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