Being the hardcore drag racing fan that I am, I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s running of the 57th Annual Mac Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. 

Only problem is that I can’t go as economic conditions won’t allow me to attend with my limited budget. I figured it out, and it would have cost me at least $1,000 to go. I wish I could be there as there are a lot of story lines going on with the Countdown spots being decided, and, after all, it is Indy.  But the thing I’m going to miss the most is seeing a bunch of old friends; in my world the racing is secondary.

But unlike the past, those of us who can’t go don’t have to wait to find out what happened as we have this wonderful thing called the Internet where you can get almost instantaneous results.

So here’s what your old pal Bob will be doing over the weekend to keep up with what’s going on at the “Big Go.”

For stats, results and numbers for every car that goes down the track all weekend the best place to go is Summit Racing’s www.dragracecentral.com. The ultimate resource for numbers freaks like me, and best of all it’s free!

Then there’s the live audiocast available to NHRA members - except on Monday when it’s available to anybody with an Internet connection - on www.nhra.com. Here you can listen to the live PA feed from start to finish, including the annoying between rounds and oil down entertainment

There’s going to be a lot of TV coverage on ESPN2 including not one but two qualifying shows on Sunday (which might include live segments) and eliminations on Monday starting at noon eastern (an hour after eliminations begin) with six hours of non-stop coverage with plans (schedule permitting) to broadcast the final rounds live.  A total of eleven hours over the weekend of drag racing on TV is a good thing for the sport. 

Here’s the schedule, all times Eastern: On Sunday, Sept. 4, ESPN2’s qualifying coverage will air from 11 AM – 2:00 PM and again the same day from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  Eliminations on Monday the 5th will start at noon and run until 6 PM.  Check your local listings -- and remember the coverage might be delayed due to some live sports running overtime.

But the coolest thing that’s available out there in this Internet age is www.espn3.com. If you’re a subscriber to select cable Internet providers you can sign up and watch on your computer a live feed from the ESPN production truck. You get to see every car that makes a lap on Monday. 

So I’m going to stock up on some Genesee Cream Ale and enough food to last me the three-day weekend, and enjoy Indy from the comfort of my recliner thinking about the money I’m not spending to be there in person.

If they could squirt out nitro fumes from my speakers I’d be in Heaven.

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