11/8/05

RARE DOUBLES

Agent 1320 reported on Jim Hughes' double victory (Super Comp and Super Gas) at the Dallas division race. It was stated that Edmond Richardson has also accomplished this rare feat. Here's a list of folks who have won two categories at an NHRA national event.

Pat Austin: Topeka '91, Phoenix '92 / Edmond Richardson: Atlanta '92, Phoenix '93, Memphis '97, St. Louis '99, Brainerd '99 / Scotty Richardson: Phoenix '95 / Jeff Taylor: Denver '95, Memphis '01 / Gary Stinnett: Denver '98 / David Rampy: Sonoma '98, Las Vegas '05 / Kevin Helms: Denver '05 / Peter Biondo: Columbus (northern Sportsnationals) '05. Stinnett, Biondo, Mike Ferderer, and Jim Hughes have doubled at division races. Maybe more. It's hard to believe Dan Fletcher hasn't doubled.

Thanks,

Scott Brown

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

Jeff, Just a note to say thanks for giving such great coverage to the ADRL race at Texas Raceway. It was a privilege to have you there. In your reference to the track prep crew, most of the credit should go to Garry Gilland, Chris Godwin, and Dave McMillan. These guys do an awesome job every week. I just fill in when I am needed and give advice when asked. Also, I would like to thank Fred Morrison of VP Racing Fuels for the best traction compound on the planet.

Bubba Corzine

WE'VE GOT HIM HOOKED

Burk: Just wanted to let you know how much I love reading your column. I've been a fan of NHRA all my life. Your column is the only one that lets me know the scoop on anything new that's happening within their organization. I feel they keep a lot of stuff undercover to keep us the fan uninformed. You guys let us know no matter what. You've got a fan for life.

Thanks.

Mike Campbell
Manchester, KY

IT MAY NOT BE ALL NHRA'S FAULT

Great column, Burk. Where you and I might disagree however, is who really should shoulder the blame. Personally, I think the insurance company(s) are the tail that wags the dog. It's no different then the entertainment industry in which I work; there are very few insurance carriers willing to write the risk, and they know they can dictate the rules one must play by. I have no doubt that organizations such as the NHRA have their hands tied firmly behind their back.

My prediction? Racing as you knew it will become even more of a memory and when it does blame those who have sued the insurance carriers into a world of panic. And blame some of your own - like Wayne Dupuy - who are more than enthusiastically assisting in the claims process.

Greg Zeboray

THE FANS STOOD UP!

Jeff, I had not been to a NHRA event since 2002, but was lonesome to see my old friend Watus Simpson so I call him and we went to Ennis for the Friday qualifying. We spent most of the time visiting with old racing buddies and telling stories, catching up on the latest news. The second nitro session was a good show but as you experienced in Vegas everyone remained seated as pair after pair roared down the track. But then something happened that caused everyone to stand up, the Blue Max rolled out on the starting line, and for the first time that night there was that excitement caused by the fact that no one knew what to expect. The magic was back for a moment, and I was glad I experienced it one more time.

Bill Burns