine that. We were up against trailer only car's. Think we would have rather had a smaller purse to win and make it a actual "Street Car" race.

I say baby steps as in the TNT department. For the track itself it has taken huge steps and has spent lots of money(millions). And they will close early this year to begin construction which you probably wont even recognize the track next year. And yes they will be putting a lot of asphalt down but there will be some stones i'm sure. I have raced at PRP/Keystone for 11 years now and the place is nowhere near the same. I have been to a lot of tracks around here and they all have problems people just enjoy b****ing about PRP which I don't understand its OUR local track. Yeah they could probably be a little more prople friendly on TNT days but how friendly would you want to be to a group of people that did nothing but bitch about you and your business. To me I think the Tedescos are some of the nicest guys you meet. They just won't kiss your ass if you don't like them which is what people want.

As for the Street Car race it has been awhile since you have been there because after the first one it was made street legal only which you had to have a valid plate and registration. Oh yeah and they paid $1200 last year which was a increase.

[phillysrt4]

to start off with everyone who seems to do nothing but bash prp

Its not bashing, its a healthy case of cynicism for their marketing of how great its going to be this year given past events.

I would like to ask have you ever been any where else?

yes.

I have raced all over the north east at one time or another & every track has plenty of problems. try not being by your car in the lanes at National Trail or getting a questional car through tech at QCR. just some examples but you get the point.

But this isn't about QCR, Mason Dixon, Englishtown, Atco, or any other tracks "all over the north east". Its about PRP.

Second I agree every track has problems but the *overall* experience of PRP is subpar. When I was at Mason Dixon the prep wasn't as good as people made it out to be IMO but I got 4 or 5 runs in and could have easily gotten 2 or 3 more if I wanted and it was considered a busy day. At Atco I might only get 2 or 3 runs like PRP but their track is very fast and at the beginning and end of the season you're assured of running some of your best times because its at sea level and it gets cool resulting in hardcore negative DA's. At Englishtown its the same thing- 2 or 3 runs but the track prep is good.

Every time I've been to PRP when I try to say "... well, at least..." and then finish it, I have nothing. That is what has made me cynical.

As for questionable and/or hypocritical tech practices there is NO room to talk about any other track.

I think the Tedescos & crew are doing an exceptional job with the problems they inherited & I would think most regulars would agree. so since we are lucky enough to have a local track why not try to support it or at least not bash it. just my

Like I said, I'm hoping that my cynicism is unwarranted.

As for blind support of a track, forget it. Allow me to use another anecdote to explain why.

Harley Davidson at one point was the king of the motorcycle world in America. Their bikes ruled the roads. Then something happened in the 70's and into the 80's. The Japanese came in with their offerings. Even though they were scoffed at in the beginning, their advancements through racing allowed them to catch up and surpass their american counterparts. And what did Harley do? Did they refuse to let someone else beat them at their own game? Did they regroup, go back to the drawing board and come out with something better so they could win races again?

Nope.

When push came to shove, they packed up and quit, and instead of making and marketing a better bike, they chose to market an *image* instead. They painted themselves so into a corner with an IMAGE that when they finally attempted to introduce a sportbike (which was inferior to anything the japanese or Italians were offering at the time, btw) it was quickly pulled because it didnt "fit the image" of HD.

Why do I bring this up? Because even though HD is one of the last bastion of American made motorcycles (Buell being the other), I wont support them. They don't care about innovation, they dont care about competing, and they dont care about bringing a product to the market that I want or would buy. Because of that I vote with my dollar and buy Japanese (and now possibly Buell now that I've taken a second look). Its the only vote I have to let them know I do not approve.

In a similar way, I am not going to blindly support PRP. I have observed some practices in the past I dont agree with, and until my cynicism of this year is shown to be unwarranted, I'll put my money elsewhere.

[Stangman701]

One thing I would like to see implemented, and I know this is a dream, would be something like a 4 run minumum on TNT night. I know there are breakdowns that are beyond the tracks control, but what they can control is the clean up time. They know they're going home at a certain time regardless of how long it takes them to clean up so they don't really care how long it takes. If there was a 4 run minumum then they would be busting their ass to clean up quickly so they could still go home on time. Then if for some reason you can't get 4 runs in a reasonable amout of time then there should at least be a prorated refund. So say if you pay $20 to run and you only get in 3 runs then you should get $5 back on your way out. I think a policy like this would do wonders for the track's business and reputation

[phillysrt4]

One thing I would like to see implemented, and I know this is a dream, would be something like a 4 run minumum on TNT night. I know there are breakdowns that are beyond the tracks control, but what they can control is the clean up time. They know they're going home at a certain time regardless of how long it takes them to clean up so they don't really care how long it takes. If there was a 4 run minumum then they would be busting their ass to clean up quickly so they could still go home on time.

i like it, but also the number of runs should be scaled based on the number of cars. If 400 cars showed up I dont know if you could get 4 runs in a TnT even if no one breaks.