If NASCAR can...why can't ALMS?

[mayk]

As I flew over Reliant Park today, as I am in Houston this week for meetings, I thought about last years race and the races for 2008....

I think it is great (ironic?) that NASCAR now has their 'Super Bowl' start in the daytime, run at sunset, and then finish in the dark....all with those CoT's that do not have working lights (or windshield wipers)...

I realize the ALMS did a great job last year have more racing go into dusk...and I would love to see ALL of the races end at sunset or night....

Something about the sunsets, brake glow, position lights, etc...make ALMS a great 'show'.

Wouldnt it be great to see the Mid Ohio race extended to six hours and go into the night?

Comments from others?

Off to get some Tex Mex food now...any forum members from Houston want to have a beer or two?

KM

[HORNDAWG]

And who is going to pay for the lighting? Or do you expect the general puplic to stand there and look at headlights, taillights and position lights without knowing which car is which? The reason that the NASCAR night races work is they are "under the lights" so the fan can follow what is happening. Is not part of this whole exercise to increase popularity and viewership?

[John Thawley]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

And who is going to pay for the lighting? Or do you expect the general puplic to stand there and look at headlights, taillights and position lights without knowing which car is which? The reason that the NASCAR night races work is they are "under the lights" so the fan can follow what is happening. Is not part of this whole exercise to increase popularity and viewership?

They are also sitting in seats. LOL

But, I'd be all for seeing ALMS races longer with later starts and ending at twilight.

JT

[porschefan]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

And who is going to pay for the lighting? Or do you expect the general puplic to stand there and look at headlights, taillights and position lights without knowing which car is which? The reason that the NASCAR night races work is they are "under the lights" so the fan can follow what is happening. Is not part of this whole exercise to increase popularity and viewership?

The cars have backlit side number plates, so people know what car is going by. I would think that seeing some night racing, in the dark, might draw some more fans, especially the "general public" at the race. It worked for me.

[tobinsmith]

Ken, anytime in Texas, ask for Fat Tire at the bar. This rule works for most western states but guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

[ChuckK]

Originally Posted by HORNDAWG

And who is going to pay for the lighting? Or do you expect the general puplic to stand there and look at headlights, taillights and position lights without knowing which car is which? The reason that the NASCAR night races work is they are "under the lights" so the fan can follow what is happening. Is not part of this whole exercise to increase popularity and viewership?

It is to put part of the race into early primetime---more about TV than the trackside experience.

[HORNDAWG]

Originally Posted by ChuckK

It is to put part of the race into early primetime---more about TV than the trackside experience.

Huh?

[HawkBat]

One problem is that many of the tracks don't have the right set up to be run at night. One thing is safety station lights. Flags are hard to see at night so stations have backup lights for yellow and such. There are many other factors that are done with night safety.

Another is that racing into the night makes the day go really long and for workers such as myself it is very tiring, though I don't mind. Also if every race went into the night I think It might take away some of the meaning/coolness of the races like Sebring, PLM and Road America.

[Chris Clark]

IMSA ran a 6 hour enduro at Mid-Ohio back in the 70's if I am not mistaken.

I have long wished they would bring it back. It doesn't have to be total darkness. Maybe until 8 or 9 at night... perfect.

You could place temporary lights at the corner stations similar to what they do at Petit. The only issue I can see is are there any local laws regarding noise after a certain time of day?

Man, I would love to see a 6 hour at MO.........

[mayk]

Then again....thank gawd the ALMS does not red flag a race because of 'weeping' moisture on track....

Off Topic: Yes, I am watching the race, so why do they still call it CoT? Tomorrow is now today, call it the Car of Today....