NHRA 2005:
In other words, after nearly 50 years, dear readers, there is no longer anything faintly resembling an "unlimited" class at NHRA events. For many Top Fuel and Funny Car fans (myself included) it was a sad day. Whether NHRA made a good decision that will benefit or improve the sport of drag racing will take some time to determine. The general consensus among the tuners I spoke with at Phoenix seems to be that both of those measures being implemented represents not only a moratorium on engine component research and development, but also a moratorium on performance. The fans packed into the stands next to me on Saturday didn't seem to mind, but then again, they weren't seeing cars with rev-limiters. For the hardcore fan, the thought that we may already have seen the quickest and fastest laps we will EVER see is certainly disheartening. However, if NHRA's actions actually make fuel cars safer, then I'd say it is a good decision. TIRES As long as NHRA is going to require (and the fans and teams are going to accept) rev-limiters, spec engines, and politically correct drivers in the fuel classes, I think it's time for NHRA and Goodyear to admit that the current tires just aren't safe above 300 mph and limit speed to a max of 300! NHRA now has the tools in their box to make that happen. It's not a matter of if another driver or, worse, some fans are going to be injured as a result of a crash caused by a blown tire, but just a matter of when. ABORTED RUNS It seemed to me that there were more security folks at Phoenix than I've ever seen at a drag race. For the most part they were clean cut, well-mannered and in control. They had to be, as fans could buy beer at Phoenix and walk around the Pro pit area. For many fans, including myself when I'm not on duty, being able to have a beer and walk the pits is a good thing and a welcome addition to my drag racing experience. I will say this, though, after years of observing I've noticed that eight hours baking in the sun and consuming mass quantities of adult beverages combined with nitro have been known to result in some bizarre behavior. Although an NHRA national event is still pretty family-friendly, there was a fight in the Pro pits Saturday night after qualifying. A NEW DIRECTION In my 30 years of going to the races as a working journalist, I've never heard so many manufacturer reps and racers complain about the way NHRA is doing business. Two more fairly high level NHRA employees apparently gave their notice at Phoenix: Chad Head (son of Funny Car owner/driver Jim Head) and Security Director Mike Lentz. Lentz reportedly is going to NASCAR for a similar position and Head is heading to the IRL to work with their race operations division. With the long list of employees who have left the organization in recent months, it's becoming clear that as an employee of the NHRA you either drink the Corporate Kool-Aid and share Tom Compton's vision for the sport or you will soon be gone. I was told by an NHRA source that Compton has a five-year plan and he evidently has the backing of the board of directors to do what he sees fit. From start to finish the NHRA is now much more corporately correct and profit-oriented than at any other time in its history. Tom Compton's NHRA has made it plain to everyone from the freelance photographers to the manufacturers on the midway to the racers that they are only allowed to do business as long as the NHRA lets them; that NHRA is going to derive either benefit or profit from what NHRA allows them to do, and if the photographers, manufacturers and racers don't like it, well, that's just too bad. Now, I don't want to give anyone the impression that the NHRA is bullying anyone. They're courteous but matter-of-fact; it's their ball, their field, and their rules -- take it or leave it. I'm good with that scenario as long as NHRA's policies remain consistent. But for many people who make their living off of the NHRA series, it is getting pretty ugly out there. It is obvious to me from what I observed at the NHRA Phoenix event
that, like or not, there is a new day at NHRA and we'd all better
get used to it. |
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I've
just returned from my first NHRA event of the 2005 season and I've
got to tell you that for many reasons it was one of the more memorable
I've ever been to. The race at Phoenix will be the last time that
Top Fuelers and Funny Cars will run without rev-limiters and "spec"
engines. Beginning with Gainesville, spec engines and rev-limiters
for Fuel cars will be mandatory. 
