4/14/05

SAN ANTONIO CORRECTION

Jeff, I think that your assessment of allowing the first round of qualifying to continue is correct. I was standing there, watching with horror. Although my car was in the staging area, I had decided not to make the run before the session had even started. As a Funny Car driver I am concerned about the 45 seconds it took to get to Dobbins' car. I guess that this needs to be discussed with IHRA.

Finally, I just wanted to let you know that I qualified #1 not Rob Atchison. My 5.844 pass only edged Rob by .001. This, to my team and myself, was a significant accomplishment because it was only my third complete pass in a Funny Car and our first race. (I ran a Pro Mod last year.) I congratulate Rob and his team for winning, they really did a remarkable job. Thank you for covering this race. Come by and see us any time.

Sincerely,

Thomas B. Carter, DDS, MS
Jawbreaker Motorsports
F/C 657

THIS BERNIE WAS PRETTY GOOD TOO

How right on you are with the announcer thing and how much Bernie Partridge is missed from the racing scene. May I add the late Bernie Mather from Bakersfield to that list. As a racer from the early 60's now getting back into it with a small nostalgia car, I must say the good old days were the good old days.

Bill Groom
Bonnie Lake, WA

SAFETY CONCERNS

Crowd control, or lack thereof. I wrote a letter concerning this very topic to NHRA and No Problem Raceway officials after last years NHRA SPORTSNATIONALS.

ADVERTISEMENT

I've been away from drag racing for a while. I got involved shooting some NASCAR events etc., so I was shocked when I saw the bedlam at this race. I was a writer/photog for the old SS/DI magazine from 1979-1990. Steve Collison was my editor, and we ALWAYS were credentialed.

But at the SPORTS the starting line area was out of control. Especially during Super Gas. Every team had a golf cart or 4 wheeler support vehicle (Why? Pro Stockers have tons more invested and they drive to the staging lanes), and at least 3 crew members. The local Deputies on scene were useless. They were watching the races! There was a video guy hanging over the finish line in a hydraulic manlift ...literally OVER THE TRACK at the finish line. AND HE HAD HIS KID UP THERE WITH HIM! There were no handicapped seats, nor provisions for such.

Also, the area near the scales and E.T. slip shack was like a block party. I heard back from No Problem, and they said they would look into it. As of last week's Ford FUN Weekend nothing has changed. Crowds on the line and no special need seating. If the HIGH SHERIFFS read your work maybe they'll do something. Maybe Shelly Howard's death will count for something as well....CHANGES.

David Miller
Violet, LA