Something’s got to change

It's screwed in about four years, right?  How can a series that claims they are the most economically friendly to sponsors get no sponsors?  Blaming the economy can only go so far, especially when NASCAR and other pro sports can still gain sponsorship (albeit at a discounted rate).

As a fan and a racer I've come to the realization that by the time I'm forty (I'm twenty eight) that professional racing will be wildly different.  Unless we go to a more production based system of racing there will be zero pro racing.  At least I feel that way.

James Boos

Less track prep would be a good thing

Burkster, I was waiting for a good rant about the “Bellagio” of drag racing and their track prep.  I agree with you 100%!   Most fans can’t tell a 6.50 from a 7.00 in Pro Stock or a 3.8 from a 4.0 in Top Fuel. 

The casual fans I talk to just want to see a good side-by-side race.  In fact, most of them seem to prefer a pedal fest, because that provides some action and puts more emphasis on the driver.  Oh yes, and all of them like a good smoky burnout!  None of them remember the ET or speed – They can’t tell the difference.

I personally think the track prep insanity is primarily caused by tracks competing with each other for the racers’ dollars.  We also need some basic rear deck spoiler requirements to protect the Pro Stock drivers from themselves.  Racers want to win at all costs.

I would like to see all racing at 1000 feet on merely cleaned off, fully concrete tracks.  Then the driver could once again become an important part of the racing equation.  Today only in Pro Stock is the driver an important of the equation.  Top Fuel and Funny Cars can be driven by almost anyone with the cash or sponsorships to purchase a ride.

John Martin
Nixa, Missouri

How about using those two extra lanes at zMax?

Jeff, I was wondering why they couldn’t have moved the race over to the other half of the four-lane track. It may have torn up the same, but hey!

I also have wondered if the NHRA could not use these four lanes to prepare one side for Pro Stock, and the other for nitro. The other use I thought of was, when one side is oiled down, move over and keep racing till the first side is repaired.

Just some thoughts.

Richard Burbick
Sebring, Florida

Likes this October issue

Burkster, you put together a wonderful issue this month. Everything a grassroots fan could want... including coverage I'd been ransacking the interwebs for into the wee small hours... just before your Farmington results solved my problem.

I was smiling even before noting I'd been honored by Jim Baker - quoting me as a "blogger from the past" celebrating the "celebs" who ran ET Brackets at OCIR. Mr. Baker underestimates his stewardship of that racing; the presentation of the results in the two main weekly drag strip newspapers, and handing it to the nation as high drama we should all troop down to the strip and enjoy. Thanks to Jim, I became a big fan of this weekly racing and, here's the kicker, from Seattle. I emulated Richard McFarland and raced Street and AHRA Stock for many years at our two Puget Sound area strips. That... is the level of dramatic action the County inspired... Great job!

Philip Bradford
San Pedro Of The Woods, Washington

Get those bids in for 2016

We here in Ohio would love to have a PDRA race, as the Midwest has always been the center for door car racing. The first couple of years of the ADRL held in Columbus and Norwalk drew large crowds.

Just a thought.

Tom Horst
Hillsboro, Ohio