From this perspective, I can see both points of view. However, the rear-engine cars must be limited to being period correct as far as wing height and surface area were concerned and made to run the same tire as the front engine cars, I feel it would be an interesting concept, harking back to the early seventies, when the two types of car did run together.

Either way I see both of these pieces of news a positive. More top fuel cars coming into the class, which is very important for the reason. It will make a better show for the fans.

The one item I cannot for the life of me figure out is, the Heritage Series insisting that the top fuel teams travel to both Bowling Green and Epping, New Hampshire. I mean no disrespect towards the tracks or their management teams, but these shows have been less than stellar.  Car count and quality is a factor. Mainly due to the fact of the amount of resources, it takes to travel to those locations. Many of the top fuel teams based in California cannot afford to travel to either or both locations. One team owner told me it would take $20,000 to get the crew and car to Bowling Green.

Now here I go, spending other people’s money, but to me a better process would be to make the stand-alone funny car races a “nitro” show so both funny cars and top fuel cars would run in eight-car shows. I see this as giving value to the fans and the racetracks. Additionally. it would eliminate dragging the top fuel teams all over the country for substandard shows for the fans.

This statement is going to generate push-back from some in the funny car community who openly do not like top fuel cars. So be it. Nostalgia nitro racing began with dragsters and, yes, while funny cars have taken over in sheer numbers of cars, some are starting to be parked due to increasing cost of running them. It’s hard to justify spending money on fuel and parts and parking, plus, plus, plus, to be 27th qualifier in a 16-car show. But we shall see.

Anyway, less than one month and its back to Bakersfield for the smell of nitro, and big time nostalgia racing. 

As Brian Lohnes has famously said, If you live within 350 miles of “The Patch” you better get your fanny over there. If you are living in an area where snow is higher than you want it to be, then check it out on line.

Follow us here at DRO on Facebook and twitter during the event as we will have updates.