Why is it that issues aren't adressed until the racing world tragicly loses a competitor? Tires weren't an issue until after the loss of Darrell Russell. I personally believe that the safety of the cars should be the new concern, not the lenght of the racing surface. With it now public knowledge that Eric Medlen died from severe vibration due to tire failure, I don't totally agree with shortening the pro races. Watching an eighth mile fuel race would be like watching sand drag races. They are over before they start. Why isn't an angry mob beating down the door at Good Year demanding safer racing tires? Like Warren Johnson said, the NHRA and all other manufacturers involved need to take a more annalytical approach to why Eric Medlen died, and why the tires are failing. Where are all the engineers in all of this? Lets face it, these cars make way to much power for the existing safety technology. If reducing the length of the racing facility is the answer to the problem, then so be it I guess. I would rather watch borring races than risk precious lives.

As far as a new points system goes, this is unbelievably stupid, and unnecessary. Am I wrong, but isn't this just like the new points system that NASCAR put in place a couple years ago? I think the simple fact that I enjoy NHRA professionl drag racing so much is that it isn't NASCAR. A standing start, first man to the other  end, best car wins, drag race is the ultimate, most pure contest between two race cars there is. Drag racing is also unique, thats why so many people love it. Besides, drag racing is still about racing, not like NASCAR which is like a motorized "American Idol." A lot of people I know who like NASCAR don't give a damn about racing, they just want to be a part of something that is trendy. NHRA is still great because it hasn't reached that bazar TV game show level that NASCAR has. The battle to the bitter end points system is also an unique part of the sport that makes it that much more exciting. The points "countdown" caters to the sports elite teams that have millions of dollars, and multiple cars. This format grabs drag racing by its "grass roots," and rips it right out. I am sick and tired of the bi-weekly John Force Racing vs. Schumacher racing showdown. Teams like Worshams, Bob Gilbertson, Jim Dunn, etc. are not really factors anymore stacked up against 4 car teams. I believe the same to be true in top fuel. I just want to say that it was awesome to see the Hartley top fuel team runner up in Houston.

They are a "grass roots" team on a budget, that went a few rounds thanks to the help from fellow teams allready out of competition. That is what drag racing is all about to me, racers helping racers, doing what it takes to make the competition exciting. And watching that car that no one expected to be there at the end of the day give a big money car a damn good run for the money is why I love drag racing. Not because John Force or Don Schumacher have more money than anyone else, and can buy championships. Honestly I am really liking IHRA racing more and more all the time. It is what NHRA used to be before it was a corporate whorehouse, and a competition to see who can line their pockets fastest. One of the greatest thing I have ever seen was two years ago when Chris Charamasines (not sure of spelling) went to the final at an IHRA event. Only in drag racing can a man of his age still be competitive.  When was the last time you saw anything like that in NASCAR, or the NHRA for that matter. I guess what my ranting boils down to is that I grew up in a drag racing family with limited involvement that will never be able to afford to compete on a pro level. It angers me that people who are blessed to be able to run their top fuel race cars every weekend take for granted what they have. The corporate pocket book showdown aspect of drag racing needs to be removed, and the sport needs to get back to those "roots" I spoke so much of earlier. I love drag racing, and I would like to see it preserved for many years to come weather I ever go down a drag strip or not. So to whoever might read this I say thank you for your time and consideration of a nobody's opinion. - Cody R. Kohut, Stockett, MT