The main thing that could be used, that I know can be “overly helpful” is the use of traction control via the new ignition systems that ramp RPM gain against time (called slew rate ignition control). This is known as RPM ramping. The other thing would be tachometers hooked to timers so a racer can get a time it takes to get to a certain RPM or a light comes on at a set time. I am sure if it’s illegal it could be hidden I just think inspections are good for the sport, not bad for it.

“what the heck…..” is it with bracket racers that seem to always ask what happened at a certain big money race? They want to know what it takes to win them and why the same guys seem to win all the time. Yet, when we offer coverage from these races they don’t respond to the magazine by thanking them for the coverage.

If you see coverage of an event you like in any magazine let them know it. Email them and tell them. It is the only way they know it was worth their time to spend money to have somebody cover the event for the magazine so you can find out what happened.

“what the heck…..” did I see in Pro-Stock at Chicago? Erica Enders got to the final round. I say, “you go girl – job well done!” With the pressure she is under I would say she held up better than most racers would have. She might have messed up in the final but big deal, she crushed WJ and that was worth it to me. Always liked those young vs. old match-ups. I will say with confidence that if she can keep the sponsor and team together she will not only be in a final soon but also will likely put a holeshot on someone in the finals and win an event. “what the heck…..I may be mistaken but surely I’m not wrong, am I”?

“what the heck…..” was IHRA thinking at the Division 5 ET Finals when they could make sure their huge souvenir truck was there with a bunch of leftover T-shirts but they couldn’t get there with contingency decals for the bracket racers? Where are those racers supposed to get them? I have written manufacturers before for decals, they don’t send them out unless you send them a receipt, a picture of the car or give them you competition number. Otherwise, they would be sending them out all day long to decal collectors. What I watched in the finals were some great cars with none or very few decals. That means less work for IHRA and less money paid out to the bracket racers, again!

“what the heck….” Did IHRA think, the racers would just pull the decals out of their a- - before the event? Some of the racers didn’t know how to get the decals or even who was paying what for their products. Not everyone attends Pro Am races or is familiar with the entire contingency decal deal. I brought as many as I could find at home and helped guys collect a few thousand they wouldn’t have received. “Hey IHRA, next time give a little effort to the Summit Super Series racers will you?” We all buy products from your sponsors but not all products come with the correct size decals. IHRA not bringing decals cost the racers in the finals thousands of dollars. The RIGHT THING to do would be to pay the racers who had the products on the contingency sheet, whether they had the decals or not. It’s in your court, going to hide behind the rules?

“what the heck…..” was I thinking when I went to the Million Dollar Race and was surprised to see all the really nice cars and tow rigs. I am not sure what I thought I would see but I was astounded at both the quality of the cars and the quantity of cars that showed up. To say the least I was impressed and I had a great time just being able to compete with the best.

“what the heck…..” is up for next month? I have no idea but rest assured I will decide with a day or two to spare.

Have a great October and I am anxious to see if Erica can win a race in 2005 and what Scelzi will have to say when he wins the NHRA Funny Car Championship.