WE REPLY, OR IF YOU CAN'T SAY SOMETHING NICE. . .
We introduce new drivers to the public and then let their performance dictate any additional coverage. Erica was of special interest because she had come up from Jr. Dragster and had a Disney movie made about her, so we thought our readers would be interested in someone a bit out of the ordinary. Her on-track performance, however, has not warranted any additional coverage. Hillary has had some previous success, so we'll wait and see what she does in her new ride. When they win something, they'll get the ink. There are plenty of male drivers that we don't write about either, because they simply don't do much. Well, maybe except Luigi Novelli. -- KB
WONDERING AND SURPRISED
Burk, sitting here in my chair I was wondering about a few of the very things you have expressed. Dunn singing in the shower was funny, but too weird. The tent deal probably lost his seat with Kalitta. But the Palm Springs venue announcement might hold a key to the aloofness the NHRA seems to be living in these days (or years as the case might be). The Springs is all about an alternate reality with more plastic making up the bodies and souls of the people there than any cookie cutter funny car body could ever boast. It seems it is all being driven to a fool's paradise under the shadow of such a rich history. Hopefully, the light ahead is more than the light resulting from a drag racer's performance touch on a mere rental car.
Brett Porter
Seattle, WA
DEEP IN THE HEART
I'm done feeling depressed about what has become of NHRA drag racing. Being a fan beginning in the early 1960's I have a lot to be depressed about, and so do a lot of people from what I read at DRO. I decided to look for what I liked about drag racing and wherever I found it I would support it.
Last night was the third annual BHRA Nationals at Texas Raceway in Kennedale, Texas. A small 1/8 mile (well known, though) track that started this race in memory of Bill Hielscher
(Green Valley Raceway). First rate facility at Texas Raceway.
But what attracts me to the BHRA Nationals is that it is an example of what I think is missing in modern drag racing: a well rounded, exciting show at a friendly track that lets you get REAL close to the action. Typical of what I used to experience in the 1960s and '70s.
You could tell from the packed house that everyone anticipated what kind of action was coming next. Something different all the time. Start out with 16 Outlaw Fuel Altereds, move on to the Simpson Racing team nitro funny cars side by side (just a few feet in front of you), then a pair of A/Fuel dragsters (Gene Snow!) going full bore side by side, the unlikely pair of a jet funny car vs. Pro Mod, then a pair of jet dragsters, followed by the Texas Bandit wheelstander and topped off with the vintage Mr. Bardahl Vette vs. the recreated "Sump'n 'Else #2" '60s funny car of Grady Bryant (driver even donned a vintage fuel race suit)!
Stand no more than 20 feet from that action and you can't wipe the smile off of your face! Now that's drag racing! Thank you, Texas Raceway.
Alan Lewis
BRING ON THE WHITE HATS
Being a Drag Racing Fan my whole life, I've got to admit the Powerade NHRA fiasco is getting redundant and boring! Goodguys here I come! Love those Nostalgia FUNNY CARS!
Michael Stemler
Whittier, CA
