So I wonder who is "sweating bullets" now.

I have been intrigued by the recent announcement made by Bill Bader, President of the IHRAthat he had sold majority interest in the IHRA to SFX. SFX is the corporation that has a huge motor sports division. They promote the Monster Truck Jams, Arena Motocross and more at large indoor arenas around the country. The motor sport division is part of a larger corporation that also owns Clear Channel Communications, owners of TV and radio stations nationwide, and Cotter Communications, a real powerhouse in special events. SFX and their acquisition of IHRA have been covered by Chris Martin and Jeff Burk in other columns here in DRO. If you want an inside look at SFX check out the InnerView with Bill Bader.

My take on this new partnership between IHRA and SFX is that it will have a real effect on the quality of the IHRA in general and specifically at the IHRA national events. Better promotion, better TV packages, improved facilities and additional big name professional racers will be forthcoming. It is my opinion that SFX will be courting racers like Kenny Bernstein, John Force, Don Prudhomme, and others that are as close to being household names that drag racing has to offer. SFX has the funding to make this happen and will offer these teams and their sponsors the media exposure they need to make this a viable deal.

This partnership between SFX and IHRA has been causing the NHRA "Golden Boys" to start sweating bullets. They have had all the big name racers in their camp for thirty years and had them racing for "chump change" the entire time.

When a top notch Top Fuel team has to make three qualifying passes and potentially four more runs in eliminations for a winners purse of about $40,000, that is pathetic. The cost of the damaged parts usually exceeds the winnings and this doesn't count the $450,000 tractor/trailer, $200,000 crew chief and consultant fees, $200,000 worth of spare parts, $10-20,000 worth of travel and meal expenses for a crew for four days, and the list goes on and on.

Now are you starting to see why NHRA can barely get a competitive sixteen-car field of nitro-powered machines in each of their nitro classes to show up at their events? For now they are doing it because some teams are bringing three cars, three tractor/trailer rigs, motor homes and crews.

When and if SFX decides they want these nitro guys to assure the IHRA national events are the best show they can be, I think they might begin to race for the money they deserve. When a nitro team could possibly melt down three $25,000 engines in a weekend, it is easy to see why only "old money" is still in the Top Fuel and Fuel Funny Car classes. Will SFX and IHRA be able to convince these "big name teams" to come over to IHRA and give them a try? Only time will tell but you can count on one thing - NHRA will be "sweating bullets" to see what the SFX group has in mind.

SAFETY ISSUES
Well racers, it is that time of the season. I know some of you have been racing for a month or more but in the upper Midwest we are just getting rid of the forty-plus inches of snow we got last winter. Now is the time to check all the equipment involved in getting to the races and the race equipment itself one more time before the season starts. After what happened to Earnhardt and the subsequent media attention safety equipment received, we should all learn from this tragedy.

How about making a basic checklist? I make one for my pre-season safety checks and a weekly list I use to stay up on everything during the season. Here is the basic idea and I hope you will take the time to make your own list so your trips to the track this season will be trouble-free and more enjoyable.

Preseason Check List:

1. Driver Safety: Check safety harness for proper expiration dates (that could save you having to go home because your belt dates are expired, they are good for two years from date punched on the label); are the harness mounts still in good shape; are the belts rubbing metal or getting frayed edges. How about those driving jackets and pants - been washed too many times? Why not get some flame retardant driving shoes instead of those $100 sneakers? For some reason NHRA and IHRA seem to think a fire in a slow car isn't as hot as one in the faster cars. Just remember that if you offer yourself the best protection you are also protecting your family and your job as missed income from an injury affects them all.
2. Car and chassis checkup: Look closely at every weld, tighten every bolt and nut. Look at fuel lines for wear and make sure they are not coming loose near suspension or headers.
3. Fuel System: Check fittings to make sure they are tight and clean or replace fuel filter elements. Look in the fuel cell and it probably should be flushed out.
4. Brakes: It is easy to say that slowing down just might be more important than going fast. If you can't stop your car you sure can't come back for the next time run or race. Add in personal safety and your brake system should be number one on your list. I always flush out the entire system every spring. This gets rid of moisture that your brake fluid might have absorbed over the winter, plus it gets rid of any small pieces of debris and contaminants that may have gotten into your brake system last season. Check for cracks on your rotors, cracking on your flexible brake lines and fix any small leaks.
5. Cooling systems, hood pins and "little things." Can you afford to overlook anything? Not really, just take your time and make a list as you examine your car. From the radiator hoses to wiring connections to battery and cable end condition. Check them as closely as you can and replace things that could cause you a problem later. A few minutes now can save you hours of grief this summer.

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