Comments on: Count Me In For NOLA

By: The Speedgeek

The Speedgeek — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 03:04:21 +0000

Late to the party here (as always), but I’m with Wedge. I’m the only one of the GBS crew that’s not from NO, but I’ll be happy to have the GBS branding on as a co-sponsor of the NOLA GP. We’d be in there at the $40 level, but we’d be in there all the same.

As for the layout, I’m not sure what the deal is with the objections as to the lack of elevation change or supposed lack of passing opportunities. I’ve been to more than a couple pool-table-flat race tracks that were plenty good (Sebring, Roebling Road and West Palm Beach leap immediately to mind), and to my eye, there are enough straights followed by slow corners that there’d probably be at least one or two passing zones per lap minimum on any of the potential layouts. Couple that with a new, warm weather major market, and it’s basically a no brainer. If the track is up to spec, book it. I’ll split gas money with you (George), Susan and JohnMc.

By: Hal Bush

Hal Bush — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:59:40 +0000

Do it! What a great city to be attached to.

By: The Lapper

The Lapper — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:36:17 +0000

Thanks for your input and I am glad to hear it. Even though I don’t know much about this track I DO know INDYCAR and I DO know New Orleans AND Baton Rouge and that is where my delimma lies. Which one of those two fabulous cities do I, The Lapper, headquarter in for the weekend? I know that the track will do it’s all to bring the facilities up to speed and there is no doubt that this has all of the possibilities of great success.

By: dylanpt24

dylanpt24 — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 02:14:44 +0000

NOLA….sorry, but I have very little nice to say about this idea. We’re talking an untested club race track that hosts a single major event (AMA Pro Racing’s first attempt at this track this year) and I just don’t think it’s a good plan or a decent facility to run at. In a few years it might be worth a look, but right now I just don’t see how racing at NOLA is a good plan.

By: Allen Wedge

Allen Wedge — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:17:13 +0000

my mistake, its not the former no problem raceway, which it turns out is still operating as well, but located a little closer to baton rouge.

By: Allen Wedge

Allen Wedge — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 22:57:14 +0000

Being from New Orleans figured I’d jump in. Track isn’t 100% brand new, it used to be “No Problem Raceway” and was used to host club racing and even 24 Hours of Lemons, hah. New folks bought it and have been improving the track and adding stuff to it over the last few years or so to get it up to code. A lot of similarities with Barber, in that its a small venue with big dreams and willing to do what they need to get there. Its a perfect area, close to the city, not too far away, and N.O. is one of those cities that loves to have events and citizens all jump on board. People forget just how many things N.O. does and just how big the N.O. and Baton Rouge metro areas reach, it would be very well supported.

By: JohnMc

JohnMc — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:00:51 +0000

Spend the day at the track and then dinner at Antoine’s. The Big Easy.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:51:05 +0000

I take it all back. Upon further review, this is the perfect cover (and cheaper alternative to F1 Montreal) for a bachelor party. Let’s do this Randy!

By: Steve K

Steve K — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:37:39 +0000

I have been to New Orleans twice. Most recently for Ohio State’s victory over Arkansas (strangest fans I have encountered in the six bowl games I have been to) in the Sugar Bowl that never happened. I compare the city to Las Vegas. Sure NO is genuine and LV is phony, but the primary draw to both is gambling, strippers, and booze. I once went to the NASCAR race in Vegas and just felt like a moron at the track instead of the Strip. I could have just as easily stayed in a Casino, bet on the race, watch from a sportsbook, and not deal with the hours upon hours of waiting for outlr shuttle back to the Strip.

I imagine I would feel the same way spending an entire day at NOLA and not the French Quarter or Jackson Square. I would love another race as a fan to watch on TV, but I would rather go to New Orleans for another Buckeye Sugar Bowl that lasts 3 hours than a day at the track that lasts 8-12 (plus wouldn’t you need a car to get there?)

By: billytheskink

billytheskink — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:11:29 +0000

Having never seen Indycars at a permanent road course, and this one being relatively close, I’d most likely make the effort to go at least once.
Probably at the immediate expense of Barber, which has been around the top of my list with Milwaukee and Iowa for some time now.