Let’s play two.

Make that, let’s RACE two.

The NHRA Mello Yello series needs a boost. Something different and exciting that will get people talking. A change that might inject a dose of much-needed interest and enthusiasm into the media and public-at-large.

Honestly, can anyone disagree with that?

Bruton Smith brought us four-wide. Now let’s look to other sports for ideas that have proven successful. And then work to adapt them to fit drag racing’s special needs.

Let’s play two.

Make that, let’s RACE two.

The NHRA Mello Yello series needs a boost. Something different and exciting that will get people talking. A change that might inject a dose of much-needed interest and enthusiasm into the media and public-at-large.

Honestly, can anyone disagree with that?

Bruton Smith brought us four-wide. Now let’s look to other sports for ideas that have proven successful. And then work to adapt them to fit drag racing’s special needs.

Here’s one: An event format that was unique to baseball until IndyCar’s management (of all people!) borrowed it last year.

A double header.

Why not?

Racers, fans and media are always going to prefer racing over qualifying. Properly done, a Saturday-Sunday twin bill could be more cost effective for teams, give fans more flexibility to attend, and generate a little more press coverage. Both of the weekend races would count as a separate national event and pay full points (and money.)

My concept does not mean increasing expenses by adding Thursday qualifying. I admit designing an equitable way to set the field would be challenging. There would have to be separate qualifying sessions for both races so someone doesn’t automatically suffer the too-severe penalty of missing two national events.

Maybe use a quick turnaround schedule Friday to get in at least three sessions. Possibly count the first Q run for Saturday, the third for Sunday, and the middle pass as one that could be designated by the team for either race. I know that’s not perfect and the rules must factor-in how changing weather/track conditions affect performance. I sure would like to believe, though, that smart minds in the competition department and representatives of the three pro classes (I’d skip the bikes due to time constraints and leave things the same for the sportsmen) and the promoter could figure out something fair.  

I’d be very selective on where to schedule a double. Not during the already strenuous Western Swing, for example. Certainly not during the Countdown. But Chicagoland’s Route 66, which needs some sort of jump-start, seems good to me. Or maybe Las Vegas in the spring.

There could be multiple ticket packages to accommodate Saturday-only or Sunday-only fans as well as those who want to attend all three days. Event sponsorship could get creative with individual name entitlements for both races and even a cash bonus to any driver who wins the weekend. Team sponsors could showcase two brands or products in the same market with different bodywork graphics for each race.

(And speaking of doing something special for the fans, how about offering “all you can eat” ticket deals? I recently attended an Arizona Diamondbacks game where those in a designated grandstand had access to unlimited soda, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, etc. Sure seemed popular to me.)
 
For those in drag racing with too insular a mindset -- “That’s not the way we do it” in their quarter-mile world -- please note IndyCar has found success with double headers in Detroit, Houston and Toronto the last two years.   

Even a fast look at the empty seats, down TV audience numbers and contracting roster of corporate sponsors should make this obvious: There has never been a time when it’s more important for NHRA’s racers and industry leaders to be open-minded to non-traditional ideas. It’s essential that this be a high-priority and continuing process in what too-often appears to be the echo chamber at 2035 Financial Way.

Status quo isn’t a go.

A twin-bill would be a way to bulk-up the schedule without increasing travel costs. It would give time-pressed fans the opportunity to see Saturday racing. It would give other patrons the chance to see more racing. It would create yet another challenge for drivers and tuners and crews and thus add to the accomplishment of winning a Wally and the prestige of a Mello Yello championship.

What’s wrong with that?

Why not at least try? If nothing else, two races vs. one would give the series a publicity bounce, and the impression of doing more for the fans.

I say the Chicago Cubs’ legendary Hall of Famer Ernie Banks had it right with his enthusiastic signature line:

“Let’s play two!”

Follow Michael Knight on Twitter: @SpinDoctor500