A QUICK JUMP BACK TO THE TV COVERAGE

Like many before me, I too agree there is something important missing from the ESPN2 coverage.

First, I think it's too "dumbed down" for hard core fans to find interesting. If this is being done to inform new and potentially future fans--fine. But there's got to be a balance that can keep the diehard fans interested too.

Also, I think the ESPN coverage is trying to turn drag racing into NASCAR by bringing the drivers to the fore at the expense of the racing. The cutesy segments and fake build up of all these interpersonal duels just gives me yet another excuse to exercise my fast forward button. What really gets me is this stuff takes up time they could otherwise be spending

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covering more Pro Stock (my personal favorite).

Finally, the sportsman coverage is just pathetic. I realize everyone's got their favorite classes to watch, but a whole "Sportsman" show that only displays the alcohol classes is really an insult!

I agree the Diamond P days were better, but where is anyone going to go to replace Steve Evans? And while Dave McClelland is still around, he couldn't do it by himself.

Personally, I wonder if we don't remember the past with a bit of wishful thinking. Remember all those stupid skits they used to have Bob Frey do on the old NHRA Today? It's a shame, too, as Bob Frey is one of the few with the background and credibility to warrant being on the ESPN team. Nothing against Parker Johnstone, but Indy car experience has nothing to do with drag racing.

I could go on all night, but everyone else has already said everything else I can think of. I just hope something gets done to fix this. I don't know what the ratings are, but we can't afford to lose these shows.

Thanks for listening,

Bruce Berntsen

PRO MOD = CORVETTE?

I like your solution about supercharged vs nitrous. Now if you can address the 'Vette class I'll be happy! When Pro Mod began they ran all kinds of DIFFERENT bodies. Now most of the cars run various year 'Vette bodies or similar, Viper etc. Bring in a GROSS weight allowance for running non-sports car bodies. More pre '40s car or "box cars". Even '69 Camaros!

Pro street has a better mix of bodies. Thanks.

Lee Sheets

PRO MOD

I think they need to get one set of rules and stick with it. If you are going to make rule it should be before the season starts so everyone can test. I think IHRA should get 2 classes like the NSCA does all supercharged turbo cars in one class all nitrous cars in one class. All the IHRA is doing with all these rule changes is costing racers money and piss them off. I think that by Norwalk the cars will be running the same as they do now.

Eric Street

SLOWLY I TURNED. . .STEP BY STEP. . . .

Enough already, let em race. I'm sick of the NOS guys whining.

Mark Breznay

Niagara Falls, NY