NO WINNERS

I'm so afraid that you're absolutely correct that this has become a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. One of my greatest fears is that Goodyear can withdraw its products from our sport in the nitro ranks, and most likely would take that approach if pressed.
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Goodyear effectively took actions that drove Firestone and Hoosier from the "professional" ranks years ago. Now we face the real possibility that nitro drag racing as we know it might be history. I admire what Michelin did at Indy, but what most people aren't aware of is that Michelin released their cars to use Bridgestone tires at that event, but tires were not available to supply all participants with enough sets. I commend Michelin for the attempt to allow a full field to run the race.

NHRA has moved in the direction of approaching the cliff for years now. I'm sorry to say that I could care less if I ever attend another "circus" where fireworks can pre-empt a full round of Pro Mod qualifying. Where there's no one in positions of leadership that don't know a spark plug from a sparkler! It doesn't take rocket science to realize that the key to this problem is cut the length to 1,000 feet or even an 1/8th mile, at least until the problem is resolved.

I've gone on way too long. . .thanks for saying it much better than me. Keep up the fine work!

Ron Evans
Lovington, IL

A FEW QUESTIONS

At the Englishtown NHRA Supernationals, why could I only buy Pepsi products and Gatorade at the concession stands? Not a Coke or Powerade to be found. Is this how to promote the series sponsor? And was the food particularly bad this year? If NHRA Drag Racing is supposed to be getting better and more professional, why do I wish things were the way they were in 1972? Is it me or is Don Schumacher becoming the George Steinbrenner of drag racing?

Ken Rau
New Jersey

WHERE IS TOM PAYNE WHEN YOU NEED HIM?

Has everyone forgotten the Ford/Firestone fiasco? Corporate lawyers know nothing about damage control; it's all about win at all costs! In this situation nobody wins in the end! Whatever happened to good old fashioned common sense? Good article, Jeff!

Jack Curles
Bainbridge, GA

SAFETY FIRST

I think the death of Darrell Russell was a preventable accident that NHRA, IHRA and Goodyear did not address properly following Bruce Litton's crash at the IHRA Texas Nationals in San Antonio. The light bulb in somebody's head should have lit up and said, "Houston we have a problem!"

I know the tires were blistering after a single pass and it seemed the problem was totally ignored until after the crash that took Darrell's life happened. Maybe too much down force was the issue that caused the tires to fail but why not change the rules then? I think to a certain degree when IHRA and NHRA try to slow the cars down there is a bunch of complaining by the crew chiefs and owners about the cost of the changes. When it comes to safety their egos should not in anyway hinder the safe development of drag racing.

Dennis Smith
London, Ontario, Canada








 
 

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