#4
Stott run was at a outlaw race, it was not even a real race it was a test session with finals, with NO rules restrictions.

Thanks,

Danny White

#5
Your recognition of Australian drag racing is most welcome, but why did your editor have to tarnish John Zappia's achievement with all the provisos regarding engine capacity, blower types etc. What 'Zap' achieved was remarkable considering the weight of the Australian doorslammers, the cost of parts down here and the lack of many major aero changes to the body compared to Pro Modifieds. And it still looks like a 1971 Holden Monaro!

I might also add that the run was at a sanctioned event where fuel checks, weight verification, capacity checks etc where all carried out. The fact that Stott's car ran a five first will remain, but in my opinion John Zappia's run is more significant in our sport. It was achieved with a vehicle that was legal for its bracket, and happened at a sanctioned race meeting, end of story!

Regards.

Rod Andrews
Sydney, Australia

BURK REPLIES

You ought to take a few minutes to check your facts before you write something like this letter. The facts are as follows: The event where Mitch Stott ran the first five-second doorslammer pass was a sanctioned NHRA National Open, complete with the NHRA's Divisional team including the technical department.

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Immediately after the lap was completed the car was weighed and the NHRA Division tech team began scrutinizing the car to IHRA specifications: They disassembled the car and verified that the rear gear was the mandatory 4.56, the clutch 2-discs, 14-71 supercharger with 24% overdrive! The engine was "pumped" to verify it was legal at 526. The only variation for the car from IHRA-legal was the weight and the car did weigh in at just about 2550. We documented the tech inspection with photography. You see I co-promoted that event and covered it for DRO and Hot Rod Magazine.

If I had any intention of "tarnishing" John Zappia magnificent performance I would have reminded the readers in a more forceful manner that Mr. Zappia had the advantage of a screw-charger, lock-up multi-disc clutch, use of any gear or tire and a four-speed tranny if desired and the fact his engine combination makes about 3500 hp, about 1000 more than the U.S. Pro Mods. I didn't and I won't. I was simply trying to give a great racer his props in my magazine for a job well done. Nothing else. -- JB

TRY PROMOTING THE RACES, ESPN

Darr, you are the first person besides myself to speak the truth about ESPN. When do you ever see a promo for an upcoming race? When do you see a commercial for the NHRA, except during a race? And why doesn't the billion dollar company Coca-Cola buy promo spots on other sports? You have no problem seeing commercials for neckcar (sic) anywhere and everywhere. I think it's fairly evident that ESPN really doesn't want NHRA, and that they're still pissed off about losing neckcar in the first place. I just hope whoever gets NHRA after ESPN discards them, will at least give them a fair shake.

Nitro freak,

Rob McNees