Forty-four years after his public battle with Fenn, Parks still wouldn't spill the beans—as evidenced by his curt rejection of a reporter's 2005 request for comment. One thing that Wally did divulge around the time of this letter was the inspiration for his longtime e-ddress. "No, no, it's got nothing to do with my last name!" he corrected a former Drag News editor during a California Hot Rod Reunion autograph session. Parks then asked for the writer's notebook, uncapped a fine-point Sharpie kept handy for signing, and slowly printed out the letters P-A-R-K-S-W-E-N-G-A-R-D. "Still don't see it?" he asked, smiling wickedly. "Try it backwards." (Readers, you do the math.)    

​You should have seen it.

The line to get an autograph went on forever. Hordes of people hoping to snap a quick selfie, heck just to see John Force. It was like waiting backstage at a rock concert.

After all, this was the U.S. Nationals. The granddaddy of them all. The Big Go. And just a few feet from them, standing on the other side of a brightly colored rope, stood immortality. The ageless wonder. A man that 300 mph smashes, concussions, broken bones and God himself can’t seem to unseat.

And Force went on doing his thing. A rock star this sport never has – and may never – see again.

Six days after capturing his 150th win in a Funny Car, John Force was busier then a bumblebee shaking hands, signing autographs, taking pictures and accepting accolades at Summit Motorsports Park just outside of Norwalk, Ohio.

He also took a few minutes to apologize to Ron Capps for the post-race lip-to-lip kiss.

“I don't know why I did it,” Force said.

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Some traditions eventually run their course.

In the interest of the long term history of drag racing, I believe the sport's decision-makers need to find the answers to improve the economic feasibility of professional drag racing as well as better attendance at all events.

Changes which do not include the planted rumor of a potential part-time return to 1320-feet racing for the nitro divisions. 

I am a journalist who is also a drag racing fan.

I'm reminded I must keep emotion out of my presentation, but I just cannot help it when it comes to the latest banana-in-the-tailpipe trick by ESPN regarding their ESPY award for Best Driver.

Drag racing fans get hyped for at least one NHRA driver in one category (it's all the sport seems to be eligible for), only to feel what it's like to be in a small state when the Presidential election comes along. Yes, your vote counts, but only so much,

COUSINS COMPETE IN MOUNTAIN MOTOR PRO STOCK – Johnny Pluchino and cousin Vincent Nobile grew up on Long Island. His father Johnny is Nobile’s godfather, and Nobile’s father, John, is Pluchino’s godfather. And now the cousins are racing together in the NHRA’s Mountain Motor Pro Stock class. Pluchino made his NHRA debut at Bristol Dragway this past weekend in the third of four exhibition appearances for the class this season. The final race for the Mountain Motor Pro Stocks will be July 5-7 at the New England Nationals at Epping, N.H. Nobile had competed in April at the 16-car show at the Charlotte Four-Wide event.

For a long time, the NHRA hasn't gotten the benefit of the doubt in controversial situations. And, to be honest, in previous administrations of the sanctioning body, they didn't deserve it. Decisions made out of arrogance or for fear of legal ramifications, basically made the bed they must sleep in all too often.

This weekend's NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio provides another no-win situation.

Dear Younger Me,

I see you sitting in the back seat of a massive Pontiac, on your way to see your first national event, the 1981 Spring Nationals in Bristol, Tenn. You are anxious, have stars in your eyes and with good reason. It's the first time you'll ever see the stars you've read about for two years in those major magazines. You'll see the colors; hear the beautiful sounds of drag racing at the highest level and for the first time in your life, inhale nitromethane.