Thunder update

Dry Heat, want you to know I saw Steve awhile ago and we made things right. I told him I wouldnt post anything about him unless it was in jest. Steve told me he is ok with this. Maybe you need to verify this with him when you make his breakfast in the morning?

reportjones said:

Dry Heat, want you to know I saw Steve awhile ago and we made things right. I told him I wouldnt post anything about him unless it was in jest. Steve told me he is ok with this. Maybe you need to verify this with him when you make his breakfast in the morning?

OK, is this better. Why would he make him breakfast, if he's already ate?

went by the "track" at about 5pm...no one on the track...some Tecate tents "almost" up...with a bunch of plastic chairs stacked near them...didn't see any trailers with cars anywhere by the track....didn't see any coming down around noon...will go out there again in the am to see what's happening....

Bad Kenny, bad! You are so naughty! LOLOLOL!

Ladyjeeper said:

Bad Kenny, bad! You are so naughty! LOLOLOL!

OK, I changed it. Is this better? Why would he make him breakfast, if he's already ate?

you edited your comment? why? in any case I hope you come up with another funny.

for the longest time I thought you had a bad breakup with him, thus the reason for your bitter girlfriend comments. Sounds like it was a good 'makeup' for your change in mood swings.

reportjones said:

Dry Heat, want you to know I saw Steve awhile ago and we made things right. I told him I wouldnt post anything about him unless it was in jest. Steve told me he is ok with this. Maybe you need to verify this with him when you make his breakfast in the morning?

Kenny said:

OK, I changed it. Is this better? Why would he make him breakfast, if he's already ate?

Sorry Kenny,"... if he's already eaten?" Im a man of principle... and reportjones doing the```` arrrggg matey```` and the~~~~ homosexual innuendo~~~~ was priceless!!! I about lost it lololol!!!! DryHeave as usual made me want to ~~~ puke! ~~~~ Now I have this ~~```mierda```~~ taste in my mouth, o well time to wash it down with some tecate light. While Im nice and ~~~```sauced up~~~``` Im going to publicly tell everyone that Russ wont hear the end of this if there````` isnt````` a race tomorrow! Im a man of principle!

kenny and jones, I wonder about the two of you making references to homosexual acts. maybe its case of the two two of you having a little bi-curious moment. kenny, I assume you opened up this thread titled "thunder" and you thought it was a reference to 'thunder down under' male review. It now makes sense why you are so angry and passionate about cars running in circles on dirt, the thread was not about an update to the thunder down under roster. Mexico Joe, it's good to see that you support the mentally retarded community ~~~~. love you guys and keep up the good work.
Russ, keep on cheering. I have my doubts this concept will work in Penasco (hopefully I am wrong).

Kenny, I replied to this thread a while ago but it didn't post. I said, "why did you edit it, I thought it was funny!"

Bad, dryheat, bad!

kenny and jones, I wonder about the two of you making references to homosexual acts.

It's four in the moning and I'll bet your still "wondering" about it, and often you sweet thing. And by the way, it was Russ who "opened up" as you put it, this thread.

Actually Dry Heat, I am bi-polar (not bi-sexual like others) and Kenny stole my meds. I guess he needed them more than me!

dry heat said:

for the longest time I thought you had a bad breakup with him, thus the reason for your bitter girlfriend comments. Sounds like it was a good 'makeup' for your change in mood swings.

Kenny said:

It's four in the moning and I'll bet your still "wondering" about it, and often you sweet thing. And by the way, it was Russ who "opened up" as you put it, this thread.

Nope, I no longer wonder. I think there is some bi-curiosity on your part with constant references to it (just change your porn search options at 4am). old men such as yourself sometimes get a little dirtier in your old age.
Enjoy your day dirty old man

Dry Heat....I am not trying to hurt your feelings so please take this in jest.

You claim Kenny and I may be bi-curious. Hmmm. However, in the past several months the only time you ever come out on this forum is when Steve gets a shot or two. Isn't it more common for male spouses to agressively defend each other versus a couple of fun guys having a good time cracking up about the Sprint Car Races?

Have you and Steve visited New York together recently? You know they have that new law there???

I almost forgot. Thanks to all of my race fans who showed up at 4 am this morning. I hope you appreciated my autographs as I don't give them out very often. I hate it when fans sell my autographs on Ebay. I guess this just goes with being the man above all creatures.


I just finished the first two races and came in last place. Seems like my navigator, Dry Heat, thought the race went up Competition Hill. We made the first two turns when the race started but then headed up to Competition Hill.

Wierd thing happened when Dry Heat got in the car before the race began. He taped a photo of he and Steve visiting the Empire State Building during thier recent trip to New York on the visor above his seat. Said it was for good luck. Did anyone else see the new wedding ring Dry Heat just got? A real beauty. I told him he should take it off for the race but he refused. Said the ring was too close to his heart and leaving it behind would be like losing a good dog. Wierd!

Jone's you have a job to do, so get back out to the track and give us the skinny on what's happening out there. And yes, Howard Cosell will be watching you from above, so don't ask me that again.

Thanks Kenny! I am heading out to the track right now. Had to get one of those massages by the ladies on the beach. You know, the ladies in front of the coups.

DryHeave: Are you going to run with me again? If so, keep your hands on your own lap this time; not mine! Gross!

Not very good framing as I had to hold the camera over my head to avoid the chain link, but here's the track at 10:30 AM, 10/15/2011. Parking area adjacent, maybe the pit, had one vehicle, an RV. The entry is at the intersection where they fly the ultralights. There were probably 10 or 15 vendors, 7 or 8 police vehicles and maybe 10 other vehicles.

Thanks Roberto,

You can't tell the surface of the track from the infield, don't they have a water truck out there? A flag stand?

Well, what you see is what you get! There does not seem to be much protection for the crowds. Hope no one gets hurt.

I just drove by there at 11:45 AM today, Saturday and there were quite a few Vendors, tents and etc. but I only saw 2 cars. What time does it start?

I just won race #2. I am beat! The track is extremely bumpy and my power steering went out on lap 223. My wrists are killing me. Preparing for race #3 right now. Hope my crew can get the steering fixed. I am going to go on a qucik ultralight flight while I wait. I want to get an aerial view of the crowds!

It's apparently a secret as to what time it will start.

What kind of cars, street or race.

If you see the Jone's, tell him good luck for me.

Lots of people in the stands. Carnival Cruise ship just docked in front of the Reef Bar and 100's of Japanese people are coming to land. Those Japanese sure are short. They wear white socks with their sandals. I went around telling them Kenny and I were the original trend starters with this sock/sandla combo. Nice!

Race 3 starts in 20 minutes. Trying to drink as much beer as I can before the race; don't want to become dehydrated. I certainly don't want to DryHeave during the race. Or is that DryHeat?

Thanks to whoever decided to bring the AZ Cardinal Cheerleaders down for the races. Nice touch!

I see the track crew laid asphalt down between races 2 and 3. Should make for a much smoother race.

Off to race #3. Please wish me luck. There are at least 50 cars lined up for this race. I am going to need all the help I can get to weave past the front runners and bring this baby home to mama!

Real sprint cars are beast's, and anything that can happen will! Turn it up.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Thunder-on-the-Beach-Raceway/274436329244158

Show starts at 11 I better hurry if I want to catch the race

Okay, just watched Kenny's video and now I am scared. I am going to retire from this sport. It is too dangerous.

Okay, I am in my car on lap 32 right now. I am in fourth place but quickly catching up to Danica Patrick. All guages look good. Track much smoother. Good looking lady in Section 33, Row 21, Seat 4. Love this iPad and special thanks to Lucas Oil for installing Wi-Fi at the track. I have to go.

Good luck Jone's, and I hope your medication is on it's way.

I'm outa here, off to the Arizona Speedway. I'll be looking forward to any updates when I get home. If any cars get out on the track, any names of the drivers, or the # of the car would be appreciated.

Just heard the Thunder on the Beach ad on the Rocky Point Ramblings radio show, he stated gates opened at 11am and races were to start at 1pm. Not saying they did, but that's what the plan was. You can also hear the ad here: http://soundcloud.com/penasco-recreation/thunder-on-the-beach

From Thunder Website:
$40,000 worth of vacations
$2,000 to win (Sprints)
$1,000 to win (mods)
... $2,000 purse per day for mini and dwarfs

Well it looks like if there is only one vehicle entered that vehicle would get over $45,000 !!! I'm warmin up the Titan !!

I just heard that the owner of the 97 car decided not to go. So the mystery of the entries still continues. Maybe they are going to surprise everyone with pictures, etc. later?

Jones said they had wifi and I tried the internet access. No signal. I hope someone came down, he had to put alot of money into this I would think.

Terry, that was all a joke.........

LMAO,,,,jeeper I know

I won, I won!

I took first place in all events! I just got the check for $45000. I am taking DryHeave and Kenny on a round the world cruise. Sorry DryHeat, we are getting our own cabins...no butt munchin' for me (LOL)!

Kenny for Rocky Point Mayor. You heard it here first. I just donated $40000 of my winnings to high campaign!

Word en la calle is that there were only 4 dwarf cars and only 2 big boys = 6 cars total. I did drive by as the race was happening and there were some people there but i dont think it close to what was expected or should I say ~~~~~PROJECTED~~~~! The ~~~~Palabra~~~~ is that there might not be another race. Over under 6 months = UNDER

Don't forget to try and find (and borrow) one of the posters for this deal before you leave.

Wow. Had some of the chili burros from one of the vendors at the race. I had my own "Thunder" this morning. My poopoo is on fire!

Russ takes a lot of crap for banging the Rocky Point drum (sometimes to excess) but it is too bad this wasn't a huge sucess. Maybe in the future it will be.I do think Razor racing might be a better fit or maybe boosted F-250 diesel racing where the announcer starts the race by saying "Gentlemen grab your screwdrivers". I would pay to see one of those military trucks with a machine gun in the back light up some seized vehicles...

I agree with the UTV races. There is a ton of UTV (Rhino, Rzr, etc.) racing going on at Firebird Lake. Very inexpensive sport and the cars run on Premium fuel which can be purchased at any gas station in town. The promoter might want to take a serious look at this.

A couple factors to consider......

1) The promoter should make sure to not schedule against another sprint car event that has already been scheduled.

2) Make sure that you contact some of the key players in the sprint car racing community and get them to commit to come. If the other racers know that the key players will be there, then there is a better chance that they will follow.

3) Consult with some of the other key people that have organized these events and cooperate with them. (ie: Kevin Montgomery, Jonah Trussel, Benji Lyons, Robbie Allen, Rick Setser)

4) Make sure that you use a promoter that has a good rapport with the racers and has a reputation for treating them fair.

5) Inform the race team adequately of your venue and facility. Information like insurance, safety procedures, push truck arrangements and so on.

6) A picture of the finished facility would have helped immensely. The last pictures showed no comprehensive paddock area, no catch fences, no staging areas, or anything that makes the racers feel warm and fuzzy. Even something as simple as bathroom facilities. Racers pee too.

7)The U.S. has laws and regulations to insure the safety of the fans, and participants. Professional teams work within the parameters of these laws acknowledging that they are for their safety. Just because you have an event in a foreign country like Mexico that may not have these regulations, it doesn't mean that they should not be utilized to ensure safety. I have personally seen sprint cars flip many times down the front stretch of a track, reeling down the catch fence in front of the crowd. Without the fence hundreds of fans would have been killed. I think that with an unfamiliar track, and teams that had never run there before, there would certainly have been some wrecks. I think that this event not happening has averted certain disaster.

I wish the best success for this endeavour in Rocky Point, but it had some serious questionable facets from the beginning. It was a recipe for failure and a high probability of fatal consequences. It's too bad.

Most of what you said was right on except the race at Arizona Speedway was scheduled way after this deal was announced, and their (ET) next race (the second of three that was added) is scheduled on Nov 5th, against the Oval Nationals! Also there's not a snowball's chance in hell that Kevin or Benji is going to send the ASCS, or suggest to anyone they go down there,to the contrary. Most of the ASCS regulars won't even run at Jonahs Arizona Speedway, even though he hasn't scheduled again them. Oh, and Robbie and Russ are old acquaintances, and Russ knows darn well he couldn't get Robbie down there again without a gun at his head, and maybe not even then!
It was apparent to me that this thing was going to be a bust a long time ago, almost from the very begging, and for some of the obvious things you've mentioned... What I can't figure out is why Russ kept going along with the charade till the very last, and Bob with his knowledge of everything you've listed about a safe facility etc, thought he could pull this deal off. I think Bob might need a reality check, if you know what I mean Roberto.This was not a dream, it was delusional.
Most every racer in AZ and N.M. knows about how Bob had pulled some stunts up at Thunder Raceway a few years ago that in my opinion have bordered on theft, but because, and as you might know, we try not to drag that kind of stuff out into the public; as if he was just a family member with some problems we don't want the neighbors to know about.
I asked Russ a series of questions about this deal from start, and gave him enough info both on this forum, and in private (some of what you posted) so he did have a idea of what was needed.... I also sent out a email or two to friends down there telling them to be careful with their involvement with this deal, and don't get hurt.
I think someone should pull a "Brown" on that place and put it in the hands of someone who can make sure it's ran in a responsible manner, and in the best interest's of Rocky Point.

Thanks Kenny...correct me if I'm wrong, but originally this race was billed as "Lucas Oil sponsored" and had a picture of a winged sprint car on the poster. Lucas Oil sponsors ASCS National wing cars. It wasn't until very recently that it changed to an open comp non-wing show.

Regardless, even tho we had a strong feeling this could not be done with any proper safety precautions, we still only wish the best for the future success of any racing facility. I agree...With the proper people handling this, it could be a really nice venue for the area.

I still feel they would be better served to put UTV or buggy races of some sort there.

As far as the Robbie and Russ thing. Russ has used terms as "scared" and "timid" to describe Robbie on this forum. I guess thinking he would intimidate Robbie into coming down there. Did he think this would compel Robbie to help him in any way? Also at first he disparaged the ABC Motorsports message board/website as not being anything notable to pay attention to. He then later signed up on his message board and made posts promoting this race, realizing that it was the primary source of information for sprint car racing in Arizona. Despite being scheduled against a WWOC event and all of the underlying comments, ABC Motorsports.com helped Bob Livingston promote his event.

Also, I noted over 2700 views of the Thunder on the Beach thread on the ABC Motorsports message board. Robbie, along with many other teams, have way better things to do than to risk hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment on such a vague prospect. Especially with the tracks right here at home needing our support.
You stated "Most of the ASCS regulars won't even run at Jonah's Arizona Speedway, even though he hasn't scheduled again them. " I have seen ASCS regulars such as Pelkey, RJ Johnson, Reinbold, Martin, Rossi, High, Deskins, Linder, Hossford, Ogle, Ditsch, Sussex etc. at Et. Even Kevin Montgomery was there last night. This shows that most promoters in good faith under better circumstances would want nothing but success for a reputable racing venture. And I am sure this includes in Rocky Point.

Bought time Kevin showed up, wish I'd seen him. I owe him a hug..LOL Sure some of the guy's have started to run there, and some like Robbie who are pure races and not politicians, have not only ran there from the beginning, but have supported it in other ways as well. The teams and racers who are missing tells the story, if you know where to look, but yes, some others are starting to trickle in... Kevin being there shows that a sharp guy like him knows he needs to tap into all the new fans that show up out there, and he's looking into how to work that into the ASCS agenda of expansion, expansion. As you know, we had the biggest field of cars yet last night, 22, and again that was with a lot of help from the Challenge Cup guy's and non ASCS regulars
...Sure they changed the poster when I stated asking why they had Johnny Herrera in the 45X on it, and then showed them who he was running with, and what his schedule was. I even posted when he'd won a big race, just to poke them a little more. I knew it was a bunch of B.S. even then. I also noticed the there was no numbers showing on the sprint cars on the new posters, and that meant not only were they paying attention to what I had posted, they were now trying to be deceptive. I had emailed Russ telling him about Lucas Oil, and how they not only sponsoring short track racing across the county, but all other types of racing as well. I probably mentioned the off road stuff too. I noticed that in the interview that Russ did with Bob that that he mentioned Lucas Oil, and how they were big sponsors etc, and Bobs reaction to that made it obvious that he didn't know that was coming. I gave Russ a A for putting that in, but wasn't sure myself if it was true. Actually some people made inquiries with Lucas Oil, and they had never heard about a track being built in Rocky Point.
I do know that some money was spread around the local community, and JJ's LOL, that's a good thing, but overall it was just another failed improperly planned venture in PP, and that's not what was needed in these times, not at all.

Don't let the boy's hear you use the word "paddock" at a dirt track, you'll never hear the end of it..LOL

Just posted a new thread with video from yesterday's event here: http://www.rockypointtalk.com/showthread.php?4858-VIDEO-Thunder-on-the-Beach-2011-Recap

GringoZona said:

Just posted a new thread with video from yesterday's event here: http://www.rockypointtalk.com/showthread.php?4858-VIDEO-Thunder-on-the-Beach-2011-Recap

Thanks, I couldn't have more surpised when I stopped the action and saw it was Bobby's car #85, and there was no doubt it was a 410! Right now Bobby is very well thought of as a engine builder, but as you saw, and as always, he'll push it as hard as he can.

You all should remember that Russ said he was paid to promote the event, not to discuss it openly and accurately and tell you all he knew. I thought the posts should have at least gone under advertising.

I hope it all works out and they get the kinks out of the development and marketing. Despite the rah rah of the video, it looked like a lame event to me.

I'll give him credit for hanging in there when the going got tough, but could he have really been so far out of the loop that he would post this 3 days before the event on ABC's forum, and where's Bob?

"YES of course the race is on and it is huge for the city of Puerto Peñasco! On Saturday the Mayor of Peñasco will start the race. There will be all the press here and the local radio stations are broadcasting live from the event. We expect 3- 4 thousand spectators. Tecate Beer is a major sponsor and Coca Cola just signed today. We have food vendors, we have entertainers coming for the crowd. It is going to be a huge party. We have had a few cars on the track already in practice and they love it! If you are a driver or a team you should be here. The fans here will support you fo sho! I will post pics and maybe video for those of you who want to be here but are - shall we say - timid? If you are not here this weekend you will be asking yourself "WHY?" later. It is all good and the track is perfect!"

Russ Sez: If you are not here this weekend you will be asking yourself "WHY?" later

He does not seem to have much concern about being accurate. Remember he always said "We expect blah blah blah." His expectations were not met, not his responsibility. Balls to the wall hyperbole, that's his sales style. I seem to recall that his sone, who posted her for a bit, has a similar style of promotion.

Now those of us who were maybe asking hard questions early on will be blamed for the failure, and I think it was a failure, certainly not a race. I liked how in the video he wanted to show all the people in the background while interviewing and virtually all of those tents shown were vendors. Anyone know any vendors who participated. He got some Coca Cola cash at the last minute.

There is a lot of things to cover when you run a open comp race at a new facility, and this might give you a idea about what all is involved...http://www.abcmotorsports.com/wwocrulesandpurseforarizonaspeedway.htm
There is no question that I've had a love affair with open wheeled racing all my life, and Rocky Point for over 50 years of it. On this deal I've not only posted exciting video to get people interest's, I've also preached that PP as being not only a great place to visit to my open wheel friends, but safe as well.

Rome was not built in one day, as they say. The biggest thing that will attract more to future events, in my opinion, is that the cars were let through without a hassle through the Mexican border, and, God-willing, they will go back into the US without incident. The track quality and other safety measures I'm sure will be implemented as money comes in as the months go on, but at least they took the "Mexicans will steal all your nice sh*t" element out of the picture.

Ok I want to make just a couple of comments then I am going to crash.

First. I appreciate everyone who stood by us and supported us in this first event in Rocky Point for racing fans. It was very hard to pull off but it is done. The drivers that did come got across the border with no problems. The methanol was allowed under a special permit that Bob Livingston worked very hard to obtain. The drivers who came are now very excited to promote this track because, despite what some have posted here, the track was and is in excellent shape, every driver said that to be true. The drivers love the track they love the fans here and they love racing in Mexico. Maybe some of you think I sell too much (personality flaw, sorry) but this place (Rocky Point) is dear to me. A note to Kenney - I didnt know anything about Sprint Cars or the racing community when I met Bob, I have only known Bob for a few months, we are not old acquaintances. I am struck that even though Bob didn't have the participation that he had anticipated - everything he said to the drivers about compensation, safety, ease at crossing....all of it was paid out in full in cash and in the truth of the matter.
Second. The folks who came to the event from Mexico saw something they have never seen before. They were truly excited about the cars, they know racing trucks (IE Baja 1000 San Felipe 250) but had no idea what a dwarf car was or a sprint car, they loved it when Bob Livingston took his modified out for a few laps too. The drivers were so nice and genuine to the locals who got to visit with the drivers and check out their cars and some even got in them for pics. These guys were totally excited. It was not a huge event, I am sure it made no money, but it was clean, it was true, and Bob Livingston paid the purse as promised! and everyone who participated in it will be back for more next year with the Thunder on the Beach racing season starting in January.
Third. I will not accept any of the negative comments about me personally that I read on this forum ( some of you are so sad). All I can say to the haters is too bad for you, you should try to do something positive in your life. I am who I am and I love my town and I love people who want to do exciting things here to attract events, which attracts people which is a positive thing. Sometimes it cost a lot of money and time to be positive and do good things, but its always worth it in the end and I for one think that Bob Livingston and Darren Dodd knocked this thing out of the park. They dreamed it, they planned it, they invested heavily in it, and even though all odds were against them and the negative people (who are louder and more obnoxious than anyone else) they still did it. It was a success by all measures!
Forth. There will be Sprint Racing in Penasco, there will be Off road racing in Penasco, there will be Razor racing in Penasco, and many other events because Bob built his new track in Mexico.
2012 Season Sponsors include but not limited to - Tecate Beer - Coca Cola Mexico - Benny's Pizza - Manny's Tequila Factory - JJ's Cantina - ProAlliance Insurance - Max's Cafe - Sonoran Resorts - Las Palomas Resorts - Playa Bonita Resort - Viva Mexico Tacos - Tequila Penasco - Why Not Store - OCV (office of visitors and Conventions Penasco) - Sonora Tourism Department (Hermosillo) - Coyote Grill - The Muncipio of Puerto Penasco (Mayors office and City Hall) - Dan Monroe and the many, many volunteers who worked hard to make this event happen. I thank all of you! I mostly thank the love of my life, my wife Naomi for sticking close by me even though she hasn't seen much of me for the last 2 weeks!

Thats all now I am resting for a week, enjoy your life! AJUA! Life is good!

Russ, enjoy your rest! It's tough work being a "Cheerleader"!

I'm not a racing purist. Actually I don't follow the sport at all (although I grew up in Jackson, MN and went to the races every Saturday night). Was I disapointed in the turnout? Sure. I also went to the concert on Saturday night. Was I disapointed with the turnout there? Yes. Were both events a lot of fun? Absolutely.

I just don't get it. Why are so many people so anxious to talk smack and try to put a damper on events that are designed to promote our little town? Every event started somewhere and I assume that most started slowly and grew over time. Do you thing that Oscar and his friends had a great turnout for the first biker rally? Well, let me tell you that they didn't. How about the triathlon? Same. Give it a chance and be positive about things. Negativity is way too easy.

Will there be a major convention center? Maybe. Will there be a home port for cruise ships? We'll see. I do remember, however, when the coastal highway and the airport were hot topics and no one seemed to believe that they would happen. They are both completed. Sure, the economy has had an impact on the use of them but they are here and if you wait a few years I believe that they will prove to be good investments.

My real frustration is that this was another attempt at getting something started here and so many tried so hard to make that a bad thing. Come or don't come. No sweat. Why be so negative and try to intentionally stifle the event? The weather was perfect and I had a good time. Even just seeing some people that I hadn't seen in awhile and meeting some new ones was worth it.

I have known Russ for quite some time and, yes, he is a promoter and a cheerleader. Aside from that, he really is a good guy. He is the first one to jump in and push someone's car when it's stuck in the sand. Does he do this for profit? Of course. But, does he really love Rocky Point and want the best for us? I really think so. I feel bad for him on this one because this was not his idea and yet he is the one who seems to be the one to blame for the lack of drivers or attendance.

I will not get into an argument or debate after this post. No, I won't be hiding. I just don't have the time or inclination to fight an uphill battle. I'm usually pretty quiet here but this just hit a nerve. I am pretty confident that the track will be used and that it will provide some good future entertainment. Which direction it goes we will see. Remember, it was originally excavated as a marina. So, let's make lemonade out of lemons, right???

BTW, I spent some time talking with Bob Livingston and he is a really good guy. Although, he too was disapointed with the turnout, he intends to continue with his (longer term) plan, and, I truly hope that it works out.

Just to add to Jim's comments, were any of you there for the first Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers show on top of the Sunset Cantina? I've seen bigger crowds watch cr@ppy cover bands playing local dive bars. Was the inflatable Dos XXs bottle that kept blowing onto the band a problem? Sure. Not enough power for the amps? Uhh, I think... Details from that night are a bit fuzzy... ANYWAY, now it is nearly impossible for fans of the internationally-famous act to not associate it with Penasco, or think of the town without a Refresments or Peacemaker soundtrack playing in the background, and the annual Circus Mexicus shows are among Penasco's biggest events, even prompting most rental agencies to charge holiday rates during those weekends!

If and when this becomes a big event with corporate sponsors, you can act like a jaded fan and say, "Yeah, I was there before it got all commercialized. These guys totally sold out!"

I appreciate your point Gringozona, but there was no chance that Roger Clyne or his Peacemakers would fly through the crowd at 100 mph at a weight of 1350lbs with a motor/exhaust so hot that if it touched you, you burn instantly. Oh, and the added bonus of a possibility of a methanol fire that burns invisably. Inflatable Dos XXs bottles would be the least of your problems.

I get the feeling that no one is hearing how dangerous these cars can be. It's not about being afraid to cross the border, it's about what happens from there on. Race teams need details on, Ok lets say it for the 10th time, SAFETY (for both the drivers and the crowd), INSURANCE, push trucks, etc. all the things listed and asked/NOT answered for the last several months.

Maybe, just maybe there would have been more cars had there been a free-flow of information to make them feel confident that this would not be a disaster in the making.

Bobby Marcum is a nice enough guy, but why weren't the other 5 drivers interviewed? One guy saying "Oh yeah, it's great!" won't cut it.

Once Bob has taken care of these issues, (and possibly some tow money in advance) I'm sure more teams will participate as I know alot of people that enjoy RP.

I like Russ. He is a nice guy and did the best he could.

My only concern right now is, do I have to return the $40000 I won?

I think the guy who came up with the money deserves a pat on the back but the safety post rang a bell with me.If a family of fans from mexico gets wiped out by one of these little tumbling steel cages of death everyone involved should just run for the border.
I think the boosters took some unfair shots from the likes of the funny reporterjones guy but this is all a hangover from having been lied to by the some of the same RP fans that defended the condo overbuild and safety issues. Last year when Russ was telling tourists it was cool to go inland beyond Caborca I pointedly told him(via the forum) it wasn't safe in some areas and warned people off.If you have followed the problems in the Mission town of Tubutama you will see that as was the case with the condos sometimes boosterism can be hazardous to your health and wallet.I always try to give people interested in moving to Santo Tomas the whole picture not just the part that puts a buck in my pocket Jim.

GringoZona said:

Just to add to Jim's comments, were any of you there for the first Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers show on top of the Sunset Cantina? I've seen bigger crowds watch cr@ppy cover bands playing local dive bars. Was the inflatable Dos XXs bottle that kept blowing onto the band a problem? Sure. Not enough power for the amps? Uhh, I think... Details from that night are a bit fuzzy... ANYWAY, now it is nearly impossible for fans of the internationally-famous act to not associate it with Penasco, or think of the town without a Refresments or Peacemaker soundtrack playing in the background, and the annual Circus Mexicus shows are among Penasco's biggest events, even prompting most rental agencies to charge holiday rates during those weekends!

If and when this becomes a big event with corporate sponsors, you can act like a jaded fan and say, "Yeah, I was there before it got all commercialized. These guys totally sold out!"

Azchick said:

I appreciate your point Gringozona, but there was no chance that Roger Clyne or his Peacemakers would fly through the crowd at 100 mph at a weight of 1350lbs with a motor/exhaust so hot that if it touched you, you burn instantly. Oh, and the added bonus of a possibility of a methanol fire that burns invisably. Inflatable Dos XXs bottles would be the least of your problems.

I get the feeling that no one is hearing how dangerous these cars can be. It's not about being afraid to cross the border, it's about what happens from there on. Race teams need details on, Ok lets say it for the 10th time, SAFETY (for both the drivers and the crowd), INSURANCE, push trucks, etc. all the things listed and asked/NOT answered for the last several months.

Maybe, just maybe there would have been more cars had there been a free-flow of information to make them feel confident that this would not be a disaster in the making.

Bobby Marcum is a nice enough guy, but why weren't the other 5 drivers interviewed? One guy saying "Oh yeah, it's great!" won't cut it.

Once Bob has taken care of these issues, (and possibly some tow money in advance) I'm sure more teams will participate as I know alot of people that enjoy RP.

Maybe I'm missing something, AZChick. Was there a question about the insurance policy for the race? Bob and Darren purchased the policy from me and it was underwritten by Grupo Mexicano de Seguros S.A. de C.V., known more commonly as GMX. The civil liability amount on the policy was for a million dollars. I don't know crap about the other stuff, but they had insurance.

That's great Rosy :) It's the first I've heard of it. Why didn't Bob or his promoter say so? Now, if they are forthcoming with details for the next race, maybe it will be more successful. Also, they may want to check schedules of the clubs racing in the nearby US states to be sure they don't plan a race against another scheduled race.

Without any kind of catch fence or wall around the track a million in insurance means nothing. If that sprint car would have lost it and there were fans against that chain link fence by the motorhome they would have all be killed or seriously injured. How does Mexican law handle that does everyone go to jail?

In the case of the burned casino and daycare centerthey all claimed the other guy owned it...

AZ ROB said:

Without any kind of catch fence or wall around the track a million in insurance means nothing. If that sprint car would have lost it and there were fans against that chain link fence by the motorhome they would have all be killed or seriously injured. How does Mexican law handle that does everyone go to jail?

My comments were not directed at Russ personally. They were comments about the way he chooses to promote. I do not think it necessary to inflate estimates, use grandiose vague descriptions. I listened to this type of sales pitch for about 20 years as the owner of a marketing/advertising company and I have a very low tolerance to it. Ask for a fact and get a hyped generalization. My clientel paid me well to weed out this type of pitch and I admit it irritates me to this day. In my opinion there was a better, more effective way to approach this situation that could have made the event a success. Now, I have no idea whose words came out of whose mouth, or who planned what and when.

I expected some sort of response like" I will not accept any of the negative comments about me personally that I read on this forum ( some of you are so sad). All I can say to the haters is too bad for you, you should try to do something positive in your life.

There were a lot of difficult important questions asked here and because this is an open forum you should expect them. Calling the low level of criticism and suggestions offered here as coming from ' sad haters' and suggesting that others do nothing positive in their lives is a bit of the hyperbole that sets me off. The only 'loud and obnoxious person' did not post comments on this forum. Personally I think the unsupported hype created the negativity, which was directed at the hype, not the event. I have heard through back channels that many in the sport were turned off by the wildly unrealistic predictions of a monster success.

No one on the list wished that the event would fail. No one on this forum worked to make it unsuccessful. I agree that it may grow into a wildly successful attraction for Penasco and that would be a good thing.

a wake up call!

AZ ROB said:

Without any kind of catch fence or wall around the track a million in insurance means nothing. If that sprint car would have lost it and there were fans against that chain link fence by the motorhome they would have all be killed or seriously injured. How does Mexican law handle that does everyone go to jail?

Anything that might happen, can happen at a sprint car race. Think about it, that rock that broke out the Mayer's window, very well could have been a tire taking off someones head. It was not funny, it was a wake up call!

Forget the tire, the rock could have been lethal. I agree, it not a joke.

I was waiting for someone to bring up the "rock" comment from the video regarding how the Mayor's SUV's back window was blown out by a stray rock that popped up from the sand during the race. In my other post I let the video stand for itself without commentary, but that was odd to make light of it. There's always a risk, even at air shows, but damn...

Roberto said:

Forget the tire, the rock could have been lethal. I agree, it not a joke.

I agree, and I've seen rocks do a lot of damage to not only drivers and fans, but equipment too. Bobby's going to be asked if there are a lot of rocks in the track, it's important.

Hey Kenny, did the track look like it was working to you? Marcum said it was, but it looked dry and slick as hell to me. But what do I know. Would it get better after some rubber was down, or at least good enough to race on without everybody tearing their stuff up.

Landshark said:

Hey Kenny, did the track look like it was working to you? Marcum said it was, but it looked dry and slick as hell to me. But what do I know. Would it get better after some rubber was down, or at least good enough to race on without everybody tearing their stuff up.

For me it was telling that they showed very little of Bobby out on the track, and what they did show was edited to where you never saw a full lap. We did see him wash out pretty bad and have to get all the way out of it up in what I'll assume was three though. It was everything you thought you saw in my opinion, except you left out the lack of banking. Did you notice that the dust settles real fast? That's because it's not so much dust, as it is sand! Have you ever seen the flat trackers on the pea gravel in the Midwest where they throw up rooster tails? This was like that, but with smaller peas, and no grip..LOL

P.S. Hell man, I remember when the road out to Cholla Bay looked very much like that, except it had nice berms on the curves.

Whoops, I forgot to answer part of your question, I was having just to good of a time I guess... Hard to tell what that track will do with more than two full sized cars on it. Sand gets slick and heavy with water on it, and I thought I heard that 410 bog down a little in between one and two as it was, but it will need water: but will it hold it even if it had good clay, but with that much sand? Not likely.

It was a good weekend of raceing, we only need more cars. all had fun and lookimg for more raceing in rocky point. here is a link http://www.thunderraceway.com/beachRaceway.htm

The track was in good shape the it could of been sand to i was there and he was parked at the edge of track and the car was side ways.I talk to the Mayor and he did make light of it, he knows he was parked in a bad spot. I live there and they don't get mad over thing like gringos do. It was a great thing to see and hope to see more and see more cars.

Like any thing new you have to work things out. If you are not there and run the track how can you talk bad about it, let's try to make this something good.

aed9934 said:

The track was in good shape the it could of been sand to i was there and he was parked at the edge of track and the car was side ways.I talk to the Mayor and he did make light of it, he knows he was parked in a bad spot. I live there and they don't get mad over thing like gringos do. It was a great thing to see and hope to see more and see more cars.

I love the superior tone you have over "gringos". Aren't they the ones you will depend on to come there and bring their dollars to support this venture?

BTW...I have had my window broken out at Manzanita Speedway twice when they ran on the half-mile and I was parked in the parking lot! I never once heard anyone whine about a broken window in 10 years.

I never knew that asking questions or raising concerns was talking bad. Sorry.

aed9934 said:

The track was in good shape the it could of been sand to i was there and he was parked at the edge of track and the car was side ways.I talk to the Mayor and he did make light of it, he knows he was parked in a bad spot. I live there and they don't get mad over thing like gringos do. It was a great thing to see and hope to see more and see more cars.

The cars were parked so close to the track that you think maybe the sand blew out his window!! Highly unlikely, but why was that car and others parked there, and by the way, who was running the show Russ? There is no excuse for that kind of lax attitude, none, and trust me the teams and drivers back in the states notice that kind of thing, and hopefully Rosie takes notice too.
. It may be fun, but it has to be run in a professional manner and in all ways, if you expect to attract the kind of teams and racers that you're looking for. It's not a afternoon on competition hill.
And yes, after 50+ years of going down to PP this gringo know all about the "no problem" attitude that some have there, but it can't be that way at Thunder on the beach, not if you want a top notch and professional facility.

Edit... and by the way, almost all new tracks suck at first, but the Thunder track has a set of unique problems to solve.

aed9934 said:

Like any thing new you have to work things out. If you are not there and run the track how can you talk bad about it, let's try to make this something good.

If you want this deal to work someone needs to step back and reevaluate what kind of cars are capable of running safely and competitively on that track, and then figure out who will actually make the trip down for this all important second show. I posted the video on the forum of ABC's open wheel site, and after over 250 hits there has not been one comment, and a very high percentage of those people either know Bobby personally, or have seen him race. I also posted it on a S Cali non wing sprint car forum, and after over a 100 hits there was not one comments, and Bobby is no stranger to those guy's either. You draw your own conclusions, but to me it's only to apparent that realist goals need to be set if you're looking for success at that track with the environment we have today.

Ok Kenny I understand what you are saying about the track in RP and Bob will see where it goes from here.

The way I see it this facility is in the very early stages of development. The track at this time is only the foundation of a track that could one day be used for sprint cars, modifieds, etc. The track surface needs to be completed, such as adding banking, a clay surface, retaining walls, etc. Same goes for the rest of the facility...still needs to be constructed. At present time, I think events should be limited to off-road type vehicles that normally run on sand and caliche. Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticizing anybody or anything, just stating the obvious. I think the facility is a great thing for the community, and am hopeful Bob will see it to completion. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Once the track is completed, lets get some video of a sprint car coming out of turn four carrying the front wheels. Post that on the forums and the drivers will believe.

The main video on you tube hit 1028 views less than a week after it was published, thats excellent!

this thread has over 7400 views from people talking about it. russ, do you know if the racing community is talking about it on threads or forums related to such events?

dry heat said:

this thread has over 7400 views from people talking about it. russ, do you know if the racing community is talking about it on threads or forums related to such events?

I am not part of the racing community so I dont get any direct responses but I know it is buzzing around out there. I can also say that there will be a race in January the date tba and that before that race well before that race I will be given a driver list and car numbers to post unlike this last time. Getting it on the news was a huge thing for us and it will help us get some - uhm traction....