Well guys, I guess I'm as shocked as anybody. I felt that
Steve Johnson did win the race. I also feel that it is his
responsibility to trip the photo cell at the end of the
track. His equipment failed to do that. Those are the rules.
Sure, the equipment needs to be updated. What about all
the previous decisions that should have been overturned
that weren't? Why is this one time so special? I feel the
NHRA should have stuck to their guns. Then went to see that
it never happened again. Thanks.
Kjellin Grassity
Joliet, IL
Congratulations to Steve Johnson and thank God NHRA did
the right thing. You're right, Jeff, my local greyhound
track (Derby Lane), horse tracks, and NASCAR have finish
line cameras. George Howard at Huntsville Dragway has the
cameras at the starting line and finish line, why doesn't
NHRA? No other sport in the world has as many close races
as drag racing; NHRA should be ready for this type of situation.
It happens in Bracket Racing more than people might realize.
NHRA should give Steve Johnson an award ceremony at the
next event, and apologize for Light's comment that it's
the racer's responsibility to trigger the photo cell. Should
Steve Johnson hold out a broomstick at 180mph? (He's crazy
enough to do it.)
Larry Ericksmoen
St. Petersburg
As a result of the Indy fiasco, NHRA should can Graham Light
and make it possible to view instant replay to make "on-the-spot"
decisions. It is true that "the powers that be"
did the right thing in awarding the trophy and win to the
right team. . .but it was too little, too late for Mr. Johnson
to enjoy the real and total impact of his achievements.
Rik Chidester
Poulsbo, WA
Johnson was the first one to the stripe--but as professionals
and verified by Graham Light--it is the racer's responsibility
to make sure his equipment etc. is detected by the beams!
I have been the starter at a local track before and have
had problems with a motorcycle low-profile rim breaking
the beams--even when staging. I had to use my foot to get
both bulbs lit to keep the show going!
NHRA and the other sanctioning bodies should use a broader
beam--both horizontal and vertical--and back-up with photo-finish.
Sunlight, rodents, paper etc. can trip the beam--or the
front tire of a competitor can go over if the front tire
is off the ground or a hollow low profile rim is used like
some bikes, etc. Bikes only have one front wheel which can
be a problem at times.
Duane Gehring
North Dakota
I feel sorry for both Steve Johnson and Matt Smith...heck,
man, this was INDY!
I fully agree with you, Jeff. I believe in horse racing
they don't make the outcome of a race official until they
check the finish line camera first, correct? I think NHRA
should do the same thing...all wins are unofficial until
they check the video tape. Once it's called official then
the competitors can step up on the podium and get their
Wally! That way it wouldn't take the "once in a life
time moment" away from a guy like Steve Johnson!
Honestly, I haven't been a real big fan of the Bikes over
the years until recently when Harley and Buell bikes stirred
things up a bit! But man... this guy Johnson is the biggest
darn cheerleader that NHRA has ever had, so I'm glad to
see that they did the right thing with him!
Nick Fanelli
Connecticut
Wow! Reckon what type wine goes with crow! Still, as you
said, kudos to all at NHRA. And, Steve, we all knew you
won. So you kind of had your moment with us anyway.
Fred Brown
Columbus, GA
