ACT is some cool stuff

[bubba]

They lean on each other lap after lap side by side with very few wrecks. Great Racing! Really hoping they dont rain out tomorrow.

Not sure if it their temperment or the lack of HP leaving them closer to the good side of the edge so that they can drive out of contact without losing control. No idea, but man it is good stuff.

[Phil Jacques]

They are a great show. They race like that at every track up here. I work on the 83 ACT car at Waterford and Thompson and they are just a great car. Awesome combo of tire, weight and power.

[Boneman]

What a fun race that would be to drive in. There was constant traffic, with lots of passing and repassing.

I like the low HP motors too. I didn't see anyone blow up, over-heat or anything. It looks and sounds like they could have run until morning, and all they would need is a fuel stop....maybe!

I have no problem with loud engines, but I think a lot of fans do, especially women and little kids. These cars were quiet enough that we could hear the announcer above the whole field.

And how about the French speaking announcer? This guy would take over when a driver from Quebec would be introduced or talked about.

[andre]

Lots of passing and repassing.................

Isn't it what racing is all about???? Did you notice too...heat races????

[Boneman]

Wait! That's not all!

The whole field is evenly matched, and tonight they are doing a full-field invert for the 100 lapper. That will be a hell of a race! Want to bet that no one will be bitching about the starting procedure, and that there will be no driver who feels entitled to win and who will insist on starting on the pole, no matter what?

One more point: I love the battle flags that the teams wave during the pace laps. Every team sent their members up to the pit wall, and one of them would wave a big flag with their car's number and colors. It looks a bit like the salute that the corner workers do at the end of road races where they go to the edge of the track and salute with the flags.

The battle flags are of no real consequence, but I noticed them and liked it. I know that if I was in that race, my sons would be busting with pride to wave the team flag, so I hope some of the ACT members feel the same way.

Race fans, do your self a favor: go watch this race tonight, and lets INSIST on getting the ACT rules in Florida!

[scottgarrity07]

You're right on Boneman. The ACT formula is awesome. They are basically what Pro Lates SHOULD be. Affordable and competitive. Smart rules like $5-7k Crate motors, cheap mandated shocks and a tire that doesn't fall off over a long run (I timed 'em). The thing that boosts the class is that at most NE tracks ACT rules are used for weekly Late Model Sportsman racing. That's why they draw cars so well. You don't have to do anything but show up with your weekly car for big money tour events. When they used to run them in the Oxford 250 (now a PUSS event) they routinely drew over 100 cars! It's too bad we already have too many classes in FL. ACT South, anyone????

[Matt Albee]

It isn't only the ACT rules that Florida needs, it's the people in charge of ACT that Florida needs. They know how to run a series.

[scottgarrity07]

I have no problem with loud engines, but I think a lot of fans do, especially women and little kids. These cars were quiet enough that we could hear the announcer above the whole field.

ACT cars are required to run Howe mufflers. A fan and racetrack-neighbor friendly policy that is common up North and non-existant here.

[OldSchool+]

"...Late Model Sportsman..."--SG

What a cool name for a class of car!


ps--Am imagining Jacques' flag would be a skull and crossbones if he ran in that series...

[Frasson118]

They do a LOT of things right. I noticed in the heat races, they pull out of the pits, go around once and get the 1 to go sign, and go racing. No 5-8 laps of scuffing tires and getting the temps of everything up. They're here to RACE, not pace.

Also love the passing point system. Both Eddie McDonald and Alex Labbe started deep in their heats, but passed several cars to get near the front. They earned more points than Patrick Leperle did by starting and finishing 2nd. The system almost encourages a driver to pull a bad number for their heat race. You can start on pole and win, while a guy can start 7th, finish 2nd and wind up ahead of you starting the feature.

They were only supposed to have 2 dates to begin with....added a 3rd (rained out) but still staying to run an extra day. They came to RACE, and dammit, they will.

[OldSchool+]

All good stuff, and props to ACT!

"...they pull out of the pits, go around once and get the 1 to go sign, and go racing."--Frasson

And I can think of no good reason why that is not common practice at every race at every event. The flagman is holding the flag. If he throws the green, they will go!

[OldSchool+]

Inverted starts are also the way to go...if you want an excited and repeat fan base.

The points are an interesting twist, but are really beside the point.

[Phil Jacques]

"...Late Model Sportsman..."--SG

What a cool name for a class of car!


ps--Am imagining Jacques' flag would be a skull and crossbones if he ran in that series...

aaaaaaand no lol!!! Nice thought, but I race under no banner. I'm out there to have fun not act like billy bad ass... There are enough of those people around already lol

[OldSchool+]

I see, so more of a simple white flag...

[Phil Jacques]

I see, so more of a simple white flag...

The only flag I will ever race for is the checkers lol Maybe someday haha