2/24/05

A FOOL FOR LOVE?

I saw [Burk's] comment about NHRA's political correctness towards racers. I think that can be said of the fans as well, Look at how bad Whit gets flamed on the message boards. Our society's become one to try and silence anyone who has an opinion. I bet if you surveyed 100 drag race fans (not racers!) as to what would make drag racing more
popular, you'd probably get 75 different suggestions!

I agree with Jon Asher, the prices are way over-priced! But I guess I can't complain since I go to eight races a year! I know I'm a fool!

Joe Sherwood

MAKING THE CASE

I agree totally with (Burk's) assessment of drag racing and what it has become. I remember one time in '66 when I was running my '65 AWB Falcon. I had broken another four-speed and someone asked me what was wrong with the car. I told them nothing that a case of beer wouldn't fix. In a few short minutes, someone brought a case of beer to me in the pits. I seriously doubt you could get away with that today.

Tommy McNeely

PAYING THROUGH

I couldn't agree with [Burk] more on the prize money issue. As a racer I've been fortunate enough to enjoy the big money, but more times than not I've complained about "not paying through the field." I also know that the racers who win typically don't need the big money to operate. For example, almost always the winner is a well-funded team either by sponsor or family wealth or whatever; the money is already there. The fact that they get an extra $1500 or so to win shouldn't affect their budget dramatically, or determine if they attend the next race. Conversely the 15th qualifier or 2nd round loser usually needs the extra money. To this racer his share of the purse is needed for maintenance and entry fees.

The extra pay through the field may be what enables him to race the full schedule or attend the next race. It's also my experience the big money to win further perpetuates the difference in the quality of equipment between the winner and the average competitor. Enough said.

What's the solution? You hit the nail on the head by suggesting the promoters walk in the racer's shoes. How do we get them to do that? How do we explain when the money to qualify barely covers the entry fee much less the pit passes for the crew and family it won't take long for the lower budget racers to dwindle?

I am writing because your article is the first time I have ever seen or heard anyone with credibility mention this issue. I think the survival of outlaw Pro Mod depends on the promoters adopting some of your philosophy. It is easy to understand the promoters' apprehension about posting purses for these races, but they are promoters; everything is a gamble.

Anyway, I've wasted enough of your time. I just thought you might like some insight from a low-buck racer's perspective as we try to decide whether to race our Pro Mod at theseraces or not. In addition, I extend my sincere compliments on a fantastic e-magazine or whatever you call DRO.

Sincerely,

Scott Gibbs

HOLD THE FLUFFY STUFF

You are right-on about NHRA and IHRA TV coverage being in the tank. Both of these bodies need someone setting in the broadcast booth that can relate to the true fan, and Marty on NHRA and that person on the IHRA (Speed) cannot and do not do this, and they are the reasons I don't watch all the action on TV. I for one check the TV listing to see what time the show is to be over and tune in for the last 30 min.

Show me the racing; I don't need or want all the fluff. I'm a 40-year drag race fan. Thanks.

Tom Horst
Washington Court House, Ohio