04/10/07
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SAFETY ISSUES
I read your Burk's Blast column this morning and found myself nodding emphatically at everything you said. We run a nostalgia A Fuel dragster here in California. My husband is the driver, his father tunes the car, my sons are both on the team as well as some very close friends. Safety, as you can imagine, is always at the forefront on and off the track. How could I possibly watch my beloved being strapped into a 220-plus mph slingshot without knowing we were taking advantage of every available safety device? I have not been around the sport the 30-plus years you have, but I've seen enough carelessness to make me weep with frustration.
When Medlen's car crashed, I turned to my husband and said, "How fast is too fast? When does it end? When Medlen dies from these injuries?" Unfortunately, that's what happened. I agree with you, this event has sent shockwaves through the core of the drag racing community, and maybe it is in part due to the Force mega machine and the magnetic personality of Medlen's. Whatever the impetus, transparency and forthrightness is needed in the investigation of the incident. I commend NHRA and JFR for their responsiveness.
As for the 1/8-mile issue, my father-in-law, Tony Waters (an original Bakersfield Smoker and runner-up in the first March Meet), tells me all the time everything happens in the first 1/8 mile. In my limited experience, in watching cars that typically run 200+, he's right. Our half-track speeds are generally in the 175-mph range - that says a lot. I agree with your sentiment that without the scoreboards, most wouldn't know the difference between a 290-mph pass and a 330-mph pass, including myself.
As for what most fans want to see at the races, I'll pass on a sobering story. While my husband and I were packing the chutes at this past March Meet, a couple walked by our pit, discussing where they should sit in the stands. The man's opinion was that they should sit at about half track, because after all, that's where the majority of the crashes occurred. They couldn't care less that in the staging lanes, every one of the drivers in our class hugs the other, wishes each a good race, and above all, a safe one.
Thanks for letting me sound off.
Jenene Waters
Waters/Brandon/Comstock Racing #750W
BURK’S NO BOOB
OK Burk, you're off the hook. I was pretty upset with you because of what I took for jumping to conclusions and printing the bad stuff that we don't need to hear. But after your editorial yesterday I feel differently. I see where you're coming from and I'm especially proud of you for not hiding until the whirlwind settled down and getting your message out there.
But I still say that going from 1/4 mile to 1/8 mile is like having a breast reduction and as my buddy Ed would say, that's un-American. Racing for only an eighth mile is like kissing your sister. No fun!
Bruce Prater
Sandpoint, ID