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 ELIMINATOR-ITIS
Let's start out this month with a question -- one I haven't heard any
"industry insiders" ask for quite some time. And I find it a bit surprising
it isn't being asked, since it used to get constant air play, if you
know what I mean. The question in question is: When is NHRA going to
adopt one, and one only, of the Pro classes as the standard-bearer of
professional drag racing? Not so long ago, that used to be THE hot topic
among those who would be "in the know."
Back in that not-so-long-ago, the talk most often focused on which
of the nitro classes would/could survive as the sole flame-throwers
on the grounds at national events. Both sides had their constituency,
and depending on the prevailing car counts in Top Fuel and Funny Car,
reason enough to claim a right of ascension, if you will. Now I have
no idea if the powers that be ever seriously considered such a move,
but it was a hot topic of conversation for many. Maybe then, but for
sure not now!
Nowadays, if you aren't pitching a new, happenin' eliminator for inclusion
into the national event scene, you just ain't relevant, man! Don't get
me wrong, I like variety as well as the next 1320 watcher. I'm just
not at all sure the best interests of the sport in general, and the
existing Pro classes in particular are well served by this current rush
to an ever expanding national event eliminator lineup. Wasn't the electronic
media's most persistent gripe about racing that it featured too many
winners? So what are we doing right now? Adding new groups, all of whom
no doubt see their ultimate destination as an NHRA national event, with
"their" share of TV time, to boot!
Frankly, I think it's about time for a pie-chart break, fellas!
As in, there ain't but so much pie in this-here pie! Bake a bigger
pie, you say? Great idea, but so far, the pie makers seem loath to do
so. Reference the "increased" season points funds. Reference the "increased"
round money. Reference the restructuring of the blown alcohol landscape.
Some changes, to be sure, but I'm betting those who spend the dough
racing in the pro groups might hem and haw a bit if you asked them to
describe these changes as substantial improvements.
I'm going to get to my real point now, since I know no earth-shaking
changes are just around the corner, insofar as how national events will
be conducted -- not even after I make my REAL POINT! I think the real
problem with all this eliminator proffering is that it makes it all
the more difficult for the real professional teams, and I'm talking
Top Fuel, Nitro Funny Car and, OK, Pro Stock to obtain sponsorship.
You have to understand something about Corporate America. They are the
original bargain shoppers, and their approach to motorsports gets the
standard approach. It doesn't even have a thing to with nine-eleven,
by the way. It's just the way things be. Hey, it's their money; they
can dole it out as they see fit.
And now, all these other options are on the scene. All of which cost
less to run than the big three. Right now, I'm thinking it's an even-money
bet that Toyota, for instance, is wondering why they are spending money
on a nitro car, when that slug of loot could just about buy the whole
import drag scene! Yes, the ever-expanding cast of eliminators must
look mighty appetizing to those with corporate money to spend.
And another thing -- what do you think the shelf life of these new
deals will be, anyway? Drag racing's past is littered with examples
of the "latest thing" which soon turned out to be the "latest bunch
of used equipment that nobody could use at a National event." I'll just
say "Pro Stock Truck" and leave it at that for now.
The new groups have their followers, nothing wrong with that. I'm just
not sure they belong at national events, and here's why. No matter how
hip, how now, how whatever they are, they don't burn nitro. And the
acid test is to go to a national event and take note of what the fans
watch. They watch nitro cars go down the track, and when they run out
of runs to watch, they go watch the crews work on the nitro cars. The
truth can be a brutal thing, but there it is. THEY WATCH NITRO! And
isn't that what it's all about? Ya gotta give the fans what they want.
And the next poll that utters the phrase, "Well, we just have to educate
the fans" gets a used P/ST wrapped around their neck! Sorry if that
seems a bit harsh, but my retirement date creeps ever closer, and I'm
a bit edgy. But I digress.
No foolin', if somebody can show me how this can all work out to everyone's
financial betterment (count me in, by the way), I'm all ears. I'm just
not seeing it, at least not considering how national events are currently
financed. I do have some ideas on how to change that part of the equation,
but I'll keep those to myself for the time being - I want to see YOUR
rants first. As I have been known to say in these e-pages -- Later!
racer4339@aol.com
photo by Jeff Burk
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