SAME OLD, SAME OLD

Jeff, I completely agree with you on your take of modern nitro racing. It is more than homogenized, it has become sterile. The cars all look the same, the unpredictability is gone and therefore, quite frankly, if not for the noise and sheer assault on the senses, there really wouldn't be much of a reason to rush back to the stands when the nitro cars fire.

I attended the MAKO ten-five street car shootout series finals at Tulsa Raceway Park; now that was exciting! The door cars in the various street and pro-mod classes are running numbers like the fuel funnies did in the 70's and are every bit as unique, unpredictable, scary and give on-off-on the throttle exciting runs all the way to the traps. I figure that I will be laying down $20 at the gate for a one-day affair filled with balls-to-the-wall, run what you brung racing over spending $500-$1000 for a two-day national event with the ladders full of 'spec' fuelers. I will be back next year. And they wonder why us older folk keep bringing up the 'good old days! Well, this is the closest I have found. Oh, and a beer only set you back two bucks unless you brought your cooler in!

Matt Arbuckle
Sand Springs, OK

OH YEAH

Jeff, I just read your story on Burk's Blast about NHRA and nobody on their feet in excitement. You hit it on the head, it's a great story.

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When I went to Orlando with Jim Wiens and his turbo car I took my Pro Mod along and was using the race to test it because I had just put it back together. Luckily we both got in the show. . .and when I say show I mean that. The stands were packed from morning until it was over and not one person was in their seat! The cars and teams were all hardcore racers and great people with one goal in mind. . .kickin' ass.

The Orlando track was perfect. When I say that I mean it was sticky and the cars were running big numbers but it also made you adjust and "tune" for it. The whole group of racers there were real racers and they proved it. Not only the winners, but everyone involved. I went out first round and we were almost happy to lose so we could watch the race. It was an event if you sat down you would not see anything because everyone around you was on their feet. Sorry to ramble on but your story hit home.

Scott Palmer

THERE'S GOT TO BE A WAY

Right again, Burkster! I agree that safety is the first priority in every class, but let's do something remarkable to put the balls back in nitro. Granted, the tire companies (let's assume someone else will develop a nitro tire at some point IF NHRA gets their collective heads out of their butts) have a hand full keeping things together at 340 mph. I'm all for going back to 100% in the tank and running the fuel stuff on the 1/8th. Sooner or later they'll be up to 300+, not blowing crap up every pass, and loving the hell out of it! It should reduce costs, shorten the program in terms of hours, and result in some serious kick-ass racing. It's only me. . .and I could be mistaken, eh?!

Ron Evans
Lovington, IL

A DIFFERENT SUGGESTION

Burk, you are giving NHRA too much credit for the Super Gas-ish "level playing field" In Funny Car. Try three well funded, large teams sharing knowledge that is undoubtedly trickling down to the single car teams. That's what gone "wrong" in Funny Car and soon Top Fuel. Maybe it's time to stop prepping the tracks....

Wes Tarkington
Sanger, TX

READY TO FILE CHARGES?

You are spot on! What is happening to nitro racing is a crime. If I wanted NASCAR, I'd watch NASCAR. I know NHRA had to make some changes, but they have gone way overboard. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for the good insight.

Dean Adams
California