Another related area is in the appearance of the entry. The use of fuel injection might eventually lead to the lowering of hood scoops. This is an area of concern when Pro Stock is the topic of discussion with Detroit.

All I can say is that I am gathering data on this issue. I would not want to implement a wholesale change too soon. It would be an evolutionary change where EFI would be allowed, but not mandatory.

DRO: THAT BRINGS US TO IHRA'S LATEST PRO CLASS, THE NITRO HARLEYS. FIRST OFF, HOW MUCH DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT THEM AND HOW MUCH INPUT DO YOU GIVE ON HOW THEY RACE?

Baker: A few seasons ago we ran them at Norwalk as an exhibition class, and to be perfectly honest I didn't know much about them. Over the years, we have developed an excellent working relationship with teams and the officers of their Nitro Harley Group. I personally communicate with the group on both safety and performance issues.

Baker concedes he's still learning the intricacies of IHRA's Nitro Harley class and says he works closely with all the teams to develop official competition guidelines.

I have learned a great deal from the industry over the last couple of years. I adjust the standards for them just as I do the other IHRA eliminators. It is based upon IHRA competition.

For example, we've increased the fastener size that holds the cylinders to the block. That was through a joint effort through what we had seen happen at IHRA competition and at the other organizations that the Harleys race with.

DRO: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE HEADING INTO THE 2002 SEASON?

Baker: Efficient and effective allocation of time for each of my responsibilities. As IHRA continues to grow, my responsibilities grow proportionally with it, as does the time required to service each of them.

I always have to pick and choose what I address first, but I never want to give the impression that certain issues matter more than others--I just have to put things in order. I don't want to short-change any of the areas that we have grown over the last few years.

DRO: ANY CLOSING COMMENTS YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE?

Baker: The future looks as bright as my duties are challenging, and I feel fortunate to be a part of the growth of drag racing and specifically IHRA Motorsports.

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