JUST ANOTHER BUSINESS
An old friend forwarded this link to me. I thought I'd take the time to comment. I started in NHRA Drag racing in 1964. I raced 'semi-pro' in modified eliminator from 1969 to '72. Then quitting at the realization of the incredible cost to stay competitive (yes, by god, even then).
Here's what I think; I think I am really fortunate to have raced in perhaps the best era -the 'golden age' of drag racing. I also think what a hot rod buddy once discovered, which were the words of some long forgotten rock star. But they are AT LEAST as appropriate here as applied to NHRA Drag Racing; that quote being "once something becomes mainstream, it is just another commercial endeavor."
Appropriate? You bet.
I'm sorry but it's ALL about $$MONEY$$$. It is NO longer a ‘sport.’ It is all illusion based, JUST LIKE NASCAR. All about the bottom line, not the finish line. What a joke.
Thinking back, I haven't watched an NHRA race in 20 years. Same goes for NASCAR. Ya know, I held a NASCAR mechanics license in 1964, back when they raced real cars... But look what it's become; sorta kinda like the illusions they race in NHRA funny car & Pro Stock, eh? I was present at the BIRTH of Pro Stock. Today's stuff is NOT Pro Stock.
I'd rather (choose one)
1] Take a long ride on my Harley
2} Go watch a good Sprint Car or Midget race.
3] Go fishin'
4] Watch the paint on my porch dry
5] Eat worms.
6] Collect stamps
I think NHRA Drag Racing is in big trouble.
Wally Parks was a fine man. I was fortunate to speak with him at the Mile High Nationals in Denver, and at Bonneville. R.I.P. Mr. Parks.
Doug Anderson
D/MP 1012 (1972)
Bainbridge, New York
NO EIGHTH-MILE FAN
Thanks, Jeff, for your pointed editorials and for the articles on chassis/metal science. These things need to be discussed and they make your site a mandatory "go to" everyday.
Nevertheless I just have to sound off a little on this 1/8 mile track stuff. As a long time fan who cut his drag racing teeth at Lions and OCIR in SoCal, I can't even imagine 1/8 mile drags as a true professional sport. All other reasons aside, drag races are too brief as they are. So much time is wasted between runs for a 4.6 second burst of excitement. It's a tough sell to most newcomers. 1/8 mile top fuel races would be like watching the sand drags or mud boggers - just too quick.
I could (maybe) see a reduction to 1000 ft but I'd rather see NHRA mandate one mag and/or smaller fuel pumps w/ no overdrives allowed, or similar controls to reduce the speeds. Let the darned sportsman cars run 1/8 mile. Oh, that's right the electronics don't turn the engine loose 'til the 1/8th mile marker.
Oh well, that's my take, you can find me in the top end grandstands at Bakersfield this coming weekend if you need any more input from me.
Thanks again.
Bob Maghy
San Pedro, California