Maple Grove, Reading PA 10/5/13

[GoatGuy]

It's been about 6 years since I've gone to Maple Grove to see the pros run. I went yesterday and it was great. The weather was great and the action was, too. Especially the final qualifying run of funny car when side-by-side was Courtney and John Force. Courtney ran 329 mph and 4.02 et and John ran 323 mph and 3.98 et !! It was great. The crowd went nuts. I hope some of you were there to see it, too.

[Jon Cole]

Sounds like a good day!

[jeffs396]

Very cool Dave!

Been to that track a few times for Super Chevy events. They always had a nice turnout. Haven't been there since 2000, will get there again one day...

[GoatGuy]

http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/56ChevKRy/library/Maple%20Grove%20Oct%202013

Hopefully this link works to take you to the pics from yesterday.

We got to talk to Jeg Coughlin outside his pit. Very nice guy. He answered my questions about his car. Did not act in a hurry to get away from fans.

[Prostreet]

Nice Dave, I haven't been to the pro race in about 5 years. Need to get back up there.

Joe

Edited October 6, 2013 by Prostreet

[FASTBACK340]

I used to live not far from Maple Grove in a town called Ephrata. I used to run up to the track on a whim on any given weekend back then. It was sooooo convenient. Now a trip to Englishtown is $20+ in tolls alone. Never mind the mind-numbing traffic....

But OMG, once you get there it's so worth it. Without expereincing either Nitro class run your not officially a car person. No description fully nails it. Maybe getting a deep tissue massage, from the inside-out, comes close.

[GoatGuy]

You're right John. Words can't express the feeling of the blast from two funny cars when they leave the line. For the first round we sat on the pit side in the sun. Second round we sat on the other side in the shade right by the starting line.

[jeffbrad]

I agree about the coverage. Wish they'd show at least the finals in superstock,stock,etc. All the gas burners always seem to fly at Maple Grove. Someone told me once that the air is good there because of all the forests in the area

[FASTBACK340]

You're right John. Words can't express the feeling of the blast from two funny cars when they leave the line.

Actually, I find it more impressive at the top end. Nitro screaming by at 320+MPH with the Earth shaking under your feet and an earthquake in your chest.

Kind of like being in the pit at a Lamb of God concert.... only scarier.

[Nova-ss]

• Boy do I have to agree.watching two nitro cars in the pits area is not believable it has to be experienced.there is no words to describe that feeling and thoughts going through your head and chest.the other races are great but nitro.....unbelievable.that race between Courtney and John sounds like fun.I'm to far away from that track.I live about 15 minutes from RMR here is SLC.I've seen many races from there.but I think Vegas is the closes to see Pro nitro cars from NHRA race.Thanks,Chris