FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

What about the fans? I did not read much about how the fans would except a
shorter track. The fans are the ones who pay the money and we would get half a
show. Regaurding the comment about being able to see the whole race, I can see
1320 feet.

Anyone consider inproving the SAFTY of these cars or better
tracks? What about addressing the root cause of the issue insteas of masking it.
Fuel cars still run over 260+ MPH in the 1/8 mile. Least time I checked, still
fast enough to kill. - Kevin Christianson, Canton, MI.

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

While I may not have made as many "laps" as some racers.  I have been racing the
second time for over 7 years.  The first five were strictly 1/8 mile tracks. I
then moved and was ale to race 1/4 mile. I like the 1/8 mile racing much
better.  Seems that you have too much "thinking" time on the big end of a 1/4
mile track.  I know that my experience is only in bracket racing but I still
believe its cheaper for the racer and can the fans tell the difference??  I
doubt it - Mack Reeves, Mack Reeves
 

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you in this issue. 1/8th mile racing is not
the answer. I was there, and did not like it. It was like the fun was taken
away. The fuel cars begin to stretch their muscles after the 1/8th and at least
for me, it was not fun watching them shut down so quickly. Too many races were
decided either by holeshots or red lights. True, there may be some advantages
like fewer breakage, potentially less dangerous accidents, but to race all time
at this distance would be like taking out the 100 meter race at the Olympics and
running only 50 mts. There should be other things, like "soft walls", etc. but
1/4 mile racing should not be banned. Citing your Nascar example,true, people
jam their short track races but so they do with the super speedways. In any
case, maybe an alternate schedule with some 1/8 mile races in between, but NO,
not every race to that distance. Who knows, maybe another national circuit could
be born in benefit of the smaller teams. That's my point, my friend, I was there
and DID NOT LIKE IT!!! Thanks for the opportunity and keep up the good work. I
love Competition Plus! - Roberto Hidalgo, San Antonio, Texas

Never did we suggest a pure eighth-mile format...just select races. An alternative to the typical quarter-mile. - Editor 

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

Folks, I am proud that someone did a national event on the eighth mile.  I have
often wondered why about 4 events during the year could not be ran on the eighth
mile.  Since NHRA is copying NASCAR, why not associate the short track with the
road tracks that NASCAR runs.  I think it would be cool to run a hole national
event on an eighth mile, put all that seating on both sides.  See who the real
drivers are.  I am here and I am available.  Besides the safety and costs
involved, more fans could see more action.  But don't even think about getting
rid of the good old quarter mile.  No way.  Take care and have a good day. - Mark Elms, Kingsburg, CA.
 

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

I agree completely. I've raced IHRA Top Dragster for 10 years from the days when
you had to have a fast car to qualify. In todays 48 car field and no rained out
qualifying crap it's a perfect situation for a 7.50 car to dominate. In an eigth
mile situation it might bring back the faster car advantage and I would enjoy
that. I agree that the safety and engine longevity would increase. I think the
sanctioning bodies could promote the acceleration factor more than the mph thing
with sucess. Or just fake it, move the mph lights closer and tell the fans
your running 400 mph at the eigth mile. - John Deakins, Louisville, KY.

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

I'm not sure going completely to 1/8 mile would be good, but one or two a year
would be fantastic. The way I look at it, NHRA goes to Denver and the teams have
to adjust a lot, so what's the big deal about making adjustments to run a short
track.

NHRA owns Columbus,and that track has been too short for years!
Look at all of the Pro Stock Bike crashes, among others! It doesn't make sense
for NHRA NOT to have an event there.

Ohio is big enough for two national
events, for sure.

And you're definately right about the ADRL! That's the
best bang for the buck out there.

Hope NHRA will take a look. - Gary Jackson, Temple, Texas
 

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

1/8 mile racing doesn't get a fair shake because a lot of people haven't
experienced it. I never experinced an 1/8 mile race until I moved to TN. I was
pleasantly surprised at the competition. R/T is important. You start paying
attention to 60' times. Alot of tracks have stands down most of the 1/8 mile,
you get to see more of the race. It would be a great addition to the NHRA to put
a "short track" race or two on the tour just like NASCAR. The fans would not be
disappointed, I certainly wasn't and I have been a drag race fan since birth.
Certainly, it is safer and less costly to run 1/8 mile. It would definitly be
worth looking at for NHRA to add to schedule or for IHRA to start doing. It
could be a real boost for the IHRA in participants (top fuel/funny car) and
attendance. - Mark, Smyrna, TN.

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

I am an avid drag race fan and participant.  I'm a long term NHRA member.  To
the IHRA: Once more you've demonstrated that you have the racer and fan in mind
over profits.  Your decision was innovative, courageous and unselfish.  My
membership application and dues are on the way!  To the NHRA:  Wake up!  We,
your grass roots support base, race in this format every week.  Sometimes
multiple times in a week.  Most of your tracks are 1/8th mile and you have some
wonderful 1/8th mile venues.  Be the leader that you claim to be.  To
Competition Plus:  Thank you for supporting the racers and fans as you do! - Scott Bridges, Clarksville, Tenn.

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

1/4 is good. I've been going to them since the rock opened, and have been to Bristol
and Darlington, all good races true, but have seen some of the best on the 1/8
mile tracks. I work at the Farmington Drag track in Mocksville NC., and we have
some great racing and a lot of the NHRA pros come to our track to test, we
have all concret track, and have had about ever kind of car go down the track,
besides most fans unless diehard proably wouldnt  be able to tell much 
difference in speeds or ETs as most of the speed is make in the eighth any way and I am all for the safety of all the racers. - Rick Covington, Winston-Salem, NC.

FEEDBACK ARTICLE - DRAG RACING, AN EIGHTH MILE AT A TIME

You're right that 1/8 mile racing has to be seen to be appreciated. Once you get
into 1/8 mile times, you start realizing when you see a good run. For example, a
Pro Mod that runs in the 3.90's is quick. A Top Fuel car that runs close to 280
with a 3.0 ET is really on a pass. I really hope that IHRA, at least, would jump
on the 1/8 mile bandwagon and schedule some more national meets on these tracks. - Cliff Morgan, Phoenix, AZ.