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1/20/05
 CAN'T
RELATE TO THE CARS
I have watched NHRA drag racing on TV religiously, for decades.
I have been fortunate enough to attend three national events.
I soak this stuff up like a sponge. But, I wonder just where
the sport is going, with the rapidly rising cost of participating.
The expenses involved in racing in the pro nitro categories
have kept rising over the years. The most recent movement
toward multiple car teams has just added even more to the
cost. Privateers and single car teams don't have a chance
in Hell of winning a national event without a miracle. At
some NHRA events, there are few more cars qualifying than
the 16 required to compete in eliminations. That isn't good
for racing.
It doesn't do anyone any good to have a class where only
the "elite" can compete. Eventually, fans will fade
away because they will get tired of seeing the same competitors
participating all the time. And young fans can't relate to
the cars on the track. They don't resemble anything that we
drive on the street. I'm afraid that eventually racers and
fans will move on to the import classes that are less costly
to buy, race and maintain. And everyday people can relate
to those vehicles, as we drive those same cars to work and
play. Back in the 70's, we could better relate to the cars
on the dragstrip, as they were gradually morphing from street
muscle cars to racing cars.
But now, the only class of cars in the pro categories that
even remotely resemble our street cars are in the Pro Stock
class. Maybe the NHRA needs to gradually move toward incorporating
some of the import and stock classes into the pro ranks? But
I suppose, the cycle would start all over again with those
classes too. Before you know it, some race team would be running
5 Volkswagen Beetles and the guy from Joe's Auto Parts couldn't
afford to compete any more with his lowly one-car team.
I love to watch the nitro cars and wouldn't want to see the
classes go away. There is nothing like it in the world. But,
for the continuing good health of NHRA overall, it may be
time to re-group and think about the future before it's too
late!
Dave Smithers
JUST WONDERING. . .
Why the NHRA doesn't loosen the rules in Top Fuel to let creative
minds
bring some new and unique-looking cars to the starting line
like Jim Head and Don Garlits used to do. Also, let's see
some more variety in Pro Stock. They could take a lesson from
Pro Mod and blown fuel altereds. Television would be much
more exciting to the "regular viewer."
Mark Case
HOOKED ON A FEELING
I've been a huge follower of nitro drag racing for almost
all of my 51 years. It's always been about breaking ET and
speed records as much as beating the guy in the other lane.
I live for those few days every year when I can actually stand
right next to a cackling nitro motor just waiting to feel
the blast and have every part of me shake! It's like being
5 years old on Christmas morning! I know that the NHRA has
the responsibility of driver and fan safety. They also have
the responsibility of not turning the sport into one big IROC
event. Close racing is great stuff but so are breaking records
and barriers. They won't keep the stands full for long if
they force the nitro cars to go bracket racing. The 85% rule
is crap and don't tell me that you can't tell any difference
from 100%. My nose needs heavy, choking, thick, yellow clouds
of fumes at idle. I miss the pain of a 100% rap. I want the
drivers and fans to be safe but please don't neuter these
machines. I want to be thrilled to goosebumps, not bored to
tears!
Mike Bowers
Ft. Wayne, IN.
DRO GETS A GOLD STAR
All parties concerned:
Just a quick note to say I really enjoy your web site. It's
informative and up-to-date. The articles are great and express
an interesting point of view. Keep up the good work.
G Man Smith
415G SG
West Point, MS
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