December 10th, 2008 by jcme
After discussing some of the various racing flags, we thought it would be a good idea to round out our miniseries on the practicality of the aforementioned flags. If you’ve attended a racing event, you know that racing flags are essentially used to tell the crowd what is going on on the track. With the advent of radio communication between a driver and his or her pit crew, it is no longer imperative to have a flag explain to the driver what the track’s conditions are or what stage the race is in.
Historically, however, racing flags were used to tell drivers instructions. It was the only way that drivers could communicate with the track’s race officials. Any failure in communication with the flags would result in incidents that could be dangerous.
Some lower level tracks use racing flags to tell drivers what is happening. Flags are also good for this purpose in the event that radio communication fails and race officials have no other way to communicate with drivers. It makes for a good backup safety measure and can prevent serious problems with communication.
If you’ve ever been to an ARCA series race at Lumberton or other tracks, you will have noticed the flags in full operation. They can be a compelling sight and represent the number one way for racing officials to communicate with spectators. Racing flags may not be as interesting as other aspects of ARCA Racing, but without them a race would be nearly impossible to conduct safely.
Tags: arca racing, arca series, flags, lumberton
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December 8th, 2008 by jcme
As we discussed last time, racing flags are of the ultimate importance. They are the supreme indicators of procedure during an auto race and understanding their meaning is integral to understanding the sport.
Yellow Flag
A yellow flag displayed from the start tower signifies a full course caution on oval tracks and a local area of caution on road tracks. If the yellow flag is displayed from the observation post, a local caution condition is in effect and no cars may pass at the corner at which the yellow flag is being displayed. Depending on the type of racing, a sign with SC (which stands for Safety Car) will be used to indicate the presence of a pace or safety car or a pair of yellow flags will be used for a full course caution.
Yellow Flag with Red Stripes
This flag stands for debris or perhaps slippery patches on the automotive racing track. This flag is universal in all racing motorsports and can be displayed from both the observation post and the starting post with the same significance.
One of the best ways to experience the significance of racing flags is to actually attend an auto racing event. Whether you’re into ARCA Racing at Turnersville or you like the roar of the big engines at Indy, you’ll find a whole lot to love about this exciting sport.
Tags: arca racing, racing motorsports, turnersville
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December 5th, 2008 by jcme
Every so often, we like to help out people who aren’t as into automotive racing as the rest of us by imparting some information that can prove helpful. Whether you’re a fan of ARCA Racing around Cherry Hill or any other type of auto racing, understanding racing flags is a critical aspect of getting to know how automotive racing works. Without an understanding of the flags, watching an auto race can be very confusing.
The flags are displayed from locations known as the “start tower” or from the “observation post.” There are various colours and designs on the flags, with the location of the flag holding different meaning.
Green Flag
A green flag displayed from the start tower means that the race has started or that the race may resume after a full caution or full stop. It also means that the race is continuing as normal. If a green flag is displayed from the observation post, it means that there is an end to a hazardous or dangerous section of the track and racing can resume as per normal.
Red Flag
As with traffic lights, a red flag on a racing course almost always means “stop.” A red flag displayed from either the observation post or the start post means that all cars must stop on the track or return to the pit area immediately.
We will continue next time with more on racing flags and what they mean. Stay tuned!
Tags: arca, arca racing, Auto Racing, cherry hill, racing flags
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December 3rd, 2008 by jcme
President of Penske Racing Tim Cindric will be the guest of honor at the ARCA RE/MAX Series Championship Awards Banquet at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky, on Saturday evening, December 6th. The ARCA RE/MAX Series has had a long relationship with Penske Racing, dating back to when ARCA began racing at the Michigan International Speedway in the 1980s.
The Michigan International Speedway was owned by Penske at the time. The popular ABC plan was also a part of the relationship. The ABC plan involved the use of ARCA, Busch and Cup Series races to train development drivers and teams for full-time racing careers.
Recently, Penske Racing has started up a driver development program through ARCA RE/MAX Series team Cunningham Motorsports. Penske has also signed 2008 ARCA RE/MAX Series Champion Justin Allgaier to drive the No. 12 Dodge in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2009, adding more weapons to the arsenal and giving the team a real chance to win in the coming racing season.
The awards banquet will take place at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington, Kentucky. As the guest of honor, Cindric will be honored for his contributions to ARCA Racing and the racing world in general. It should be an exciting and emotional evening for all involved.
Tags: arca racing, awards, racing, tim cindric
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December 1st, 2008 by jcme
As most ARCA Racing fans know, North Carolina’s own Craig Goess has renewed his contract to drive for Eddie Sharp Racing in 2009. It turns out that he will be behind the wheel of the No. 81 Greenville Toyota Camry in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.
2008 Cometic Crew Chief Patrick Donahue will be handling business from the pit box and making sure that Goess doesn’t miss a beat for 2009. A confident crew is also behind the car, leading to finishes that took Michael McDowell (2007) and Scott Speed (2008) to Victory Lane a total of eight times. They also netted 12 SIM Factory Pole Positions.
Goess is no stranger to Eddie Sharp Racing and is said to be looking forward to another stellar year with the group. He competed in the NASCAR Camping World Series East Division in 2008 for Eddie Sharp Racing and has been lighting up the track since then in anticipation of the upcoming 2009 season.
With a quality car in the Greenville Toyota Camry and a solid team behind him, it looks like 2009 could turn out to be one hell of a year for Goess. Here’s to great races all year round, Craig! North Carolina’s got your back.
For more information on Craig Goess or other Cherry Hill ARCA Racing goodness, keep it locked right here.
Tags: arca racing, Auto Racing, cherry hill, craig goess, toyota camry
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December 1st, 2008 by jcme
Generally speaking, if you’re going to buy a car, you’re probably going to have to get a loan. While this is true for new cars, it can also be the case for used vehicles that you buy from a dealership. Most of the time, you just don’t have the cash necessary to pay for a car outright. You need to be ready to do everything you can to make the most of your auto financing.
The first thing to think about in regard to auto financing is whether you will get dealer financing or financing from a third party. There are some specific advantages to dealer financing. First of all, dealer financing lets you go through the entire car buying process – from finding the car to negotiating the price to getting the loan to pay for the vehicle – from a single location. It keeps you from having to go back and forth to the bank in order to get your vehicle paid for and to get your car and drive it home.
You also want to make sure you get the best rate from your auto financing. Here again, getting financing at the dealership helps. The dealership is able to negotiate with multiple lenders to get you the very best rate and payment that you can.
When it comes time to buy your car, make sure you consider dealer financing to get the most from your auto purchase.
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November 28th, 2008 by jcme
The officials with the Alaska State Fair recently announced that they are no longer allowing oval-track auto racing. Fans aren’t going to be happy as the oval track was one of the crowd favorites each year.
Unfortunately, the oval track races were more costly than profitable. In 2007, the races brought in about $27,000 but they cost about $26,000 just to operate. The oval track also costs about $20,000 each year for maintenance and about $45,000 more is needed for safety upgrades.
But that doesn’t mean the end of racing at the Alaska State Fair. Officials plan to have quieter and “less dusty events” that include motocross, demolition derbies and a “tough truck” contest.
The Alaska State Fair has had races since 2005, but they are under a conditional-use permit since last year. The permit limits the number of days in which the races can take place and it also limits the amount of noise they can create.
If you’re an ARCA Racing fan, you might enjoy the Alaska State Fair and the new races offered. I know Alaska is a long way away, but it might be a nice trip one day.
Tags: alaska state fair, arca racing, Auto Racing
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November 26th, 2008 by jcme
Many car manufacturers at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show displayed some vehicles that will make ARCA Racing and other circuits more exciting.
Although today’s race cars are already ground-breaking in and of themselves, but patrons at this year’s auto show were able to get a glimpse into the future or auto racing. Some of those new and exciting features include never stopping to refuel and technology that helps drivers avoid collisions for better safety.
These new designs, which are part of the event’s fifth annual Design Challenge, probably won’t be implemented completely until around 2025. BMW, GM, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and other companies participate in the challenge to explore new designs and ideas.
One of the more interesting designs at this year’s show came from the BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This concept used goldfish as “co-pilots” to show that the vehicle has clean emissions. If the fish get sick, it shows that the car isn’t running as clean as it should. General Motors also got some attention by using three types of clean and renewable energy through wind, earth and fire. With this, the automaker created the “eco-triathlon.” Other automakers released some other exciting ideas that will undoubtedly bring more people to the tracks in 20 years or so.
Tags: arca racing, Auto Racing, gm, motorsports
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November 24th, 2008 by jcme
If you’re a fan of ARCA Racing, you’d probably get a kick out of the Kansas Auto Racing Museum. Located at the base of the beautiful Flint Hills in central Kansas, it’s one of the state’s newest and most popular tourist attractions.
One of the more prestigious items in the museum is the very first NASCAR trophy. It’s in the Kansas museum because Jim Roper, a driver from the state, was the first one to win the event on June 17, 1949 at the Charlotte Speedway in North Carolina.
In addition to that, the first NHRA trophy is located at the museum. The first NHRA national event was held in Great Bend, Kansas in 1955. A Kansas resident – Paul Flynn – also won that event.
Trophies aren’t the only thing to see at the museum, though. Kids will enjoy the video play stations while adults will appreciate the rare film footage and old photographs in the private viewing areas. Many of the old films show highlights from racing events through the decades in various areas of the Midwest.
The Kansas Auto Racing Museum is located at about one-half mile south of Interstate 70 off of Exit 286 in Chapman.
Tags: arca racing, Auto Racing, kansas auto racing museum
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November 21st, 2008 by jcme
There are many exciting things in store for the ARCA Racing circuit in 2009. In addition to the exciting tracks already planned for the events, ARCA Racing will also have a new look!
CGS Imaging has been working on a new custom designed wrap for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Transporter. If you’re not sure what a wrap is, it’s the huge picture on the side of the truck trailer that usually carries the company’s logo and an attention-grabbing picture. You’ve seen these on trailers before, but you probably just didn’t know they were called wraps.
The Series Transporter is more than just a large advertisement for the company, though. The trailer is also like a mobile office and command center for the various racing teams and the circuit’s officials. So when you see trailer driving next to you on the freeway, be extra careful!
CGS Imaging, the company creating the new wrap, is the Official Wide Format Digital Printing Supplier of ARCA Racing. The company began in Toledo, the birthplace of ARCA Racing, in the early 1990s and has more than two decade of experience in graphic design and sign creation.
Tags: arca racing, Auto Racing, cgs imaging, motorsports
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