Spread it around
Jok, you NEED to get Ron Leek's take on this. He was spreading the payouts without seriously affecting the winner’s purse 10-15 years ago. Second round losers would actually get round money at Byron back in those days.
I like your ideas, and have been an advocate for spreading the wealth for along time. Actually, and you know it happens a LOT, that pot-splitting at the big-bucks money races after a few rounds that happens in the pits is basically the same thing.
Darr, yes, it should be about having fun! Isn't that why we all got involved in racing in the first place?
Dale Tuley
Las Vegas, Nevada
A book waiting to be written
Darr, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your article on DRO. You hit it right on the head about recording the stories about the old days. When I started racing back here in the east in the sixties till the loss of our driver Dodger Glenn in 1977, the stories that should be told could fill a book. In the summer between my house and Jungle’s it was like a big club house for the touring teams. Beadle, Burgin, Levitt, Segrini, just to name a few. The times we had working in the driveway late at nights would fill a book. I have lost so many drag racing friends way too early. I probably drove my partner Jim Fox crazy with some of our stunts as he is very conservative.
I don’t want to ramble on but I think everybody would kick in to do some sort of effort to do what you say about preserving the past. If you see Jim Fox this weekend at Bakersfield, stop by the car and say hello as he could tell you volumes of stories. I will not be able to make it this time but I’ll be there next year.
Thanks.
Fred Frey
Frantic Ford AA/FC
Fore!
Darr, nice article. The fun meter has been reading a bit low this year due in large part to the ego battle of the titans (Gibbs vs Jennings). In fact I find it kind of embarrassing and the FC situation at the CHRR is the latest example of NHRA showing all the racers how big their dicks are. The reality is they only remind me why I walked away from NHRA racing in 1980s. Deja vu all over again! I have never missed the CHRR, but I’m taking a pass on this one and may be drag racing. Golf anyone?
Marc Roy
Rethinking the idea
It scares the sh*t out of me to think I run 7.15's at 180's with no net or barrier and a highway not 60 yards from the sand trap! I race in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Yes, the chute has not deployed and the massive bumps from door cars make the rears jump. Reading (Will Hanna’s) article has given me food for thought and prayers to those who have made me think.
Jennielee Foreman
Seeing the sportsman light
Anyone remember a starting system called "Instant Green?" This system separated the real "leavers" from the also-rans. Two staging lights, then an instant green bulb within a short "wait" period. It worked well at Lions.
Regards.
Rik Chidester
Poulsbo, Washington
Who else would have Martin?
Two things. IHRA, run this one class: AAFD AAFC AAFA 6-71 1 little 20 gallon pump points mag. No retards. 34.5 x16 tires for FC FA FD.Second! Please keep Chris Martin. In his current state the articles are very entertaining and he REALLY does have GREAT memory for drag racing history.Bryan KelleyPhoenix, Arizona
He’s an addictive personality
I have to say, half the time I don't understand what the hell Martin is talking about, but damn it, I can't stop reading it... Hope he finds what he's looking for in his life and that he keeps writing about it.
Charlie Nichols
Imperial, California