12/8/04

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

IHRA has decreased the field from 16 to 8 cars. I would like to hear spectator/drivers/owners view on this. As a crew person on an alky car, I think this is a big mistake.

Thanks,

D. Crews

A MATTER OF MONEY

I just finished reading Dale's article on bracket/heads up racing. I understand that bracket racing doesn't attract fans, but heads-up doesn't attract "sportsman" racers, at least not after they realize they are being beat by another guy's money. Pro heads-up with massive sponsors footing the bill works excellent. As soon as a pro loses his sponsors, though, what happens? He parks the car because he can't afford to run it. Sportsman are sportsman for a reason, they have jobs/mortgage/family/etc. and can't say if I got beat by that guy I will just dump another $25,000 into my engine program.

I personally hate heads-up because I'm cheap pure and simple. I love drag racing and don't want to have to give up everything for the latest few hp to win the next round. If you've got a $20,000 drag car, I can still get you with my $500.00 beater (or at least in theory). If heads-up puts fans in the seats then great, but I know lots of bracket racers who have no interest in spending $$$ to keep up to the guy in the next lane each week. Heads up=$$$. I spend more than you, I win -- simple as that!

Anyway, thanks for listening.

Jim Miller
(Mustang bracket car and Ford pick up tow vehicle...which has made more $$ racing than the Mustang!)

WE DEMAND A RECOUNT

Burk for President! Hey Jeff.....You 'da Man! As a lifelong drag racing fan and former crew member with Lincoln & Jones Junior Fueler and Schultz and Jones AA/Gas Dragster, I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial on the sad state of affairs in Glendora.

It's sad when an organization gets so big ($$$$$) that it forgets how it got there. All the "Heart", and "Family", and "Roots" have been forgotten...or blinded by the glitter of all the gold....

Thanks, Jeff, maybe "they" will see and hear our disillusionment and sadness.

Regards,

Rik "BCM" Chidester
Poulsbo, WA

AGING WELL

Burk, Is it just me or are you getting more savvy the older you get? Keep it up.

Ron Evans

FLAGGING INTEREST

Jeff, I enjoyed reading your article on NHRA then and now, and, my friend, you could not have said it any better!

I have been drag racing now for about 42 years and I started on the local tracks when flagging was the way we raced, start and finish! I too have watched the changing times of NHRA and I would say that today, the leadership is the worst I have ever seen it, from the top management down through Tech! It really saddens me to see the way sportsman racers are being treated, but all NHRA now days is interested in is THE BIG SHOW!

Take care, my friend, and again -- nice article!

Josey Woodrof