Speaking from the airport in Houston, Texas, Whit Bazemore revealed that he will not be competing on the NHRA circuit in 2008.

“Nothing, actually,” Bazemore said in his standard straight from the hip style when asked what he might have in the hopper for the coming season. “It's doesn't look like I will race next year.

“I guess you could say I am taking a sabbatical.”

No tears. No sound of depression. If anything, Whit expressed a feeling of relief knowing he isn't facing the issues confronting the sport in 2008 that his fellow competitors will not be able to avoid.

VETERAN RACER HAS NO PROBLEMS REMAINING ON THE SIDELINES IN 2008 AND POSSIBLY BEYOND

Speaking from the airport in Houston, Texas, Whit Bazemore revealed that he will not be competing on the NHRA circuit in 2008.

“Nothing, actually,” Bazemore said in his standard straight from the hip style when asked what he might have in the hopper for the coming season. “It's doesn't look like I will race next year.

“I guess you could say I am taking a sabbatical.”

No tears. No sound of depression. If anything, Whit expressed a feeling of relief knowing he isn't facing the issues confronting the sport in 2008 that his fellow competitors will not be able to avoid.

While Whit checks the daily stock market reports from the comfort of his home in central Oregon, does some cycling and enjoys the trials, tribulations and rewards of fatherhood, he has a new daughter set to arrive in late February, his friends and competitors on the NHRA circuit will be dealing with the continuing fallout from the death of Eric MedlEn and the crash of John Force.

Bazemore views his sitting out the next year as an opportunity to reflect on the condition of the sport and to evaluate his desire to even be involved. Bazemore looked inside himself earlier in the 2007 season and questioned what was going on in drag racing.

“We all went to Eric Medlen's funeral and three days later we're in Houston and there are billboards located ten feet from the track surface,” mused Bazemore. “What are we doing? Where are we going? Those were the thoughts that crossed my mind. This is how people get killed and have been killed.

“Sometimes the sport as a whole just doesn't seem to address things and get them fixed. I know Gary Scelzi is questioning things. I know John Force is trying to make things better. Dan Davis is doing some great things to help improve the safety of the sport.”

Bazemore needs answers to his questions; and he needs to figure out if he really has to sit behind the wheel of a race car and go 300 mph in a quarter mile. For now, he's sitting out 2008 and is satisfied with that decision.

That feeling might change as the lights on the tree go from yellow to green come Pomona in 2008, however for now skiing, cycling, his wife, his young son, a soon to arrive daughter and some good luck in the stock market will satisfy the needs of one of the fastest men on the planet.