4/8/04

After a digression into the world of television coverage with our Special Delivery Mail, we now return to our regular letters. Now, what were we talking about before we were interrupted?

A PIECE OF THE PIE

Reading about the nitro increase, and the tire increase years ago makes me think NHRA is making these guys pay a percentage for the right to monopolize these products.

Think about the fact NHRA keeps all the oil down money, while IHRA gives it to the driver with the least oil downs at the end of the year if I am not mistaken.

The souvenir stands and Tee shirts were an exclusive NHRA deal for many years, while IHRA has always let the racers sell their own stuff to help the racers finances. Now NHRA lets the racers sell some stuff, but I bet there is some kick back or license in the background somewhere.

Think about it!

Richard Burbick

GIMME SHELTER

Jeff, I'm so glad that someone else thinks it a good idea to have covered seating at tracks these days. Drag racing has come a long way, but stops short of that special touch...options for its customers. I would pay extra for a covered seat as well. It sure would go a long way in helping to prevent skin cancer, heat exhaustion and pure relief for the baby boomers. You have clout. Convince some of the track owners who understand business and customer satisfaction to do it. Go ahead.... I'll be waiting...under the umbrella.

Wanda Exum

TIRE-SOME

I just read your article about the Phoenix race concerning speeds for Top Fuel and Funny Cars. This first came to my attention last year when I watched Speed Vision and heard an interview with Don Prudomme. Don mentioned that rear tires were throwing rubber off. Shortly after that, I attended the World Finals in Pomona and noticed chunks of rubber missing from a set of tires ion John Force's pits, and in one Top Fuel cars pit. Based on the interview, and my observations, maybe Goodyear is having trouble keeping the rubber on the tires. Who knows?

Bill Sampson

INTELISANO CORRECTION

I truly enjoy your website, and visit it 2-3 times per week. I just wanted to point out a factual error in the Len Intelisano article. His car was not the first fwd conversion in SS to run a manual transmission. It is not the first Cavalier, or even the first late model Cavalier, to do so.

Thanks for listening, and keep up the good work.

Jim Grossi Jr.