Run and Gun Dates

[RICK LAKE]

This is an open forumn and over the last year asked for new ideas for the R&G. Little to no reply.
I have been going to R&G since 93 and completed since 98. Run Street class big block. When times where good I traveled to Gateway solo. 998 miles door to door. 17.5-18.0 hours of driving. Cost without and damage to driver or car, PRICELESS. Greatest bunch of people at the events. Cost out of pocket about 1,500.00 dollars when gas was low in price and hotel room. Last year gas bill was 2,200.00 for gas and hotel. Time on the track unlimited, just like at Gateway. MPH has alot bigger run off area, very few walls, same safety teams around the track and a high speed on the back side of the track with safe run off unlike Gateway.
Cloris H, Sharon H, Jay, Dean, and others all helped to make and keep R&G safe, fun, and a good time. Many years Cloris didn't drive his car because of all the running around to keep the event running smooth, people happy, and to make the event pay for itself. After 9/11 this event has never recovered back to 60-80 entries. I know some people get old, money is a major issue, vacation time, Family seperation, the list is long. My reason is age and 26 hours of driving. This was to be my last R&G. Have no body around to help Deb take care of animals since my mother died.
I here the London show is big with over 200 cars showing up for the 3 day event. Have not looked at the event schedule but see busy days without alot or any track time. Racing down a street is fun with the cops watching.
I just really hope that all safety measures are taken in the event of a car breaking and not hitting people on the side lines. 3 feet high barriades will not stop a car from coming over the top. You hope they do.
George took over the R&G last year, He put on a hell of a show for a small crowd. The people of Hasting where great down to earth. Even got TV coverage with the big foot ball game between Neb and Iowa that weekend. George was not trying to drum up work for his shop, just show us the great track he has built( with help ) and the hope of people to keep coming for the R&G event. Maybe like all good things, this has run it's course. I would like to think it will continue next year. The Location is in middle of the country to try and make it easy for all to attend.
Again asking for ideas about what to add, change and how to improve this event have people come back. Next year there will be an 1/8 mile race track. IF we get enough cars, we could have a town parade and race down main street Hastings too. Rick L. ps in the works MPH is looking at building open garages like Gateway with air and electric.