What Have We Learned So Far?

- We have learned that we can howl all we want about the Fox NHRA TV broadcast but the only measure that counts is the size of the audience. And guess what? It got bigger. And when the broadcast goes to Fox instead of Fox Sports it is going to be huge. I loved the sidebar inserts so you could see the driver, without their helmet, giving a small personal tidbit.

- We have learned that short fields will probably be the norm in the professional classes this year. Although this is a rich mans’ game there is a limit as to what you can spend without ever expecting a financial return. And to try and fill the field with independent, low-buck racers is asking for the return of monumental oil downs and dangerous parts failure. Is it time to go to eight-car fields but use the same purse allocations? How often does a 10-16 qualifier find themselves in a final?

- We have learned that the new IHRA regime had a racing success at the season opener at Orlando but after looking at the various photos and videos it looked like a business disaster. There were no spectators to speak of. Mike Dunn is probably wondering what he got himself into and I'm sure the blame game will be epic inside the IRGSE boardroom.

- We have learned that the IHRA Summit Pro-Am Series is off to its best season ever. The sportsman events have been blowing the existing records for car counts away in almost every market.

- We have learned that if you want a crash fest go to the March Meet. It may be because of the sheer number of cars but it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.

- We have learned that one shouldn't schedule a major race in the spring in Tulsa. My heart sank when I saw the PDRA had to postpone their event because of a forecast that included 8-10 inches of rain. In my tenure as President of IHRA I had to move races on three different occasions because of weather including tornados. When that happens it just sucks the life out of you.

- We have learned that if you find a niche in drag racing you have the right to print money. I'm referring to the Lights Out 7 event. The problem is that every would-be promoter will try to copy the event and ruin a good thing.

PEOPLE I MISS FROM NOT BEING IN THE RACING BUSINESS ANY MORE

Dale Creasy Jr.: Without question the most positive person on the planet.

Clay Millican: The nicest man I have ever met.

Johnny Rocca: Announcing with him was a joy. Watching him race was always an adventure.

Anthony Bertozzi: The best sportsman racer I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

Bruce Litton: Absolute class in every facet of his life and his operation.

Race Safe. Godspeed.