2018 ECTA Events at Blytheville, AR.

[SteveM]

Thought I would start a new thread, specifically dedicated to the 2018 events to be held in Blytheville (pronounced Blah-ville by locals and folks in this part of the country).

I've attended one of the Arkansas Mile events with a friend.  The runway is first-rate, and should offer excellent racing for 2018 (and hopefully beyond).

Gonna book some rooms now!

Steve.

[edinlr]

No Steve, it's "Bli-vul".  I will second that it is a good track surface and has great potential.  I have raced there for both Arkansas Mile events.  The runway and base are similar to Loring as they are both abandoned bomber bases.  Blytheville's development stopped about the same time the base pulled out with only minimal improvements since then.  There are a few decent places, but quality falls off quickly after that, so book early.  I like the Hampton, but the HI looks okay too.  I just hope the hotels don't start gouging us when they learn the racers are coming to town.

Unlike Ohio, there should be plenty of run-off room for even the dumbest driver who forgets to use his chute!  I would guess that we could probably run a 1.5 mile without much problem, but it is a little shorter than Loring.  Weather in April should be great and with three days, even a little rain shouldn't be an issue.  June will be hot, plan on 85+ and humid, but who cares if you are tuning for Bonneville.  Late September will probably be perfect with weather hopefully cooling off.  I am really looking forward to it.

[MiltonP]

Time to read up on the rules and get my tech game on!  I don't see a 1.5 mile run happening there with the speeds we are approaching.  I am curious how far into shutdown that GT ran at 280+.  See everyone next Spring.   

[wobblywalrus]

You need some of those NASA retro rockets instead of a chute.

[SteveM]

No Steve, it's "Bli-vul". .

You are right about that.  I struggled to figure out how to spell the right pronunciation, but you nailed it.

Steve.

[Seldom Seen Slim]

If I can remember far enough back - in radio pronouncing school school we would have been asked to spell that phonetically like this:

Bleye vul That forces the long "i" sound.  Kapisch?

[116ciHemi]

OK, Let's do this.  If I'm shooting for September, it begs the question:  Do I bring a car or a bike?

[edinlr]

Based on the way they did in Ohio, I would imagine all of the records will be open and the Ohio records will be in the back of the rule book with the Maxton records.

[RansomT]

OK, Let's do this.  If I'm shooting for September, it begs the question:  Do I bring a car or a bike?

I think it's a tad early to decide that.  I'm sure if it is feasible that Brock will sponsor a bike shoot out for September, but there is a lot going on between now and September.

[Chaulkdust]

Well, this is very good news indeed! Haven't raced in a while since Maxton & BUB 2010, but will be attending in 2018. Need a new rule book and get my membership setup again. Don't plan on racing until June, but will be coming in April to help out as a volunteer, assuming they need help. Any idea on when we can start sending in our membership info?

[116ciHemi]

OK, Let's do this.  If I'm shooting for September, it begs the question:  Do I bring a car or a bike?

I think it's a tad early to decide that.  I'm sure if it is feasible that Brock will sponsor a bike shoot out for September, but there is a lot going on between now and September.

Not for me.  I need at least a year of prep time- I have nothing remotely resembling a race vehicle in my driveway. 
1978 Honda CB750K8 resto/rider that belonged to my grandfather- not if I want to be invited to any family events, ever.
2002 Grand Cherokee- out
2004 Taurus- Nope.
2005 Subaru Baja with a mystery knock- what class would I even run this in?
2005 Mini Cooper S that needs and engine- thinking about it

[Stan Back]

"2005 Subaru Baja with a mystery knock- what class would I even run this in?"

Seems like El Caminos and Rancheros can run in Production in SCTA.  I'd guess that Subie would qualify.  And its off-road capabilities might make it a better Bonneville runner over on #3.

[ronnieroadster]

"2005 Subaru Baja with a mystery knock- what class would I even run this in?"

Seems like El Caminos and Rancheros can run in Production in SCTA.  I'd guess that Subie would qualify.  And its off-road capabilities might make it a better Bonneville runner over on #3.

I agree with the idea for the Suby to run over on #3     

[QikNip]

I'd sure like to see timing at 1.0 and 1.5 miles - as is done at Loring.  Either way, I'll be there, but that extra .5 miles would be really valuable for evaluating both aero and gearing for Bonneville.
Rick

[nrhs sales]

that's only a 250 mile drive for me.  I would be interested in volunteering for this event if it doesn't interfere with our Bonneville schedule.  Can someone give me a point of contact and e-mail