OH. . .THE BENJAMINS

Jeff, I think I can answer some of your wondering's. The reason 30-year-old seat belts are OK but 3-year-old harnesses aren't probably has to do with money more than anything. I remember the first time they told me my Aluminum Trans Shield was out of date and needed replacement or recertification. I didn't see how a metal shield could go bad or what they would do to put it back in shape to recertify it.

The Million $ purse for the fuel cars is probably coming. Please don't give your readers the idea that there is a Bracket Race that pays a Million $. The race is called "The Million" but never pays out close to that amount. Just Race Hype.

I have a wondering also. I attend the Topeka event every year and wonder what those people are thinking. Do they see the crowds returning to the parking lot to eat and drink? I cannot and will not pay $4 for French fries or $8 for a sandwich. We won't even discuss $25 hats. I would gladly pay $5 more for my seat if I could take a small cooler with me to the stands. The fans I spoke to said they would like to bring their children but felt it would be hard to make them understand the costs of eating from the vendors.

I also attend the fall race in Vegas. They have always allowed me a small (6 pack size) cooler in with me. Definately a fine facility. I guess I should have studied economics but this practice baffles me. On the same note I see very little activity at the vendors booths.

Just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Joe Keightley

$1 MILLION TF RACE

Yehhhh!!! Run it at Joliet. Let's see what Tony/Alan can do against Connie et al. or Tim and Kim. I'll pay to go see that! My money's on et al.

Lee Sheets

LOVE THAT CHICK!

Just wanted to drop a note since I don't know how to e-mail Pam but her column is GREAT. She is a riot. Tell her to keep up the good work. Too bad she doesn't write a column every week.

Thanks.

Liz

There is a link at the end of all columns so you can email each of our columnists. There are also links in the staff box on Burk's Blast. -- Ed.

AND MR. PAMMY, TOO

The Utterbacks' two columns are great. Keep up the great work.

Peter Kumble

MORE BENJAMINS

The reason Friday attendance is down is because 1 pro qualifying round on Friday at 2 o'clock so people who get off at work at like 3-4 o'clock can't come. The format for nationals won't change. Want to know why? 500 sportsman racers at $150 entry fee apiece -- you do the math.

Eric Street

AND YOU CAN QUOTE HIM

Burk, Lot of good stuff there. My favorite (Just Wondering) was "Limit the speed and even up the competition" -- Reminds me of PARITY. Anyone who uses that world in the same sentence with RACING should have their mouth washed out with soap.

I really enjoy your "Quotes" from the National events -- This is something we can't get from watching the coverage or from following the race report on the Net. Good stuff.

Frank Oglesby

Thanks, Frank. Ian Tocher spends a lot of time sorting through a lot of press releases, looking for the gems. We certainly appreciate all his hard work too. -- Ed.