NO SENSE OF HUMOR?

Regarding the column written by Tammy Utterback on July 9, 2004. In her “Chicks and Slicks” column as she was making reference to chat rooms and log-on names in these different rooms I have to say I really took offense. First of all if Ron Capps is indeed that popular well then, more power to him and all his cuties. My problem is with her reference to Tony Schumacher fans. I for one have been a fan of Tony’s for many years and her name of “Schumacher’s Sluts” really saw me seeing red!! In looking at all the other names she came up with for female fans of certain drivers I have to say I didn’t think any of them were very appropriate, but the one for Schumacher fans was totally uncalled for. I personally don’t appreciate being called a “slut” by someone I don’t even know, let alone someone who is probably young enough to be my daughter.

Also regarding her remark about being a fan of someone who spends tax payers dollars was another remark that should not have been made. Obviously she doesn’t realize what the Army Team has done to boost the morale of our soldiers or how they have helped out in the recruitment of new soldiers. Not only Tony but the entire Army Team has done nothing but get involved in a very positive way.

Seems to me that just because Pam is married to a driver she thinks she knows it all in regards to drivers, their teams and the NHRA itself. I think she better go back to school and before she mouths off she should know what she is talking about.

Sandy Siwik
Lander, Wyoming

MAYBE IT HASN’T BEEN SUCH A GOODYEAR

After listening and reading about Darrell Russell’s fatal accident, I have several questions that I’m not sure if the NHRA will answer. Why did the NHRA sign a contract with Goodyear for Goodyear to be the exclusive supplier for tires in Top Fuel and Funny Car several years ago? Was it for money? Hoosier at the time was working with Warren Johnson’s Pro Stock program and already had some Alcohol Dragster and Alcohol Funny Car teams using their

ADVERTISEMENT

tires. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out the direction Hoosier was heading. Then the NHRA cuts off what might have been Goodyear’s first tire competitor in the nitro

classes since M&H Racemaster by signing a contract with Goodyear to be the sole supplier for the nitrocars. That gave Goodyear no competition and no incentive to make a good tire unless someone gets hurt or killed (which someone did).

I read that Goodyear says that the speeds that the nitro cars run are beyond the limits of their tires, but if they had some competition, you can bet they would develop a tire that can run 350-360 MPH with no problems. If Goodyear has the technology to keep a tire in one piece on a land speed record rocket car at over 600 MPH, I’m sure they have the technology for a good, safe tire at 335 MPH.

Ricky Farrow
Katy, TX

MORE SPORTSMAN TV!!!

What do I think? That’s easy, I love Stock and Super Stock......everything else is just filler!!! Hey NHRA, give the sportsmen some air time!!! Even if it’s at o’dark thirty, I’ll set the VCR! I want to see wheelstanding S/SS cars on TV!!!

Jim Miller

BRACKET RACE ANNOUNCERS

The tracks I go to the most—Milan Dragway, Mid-Michigan Motorplex and Norwalk Raceway Park—the announcer says how much the car went over his dial, the margin of victory. I also like where the dial is on the bottom of the scoreboard. Also Milan Dragway has an EMT and fire truck on site. I don’t know if some tracks realize this, but even a 12 car can catch fire; even your 16 daily driver can crash. Race safe.

Eric Street