Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

The Grove has taken a lot of heat this year for poor quality of racing and a subpar racing surface, I think Saturdays National Open showed why this track is so famous and why this race continues to be one of the crown jewel events of Sprint car racing. When Williamsgrove is prepped right, it's as good as it gets anywhere for half mile dirt tracks. If you didn't like that race, you better check your pulse, yes I know about the Gravel/Smith deal, save that crap for the other thread dedicated to that topic, Excellent show by Williamsgrove Speedway and all the drivers!!!!!!!!!!!!

The place was packed.  I couldn't see a darn thing with all the obstructions. I Wonder why I continue to do this?? Ohh it's the experience!!!!

I wonder how many people turned around and went home Without buying a ticket? 

If they went home without buying a ticket I don't think the track is too concerned since pretty much every piece of available real estate in the stands on the hill and in the infield was packed.  Yes if you sit low at rhe Grove you will have trouble seeing over the haulers....it is what it is, if its that bad, call ahead and get a reserved seat.  I was in GA, got in when gates opened and could see pretty much everything but turn 3.  I knew that would be the case, but it was still a good show

Why do you continue to go?  I watched from my couch on my big screen courtesy of Dirtvision and my view wasn't obstructed at all.

Why do you continue to go?  I watched from my couch on my big screen courtesy of Dirtvision and my view wasn't obstructed at all.

It was my first visit to WG.  We couldn't see the back straightaway at all.  Kind of disappointing.  The overall facility was a little less than I expected.  But admittedly I'm spoiled by Pevely, Wheatland and of course the sprint car capital of the world all within 6 hrs of home.  The racing was OK, not the best I've seen but not the worst either, at least in the A.  Not one car outside the invert transfered out of the heats and the dash finished as it entered turn 1.  Qualifying and the dash draw meant everything.  But with that many quality cars I suppose that shouldn't be surprising.  Some cars from the back did move up in the A but with 40 laps you'd expect that too.  Track had more banking entering the corners than it appears on TV.  But being so flat exiting the corners leads to severe blocking, intentional or not.  If anyone turned around and left you couldn't tell it.  The crowd was huge.  Not many seats to be found.  And from the talk around us it's obvious they're passionate about it and that's a good thing.  Lighting was OK.  Sound was OK.  Surprised to see no beer sales.  I assume that's either a local or state law.   Overall, glad we got to see a race there.  Next on the list is the Big E.

WG is BYOB(cans actually, no glass). PA has strict laws about who can sell alcohol but very lax laws about bringing your own alcohol to an establishment. The opposite of most other states but hey it's cheaper. You wanna hear one even crazier? The strip clubs in PA that serve alcohol can't go nude but the ones that are BYOB can. LOL

A

No beer sales really! Does WG have a byob?

Yes! I will be sure to bring a case..........or two next time!!!!

Yes, PA is funky with their liquor policies.  I'm from the Midwest and worked in PA for a year and it took some getting used to.  There is a bar down the street from WG if you forget to buy beer before you get to the track.

WG was an experience and one sprint car fans should make if they can.  Eldora and Knoxville should also be on that 'bucket list'.

Tracks in my area are much newer than WG and have better amenities.  I was there to see some racing so it didn't matter to me.  The tunnel under the track and the bridge over the track are definitely unique to dirt racing.  The red dirt is a change from the Midwest.  WG was built in the days of open trailers (or driving your car to the track) so the haulers of today don't help the sight lines.  The passion in the stands runs high.  All in all, I had a great time there and will go again if I get the chance.

HC - our strip clubs are the same as yours.  We call the nudies 'juice bars' since that's all you can buy there.  One such location nearby will let you bring a keg in!

Hats off to WG great track on Saturday evening. Nice and racey... 

Glad it wasn't a follow the leader track. Awesome job!!!!

Ive gone to WG a few years ago had a great time but THE BIG "E" is amazing.  You might have a problem with the rigs like at WG but if your sitting up you will see mostly everything.  Plus, $2 beers and a loaded bar.

Racing surface saturday was awesome. Multiple grooves all night long. Can't always expect close racing action in heat races on a big track. They are going to spread out. To have Gravel and Smith going at it lap after lap in the feature was unbeleivable!!!

Schatz closing in late kept you on the edge of your seat as well!

Actually..I wasn't complianing...Just stating the obvious....Its a big track with lots of obstructions...The experiance is the real attraction...I knew before I left the house that I wasn't going to see a darn thing...But I had a great time catching up with some people that I haven't seen since last years open!!!

You didnt need to see the backstretch to enjoy that race. I could barely see the top wings and still enjoyed the front stretch action