Imagine for a moment, you traveled to your local gas station and
realized from the time you left home the price of a gallon of gasoline
had increased from $4 per gallon to $8. Imagine the reality you'd face
at the time. This fictional scenario bears a striking resemblance to
another situation developing in the high-stakes world of nitro drag
racing in the NHRA.
Last week, the official fuel supplier to the
NHRA raised the cost of a 42-gallon barrel drum $300 to $1,250. This
time last year a racer could purchase a 55-gallon drum of nitro for
$850. The price rose to $950 at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. New
regulations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has mandated
new regulations limiting the amount of nitromethane capable of being
stored in each pit area to under 400 pounds.
How does this affect
the teams? The real affect is in the bottom line where many teams are
struggling to maintain their existence.
At least one driver said
his limited schedule will be further limited
because of this surprise increase. Unsponsored Funny car veteran Jim
Head pointed out this decision will cost him three races he’d planned
to attend.