SHAMELESS RACE PLUG
Every year in a little town in Washington State we run 100ft. drag races. It's a one lane event that's run right in the middle of town. A regular timing system and Christmas tree is used. Each year it grows and cars are faster and faster. I took some photos and video of the event this year. Fun is had by all. Here's the video link (Click HERE) and pictures- (Click HERE).
Oh, by the way, the red Corvette is a 6-second car and the colorful '67 Nova is Brian Macy's, last year’s S.C.S.N. winning drag radial car. The Corvette set the ET record this year covering the 100ft. in 1.45 sec.
Thanks,
Shawn Willis
Washington
ANONIMITY BITES
I was surprised to hear they shut down the drag strip at Perris Lake, mainly because I had no idea anyone was running a strip out there. And I don't think anyone else in SoCal did either. I have never seen/read/heard word one about that track in any of the local media or automotive press. A lesson for track owners: You gotta tell people about your track or they won't know to come out and race.
Greg Lovell
FOR EVERY THING, TURN, TURN, TURN….
I just wonder why there is so much talk of moving the NHRA to the next level when the core fans, as judged by the readers of DRO seem to have such a negative attitude for change. What were the results of the poll about foreign manufactures in Pro Stock? Now the results on the chase?
I love the chase and have a very progressive attitude towards change. How many times can you keep going to the same NHRA race "show"? How many times can you see the same cars go down the track? Change is not always good, but just ruling out change to preserve a sport that is thirty years past its heyday is nuts. The sport of professional drag racing needs new life. The future life of NHRA is not going to be just Fords, Chevys and Mopars, if NASCAR can change why cant DRO readers be a bit more open?
Rusty Ward
Dallas, TX
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KING-SIZE COVERAGE
Let me start off by saying that I usually do not watch Larry King Live. But, when I got the news that four-time NHRA POWERade Top Fuel Champion Tony Schumacher was going to be on, I hit the Tivo button. Not only did Larry King do a first class show, he chose three totally different forms of sports. I must admit Jake Brown, the dude who flew through the air (literally), has to be a little bit off the beam. But I feel one would have to be a little off the beam to do what he does. I do admire the man. There is no way on God's green earth I could or would ever attempt that.
I think drag racing has finally found its way into the 21st. century. Yes, Cory McClenathan was on CNN last year for his horrific crash in Bristol, TN. Tony's two crashes happened well over 4 years ago. Even though this may not have been the way Tony wanted to appear on Larry King, he still gets really good press out of this, and it's a great shot in the arm for drag racing.
Kevin Bennett
Wilmington, Ohio
MORE CONSIDERATIONS
First I appreciate the fact that Lee Beard had what it takes to step up and tell the truth.
As for shorting the show? Well, the first consideration is that we are NOT like other motorsports. It takes a certain amount of time to prepare these cars so they can make a decent run. So, to shorten the show would require one of two things:
1. Reduce the time between rounds. Possible, but you will open yourself up to more mistakes under the pressure of time and such which COULD reduce the quality of the show.
2. Reduce the size of the field so there is one less round of racing. Not the best option in my book. Of course, there could be first round of eliminations on Saturday night.
There seems to be a real issue with track preparation this year. I am sure there are people more knowledgeable than me who can talk about it. I had not considered the different track prep compounds, but that would explain a lot of stuff. Maybe they should stop buying it at Wal-Mart....
Jim Burke