More jet-dryers, why not?

[crispy]

With the weather forecast as it is this weekend, you would think Tony would call up tracks like Chicagoland and Michigan (well maybe not Michigan) and "lease" some serious jet power just in case.

Why try to do it all with just his six?

[step33T]

With the weather forecast as it is this weekend, you would think Tony would call up tracks like Chicagoland and Michigan (well maybe not Michigan) and "lease" some serious jet power just in case.

Why try to do it all with just his six?

I have always wondered this also! Never got a good answer.

[crsfulk]

On top of the jet dryers, I have often wondered why they do not get more vehicles out on the track during race delays. It would seem that there are enough "official" vehicles sitting around that could be out making laps to speed the process.


** Also would aid in the beer shortages due to long delays like last year!!!

[KnockOff]

If I was a track owner I would have several GIANT dryers (and blowers) on 18 wheeler tractors, maybe get Peterbilt or Kenworth to sponsor them.

With several of them staggered, I'd be able to dry a track as large as TMS in one lap.

True, weepers are another story, but sending out a couple of dryers or blowers pulled behind a 3/4 ton pickup is akin to trying to bail the Gulf of Mexico with a soup spoon.

[Jim Wilke]

I'm not convinced that jet dryers really do much. I think the wind and temp have far more to do with drying the track than trucks and dryers. 6 is probably enough to work the puddles in pit lane and the trouble spots.

[NSRSBoiler]

blame OPEC, Chevron, etc

[exfasteddy]

I'm not convinced that jet dryers really do much. I think the wind and temp have far more to do with drying the track than trucks and dryers. 6 is probably enough to work the puddles in pit lane and the trouble spots.

I agree.

[crsfulk]

blame OPEC, Chevron, etc

Nice try, but I highly doubt that a few hundred (or even thousand) gallons of fuel is the reason for the number of vehicles and dryers on the track...

[KnockOff]

I'm not convinced that jet dryers really do much. I think the wind and temp have far more to do with drying the track than trucks and dryers. 6 is probably enough to work the puddles in pit lane and the trouble spots.

So, what you're saying is track owners and managers like Gossage are pouring their money down a rat hole and aren't smart enough to realize it?

Somehow I doubt that.

[Mack Too]

With the weather forecast as it is this weekend, you would think Tony would call up tracks like Chicagoland and Michigan (well maybe not Michigan) and "lease" some serious jet power just in case.

Why try to do it all with just his six?

Why not, it's not your money, anything so that you/we can see the cars sooner/more often, no matter the costs... Hey why not put a dome over the joint. Tony should do this, Tony should do that. Tony should open the place every dry minute, run IMS 24/7. Tony should put in lights. Tony should fund a triple crown, Tony should lower ticket prices too. It's not just you crispy, almost everyone here has a suggestion on how TG should spend his money.

The Indy 500 is what it is, all because of all these variances that make it so difficult and special. Last year until race day they didn't even need one jet-dryers. Yes, dryers are moved around, perhaps they will.

[Mack Too]

On top of the jet dryers, I have often wondered why they do not get more vehicles out on the track during race delays. It would seem that there are enough "official" vehicles sitting around that could be out making laps to speed the process. ** Also would aid in the beer shortages due to long delays like last year!!!

Next time you are at a track where it has rained and they are running laps to help dry things out, watch the areas where things are allowed to dry by themselves and notice that both areas, with the exception of puddles/standing water, will dry at the same rate. Once the trucks dissipate the puddles it is eye-wash to let the fans know they are doing everything possible.

This opinion comes from more than 10 years on pit road at IMS every day cars were running.

[Mack Too]

I'm not convinced that jet dryers really do much. I think the wind and temp have far more to do with drying the track than trucks and dryers. 6 is probably enough to work the puddles in pit lane and the trouble spots.

They do replace the water with a thin film of oily residue from the jet exhaust Jim. Also the trucks running around leave the track very dirty too. I think a good vacuum truck to suck up the standing water does more good than anything, the rest is just an act to keep people happy while they sit and wait.

[Teej]

Borrowing from F1 a little, is there a place to park the yacht this weekeend with all the rain?

[crsfulk]

If the tires pulling the water up to vaporize does nothing to aid in the drying of the pavement, why does a normal street dry quicker in the "tire tracks" than near the lines or center of the lanes? Also, remember that a typical asphalt road will also have low spots where the weight of the vehicle tires run that would allow for puddling.

[pb]

How 'bout hiring 50,000 temps to hit the track with turkey basters and wash cloths. The Motegi approach to the "nth" degree.