HELPING THE LOW-BUCK RACERS?

I Just read your column about the new mandated engine rules in the fuel classes. As a casual friend of Jack Wyatt (I met him through Brent Fanning), I wonder how the new forged engine block is supposed to be affordable to him. Jack rebuilds automatic transmissions for a living (or he did). He would generally save his own money and set out in February for Pomona and run 'til he was out of cash. After all, it's pretty chilly in Iowa this time of year. From what I remember he and a lot of other independent guys bought all of their stuff used from either Don (Holbrook I think is his last name) in Tennessee or from other teams directly. Which means the part would already have to be in circulation.

How long will a new used block take to get to him? Besides Jack, how many other independent guys are left in the NHRA pits anyway? Gone are the guys like Rick Shirrell, Wyatt Radke, Jerry Camenito, Jack Ostrander, and others. For that matter, where did Dale Creasy wander off to? The tune up has been all but taken out of the tune up as you pointed out. When I was helping out Brent, we rarely ran more than 88% in the tank and rarely if ever broke anything. It just seems to me that with NHRA's mandates and single source suppliers, that fuel racing is headed towards less than full fields again. Unless Schumacher fields some more cars.(j/k)

I'm at work (it's a slow day) and your online mag helps a bunch. Keep up the good work.

Arthur Bichsel
N. Massapequa, N.Y.

TOCHER TALK-BACK #1

Mr Tocher,

Is a spec engine the right why to control performance in T/F and F/C? I say no. It can be done by controlling the amount of fuel they burn -- pump, magneto, and blower. Limit the pump, take a magneto away, or mandate a 1:1 blower ratio. Those steps will slow them down. Instead, NHRA is going to control just about everything else. Running 85% nitro has really worked hasn't it? Slowed the cars right down and reduced cost - not.

Show me one idea NHRA has had that has saved money for the racer. I bet I can name a lot more that have cost money. Their track record in this area is atrocious. If they had let Alan Johnson develop the engine he wanted, it might have saved money in the long run because it was better and stronger. I'm sure if billet blocks had come out about now, they'd be banned, but now they're REQUIRED.

It may be that a spec engine will create closer racing in the nitro category (i.e. NASCAR) but if I wanted NASCAR, I'd watch NASCAR. Obviously the NHRA brass is enamored of that organization, I can't think of one racer I know of who is. What I don't understand is PRO's position on this. Have they fought it, embraced it, or are they just going along? I would really like to know. What I do know is, it isn't drag racing. I'm glad I race in an organization that doesn't tell me exactly what engine to run -- yet. Thanks.

Dean Adams

TOCHER TALK-BACK #2

I just finished reading your OPINION on AUTHORIZED NHRA APPROVED TOP FUEL racing, and although I somewhat agree on some of the restrictions that you suggest be imposed to minimize the costs and allow a more even playing field, I have to take issue with you on some of the PROPOSITIONS.

I do not agree that NHRA and their band of *ss clowns (you know WHO they are), are capable enough to control these ideas that you propose, (and/or) support. If it were to work at all, perhaps some of the REALLY smart people in our sport could add some input, and NOT the suits who only want to fill their pockets.

IF you let NHRA control this sport not as a partner, but as a DICTATOR, you sir are remiss and should write articles for fantasy magazines.

This is NOT NASCAR, this is NHRA UNLIMITED TOP FUEL, not bracket racing, not circle track racing, but a SUPPOSEDLY unlimited, no holds barred, first one to the finish line wins REAL RACING. INNOVATION will be replaced with CHEATING, and WHO will be CAPABLE to KNOW the difference, or even care. MY suggestion is to have the PARTICIPANTS have the VOICE in these decisions, because after all they are the ones who put their LIFE on the line time after time.

Don't let NHRA take the drag racer OUT of drag racing. Thanks for hearing my opinion.

Gene Wagner
Boca Raton, FL