SAFETY IS THE REASON
I had to respond to the diatribe about NHRA and IHRA slowing
down the nitro classes and holding them back. I think that
the steps taken have been necessary in order to keep the
sport as safe as it can be. These cars already grossly overpower
the tires and the tracks. I don't even enjoy watching fuelers
anymore because one or both cars is almost certain to lose
traction, heavy doses of VHT notwithstanding. I'd rather
watch a bunch of ZZ/Stock Automatics running side by side;
at least they're making full passes. So in my opinion, the
fuelers are already BORING. Sure, they're loud and impressive
with the fire visible even in the daytime, but it isn't
racing. It's a clutch battle. Pro Stock, Pro Mod and the
Alky classes are more fun to watch. At least they're usually
making full passes.
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Enjoyment aside, the primary reason for keeping a tight
rein on these cars is SAFETY. The tires have had serious
problems recently also, although Goodyear may have fixed
that. But loss of traction is loss of control and these
drivers lose traction routinely. It's to the point that
it's a miracle if both cars can make a full pass. Many years
ago, NHRA had to stop racers from drilling holes in the
frames of their cars just to make them lighter. The truth
is, many people will take almost ANY risk to win. The sanctioning
body is responsible for the safety of these drivers in spite
of themselves. We also need to recognize that in a bad crash,
spectators could also be injured or killed. That would put
NHRA and the race track both at risk for a very costly lawsuit.
I applaud the board for taking action that will prove to
be unpopular. It was necessary. When technology advances
a bit more, perhaps these new rev limiters can be removed.
Until that time, such measures may be necessary from time
to time.
Steve Graham
WELCOME BACK, COONCE
Thanks for bringing Cole Coonce back! I have been a fan
of his since he was writing for Super Stock Magazine (RIP).
There are no writers with his style.
Your e-zine along with Competitionplus.com are my New
York Times and
Washington Post.
Thanks for the great view on the sport!
Bill Schmidt
Gaithersburg, Maryland
. . . OR NOT
The "Where the pavement ends" article had nothing
to do with cars, wasn't well written, wasn't interesting
and not funny. I don't see the point.
Don Seamans
