An EF4 hit Joplin just before 6pm this evening. Much of the city is leveled. Even though the HAMB Drags are four months off, they will be far from being fully rebuilt in that time. I remember the tornados that have affected the OKC area over the last 12 years - I was taken out by one! It takes a LOT of time to get things rebuilt. I'm quite sure that Ryan and the organizers are on top of things to see what will actually happen. Hope things work out across the board.
with that much damage, there may not be any hotel rooms available, even in august. it's gonna take a while to rebuild those homes...
It's probably a little early to talk about moving the Drags. Assuming the area can support it, they can sure use the dollars it generates. We could all get back to basics and camp if there are no hotel rooms.
im sure most of you slackers have your rooms booked already? either way check this out. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6581592#post6581592
Ditto!!! My 2 cents, we need to think people at this moment. When the drags roll around we should still be thinking people. This years drags, we should have a benefit for the people effected by the storms. Sorry, just my thoughts.
My firemen buds that got to Joplin sunday evening and are still there have reported some stuff back to me and the Holiday Inn at I-44 and Rangeline (the host hotel) is still there. It's big problem is no water or electricity. The host hotel is about 1.3 miles south of where the tornado finally quit and that unfortunately was one of the bigger areas of building devistation so I don't know anything about the hotels further up rangeline from I-44. I think it's safe to say the drags should be able to go on but it will be a very somber ride up rangeline to get to Asbury. The point I'm making here is we all make Joplin our rowdy little home once a year and we are all met with open arms for this cherished event. I too am also making my donations but is the red tape and extra effort too much that we can't make an item in the online store that is a donation bucket and then at then on HAMB Drag weekend the Hamb can give a check to the city fathers from the HAMB? I ask this as it might be tricky or prohibited to offer a not for profit link in a store that otherwise operates for other intents and purposes and I don't want to act like this should be something that Ryan and the crew can do at the drop of a hat because it might not be but if it could happen, I would definately donate to that too. Just a thought.
My point is the rooms available... Joplinites are gonna be needing them for awhile, that's for sure. Camping sounds fun.
Mother nature is a badass hope everyone is o.k. Around there.. I heard on the news, things were horrible
We went to Joplin this weekend to the Mo-Kan Dragway and toured the tornado area afterwards. It was devastating. Down towards the hotel was good with no damage but go a few blocks and it is total devastation. So sad to see. I was amazed at the neighborhoods that already have all the trees and belongings at the curb for pickup. I was amazed at all the volunteers and free meal tents up to help everyone.
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