WHAT ARE YOU, A WISE GUY?
Something that I just realized is that drag racing has gone over to Vegas, A.K.A. Gambling. With this in mind, if Tony did not stage the car, there is a good chance that all bets would be off; once he staged and then smoked the tires, that was that, the race was on, who ever won, won. He even said in an interview that he would bet against himself. Maybe the fix was in on that pass?? Show biz, break a leg, or two.
Gene Terenzio Sr.
LOST FAITH
I agree with you a hundred percent! If that would have been Scot Wiess he would be shut off. Then why not Tony? Money talks. I have no faith in NHRA to be fair and equal after Sunday’s run. Did they check Tony's car & fuel? I have no faith.
Keep up the voice of reason. Maybe Bruton Smith will buy it someday and throw out the leadership and bring NHRA back.
Joe Kavalauskas
Tipp City, OH
WHAT ABOUT THE OIL-DOWN?
I was at the track that day. I was very surprised by the fact Rick Stewart did not trigger the red light. The other thing no one mentioned was that Tony did oil the track, and the race was delayed while the track was cleaned up. If he exceeded his allotted number of oil-downs, isn't there a 20-point fine? This was not mentioned.
I used to assist on Jerry Darien's alcohol dragster, and we learned that Buster Couch was the ultimate authority. Interesting how things have changed.
Good column, and I agree with your stance.
Bill Sampson
Tustin, CA
SPORTSMAN RACERS ARISE!
Let’s face it…the NHRA really wants no part of the sportsman, but they know, no matter how crappy they treat the sportsman, the fields will fill up with racers who are willing to get screwed with entry fees, race at 7:00 a.m., park at the far back of the track, and be really unwanted. Thank god, I found AHRA from 1970 to ‘84, and made a great amount of money racing in the sportsman eliminators…sitting in line for the eliminations with Force, Garlits, and Jenkins.
Racers, go independent or IHRA, and enjoy your life! Wally is at the bank with a deposit slip!
Donald A. Spencer
Houston, TX
WHO TO BELIEVE: THE RULE BOOK OR YOUR EYES?
Have you noticed the TV photo lead-ins with racers standing up in the car with the chutes out, shaking their fists in the air? The NHRA made rules about unbuckling before you were off the racing surface, yet they show photos of these same racers breaking their rules!
ADVERTISEMENT
I really like Ron Capps, but he is the worst for standing up in the hatch waving. I guess he is steering with his feet. If something seized up in that car it would pitch him over the front and run over him!
Either inforce the rules or get rid of the rules; don't make rules and allow people to spit on them.
Another wonderful thing about NHRA!
Richard Burbick
THIS ISN’T JUST PEANUTS
Did you see the stats that showed the attendance and people tuning to NASCAR this year actually decreased? They eluded to the fact that it was backlash from the Chase for the Cup idea...and what have the brain trust in the NHRA decided to copy?! In the immortal words of Charlie Brown, "Good grief!"
Tom Drake
North Carolina
