As you realized last issue, drag racing is not bracket racing. Any racer is trying to go fast and every one wants to improve. But most us of decide what type of car to run on how fast you can afford to run. You purchase the pieces like everybody else, maybe make a few but you put your better way together and go run. The drag racer wants to be competitive first (qualify) then step up (go a round or two) and lastly to win races. When you buy the parts you expect a certain longevity from your money spent. Tires would last so many passes (10-14 alky car) like any other part. But five years ago when Goodyear corporate decided that Racing Division has to turn a profit (I kinda remember 10 or 12% of investment was the goal) and they started moving production out of the United States and prices went up and more importantly quality has suffered with each new number tire.

Darrell died because a tire failed (The tire coming apart cut the wingstrut & threw a piece of it through the cage & it penetrated his helmet). I've wondered for years why NHRA let the nitro cars get away from tubes & liners, why is the rear wing so far back as to make the chassis bend. (How many times before it work hardends and fails?) Why you can only run a hemi and no smaller than 490 ci, why a lot of rules that only make it more expensive. (Why does anyone need 45 lbs. of boost at the hit if the clutch doesn't lockup till three seconds into the run?) Tires were a problem in the 60's when someone figured to slip the clutch.

Thanks,

Danny Hunter

Ian, I'm glad someone spoke up about the vultures. John Bisci, our PR person, is always scanning e-bay looking for LVMS and Drag Racing related items and found a Joe Amato/Darrell Russell autograph card going for more than $200. It is sickening.

On Monday our local WB news station decided that they needed to do a story about the tragedy in drag racing. I refused their request to be on camera. I don't remember this crew coming out to our event to cover the racing; they only wanted to cover this tragedy. They replayed the crash and put their little story together that ran at 10:05 p.m. on Monday.

In Tuesday's Las Vegas Sun columnist Ron Kantowski made this statement about the WB coverage: "...If you're wondering when will be the next time local news shows a drag racing replay after the circuit leaves Las Vegas, the answer is simple: The next time someone gets killed."

Chris Blair, Director
The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

I just read Susan Wade's column on Darrell Russell. First off, thank you, Susan, for writing the story. I got the honor of meeting Darrell and his wife Julie at the 2002 Pontiac Excitement Nationals in Columbus, OH. Tony & Cara Schumacher introduced me to the both of them. It was after Tony was beaten by Larry Dixon in the semi finals. Darrell had red-lighted against Tony in the second round. Tony was the one who actually introduced me to them. I found them both to be just how Susan described Darrell, very quiet and did not need to make an entrance. Tony & Cara always talked about Darrell and Julie and only had great things to say about them. I am so thankful that I got to see Darrell's last WIN in Columbus this year. Tony Schumacher could not have lost to a better man or team. To say there is an empty space in my heart would be a major understatement. Losing Darrell is like losing one of my own family members. Drag Racing and mototsports has lost one of the best. Darrell Russell was a STAR in the making. Please keep the Russell Family and the entire Joe Amato Team in your daily prayers.

God Speed,

Kevin A. Bennett
Wilmington, OH

I agree with everything (Burk) just said. My solution to the problem is to shorten the track for the Nitro cars, Run them to the 1/8 and shut 'em off!! But to still do a good show take away a few of the restrictions that have been used to "try and slow em down" like gear rules and fuel limits. Just my .02 cents

Thank you.

John Brady