Now in fairness to the dragster guys, they used to have a real problem of oiling the race track with monotonous regularity. As a group, they got together and sorted out the problem, and the frequency of oil downs has diminished dramatically. So good on you guys! Now it is time to get together and work on the car counts.

I am not going to sit here and spend other people’s money, but I feel the group that runs the top fuel side of the world needs to address the situation of the rules packages, or something that will stimulate growth in the class. Right, wrong, or indifferent I feel the dragster contingent needs to do something as a group to enhance the number of cars in the class.

On the happy side of the world, it is worth noting that fan attendance at the major races of Bakersfield, Boise, Salt Lake City, and Bowling Green, the crowds were excellent. At the Nightfire Nationals this past August, the crowd on both Saturday and Sunday was larger than many can remember. The Bowser family has to be ecstatic about the crowds the past couple of years for the March Meet and California Hot Rod Reunion. To me that is a sure sign of a very vibrant alive sport. (Personally, I think it is because the guy with the A&W Root Beer float truck has the best root beer floats on the planet.)

Last but certainly not least, I would be terribly remiss if I did not mention that nostalgia racing will not be the same without the late Roger Garten. Roger was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. If you knew him for five minutes or for fifty years, he made you feel like a friend. Please, over the holidays keep Carlene and the family in your thoughts and prayers. She is part huge part of the drag racing family.

Speaking of family I have to thank my family, my wife and kids who put up with me doing this deal. I love them with all my heart.

I would also want to thank each and every ONE of you who take the five minutes once a month, when you take a nature break and read this column. Your comments are truly appreciated.

Even more so, when one of you take the 30 seconds to send an email and give me feedback. Most of which is very positive, others are well … physically impossible, and to the person in Missouri, I must disagree with you sir, my parents were married, well until my father passed away fourteen years ago Christmas eve.

In all seriousness, thank you for reading the column and here is wishing to all of you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.