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'CLEAR CHANNEL' FOR DRAG RACING
To Jeff Burk I just want to let you know that Jim Marchyshyn's new job
is working with SFX and their radio stations. This SFX deal might turn
out to be a better deal than anyone imagined! If most of the 800 SFX's
radio stations have to report the IHRA race results and info weekly
this will give a lot of credibility to IHRA. This is what has to be
done in Drag Racing. If they are not forced they will not do it! In
my local market (Cleveland, OH) the paper will print NHRA results but
that is all. NASCAR, IRL, Trucks all get constant coverage and pictures.
I firmly believe if NHRA would have done their job 7-10 years ago that
they would be on top of NASCAR today. Thanks for your time,
Richard Davis
REAL RACERS DON'T DO BUYBACKS
Jok stated something that I've believed for quite awhile now. Buybacks
have hurt, and are continuing to hurt, bracket racing. I believe that
buybacks may have been responsible for driving many competitors out
of the sport entirely. That's a bold thing to say, but have a hard look
around. I tip my hat to Jok for writing this article. The more vocal
bracketeers often tend to be those that actually like buybacks. I suspect
he'll catch more than a little flack over taking this position. I always
do. By the way, I have never, ever bought a round win and intend to
keep it that way. Take care.
Tom Worthington
AND IT TAKES TIME TO WALK THE MANUFACTURERS
MIDWAY...
As one who has top-row TEC seats at the Gators, I agree wholeheartedly
with Agent 1320's suggestion for more time. I hate missing the action.
Mark Breznay
Miami, Florida
FAILURE
Burk! You've nailed it again! After reading your latest blast (rant),
a true drag racing fan must realize that something major is askew in
the world of professional drag racing. The main players handling and
promoting our sport have failed! An article appeared on CNN/SI's website
stating that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. will put all of their sponsorship
money into NASCAR Winston Cup racing in 2002. "Winston Championship
Drag Racing" will soon be extinct as we know it.
I searched the net for more buzz about the announcement.
I am eager to see what kind of "corporate spin" NHRA will put on this.
Be advised and tell Agent 1320 that the owners, drivers,
crew members, fans and all people employed in the business of drag racing
hope you will keep us informed of developments as they occur.
We can't wait until next month.
Best regards and keep up the great work!
Randy Watkins - Bristol USA
IT'S OUR 'DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE,'
ERIC
Racing Online know what a great job you are doing. I really appreciate
all the behind the scenes information about NHRA Drag Racing that is
available on your site. When I go to NHRA.com it has good information,
however they only print the sanitized versions of what is going on at
NHRA, whereas you guys give the complete picture of what is happening.
I check your site every day, and it is very interesting to read your
viewpoints on drag racing in general. Please keep up the great work
you have been doing.
Thank You Very Much!
Eric Callow @WebTV.Net
MEDIA REVIEW #1
Hey Jeff. Just read your Mad as Hell column. It's a losing battle and
I'll tell you why:
1. Drag racing is over as we used to know it.
2. Mainstream media is into stick and ball sports and
its players' lucrative contracts as well as Extreme Sports. Auto Racing
in general is not considered a sport by 90% of the media. That's a fact.
3. Of the 10% of media that do focus on auto racing, you're
right, they're attached to the smash-em-up boys driving rolling cereal
boxes. Just look at the grandstands at IRL & CART races -- lean! NHRA
stands are getting leaner.
4. Drag racing hasn't been packaged properly the last
20 years, so now it's too late. NASCAR has taken the marketshare and
will never, ever let it go.
5. Drag racers don't come across on television. The one's
that are always on television winning races anyway. Tell me who out
there in drag racing carries serious star power? Who comes off with
even a semblance of brains or intelligence? Not too many. The packaging
of the current ESPN shows is dreadful to watch. Wouldn't you agree?
6. If you think selling mainstream drag racing is tuff,
try selling nostalgia drag racing! Holy shit! As they say in Yonkers
and Joisey..."Fugettaboutit."
We must face facts. Drag racing isn't very interesting
to American Media. Hitting for the cycle, shooting a 65 on the links,
winning the Super Bowl or "Going Big" on a skate ramp is. That's life
in America.
Have a nice day!
John Drummond
I LIKE TRUCKS!
Bad move by the NHRA, dumping a competitive class. If they only want
4 Pro classes to fit the TV schedules better, why not dump the class
that has the worst reaction times, few if any side by side finishes,
most blow-ups, smallest fields and largest 1-16th qualifier time spread.
Jez, that would be Top Fuel or Funny Cars, wouldn't it.
Gary Nichols
MAYBE IF WE PAID HIM BY THE WORD...
We want More Martin Chronicles!!!! More, more, MORE!!!!
Pammy & Jeff Utterback
ANYBODY HOME AT SPEEDVISION?
The loss of Speedvision as the greatest motorsports channel to the all
mighty NASCAR would be the worst thing to happen to not only drag racing
but to all forms of motorsports. I called the programming for Speedvision
myself but could not get anyone to answer. I think not just signing
a petition but call your cable and satellite providers and call Speedvision.
The number I was given was 203-406-2641 everyone call and help stop
NASCAR from stepping on the sport we love. DRO is great; I check it
almost everyday to see something new. Keep up the great work.
Scott Inman
NHRA Div 3 Racer
NOTE: The main phone number for Speedvision is 203-204-2500,
which should answer. -- Editor
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