12/9/03

What's on your mind? Add your opinion to the mix. Send your email for publication to response@dragracingonline.com. Unsigned letters will not be published.

NEED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Why doesn't someone mandate or enforce onboard fire systems in the outlaw 10.5 cars. I was at the Pro Mod finals at Sealy Raceway and a 10.5 car had a nitrous backfire at the tree. In all the commotion it burned under the hood for a moment before track personnel used a powder extinguisher. What if this had happened at the finish or worse after a crash. The car did not have a fire system. The cost is so minimal to the cost of a car or God forbid a life. Just something to think about. Just look at Mark Tate's near death experience a while back and he was on the starting line. I am not pointing a finger at Mr. Tate; just an example of how dangerous it can be even at the tree. I just wish people would look at safety parts like they do go fast parts.

Stephen Schroeder

TIME FOR A 32 CAR TOP FUEL ELIMINATOR?

I somewhat agree with Mike Kloeber's comments on fielding a 32 car Top Fuel eliminator in the near future. However one pro class would have to take a hit and I believe that should be Funny Car. Many fans (including myself) feel a change needs to happen in Funny Car or they will be trouble like Top Fuel was during the late 70's and early 80's. Funny Car racing just isn't what it used to be. Yes, the E.T.'s and speeds are exciting that almost rival Top Fuel. However Funny Car has become so much a cookie cutter class that it has

ADVERTISEMENT

become almost boring to watch. There are only 3 body styles (Stratus, Mustang, Camaro and Firebird). I count Firebird and Camaro as the same thing.

John Force Racing I believe has exclusive rights to the Ford Mustang and most Funny Car teams will be going to the Dodge Stratus with GM withdrawing support for the Camaro and Firebird. This will leave Funny Car with only three body styles (Depending if the Chevrolet Monte Carlo becomes the third style of choice). The bottom line is that as car enthusiast, I still cannot distinguish between a Ford, Chevy, Pontiac or Dodge in Funny Car. The NHRA is truly at fault for making a limited choice for the Funny Car teams and the fans. I believe racing fans will gravitate more to Pro Mod over Funny Car in the near future. With the unlimited choice of body style, year, make, engine (full blown, injected or nitrous) this class will give racing fans something to get excited about. True bragging rights and rivalries can happen again based on year and make since these racers somewhat resemble the cars that they are representing. I don't see any rivalries in Funny Car except between teams and drivers. Plus team orders have really hurt the Funny Car class this year. The fans are getting ripped off due to team orders (We know who the players are) and want to see true heads up racing. I believe Funny Car should go back to the early 70's concept and at least have today's make and body style somewhat resemble the cars that are on the streets today. Also give the racers a broader choice of make and model. Yes, the E.T's and speeds would take a hit, but the class would be a lot more fun to watch.

In all my years of going to the races, I still cannot tell the difference between a Top Fuel 4.5 ET and a Funny Car 4.7 ET. I still enjoy the Funny Car class, but big changes need to happen if they want keep the fans and myself interested.

Bruce Lewis