Wow, for once I agree with you. It was a pretty crappy show and realllllllllly crappppppy producing. I'm a little mystified on J.R. and the African American thing. Is he not half white? He's certainly not all black. But, he is one hell of a shoe and I remember when Amato shit-canned Jimmy Walsh because he couldn't get the job done. I guess Walsh has gotten past that stuff.
Bill Groom
Brute Force forgot the past. I remember back in the ‘70s at OCIR watching the media talking about Paisan, Super Shop, Army, Mongoose Funny cars, and Force was not mentioned at all. He had trouble getting the car out of the pits to run. It did not feel good then and it does not feel good for the rest of the racers at the Winternationals. Remember, what goes around comes around, Mr. Force.
Pete Ortiz
Lancaster, CA
P.S. My daughter started driving alcohol funny cars at the age of 16, my son at 18 and no media to make a circus of our match racing and competition on the west coast. Less pressure on the drivers makes for safer racing.
You encapsulated all the feelings I felt after the Winternationals....of disgust, bewilderment, and sorrow. The "Force-Feeding" of what could have been a nice highlight of the year's first race has been aptly covered, and you did a great job giving voice to a whole bunch of us out here.
You also made the point, that ALSO had me scratching my head...about the "oh yeah, that kid Todd just won his 4th"......."now let's ask Ashley for the umpteenth time how she feels,
or what advice did your Dad give you?" I actually felt sorry for J.R., he has accomplished things that you would think NHRA and ESPN2 would be promoting to the
hilt to demonstrate the lack of racial barriers that exists and never existed in this sport.
Even Robert Hight got short changed in his accomplishments...missing by a 1000th of setting a new E.T. record in Funny Car.... and winning the race.
I have long ago grown sour of the ESPN/NHRA marriage, and feel that the latter is a victim of abuse and neglect (late start times always and never a promo of an upcoming race), but now, what I witnessed last eeekend has me convinced that something has to be done before they bring drag racing down to the level of "monster trucks"...a freak show, or a drag racing version of "Entertainment Tonight."
History was made last week by individuals who exemplify what this sport should stand for....drivers who came up through the sport, getting there hands dirty while maintaining that burning passion to someday drive. And when given that opportunity, making the best of it. They earned it with their DEEDS, not by having the RIGHT LAST NAME.
Thanks again, you spoke for all of us, well done!
Mark Wales
Scottsdale, AZ
Being fortunate to be associated with Bob Gilbertson I was able spend some time with J.R. during his time of employment with the funny car. I agree with your comments regarding how fortunate the drag race community is to have such a talent in our sport. J.R. is the real deal.
As far as the race coverage all the Force air time was way out of control to the point of boredom, especially if you are a "part time " drag race fan. Granted anyone who drives a nitro fueled vehicle deserves a lot of credit, but as you mentioned there are a large group of racers that deserve even a little air time.
Another example of upside down is the shut down area interviews. Why are the Force guys almost always interviewed even if they lose instead of the round winner? I am not the only person around that voices these same opinions.
That’s my rant and I'am stickin’ to it.
Thanks.
Edzo Preston
PalmBeach, FL
Recent Stories
