The problem as I see it is that NHRA policy is to prep both lanes until they are as good as modern technology can make them. As long as the NHRA norm is to prep both lanes until they are perfect, the chances are almost 100% that during a four-day event one lane won't be perfect and can't be fixed.
So why not prep the lanes to 85% of perfect? The only thing worse for spectators other than watching 15-30 minutes of track prep between rounds in the blazing sun is the realization their favorite is going to be in the lane that almost assures they will lose. The only thing worse for the racers is knowing that will be in the "bad" lane.

I know there are probably contractual reasons for ESPN not including coverage of Pro Mods, Nitro Harleys, or Factory Stock Eliminator when those circuits are part of an NHRA national event. About the only time any of these NHRA "exhibition" classes get mentioned on the ESPN2 qualifying or race coverage is when they crash or are on fire. So my question to the ESPN brass is, would it kill you guys to take two minutes out of a two-hour broadcast and at least put the Elimination ladder on the screen when the Pro Mods, nitro bikes or Factory Stock races are part of the program? I'd bet the execs at RPM, Harley-Davidson, Ford, Chevy or Chrysler would sponsor a two-minute segment on the raceday NHRA broadcast for those classes and their fans.

I think we can finally close the book on the storied Pro Stock career of "the Professor" Warren Johnson and his son, Kurt. The Johnsons didn't even bring their Pro Stock racecars to the Atlanta NHRA race. There were just 16 cars entered so the Johnsons had a better than even chance of qualifying, but the pair were no show. Unless someone writes WJ a check in the seven figure range I don't think we'll see the Johnsons racing NHRA Pro Stock much if at all in the future.

I hear that NHRA very quietly and with no fan-fair has worked out their issues with the cast members of the fictional Street Outlaws reality TV show that had their NHRA competition privileges suspended. The two parties evidently came to an agreement and those racers whose NHRA license was suspended got them back, according to source close to both parties. The prevailing opinion for NHRA's reversing its previous position regarding the Street Outlaws show and actors is that they suddenly came to the conclusion that the show and its racer/actors could be a revenue stream in the near future. Do not be surprised if some of those racers end up as celebrities at more NHRA national events.

Just Wondering ... Is there anything major drag racing sanctioning bodies can do to convince the motor racing pubic and press that drag racing is of equal interest to the public that NASCAR, Indy car and Monster Truck racing is?

Just Wondering ...Would the Coca~Cola Company use their sponsorship of the NHRA brand to promote yet another of their brands? Judging from the success the company reportedly has had increasing brand awareness of the Full Throttle and Mello Yello brands, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened.

Just Wondering ... What is the reason the NHRA did whatever it took -- including leasing of the track -- to insure the Heartland Park Topeka national event happened? Could it be that the NHRA has a contractual commitment to ESPN and their major sponsors to hold 24 national events? That would seem to be the only reason to continue having a national event at Topeka, which has struggled to stay afloat since it was built over 10 years ago.

Just Wondering ... Will broadcasting NHRA national events live instead of on a taped delay basis significantly increasing TV ratings for the NHRA broadcasts? Apparently the management at NHRA and ESPN think so as I heare they may increase the number of live broadcast to 10-12 events a year.

Just Wondering ... Would Sponge Bob Square Pants or Dora the Explorer be interested in sponsoring an NHRA or IHRA national event?

Just Wondering ... Although I was a huge supporter of the NHRA's decision to shorten the track for nitro cars to 1,000 feet when that rule was implemented, I have to ask now what exactly has that controversial decision accomplished? As far as speed and ET are concerned the decision hasn't significantly curtailed nitro-burning racecar performance. I cannot see that there has been a significant decrease in engine explosions, fires, oil-downs, or crashes. Maybe it is time to abandon that rule, return the a quarter-mile track for all NHRA classes, and just use the NHRA mandated rev-limiter to slow them down?

Just Wondering ... Will any other cable sports network (NBC, MAV-TV, Versus) offer the NHRA money or other perks to switch when NHRA's current contract with ESPN runs out?

Just Wondering ... Why wouldn't the NHRA and IHRA track owners who have taken over the Super Chevy Show series as well as the branded Ford and Mopar series at some point consider starting their own nitro series? Tracks owners at major tracks like Dallas, Houston, St Louis, Rockingham, E-town and Bristol.