Gateway Dirt Nationals

racingfan7

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Indoor late model & modified race at The Dome at America's Center (Edward Jones Dome) in St. Louis. 1/5th mile oval instead a stadium.

Anybody else heard about this or going? Looks intriguing since Chili Bowl tickets are an arm and a leg.
 
It sounds awesome. I was planning on going, but something has come up and I wont be able to make it...
Most of the top super late model drivers are going to be there, Bloomquist, Davenport, Owens, etc...
I think the race does have the potential to be a trainwreck though.. The same promoters had a midget race last December in Indianapolis on a track that was far too small (though the St Louis track sounds like its gonna be big enough), lots of delays because of fumes, etc...
They have about 400 cars entered (i think 150 super late models and 250 UMP modifieds), It sounds like too many cars IMO. I think they should have just made it a late model only show. Instead of having modified races in between the late model events, they should have just left that as time for the place to air out a bit so the fumes dont get to be so bad... IDK, I hope its a success, and I hope they do it again next year. It's killing me that I can't make it to this event...

I know what you mean about the Chili Bowl prices... Between the costs of the tickets and the cost of hotel rooms (if you could even find one within a reasonable distance from the track)... I don't think I could ever justify going that that race... It's so high, i'd rather just put that toward an international trip... (I was flying round trip to Osaka, Japan for $700 last year).

I don't know where you are located, but if you want to try out an indoor race that can give you somewhat of the feel of the Chili Bowl, check out the USAC National Midget races at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in southern Illinois. Same cars as at the Chili Bowl and a lot of the same top drivers. They are having one race in December and one race in March. I went to that race in December 2014, it was an awesome show. One class only, they moved it along pretty well. The fumes only ever bothered me for a couple of minutes right toward the end of the show and I was sitting in the top row. Very racy cool little indoor track. Highly recommended. I think it will only cost you about $25 or $30 to get in as well.
 
I have frequent flyer miles available (coming from Utah) this winter after going to PHX NASCAR next month. I seen the DuQuoin Race, but haven't seen anything listed as far as tickets & information.

Thanks for the informative post.
 
I have frequent flyer miles available (coming from Utah) this winter after going to PHX NASCAR next month. I seen the DuQuoin Race, but haven't seen anything listed as far as tickets & information.

Thanks for the informative post.

DuQuoin races are scheduled for December 17, 2016 and March 18, 2017. Tickets aren't available yet as far as I am aware. When I went, it was all general admission, with tickets just available day of show only.
Last year Bryan Clauson promoted the races and they did sell reserved tickets in advance. Obviously there will be a different promoter this year, so who knows if they will be doing reserved seating or just do general admission. No ticket information or schedule has been announced as far as I know (except for the dates of the races). USAC announced those on their twitter, so that would be the place to look for further info i guess.
 
I'd really like to go if the drivers listed actually end up going. It's an 8-hour trip for me, so I don't know.
 
I'd really like to go if the drivers listed actually end up going. It's an 8-hour trip for me, so I don't know.

The drivers listed on the website for the St Louis race did have to file entries, they limited it to 150 SLM and 250 mods. Obviously, being pre-entered doesn't guarantee that they will show up. But considering that its pretty much the only major SLM race between the World finals and Georgia/Florida speedweeks, and it has a good payout, i'd bet you will see a good strong field there. Who wouldn't want to be part of such a cool event anyway??

Anyway, if you really want to be sure they are going to be there, I think the Thursday portion is time trials only, so you could always check the results of that, and still make it there for Friday and Saturday.
 
I as as skeptical/optimistic as a dirt fan can be.

biggest concern is these cars are far heavier than the midgets at the Chili Bowl. I don't know if a track can last when these guys get hooked up.
 
I as as skeptical/optimistic as a dirt fan can be.

biggest concern is these cars are far heavier than the midgets at the Chili Bowl. I don't know if a track can last when these guys get hooked up.

Look up Belle-Claire for videos from there. The track will be about the same size as it.
 
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