12/13/04

CHEERS FOR WHIT

Whit Bazemore seems to be a lightning rod for controversy these days. Somewhat like Mark Cuban is in the NBA, Whit has become the John McEnroe of the NHRA. These guys are in the thick of their sport and are vocal about what they see around them. I do not think they go looking for problems or controversy. They just speak their mind. The difference with their view is that they carry more credibility than the average fan or official and therefore they are a threat to the "powers." Paranoia cloaked in good business decisions still fails to see the reality that all outside Glendora see but, being gripped by fear, we fail to confront.

So, I will stand with you as we cheer Whit and those like him on for the good of all of us.

Brett Porter
Seattle

WRITER'S BLOCK?

Ian, I have to disagree with your editorial about Twit Blazemore. He is a "stroke" and an "iffy" F/C pilot. He's had much too much time to settle into being a mature, skilled and consistent driver, but has not tallied-up to the task. I am amazed he's lasted this long in the Schumacher camp. In my opinion, he should hang-it-up and go back to taking photographs and writing stories. The old adage goes thusly, "Those who can, DO, and those who can't, WRITE about it."

Regards,

Rik Chidester
Poulsbo, WA

IS THERE ANYBODY YOU DO LIKE, JIM?

I disagree with you entirely. Bazemore is an ass always has and always will be. He has yet to make his first mistake, just ask him. He doesn't have the talent to compete with Force on any level and his abilities are questionable. There are times when he needs to be tapped on the head to leave the line and he has hurt many parts because of his attitude. His "pity me" is getting very old. His complaint to the starter is unfounded; after all, Worsham won from the right lane. And because of either himself or Beard, he didn't earn lane choice. Lane is won on performance; he didn't complain for the right reasons. He has bad mouthed everyone in the sport, because he is a legend in his own mind. He referred to Del Worshom as Opie on national tv and publicly claimed that they have no talent in the CSK camp, just luck.

As far as the tv opening, it just shows that Lee Beard is just a sissy punk. Force should have punched his lights out, but got stuck with a 5K fine because he forced Beard's true colors to show. It would be very embarassing for anyone to soil his shorts the way Beard did on national tv.

I don't know if you ever raced, but everyone in the fuel ranks respect those at the top end because most do an excellent job and someday you may need them. Ask anyone who's been on his head, they know help is on the way before the ride stops.

Bazemore, Beard and Schumucher deserve each other; they all think they are wonderful, but haven't a friend in the world.

Twit Blazemore is the wrong person to champion. Taking his side is wrong. Would he have complained if he had the left lane and was late or another of his stupid tricks, no. But now he is being picked on because he didn't go quick enough or fast enough, poor dummy.

Jim Kinney

POMONA TRACK PREP?

Ian, you are one cool dude! Thank you so much for saying it like it is! I can't add or take anything away from your article. I plan on forwarding this to the NHRA. I hope you don't mind. I'm sick of paying for one lane race tracks. Fine the track! They have a year to prepare-no excuses! Strange NHRA would want to stifle the truth by muzzling Baze! Baze simply doesn't like dummies in his profession; I can understand why!

Happy Holidays!

Sam Makitra
Bath, NY