THE OPTIMIST IN ME
I like to think I'm as optimistic as the next guy. In my new career in real estate, all the advice gurus say to "...get rid of that stinkin' thinkin'!". You know, invest in the power of positive thinking. And I do believe it is a good approach, although it has yet to impact my bank account to any real degree. But it will, I'm positive of it!
I even plan to think in a positive, optimistic manner regarding the shocking, unexpected, universally denied, unprecedented sale of NHRA's professional racing assets. Every last observer who has opined in print on the state of affairs in drag racing has at one time or another wished for someone besides NHRA to be in charge of professional drag racing. Not to slight IHRA, but NHRA is the subject of the hour. No IHRA letters at this time, please. Well, we ALL got our wish - thanks to the investment group that forked over the cash, assumed the debt, and took on what will most likely prove to be the same old thankless task of running major league drag racing. Dissident stockholders have got nothing on the average disgruntled drag racer. Let the games begin. To help kick it all off, here area few of my hopes for drag racing's immediate future, on and off the track.
THE OPTIMIST IN ME -- hopes that all concerned parties finally realize the difference between a non-profit organization and a not-for-profit group. NHRA is a not-for-profit organization, people! and that is a totally different animal when it comes to whom gets
paid, and how much, for that matter. And at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with the sale of the professional racing half of NHRA's business. Where once there was one entity, now there are two. With two different Heads Of State, as it were. Now as always, NHRA can do whatever it wants, precisely because it IS a not-for-profit corporation.
ADVERTISEMENT
THE OPTIMIST IN ME -- wishes for a speedy end to the many conspiracy theories that spring up in these situations. Did you hear the one about how Big Tobacco secretly owns NHRA, and this is their way of circumventing the ban on cigarette advertising? Or maybe you like the "side step all the lawsuits" scenario embraced by some "observers". Whatever the ilk, whatever the flavor, forget it, pal! It was a business deal, and that's all it was. If you ever want to think about conspiracies in a serious manner, try this approach. Call three people you know, and try to set up a dinner engagement. After about fifteen minutes of negotiations, I'll bet you don't have a restaurant picked out, and you do have a hint of an insight regarding how unlikely most conspiracies are. If you remain unswayed, relax. Sadly, you have plenty of company out there.
THE OPTIMIST IN ME -- hopes the new Powers That Be run as fast as they can in the opposite direction of franchising. I'm speaking of franchising the teams themselves. You think the Super teams win too much now, what effect do you think franchising would have? With all due respect to the concept of sweat equity, it has little place in an arena that made it's reputation on the concept of sporting competition. You want sweat equity, go buy a run down house and fix it up, live in it or sell it for a profit. That's real world equity. If you want to race, spend your dough, or someone else's, and show up ready to fight for your spot in the starting lineup. If you want a franchise, get a fast food joint.
