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 Roth
is hands-on (pictured right) managing problems
and questions directly from his vantage point
behind the starting line.
I looked forward to the California Street Car
Nationals to see some local heads-up drags and
was not at all disappointed with the racing.
Suggestions from a number of racers that I spoke
with were that it is time to bolster the purse
money paid by PSCA rather than the majority
of money coming from contingency sponsors. Some
racers commented on the need for a permanent
PSCA starting-line crew since a few competitors
questioned the Dragway starter’s activation
of the tree, while nothing appeared out of order.
A permanent PSCA starter, who knows the series
drivers needs and habits, would go a long way
to alleviate any confusion.
In its second year of operation, California
Dragway, under the leadership of track manager
Dave Danish, is shaping up to become a first-class
facility very capable of handling national events.
However, the Dragway needs to fast forward planned
improvements by completing a facilities upgrade
including permanent scales since many of the
PSCA classes are based upon weight to cubic
inch calculations and portable scales are no
way for precise measurements.
An additional grandstand and permanent restrooms
are now a necessity. But the biggest gripe I
found from most spectators was the need for
a better-equipped snack bar to handle patrons.
Requests for water, sodas, burgers and dogs
do not end at 4 p.m., when the racing goes well
into the evening. Next door, huge quantities
of adult beverages are sold at the speedway
on NASCAR and open-wheel dates.
When PSCA returns to California Dragway in
the fall, I’ll certainly be there. It is
a first class, heads-up show! 
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