Here is an update on the Sept 29 Pilot race at Smithton Hole in Smithton PA.

The promoter (Andy) was really happy to have us there. Total Pilots: 7. Team Dooey showed up along with the Trackside 6 (mostly brothers)....and a wife.

There was no tech-inspection. Registration was easy and the racing started on time. The format was this: About 5 laps of practice, 2 heats ( first heat line up was based on a poker chip drawn at registration, 2nd heat line up was the reverse finish order of Heat 1.), then a Main. After the first heat, we decided that an 8 lap heat was too quick so Andy turned the second heat into 12 laps. The main was 15 laps. Andy let us set the number of laps we wanted to do. The gate line up was 4 in the first row and 3 in the back.

Gate fee was $10, Entry Fee $25. 100% payback along with trophies. For 7 Pilots, First Place paid $85, Second $55 and Third = $35. Though the night included buggy racing and quad racing also, the promoter raced all the buggies and Pilots before any of the quads even practiced. Between Heat races and the Mains, there was not a huge amount of time so you better not need any work done. But this worked out great as there was no sitting around for hours waiting for your race.

The track was short but it was a great Pilot track. Plenty of turns with options. Two very fast, perfectly built jumps. Wide enough for 4 Pilots abreast. Also a mini-whoop section that seemed to divide the racers on every lap. Racing stayed pretty tight through most of each race with noone pullling ahead for a certain lead. Team Dooey may have had a chance to do that but when the Start Flag flew for the 15-lap Main, he was in nuetral. Still he came back with a strong third. Then I think his son redeemed the family name by cleaning up in the Quad class.

Glad to see that with 7 Pilots on the track there were only 2 roll overs the entire night. Worst damage done was a bent tie rod.

Website is www.smithtonhole.com. Andy would like to fit us into his schedule next year and asked us for two dates we could commit to coming and racing. His organization has a meeting coming up to make the schedule for next year and he would like to get 5-10 Pilots there again. He is willing to make his schedule based on dates the Piltos can be there.

I expect the track will update the page to show the Pilot race shortly. I will try to post some pics later. I am having trouble getting the page to allow an attachment.

The promoter sounds too easy, its good to see someone like him accommodate us like he is.

Sounds like a good time was had by all.

If your having problems attaching pictures please check your picture sizes they are probably too big if you cant upload, this will help and its painless http://pilotodyssey.com/PO/viewtopic.php?t=3227

I have a cure for that tie rod problem they just need hoserized, see here
http://pilotodyssey.com/tierod.htm

And here http://pilotodyssey.com/PO/viewtopic.php?t=814

Hope the promoter is going to allow you next season...

Team Stoneman would make the drive if the timing is right on the dates.