And now for something completely different

Did you know… The IHRA Top Fuel “Championship Series” is made up of just two cars. That means when the points are counted up one of the racers will finish second in points and the other next to last.  Think about it.

Did you know… That more often than not you can buy a twelve-pack of coke or a six-pack of beer for what it costs for just one coke or one beer at a NHRA national event?

Did you know… Contrary to what the racers would have you believe, the NHRA actually does charge the professional classes a fee for each race they attend. The Pro Mod class pays a $500 entry fee per race. So, it’s not just the sportsman racers who are paying to play.

Did you know… The NHRA actually created a position and hired a person to help their member tracks sell more tickets. I think they didn’t need to hire anyone for that job, all they had to do was make the tickets a little more affordable. On the other hand, maybe the new guy can convince the NHRA management to do what every other professional sport is doing and adjust ticket pricing up or down but always have some bargain priced seating available. That way they get the seats filled so more fans can buy more overpriced track dogs, beverages and souvenirs, and increase the bottom line profits.

Did you know… The NHRA’s track owners and operators really aren’t totally to blame for the price of tickets. As it turns out, according to several national event track operators, the NHRA has the last say on the ticket pricing. So, the next time you have a bitch about the prices maybe a letter to the NHRA is called for.

Did you know… The reason the NHRA marketing types insist on keeping ticket prices artificially high is that they are afraid that lowering the ticket prices will “cheapen” the brand. That’s how gold chain Gucci loafer marketing types talk in relation to selling Rolex watches and BMW convertibles. I don’t think that philosophy should apply to drag racing.

Did you know… Who does the NHRA fear more than angry fans, racers, IRS auditors or pesky journalists asking them uncomfortable questions? The answer is personal injury LAWYERS!

Did you know… For the first time that anyone can remember dragstrips  -- including big ones like Atco and Englishtown in NJ and some tracks in Florida -- have actually closed their doors at times this summer because it was just too damn hot to race or watch racing.

Did you know…  The NHRA had fewer than 600 sportsman cars combined through the gates for the first two races of the Western Swing. There was a time not too long ago when a division race might have 600 sportsman racers. That, my fellow fans, is a true sign of the times.