That’s exactly how you do it. You let people know the truth of the matter. And at the same time you remain complementary about the good things at Bristol. If they’re smart, they will listen to you before someone gets hurt.
I enjoyed his sisters live feed on youtube. All day long on the pits. Had some internet issues, but it is really fun, and she really tries her best to answer everyone who posts a comment or question. The whole family works hard. They probably have Millie the dog doing something behind the scene lol
Clay, really enjoyed meeting you in the pits and getting a picture with my son. Sorry the weekend didn’t meet your teams expectations but the next race is right around the corner! Really enjoy your videos content and the seeing the relationships you have with everyone around you. I hope the next race is everything you guys want.
Awsome stuff! Here in Hastings N.Z back in the 80s we had the best drag strip in the southern hemisphere. Garth Hogan our rail hero sold it off and it got torn up to plant grape vines. Broke the hearts of the local petrol heads. He went from hero to zero.
I'm a 63 year old Okie, but still got a little teary eyed when you were announced as "One of your own" because I see how much it means to you. ❤ I haven't finished the video yet, so, I'll be back! 😊
I don’t understand why NHRA DOESNT has more funding than PC NASCAR has become , we had Angelle Sampey and Antron Brown walk up to us at the fence line on the starting line and talk to us like normal folks. That’s just one example of how down to earth and family friendly this sport is , even you Clay took a moment out of a busy Sunday to say hello . A track like Bristol needs the funding too. Full dig up , relay the base , repave . Thunder Valley is one of the best tracks on the circuit . I hate it for teams that it’s starting to cost them big money
My daughters grandfather was a long time well know crew chief racing Indy Cars and let me tell you the drivers for Indy Cars I can say when I was around them in the 80 ‘s their egos were so big I’m surprised they could find helmets big enough to fit their heads. Total jerk most of them.
Thanks as always Clay, Jimbo, Nicky, “The Kids” & RWR for taking us all along for the ride…..too fast too tasty👏🏻👏🏻 you guys are knocking on “Wally’s Door” once again….it comming..❤️❤️👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💪🏻💪🏻🇦🇺🇦🇺
Tough break for the rwap team but good work on everything up to that last round. Couldn’t imagine what it feels like doing that speed and being bounced off the track, having an engine pop and then pulling shoots, would be a heck of a carnival ride!
Clay I watched the highlights on Leigh's channel, but here for the itty bitty details! We can only hope that the folks at Bristol heed your words about the woops section. Hey you just came up with a new sport "Top Fuel Motocross" As always thanks for taking us along!!!
Thank you for that explanation at the end! It looked very rough on the camera and I am certain that you guys are not the only ones complaining about the track!
You know something Clay, I’ve been watching top fuel racing for a lot of years now and I’m never disappointed with your content, you are so honest in your views and opinions no matter how your day goes. Reminds me so much of the Jim Reid team here in Australia, they had an absolutely shocking weekend during the Winternationals but Bruce and the team stayed so positive. Keep at it Clay, thank you..👍😀
If the track is that bumpy, one would think that NHRA would have properly inspected and ensured that it was NOT an issue LONG BEFORE a sanctioned event?
This is my opinion ONLY. The SUITS in NHRA can be spineless and without a doubt show favoritism to the multi car teams on some issues.If they tried taking too much money from Force or old man Schumacher b4 he died, they would be in there face in a heartbeat. Doesn't pay to be fair and honest with them. That is how they knocked Clay down last yr in the countdown. They never would have done that to a multi car team imo
Hate our track sucked!!!! The bumps looked horrific on the car can’t imagine being it it! Was a pleasure to see you and the crew! Also appreciate the short conversation we had. Go Clay.
I really believe they could hire AAA paving out of Mercer County West Virginia They are maybe an hour and 20 minutes from Bristol dragway but they could go down there and resurface that track and make it tabletop smooth, Just like they did at Darlington dragway for the shut down area and the owner of AAA is also a drag racer himself in the radial tire drag racing
Thank you Clay for providing us with the videos that gives us a peek at what all you & your team does. I especially love "going down the track with you". Im sure ya'll woth be on stage soon. I got to see & talk to you in Texas a few years back. We had a great conversation I'll always remember. Was like talking to a brother... Look forward to the video with you holding up a Wally... Till next time. Blessings from Texas...🇺🇸
Awesome 👌. From NZ, love watching the channel. Top Fuel racing always blows my mind! I can't imagine the feeling of running the 1/4 mile in one of them, must have enough power to almost spin the earth when it puts it down!
Been binge watching all your content for past few days, hello from down under, found you through Brent and Cleet.. you have a beautiful story man and I love your no matter what happens you still are positive and easy going even around the most complex issues, I feel that a testament to your folks for raising you right
you and the team tried there best.but here it is again. you went rounds. the consistency is coming around. keep that up, keep chipping away and the win will come and a higher spot in the standings.
What a Shame things were looking very good for you and the team it is a real shame that the track had to bite you like it did specially after they worked on it I was there I did go up and I could see where cars were lifting right up off the ground not good PS that track is beautiful you got that right wishing you the best of luck in Virginia see you there😎👍🇺🇸
Clay I was very proud to meet you again and have another chance to shake your hand. You are an outstanding emissary for the sport of drag racing. I have always had the highest respect for Don garlits because he was the innovator always seemimg to lead the way in new ideas. But no one compares with the behind the scenes in depth look at the sport you provide!! Your always upbeat and enthusiastic about what your doing at the strip and at home. BTW thank you for signing my shirt. Stan
Bristol needs to do what New England Dragway did just before we got our first national event. From the burnout box, to the 1/4 mile finish line. The track invested money on a complete track redo. Laser leveled 100% concrete race track. Asphalt shutdown area. Maybe Bristol needs to do this. I'm sure Bristol takes in more revenue than New England Dragway.
That sure was a pretty site to see, when Clay was out on the track at almost midnight with nobody there. Where dreams are made for people, who try for sometimes decades. Awesome design
The cars don't really convey how bad that bump is, but if you watch the pro stock motorcycle clips, nearly half of the bikes in the left lane lift the front tires off the track roughly where the tunnel is. Still, this weeks performance was nothing short of amazing. In fact this year has been so much fun to watch! This race brought wins to those who weren't even on the radar and losses to crowd favorites. Virginia Nationals, let's keep up the good work, congrats to the whole team on the successes at Bristol, #1 qualifier, semi finals, and a Too Fast Too Tasty challenge win!
Watched it on TV and it was clearly visible when you hit that bump, it unloaded the tires and detonated. Nothing you or Jim could do to avoid it in either driving or the tune. They need to tear it up and get it smooth and yeah it's going to cost money but it has to be done. Aside from that, it's a gorgeous facility.
It was nice to see Doug Foley and you race. I was there when Doug crashed in Toronto. Much like you clay. I feel like Doug is a natural that could do a lot with more support.
Clay, I know you had an up and down weekend, but you made my day. We share a friend John Montecalvo and I am glad that the two of you got a chance to see each other!!! What a great photo of the two of you!!!
Being on a team of this caliber is a dream job! If only I could get my foot in the door and go from small town grass roots weekend bracket racing to this type of circuit 🙏
I was super excited to finally get to meet you and get you on my Legends Hat of Signatures! I have all the current greats on there and was super stoked. Genuine cool dude just like in the videos! Nice job going rounds this year. Stinks we got beat at the line in semis but it is what it is 10/10 day! See ya next year!
Thanks for taking the time Clay to show us I love it I'm a no prep small tire racer myself and know what it feels like to have shit go boom lol We also are a gold slot camping member and will be down at Bristol I think fathers day weekend hope to see u
Congratulations on a good day Clay. I would love to see the team owners get together and tell NHRA that y'all aren't racing there again until it's fixed. Y'all have the power to make it happen. It's hard enough to have the proper funds to race the entire season without something stupid as a bad track surface. ✌️
Since your team is known for being one of the best teams on a hot track, and summer has just started it will be interesting to see how you guys do between now, and late September when the weather starts to cool down.
1. Clay, you and your team are doing so well this year that you are going to wear out that loud pedal. I am so happy for you and the team!! 2. The track: i took my youngest daughter( my wife was 7 months pregnant with her when we saw you win the 101k at huntsville dragway in 2005. She is now 18) to bristol last year for her senior trip and i could see how bad the bumps are. This facility is far to beautiful ansd unique to have this kind of issue. I hope someone will step up and address it. Bristol dragway is awesome!!
Last season RWR / Team Clay McKillan (LOL) won 3 events which I thought was awesome. This season ya'll have been much more competitive, been going rounds, snagged your first Misson 2 Fast 2 Tasty challenge, a Number One qualifier at this race....it's just a matter of time. Here's to it all coming together toward the end of the season and taking home the Championship! 🍻
I am genuinely curious about the tape on the gauge cluster. If you don't need the information, why is it being displayed in the first place? Love what you are doing here!
We only need to see the information on the warmup procedure. We do not need to see it on the racetrack. More importantly we don’t need other teams seeing it at all 😁
The information is needed during setup & tuning after rebuild and (possibly, depending on what's being displayed) when Jim O is adjusting the idle just prior to the run. The information isn't used during the run as it's just reflecting what's being captured by the datalogger. Being a programmable dashboard, it's impossible to say what's actually being presented in each location, but it could be anything from blower boost (set to whatever Jim O wants it at to fuel pressure/flow settings (which Clay controls via the lever to his left). Basically proprietary information necessary during setup & tuning after a rebuild, but not used or needed during a run.
I’ve been to many tracks watching NHRA events and I still like Bristol better than anywhere, except for the track being rough as it is but the whole environment and atmosphere and as far as the facility goes at Bristol, it’s my favorite drag strip for sure... Next weekend in Virginia man you guys better have plenty of ice and air conditioning because it will be triple digits starting probably as early as Tuesday or tomorrow this week and he is going to be hot as hell out there in Dinwiddie VA
love seeing the comradery between the drivers. we all know its competitive and every driver wants to win... in the lane, every man for himself, after the run, hugs and congrats all around. good to see! clay you are a legend! love following along!
Sunday was my first ever NHRA event. Thank you and your very busy team for being so hospitable and I truly appreciate you autographing my 330 sign. Great work this weekend! I hope to see you in Charlotte in the fall, but until then, I'll be tuned in right here. #SOTLP
Hey Clay, I was back at the track this morning for a mooch around which the good folks there were kind enough to let me do. All was still and no evidence of the weekends carnage. I think you might have pulled out just as we came in around 10:30-11am? Great weekend and brilliant work from you and the team, shame about the semi-final result but don’t let that detract from an otherwise successful weekend for you!
Man, the helmet cam after the kabang on the run vs. Tony looked rough and like you went for one heck of a ride! This was my first time at Bristol. I loved the facility and had a blast (thanks for taking the time while mixing fuel on Friday to speak and sign stuff for me.) I hope that they can figure out something to make the track more smooth.
Ran a PB in my car yesterday, and today, i found out i'm going to see you in a few weeks. Going to bring the slip with me for you to sign! Will put it right next to my previous PB signed by Brent and Jamie from PFI.
Way to say what needed to be said...they should be able to respect that - coming from their #1 fan/son. See you in Sonoma. (they have tunnels too, but I think they solved the "whoop-section)
It is owned by Speedway Motorsports which was founded by Bruton Smith. Bruton passed away in 2022. Speedway Motorsports owns a slew of race tracks - eleven to be exact. They have 4 "Directors" and 12 "General Managers" and they can't afford a repave or to fix the problem correctly?? Not believing that for a second.
@@kennethking3520 My friend was down there on the track, and some words were exchanged with a track official from Bristol, and the team he works for. can't say which one. have to protect my buddy. Not Clay's team. Actually TF FC They were complaining about the same thing, and the Bristol guy said at least you have 2 lanes that are equal grip. WOW. That means too bad in my head. These are going way too fast to have the rear tires lift. It's not like they are 160mph 4 links...Such a shame, and it comes down to corporate greed
The track was just paved in the off season. According to Allen Reinhart, , problem spots are where the tunnels go under the track and where the new pavement ends. The tunnels expand and contract with the weather so one round may be a bump and the next round may be a drop.
Thank Clay for making every awesome videos for us. So sorry to watch you lose the race and hurt the car like that. Hoping Good Luck for the next race !.
very unfortunate track conditions that have to corrected by a good engineering company if bristol wants a future with the NHRA Good job Clay !! Lets Go !!!
they raised the track up several feet years ago. The base material under the pavement is not stable enough and goes up or down with heat, cold, and water concentration.
Clay, the damage to components and all is minor compared to the beating you take getting bounced and shook! You only get one body! I believe you are very responsible and polite about your feelings circling around just how much danger the bumps cause! If they don’t fix it there will be another Scott Kaletta type of disaster. Cars leaving traction at 300 mph is an unreasonable demand of operator and machine! Thank God no one was seriously hurt!
Clay, you and your team still did a great job this weekend. It is so fun to watch someone who loves their job so much. Congratulations on the win on Saturday 🎉
It's a crying shame. I heard so much about how this track was fixed. they even had John Force talking it up on a podcast last week. I saw you bouncing so hard with chutes out on Friday night in your low ET round. I right away thought "what the hell did they fix? If you guys lost that kind of cash, imagine it was well over a Million ++ to T/F teams total. I don't have the answers, but it is so frustrating to me, I can only imagine how it is to you guys. Proud of what you have been doing out there. The whole team. See you in Virginia. Also loving your sisters live cam. FUN!
Thanks for the video. I'm curious what jim was looking at on the second round of eliminations. I was watching in real time and one of the guys from the force team came over and pointed at something. I thought oh no something is wrong but the car went down no problem. 👍
You are such an amazing dude clay, super happy to have found your channel and to be a part of your community, you are one of the only creators other than cleet that I get GENUINELY excited to see, and because of my back pain an my shit deck of cards I got delt, there’s really really not much left that ACTUALLY excites me, so I just wanted to let you know how much joy you bring into this world, you are really a perfect dude, keep being you brother 🔥🤘🏼🇺🇸
Clay you and the team worked so hard over the weekend as usual, that was unlucky for you guys to have 2 engines destroyed themselves….. but that scenery is probably the best l have seen… shame about the track being the uneven towards the end. But you won the the medal which you deserved and gave it to Rick ….🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸
Had to comment as you was at Bristol which is where I'm from but in England and would have to be a place I visited should I ever make it to the states as looks great.
I hear what yer steppin in! KISBaby vs. KISS ... you ain't stupid. Wisdom acquired through the Years. Humility acquired through the Tears! OK now I'll watch the remaining 95%. Lol!
