3/2/05

A STRANGER IN A PC WORLD

Like you, I was a fan of Hunter S. Thompson. I was a late bloomer in my discovery of his wildly provocative writing, only finding him after seeing Bill Murray's portrayal in 'Where the Buffalo Roam.'

Being a fan of both Thompson's and drag racing, I truly appreciated reading your thoughts on how Thompson may have viewed the progression of drag racing through the years. I agree with your idea that times have changed to the point where writers of Thompson's vein and the sport of drag racing we grew up with are not relevant in today's politically correct world.

Political correctness is a bane to the world and particularly the American culture. Drag racing and its community is just a small microcosm of what is happening throughout the country. I've been accused of not being politically correct enough more often than not and I'm proud of that fact... no matter the consequences to myself. If one is not willing to stand up and speak their mind then they have no excuse but to accept what happens to them. Everyone may not agree with (Burk's) and DRO's frequent condemnation of NHRA and its policy. But with the team owners' and drivers' inability to speak their minds, only those free from the grip of NHRA's PC world can freely express any disagreement.

God save us from ourselves and have pity on Hunter S. Thompson's soul. Here's to speaking our minds and making our existence relevant.

Your deranged, yet loyal, sportsman & bracket class racing reader,

Greg Stanley

BUT WE DO BELIEVE IN NEUTERING YOUR PETS

Jeff, I just wanted to drop you a note regarding your latest editorial. While I don't always agree with some of your 'Blasts' (wouldn't that be a boring world) I believe you are 'right on' with this one.

Being someone who started racing in the '60s, I find the PC attitudes displayed by the majority of pro racers today mind numbing.

Give me an unencumbered, Hoffman, Foyt, Swindell, Tracy even a Jimmy Spencer any day. A word to the powers that be... DON'T NEUTER MY HEROES (including Shirley, Melanie and Danika)!

Thanks for the thoughts.

Cam McCallum
'Lost in the 60's' Racing

WELL. . .LOATHING

Thanks for the terrific insights regarding HST's death and putting it into the context of Drag Racing. He indeed would have loved exposing the hypocrisy and two-faced politically correct bullshit that passes for today's version of a T/F pilot.

I guess dangerous men in dangerous machines don't sell enough cheap men's cologne.

Change is indeed inevitable but it doesn't ease the fear and loathing!

Thanks again for another excellent column.

Terry Spencer
Covina, CA

NOW THESE GUYS KNOW SOME STORIES!

Speaking of "gonzo" journalism, how 'bout a treatise penned by Coonce, Wallace, Martin, Flyin Phil, and JB hisself. A collective comprised of.......best of, most funny, outrageous, what if's, and did you knows????? Trivia combined with humour, real life, salacious little personal tidbits and whatever obscure anecdotes come to mind.

Keep up the great work!!!

Alex "G-Man" Graovac
Hamilton, Ontario