Some wondering to start the new year

Just Wondering... How much more drama and change can the IHRA brand, track operators, fans, and sponsors stand? The "resignation" of president Scott Gardner marks the third time in a decade that job had changed hands. Whatever renewed credibility the IHRA gained with the hiring of the veteran Gardner, they have lost with his departure and today (Jan. 15) of Steve Cole. My phone is ringing off the hook with calls from manufacturers, tracks and racers just wondering what's going on with the IHRA.

Just Wondering... When are the owners of NHRA’s professional teams - the premier attraction at NHRA national events - going to do something other than just whine and complain about their business and financial relationships with the NHRA? The answer is, never! Drag racing is just an expensive hobby not a business for most if not all of them.

Just Wondering... Did NHRA go far enough with the Pro Stock rule changes? After seeing a couple of new 2016 NHRA Pro Stockers I would have to say that the only discernable difference between the 2015 NHRA Pro Stocker and the new rules’ 2016 model is the absence of a hood scoop. The basic problem that caused the NHRA to make drastic changes in the class [i.e. fans not being able to recognize the brand] remains. NHRA Pro Stockers still don’t in any way resemble a car that can be bought off of a dealership’s showroom. It’s my opinion that until the NHRA takes the next step and makes the Pro Stock cars appear stock the class will not gain the fan popularity it so needs. Can’t speak for anyone else, but I’d buy a ticket to watch 6.60/200mph NHRA tire smoking, wheel-standing Pro Stockers that actually looked “stock”.

Just Wondering... Why RPM’s Danny Rowe and PDRA’s Mitchell Scruggs don’t get much credit for saving professional Pro Mod racing? When the old ADRL was dead and the NHRA Pro Mod class was on life support each man used his reputation and personal fortune to ensure that the NHRA Pro Mod series and the new PDRA would continue. Both men had help from others but it was their doing that made it happen. Both men put together a deal the ensured both series would continue for at least three years and not just for a single year. Both men are private individuals that love the sport and both avoid any publicity. But good deeds and good men should be recognized.

Just Wondering... The three-year contract the NHRA has with the Real Pro Mod (RPM) group expires after the 2016 season and this year will be the third for the PDRA, which is how many years Scruggs vowed he would support the PDRA. What happens to these two very important doorslammer series next year is uncertain at best. 

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