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Reasons to cut down on going to NHRA events

I've seen Don Prudhomme match racing a front end car, crewed for Paul Longenecker for two seasons, co-owned an alcohol FC, have gone to countless National Events, and want my ashes spread on the starting line at Indy. You can probably understand why I think today’s average NHRA fan doesn't have a clue. Up until the last three years I would attend Gainesville, Chicago, Springnationals/Norwalk and US Nationals without fail. During that time I event went to Mecca (Pomona), but not anymore. I'm now down to Indy. Here's why.

1) National Events to me are more like an old booked-in UDRA FC show than a race.

2) RV'ers aren't welcome.

3) Cost.

Not that I don't go to races. I've just gravitated to IRL and Kentucky Speedway. Next weekend I'll be going to Mid Ohio for an IRL race in lieu of having gone to Norwalk. I'll spend less than half the money I would have spent at Norwalk and know I'll have a better time.

Now I'm even rethinking about going to Indy, instead recording it and fast forward through the fluff and commercials and save $450. I know NHRA isn't going to lose any sleep over all this but have to wonder if they recognize people have choices on where they spend their discretionary dollars.

Keep up the good work.

Mark Christ

A new AHRA?

Mr. Burk, I so often agree with you that it is extremely painful for me. (Don't know why, it just pains me to agree.) I finally found something that we do not agree on; the AHRA. I think that it is time that someone comes along and goes really nostalgic. Unfortunately, AHRA wants the bracket program, almost exclusively.

How about a 1970-type drag rule program? A pure stock car that is actually pure stock, a stock eliminator car with stock style pistons, cam, no weld-on bars, etc. A super stock car that is not a junior pro stock. A pro stock that comes from a stock car. We have the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger back and they could make great pro stock cars.

What happened to modified? (I know the answer.) Let's have an affordable association; something that will attract the youth that they can afford. Top Fuel with a 426 cubic inch limit, 8-71 blower, etc. Funny Cars that were more interested in looking like a real car and less with aerodynamics.... It could actually be fun again, and we might be able to afford it.

Thanks for reading my babbling.

Charles Doan
Plymouth, Ohio