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I thoroughly enjoyed attending three nostalgia races in 2002. The March Meet in Bakersfield held record crowds of spectators estimated at 25,000 on Saturday. The California Hot Rod Reunion was bitchin' featuring fast cars, great people, incredible hot rods and customs, Cacklefest, and the Ring of Fire. The Ring was to allow a bunch of nitro addicts a chance to get up close and personal with the carsthey love with tears of nitro. It worked, with old timers and youngsters bumping around in the dark. While veteran NHRA nostalgia advocate Steve Gibbs is heading toward retirement, his involvement in these races is essential for the continued health, credibility, and growth of Nostalgia Racing.

I've got to mention how much I now like John Force, not that I ever disliked him. I had the fortune to talk to the 12-time champ many times in 2002 and see him in many different situations. Force admitted that he gave "dive" orders in previous years to his team mates until the Championship was deep in his grasp, but no such order were given in 2002. As many have thought through the years, Force was expected to win the funny car championship; it was his to lose. He came the closest to losing it in 2002 to his own driver, but never took his eye off the ball.

Here's a guy who loves what he's doing, whatever he's doing, with an appreciation and concern for his fellow drivers Tony Pedregon and Gary Densham, the fans, and his sponsors. Force knows his audience well whether it's in a press conference, pacing and watching his daughter Ashley make a run, or signing endless autographs. I hope he's passing some of his genuine charm, humor, and ability on the next generation... The John Force Charm School - it's got a ring to it doesn't it? Does anyone remember the ear-to-ear smile on Gary Densham's face while he led the Funny Car points in 2002?

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In 2002 I asked many of the former IHRA Top Fuel drivers running now in NHRA trim why they left the other series and what they thought of IHRA President Bill Bader. Strangely, very few of them wanted to say much on the record, but as soon as my recorder was stopped it was hard to absorb all of the negative comments. The outspoken Shirley Muldowney was the only driver who'd speak freely. I asked her if Bill Bader is the reason why she is not running IHRA events anymore. Never one to mince her words, Muldowney replied, "ABSOLUTELY! It is Bill Bader and what he has done to the IHRA; I think it's a joke. I think that it's about time that he lets the fans in for free, 'cause that's what it's worth. That's all I can say."

With the slim competition left in IHRA for 2003, it's not hard to believe that Clay Millican's Team Werner dragster still beats up on the "little guys" over there. IHRA Top Fuel has been described as comparable to AAA baseball. With all the defections, should IHRA still present a Top Fuel class?

Well, I can't wait for the 2003 season to get started. The Left Coast is where it all begins in a few short weeks; we've got Warm-up sessions over three consecutive weekends in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas before the Pomona Winternationals. There's a Pro Stock showdown in Houston, a nostalgia race in Phoenix in early January, and Irwindale Drag Strip had their season opener on January 4 with 260 racecars. Looks like we'll all be hearing plenty of open headers in 2003.

See you at the drags!

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