Chevrolet Performance LSX Challenge Series and LSX Shootout - Can the shootout go back to Memphis in 2012?

First off, the LSX Shootout is hands down the best drag racing event that I have attended. GM Performance Parts & the guys of the NMCA put on a top notch event. However, moving it so far north is really putting a strain on the guys in the south. The move to St. Louis was a stretch for us last year, and it appears, unfortunately, that we probably will not be able to make it up to Indy this year. I realize that the previous moves were because of track closings, but the link below indicates that Memphis has officially re-opened now. I know it is over a year away, but is Memphis an option for 2012, or does it have to be an NHRA sanctioned track, now that Memphis is IHRA?

http://www.dragzine.com/news/memphis-intl-raceway-officially-re-opens/

I don't think the NHRA/IHRA thing comes into it, as Milan was IHRA for a while and it has been on the schedule before they switched to NHRA.

On the deal of using Memphis for the finals, I'd think the powers that be would consider a location change (but a lot goes into that decision, including looking at the spectator and participant #s).

Derek

Memphis was a good central location and a great facility too. But I would think that after the volatility that the NMCA had to deal with after having this awesome event at two different tracks which BOTH ended up CLOSING afterwards that they would only seek a track with a more stable/solid foundation/funding/race scheduling for any future events. If anything just to avoid going through the hassles/efforts of finding a location once again that meets all of the criteria to host this major event.
Some of us here in the Northeast prefer Indy of course because it's finally a more tolerable drive after the 2200+ mile round trips to Memphis and the 1900+ mile round trip to St Louis. :nod:

-I attended LSX in Memphis each year and enjoyed it.

-I prefer Memphis' more centralized location for the finals for obvious reasons.

-I would be content if just ONE of the LSX events was more centralized. I was excited to hear that there would be mulitple LSX events in 2011, because I assumed that at least one of them would be closer. Wrong. Not only was Memphis out, all the other locations were even farther away!

Eric

I hope it doesnt go back to Memphis but will likely make the trip anyway if it does. For me St.Louis was 1980miles round trip, in two weeks Bowling Green will be 1730 miles and Indy is 1480 miles, but they are all still better than the 2210 mile round trip to Memphis.

If I had a vote I'd love to see an LSX event closer to me too, like Norwalk or MIR. Norwalk is 500 miles from me and MIR is almost 300 miles but I think you would be hard pressed to find better facilities anywhere. I know it'll never happen but hey I can dream :nod:

I loved Memphis but I think we are going to like our pit area much better at Indy I am expecting there is more paved area there.

Indy is great.
I vote to leave it there.

Bowling Green is 1300 round trip for me and indy is 1700 round trip.

I vote memphis:D

If I had a vote I'd love to see an LSX event closer to me too, like Norwalk or MIR. Norwalk is 500 miles from me and MIR is almost 300 miles but I think you would be hard pressed to find better facilities anywhere. I know it'll never happen but hey I can dream :nod::werd: :D




I think we are going to like our pit area much better at Indy I am expecting there is more paved area there.I hope so, I also hope we (the Raceway Park/Englishtown crew) can all pit together again just like last year, that helped make for an even better Shootout/Finals experience in my opinion. :burn:




Indy is great.
I vote to leave it there.:werd: :nod:

. For me St.Louis was 1980miles round trip, in two weeks Bowling Green will be 1730 miles and Indy is 1480 miles, but they are all still better than the 2210 mile round trip to Memphis.:



Same, Indy sill be nice. Memphis was a haul :bomb: 2250

They have really made alot of changes at Memphis and the spectator/car count is higher than it's been in a long time there is almost as many people there for test and tune as there was at the last lsx shootout the track is hooking and is smooth the guys have really done a great job getting it back going again

I loved Memphis but I think we are going to like our pit area much better at Indy I am expecting there is more paved area there.

It is perfect for hosting large events, there is a ton of paved area for pitting! I cant wait for this years even, I know a lot of guys have already scheduled off work to spend the whole weekend there. I'm pretty lucky I only live 10 minutes away :)

Indy is great.
I vote to leave it there.

X2

I like Memphis, but don't want to end up on the First 48!!!
I feel like I've used up my visitor card.


Gateway!!!

I like memphis to but Im only 80 miles from the track. With three kids traveling just not in my schedule to much.

I loved Memphis but I think we are going to like our pit area much better at Indy I am expecting there is more paved area there.


Way more. I just went to the US Nationals and if they can fit that entire event with all those cars in there, then surely the LSX shoot out is going to be fine.

The track is working good right now. There were records set this past week in a few classes.
The entire starting line out 60+ feet was dug out and re poured by a top notch company that does race track surfacing.

My car is cutting the best 60's I've ever seen but then again it is all new in the rear of my car this year. I got a 325 dr with afco shocks and strange brakes. 1.36-1.39 is a bad 60' now. 1.34-1.35 is what it will do on a perfect day.

bring it to Milan

St. Louis (Gateway) sounds good to me.

I wish they'd have it at ZMAX in Concord, NC but thats just me...

I wish they'd have it at ZMAX in Concord, NC but thats just me...

Now that's the best idea I've heard in this whole thread. 4 wide lsx racing? YES PLEASE!:hump::sack:

I wish they'd have it at ZMAX in Concord, NC but thats just me...

NMCA did go to Concord two years, 09 and 10. In fact, one year had a Hot Rod Drags shootout very similar to LSX Shootout. Did yo make it out for that? Really nice track.

I didnt make it out for them because of my job at the time. But if they come close to me again Ill definately be there its only 45 minutes from my house if that lol. ZMAX is a really nice track to have events like that at.

NO-It has to stay in Indy.

NO-It has to stay in Indy.:werd: ^ I'm with this guy. :D

Lets atleast got to the track frist and finish one year and see, you might like Indy. LOL

Lets atleast got to the track frist and finish one year and see, you might like Indy. LOL

Let me help you with that.
You will love Indy. The track is World Famous and it is plenty big enough for this event. And I think it is centrally located for most people. I have been to the last two. So I went to Memphis and St. Lois. I know it sucks for the boys in the south but the guys in the north have been making this journey for the last 4 years.

And wait til you boys see how this track is hooking. You better get your Dentist on standby. It will yank your teeth out. My car ran PB times two days ago out there. Cut 1.31 60' which is a pb.

I hope it doesnt go back to Memphis but will likely make the trip anyway if it does. For me St.Louis was 1980miles round trip, in two weeks Bowling Green will be 1730 miles and Indy is 1480 miles, but they are all still better than the 2210 mile round trip to Memphis.

If I had a vote I'd love to see an LSX event closer to me too, like Norwalk or MIR. Norwalk is 500 miles from me and MIR is almost 300 miles but I think you would be hard pressed to find better facilities anywhere. I know it'll never happen but hey I can dream :nod:

I agree with the above statement.
My total mileage for traveling to all 4 LSX Events is over 7,200 miles. If I drove to all the NMCA events to participate in the LM EFI, I would have driven over 13,000 miles. I think everyone would need to look at the whole picture for how much driving a racer would need to drive to make all the events.
I know you can't please everyone - but - I think if you research where most drivers are coming from and also the potential of having a large turnout.

Just my 3 cents.

After seeing the track in Indy for the first time today, Im VERY impressed with the track, pits, and the facility as a whole.

Based solely on the track alone, I like it here. The weather is a nice temp (not too hot or cold) too.

I wouldnt mind making the haul regardless of where it is, so those who are saying "bring the track closer to me!"... Well... Others would prefer it closer to them too. Find a track that suits the events needs the best and will get good attendance. Just based off what I've seen today, this place should blow the doors off the previous events. If you guys think you can find a better track, go for it. Good call on this track though. Awesome pick. The facility is great. I'm excited for the racing tomorrow.

I vote have LSX classes at all nmca events. Then if you want to run one, go to the closest. I dont see why this has not happened yet.I have enjoyed running all the ls events this year, but Bradenton was a haul! I know i'm def going to run all the NMCA events I can next year, I'll just find a class to slip into.

One problem is, not enough cars show up to any of them, as far as heads up classes

After seeing the track in Indy for the first time today, Im VERY impressed with the track, pits, and the facility as a whole.

Based solely on the track alone, I like it here. The weather is a nice temp (not too hot or cold) too.

I wouldnt mind making the haul regardless of where it is, so those who are saying "bring the track closer to me!"... Well... Others would prefer it closer to them too. Find a track that suits the events needs the best and will get good attendance. Just based off what I've seen today, this place should blow the doors off the previous events.
Good call on this track though. Awesome pick. The facility is great. I'm excited for the racing tomorrow.:werd:x 1000 :nod:
VERY nice facility and yes, this one appears to have blown the doors off of the previous events, which is not easy to do considering how great those past ones were as well. :nod:

After seeing the track in Indy for the first time today, Im VERY impressed with the track, pits, and the facility as a whole.

Based solely on the track alone, I like it here. The weather is a nice temp (not too hot or cold) too.

I wouldnt mind making the haul regardless of where it is, so those who are saying "bring the track closer to me!"... Well... Others would prefer it closer to them too. Find a track that suits the events needs the best and will get good attendance. Just based off what I've seen today, this place should blow the doors off the previous events. If you guys think you can find a better track, go for it. Good call on this track though. Awesome pick. The facility is great. I'm excited for the racing tomorrow.

Yeah its good track they had pinks all out there few years back was a blast.

indy was great they just should have used the return road instead of the 2 mile trip around the road course, or bring it back to saint louis lol

I had a great time in indy. Its actually a pretty central location for us eastern guys. You'll get people coming from all over the place. I lived in NY and it was still quite the haul. Those guys from SAM and Texas Speed had quite the haul though. I was talking to one of the SAM crew guys and he said it was a 21 hour drive.

I think they should keep it in Indy and give it another try next year. I think it will only get bigger and better. The place is big enough to hold this event.

And to be totally honest, IDK why the people from the South are complaining. There are 3 other LS events down South. FL, GA, and KY!!! The only event up north this year was in Indiana.

Stl. all the way, all the pits are paved.

The haul for us to any of the LSx events was a long one. We didn't make the first two, but they would've been the longest. BG was 1,080 miles each way, and Indy was 1,130 each way. Everyone would love to have the event in their back yard, but it's just not possible. We had a great time and loved the track. The delays were pretty crazy, but so was the car count!

We'll see everyone again next season! :)

Trevor

The delays were pretty crazy, but so was the car count!The biggest one so far they said. :nod: And that's no small feat in this stressed economy, I never expected this one to be as big as years past. Maybe the location is what helped that as well?

The nmca guys announced that they are keeping their "finals" event at Indy permanantly. So if the lsx Shootout stays in conjunction with their finals then it looks like the Shootout may have found a home.

The nmca guys announced that they are keeping their "finals" event at Indy permanantly. So if the lsx Shootout stays in conjunction with their finals then it looks like the Shootout may have found a home.

That is good news! Indy is a great central location and it has to help draw in people. Bob

:werd:x 1000 :nod:
VERY nice facility and yes, this one appears to have blown the doors off of the previous events, which is not easy to do considering how great those past ones were as well. :nod:

Indy was AWESOME! Great people, great weather, AND the turnout was great!

I liked Indy, I think NMCA needs to buy about 300 cones and block out pit spots for those coming, but it's not that big of a deal.

I think they did a great job of dealing with the oil downs.

The nmca guys announced that they are keeping their "finals" event at Indy permanantly. So if the lsx Shootout stays in conjunction with their finals then it looks like the Shootout may have found a home.Then I do believe that is the final word as I cannot see the two events (NMCA World Finals and the LSx Shootout) being separated for any reason. :)
If it's at Indy I will return next year. :drive:

I would love to see the LSX Shootout remain here at LORP. Not only bc I live in Indy, but b/c the management has really spent alot of time getting the facility straightened out in the past 2 years. They have grown so much, and done so much to accomodate events like this. it's nice to see them getting the respect and appreciation as well. I remember a time I wouldn't take my 16 second trans am down that track. lol But now I'd feel comfortable in almost any car! As for the LSX/NMCA events being together, I don't think thats gonna change either... And when it comes to the centrailized location... It is a better choice IMHO for the people coming from the northern states. As someone else stated there was already 3 events in the southern states this year. It all boils down to spectators, contenders, and how easily the track accomodates the needs for an event like this.
I vote for Indy, But would attend other places as well. This was my 3rd event attending and loved all 3 of them.

-James

My opinion, Its either Gateway or Indy. Gateway maybe closed but maybe one day it will not be and was great there. But had a great time at Indy.

Guys,

Unless something changes, Indy will be the home of the LSX Shootout for many years to come.

'nuff said

....many years to come.

Now, that is encouraging!

I really hate that I didn't make it out more this year, but I should be good to go for next year! Any news on a series for next year?

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k54/gumplt1/IMG_0027-1.jpg

Guys,

Unless something changes, Indy will be the home of the LSX Shootout for many years to come.

'nuff said

Scott,
I did not really know where to ask about this; Is the NMCA race in November in Houston only for Fords? Also, no Index Class in this race right, just brackets?

About it being in Indy for many years to come; That makes me sad. I am a very big "cheerleader" for LS and cannot make this since it's a two day drive away and I cannot close the shop for that long = losing money. I was hoping to only miss one year of this, for it to return to Memphis or maybe even Texas. :cry:

I would say the turn out speeks volumes, I think that Indy is perfect for this event and has accomodations close by for everybody to stay at...
This was my first event and am already planning for next year...

Guys,

Unless something changes, Indy will be the home of the LSX Shootout for many years to come.

'nuff said:werd: :hail: :thumb: :fluffy:

Scott,
I did not really know where to ask about this; Is the NMCA race in November in Houston only for Fords? Also, no Index Class in this race right, just brackets?

About it being in Indy for many years to come; That makes me sad. I am a very big "cheerleader" for LS and cannot make this since it's a two day drive away and I cannot close the shop for that long = losing money. I was hoping to only miss one year of this, for it to return to Memphis or maybe even Texas. :cry:

Chevys Welcome! We'll have Open Comp, so bring it on.

WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!
**Sorry, I had a child-like "Christmas Morning" moment there. :D

Glad it's gonna stay here in Indy! I Love It.
I'll have my turd out there next year. I'm gonna be finishing it up this winter. :D

The nmca guys announced that they are keeping their "finals" event at Indy permanantly. So if the lsx Shootout stays in conjunction with their finals then it looks like the Shootout may have found a home.

I heard the announcer say the same thing - that the NMCA will have the last event at this location.

what about thunder valley in bristol

Keep it in Indy, move different events around, get rid of johnny mopar.

What wrong with Johnny mopar?

No,it has to stay in Indy now for several years.