TIME FOR A CHANGE OF VENUE

Your latest editorial ("1320 vision: I can see clearly now") reflects my sentiments entirely. Not that it will get us anywhere. It doesn't appear that NHRA is listening. $100 million in revenues! I've been contributing my fair share by going to 2 national meets and maybe 2 divisional races each year. But I think that is in for a change. No more Winternationals; VRA Bakersfield in March instead. No more Autolite Nationals; Boise nitro night of fire

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instead (even if I have to fly).

Maybe NHRA will start listening when the fan counts start going down. Actually, I would like to know about the fan counts. Are they up or down? You're right about membership—keep it just for National Dragster (where is Drag Sport Illustrated when we really, really need it!!).

Hey, I really appreciate all the good stuff that's being reported. I hit your site almost everyday for the editorials, insights, and scoops about my favorite sport. Burk, watch your back; NHRA just may not appreciate your commentary.

Steve Justice
Pinole, CA

SAYING SO LONG

Thank you very much for your assessment of the current management structure at NHRA. It was great to see someone put in writing the changes I've seen. I've been an avid spectator since 1971 and a participant in NHRA racing from 1992 until Sept of this year, but my stuff's all for sale and I'm moving on to something else. The business of racing has killed racing. The sport peaked in the early 1970's and I really think it's in trouble.

Thanks

Paul Rico

CACKLEFEST INSTEAD

Excellent work. You hit it right on the nose, buddy, NHRA doesn't give a rat's ass about its roots. I know it is painful for them to have the fans demand to see more of our Cacklefest shows as they can't see where they can make money off of us. They say right in front of us, "What's the big deal about these old race cars that don't race?" Yep, they just don't get it.

Personally I have really enjoyed the fans' remarks to us...how much they enjoy what we do...if we could only turn the clock back 20 years!

Keep up the good work.

John Ewald

ALL IN THE FAMILY?

After reading your article concerning the change (not for the better) of NHRA I wanted add my thoughts. Why do I think my thoughts matter? I worked at the first Gatornationals, I have worked on the Safety Safari since 1976.

Since those early years I have seen just what you are talking about. From the days of two of us on the back of a borrowed pickup (me and Jim Frizzell) to the teams and equipment used today. These are the good things. What has bothered me has been the loss of sense of family.

In those early days Steve Gibbs or Leslie Lovett would pay for our dinner. Think Graham Light would ever entertain that thought? I, for one, miss those days. I know most folks will think I'm a relic of the "olden days." I feel like I was a small part of what it really used to be about. I miss those days. You just don't have that feeling of being appreciated, at least not like it used to be.

I probably won't get to work any more after this. Somehow it doesn't seem like all that much will be lost. I'm not saying I won't miss working with the crew, but it won't be as if I was being pushed out of the family. The family has already been dismissed.

Fred Brown