Responses to Burk:

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE

I get your point, I too am very sad & disappointed so few nitro racers showed up (at the Rocket City Nationals). So now we know a sad truth.

I have another plan for next year. . .if egos drive pro drag racing, then take a large portion of that bank roll and buy an hour on ESPN2. . .have the race at night and let Kepner do an outlaw TV show.

I would bet the egos would show up for another chance to get their shit on TV.

Richard M. Pauza
Gilberts, IL

EDITOR'S NOTE: Actually, Richard, we had Bret Kepner and Masters Entertainment at the race this year. Coverage of the Rocket City Nationals will appear on ESPN2's "Inside Drag Racing" at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on August 14.

OVER-EMPHASIZED EGOS

First and foremost I have to say how disappointed I am that The Rocket City Nationals wasn't a resounding success for George Howard. I have been an admirer of his for several years now and have supported his efforts where I could.

After reading your article, especially your comment that "their egos determine where they race, not the money..." I couldn't help but compare George's efforts with the Rocket City Nationals to his endeavors in trying to bring big money bracket racing to the West Coast. It would appear that the same illness inflicts both the Pro ranks and the West Coast Super category ranks alike. It would seem that neither group will put their egos in check long enough to support any event other than one carrying the moniker of the exaulted NHRA. We racers on the west coast in particular have paid the price in that we have limited racing options... and nothing for any real kind of money!

The overwhelming response from the sportsman NHRA devotee is "we race where we want to race. We don't do it for money!" So what is the Professionals' response to the same query? But as you stated in your column, both groups continually complain about the lack of payouts.

Better luck to George! And thanks for another bulls-eye column!

Your deranged Top Comp convert reader,

Greg Stanley
Brentwood, CA

RACERS ARE AS BAD AS POLITICIANS

So there you have it. A scientific test. And the results are true. Now, whenever a "racer" complains about this sort of thing, you can just smile and say something like: "Well, that's just the way it goes, dude."

Sorry this happened, but it's better to actually know for sure than to think you know for sure. I'm sad for the sport, again. These stories are as ridiculous as the ones about politicians.

Thanks for the effort, and my congratulations to the Clay Millican team.

Dean A. Cassano
Lakeland, FL

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

Looks like if you want a limited invitation event, you need to get a monetary commitment, that they get back when they come to race. Otherwise just open it up.

Speedy Lee
New Mexico

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

I read your editorial and can now say. . .welcome to the club. About 15 years ago I had a desk plaque made that said, "Money is not the answer." I had it made after doing an event similar (at the time) to what you and George did. My bank account was about 30 grand lighter at the end of the night. I had the plaque made to remind me to never have a stupid moment like that again. I applaud both of you for your efforts. Sorry about the outcome. Fun business.

Thanks, Jeff.

Aaron Polburn
President IHRA