Editor's Note: We got a few more letters to the editor
about Burk's Blast, but since our policy at DragRacingOnline.com is
not to publish letters without a name, they will not appear. Interesting
to note that the negative letters were the ones which didn't have a
signature. Evidently it is much easier to bitch when you don't have
to be held accountable for your words. That kind of proves the point
of the editorial, doesn't it?
WE ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION AMONG REASONABLE
PARTICIPANTS
Jeff, I agree with most of your analysis towards message
boards and Internet sites, but I think you're being kind of unfair.
I have been posting on message boards for the last 3 years. I will,
like most other race fans, voice my opinions on various issues concerning
Drag racing. But I have never thrown out something that is personally
insulting towards a particular racer. I think the message boards give
NHRA more insight to what a vast majority of race fans are thinking.
If they hear that IRP is a rundown facility (And I think it is!) enough,
maybe they'll finally do something about it! You disagree?
Joe Sherwood
Albuquerque, NM
PREACHIN' TO THE CHOIR
I read your words and just wanted to say AMEN. You did
a good job.
Bobby Bennett, Jr.
Spartanburg, SC
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Jeff:
While I agree with you about the anonymous editorial writer
at Valvoline, that article was long overdue and very well written.
Mark Breznay
Miami, Florida
KEEP THE OUTLAW SPIRIT ALIVE AT CHRR
I really enjoyed Darr Hawthorne's coverage of this unique
and bizarre gearhead event I enjoy so much. There was one thing though,
where I took exception. Mr. Hawthorne wanted to have some senior figure(s)
from the NHRA on the site.
Screw that, let them stay the hell away.
One of the most real and visceral things about the CHRR
is that it encompasses the last vestige of the old "outlaw" spirit that
used to infuse drag racing, and especially Top Fuel racing, before it
became a kit car series with as much "hot rodding" involved as a new
car showroom. Remember last year when McClelland lectured us about how
it was "illegal" to make full runs with the Cacklefest cars, and the
Winged Express made one anyway, part of it on two wheels? How Pat Foster
repeatedly wheelied "The Addict" on more than one run? How Garlits made
that long, smoky run in The Swamp Rat? If the shirts (not suits) from
NHRA start showing up, that's all over - and it's the reason why the
real gearheads show up. Rat rods at one end, customs and lowriders in
the middle, classic Top Fuelers at the top and the whole high-tech Nostalgia
crew also? That'll never fly with those guys. The Greek in the Cacklefest
with not even goggles on? Jeep Hampshire in a 35-year-old helmet with
matching jeans and t-shirt? They'd legislate that out the door in five
minutes.
If their desire makes them want to come, OK. Please don't
call and ask them. Teacher is in the lounge, and this is when we get
to play!
Norman Gaines
EFI CLASSES ARE A CROCK!
Re: Jok's Dead-On column
I get put into a "freak show" with my EFI Mustang, that
I have WORKED on for 10 YEARS, because of Stinking Camaro's and Fireturds.
Yea, that's fair! ALL NHRA had to do was FACTOR THEM CORRECTLY. I just
hope I don't lose all of my work to a new index. BTW, I don't buy ANY
of the CRAP reasons that Len/NHRA have given. The REAL reason is to
get the EFI IMPORTS into mainstream Stock Eliminator! I wonder what
all the Whiners that wanted separate EFI classes will think then?
WWHHHEEEEWWW! I almost feel better! None of this was directed
against you by the way.
Still humbly yours,
Jay Roeder
BONNEVILLE MAY NEED A CHANGE
I was at Bonneville when Nolan White made his last run.
I was shooting (photos) at the 3-mile marker which he passed at 422.
He pulled the chutes at the next mile marker, and, as the two came off
in August, the three came off. I have not heard a reason for this. As
he was running right at Interstate 80 it is surmised he steered off
the course, as he did in August, to avoid hitting the Interstate. This
time though, unlike August, the car rolled numerous times. I was one
of few who saw the wreckage, as it was kept on the timing tower side
of the track, where I was shooting, before it was put into the trailer.
The drivers compartment and roll cage looked intact, but just like Rance
McDaniel, the head injuries occurred due to multiple pencil rolls.
The great condition of the salt has allowed the cars to
run both directions these past two years. I would like to see the SCTA
go back to running only away from the Interstate as there is a lot more
runout available to the North if a problem occurs.
Al Booton
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