THE DIE IS CAST

Thanks for the insight and the numbers to back up (Burk's) position. I too would like to see a ladder "system" that allows for lower qualified cars to stand more of a chance of advancing, however, does that then dilute the "upset factor?"

I guess it also depends on from which side of the fence your standing on. As for Larry, we like things just the way they are. In terms of the FCs, I know our cars are (and will become more) competitive, but if you face a tough first round draw after struggling in qualifying, then we all know the likelihood of advancing (20 percent by your stats!)

As far as diecast is concerned, we are in a unique position as that we have different considerations based on alcohol and tobacco sponsors. No one has ever approached us with a program to better market our diecast cars, therefore, we have never turned away any ideas (provided we were legally allowed to participate in them in the first place!)

Don't get the wrong idea. I just didn't want to get included in the group on teams and managers that were not looking at the big picture!

Skip Allum
Team Manager
Don Prudhomme Racing

DYING DIECAST

You've come up once again with some rather telling points in your current editorial at DRO. I especially think you are dead-on with your observations regarding the die-cast industry.

After a long hiatus, I've come back to drag racing (which I was born into -- thanks Mom and Dad!) and wondered often why I could not find ANY NHRA/IHRA collectible cars on the shelves of such major retailers as Target, Wal-Mart, and Toys R Us. If NASCAR die-casts are practically taking over the toy car aisles, why aren't the REALLY exciting cars (T/F dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Stock, etc...) represented? Tony

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Stewart and Jeff Gordon have got NOTHING on John Force personality-wise on Force's worst day. A stock car has nothing on Pro Stock on P/S's worst day either.

With some diligence, I've managed to hunt down/stumble across most of the Super Chevy collectibles. I love 'em! And through some twist of fate I actually found ONE collectible of Force's "King of the Hill" car this past Christmas at Toys R Us- for only $20.00!!!

The drivers aren't the only ones blowing it with their price demands: the merchants are doing the same. Prove to me why I should pay up to $60.00 (or more) for a die-cast TOY car! Please don't get me started on the Kalitta's for the robbery they were attempting at their Mac Tools/Jesse James merch trailer this past season. You want how much for a license plate frame?

While we're at it, could somebody please tell the graphic designers for almost ALL the t-shirts: NEON COLORS AND CHECKERBOARDS WENT OUT IN '89! I'm not buying something I'd be embarassed to wear on the street.

Point being, none of them are getting my money unless the product is excellent, and I perceive it to be worth the money asked. When that happens, I'll be there. Until then, I'll keep my money for entry fees and admission tickets.

Sincerely,

Brian Reed