NASCAR FAN LIKES FORCE HOOPLA
First, I am taken back in your professionalism in the blasting of Ashley Force. As a NASCAR fan and extremely new fan to NHRA drag racing. I am wondering, Is back stabbing part of the NHRA lifestyle? I read your online article and I can see where some of the faults you pointed out was the case. But you would have to be blind, stupid and a very bad promoter for the sport not to cash in on Ashley's move to funny car.
1) I would say blind because she is the 10th woman to drive an NHRA funny car. No first round qualifiers, event winners or female champions in that division ever. She comes in probably with the best shot for a woman in the sport of funny car to achieve great things in the sport.
2) I would say stupid because it is the Force family. I don't know if you know fans love drama. Seeing John out of the event having to bump Ashley to make the field HOOKED ME and to see this rookie with the lights squarely focused on her put her Mustang back in the field showed me she can do that job. Round wins and event wins just don't happen over night and No one except you expected her to light Pomona on fire.
3) As for the very bad promoter. Well that’s an obvious one. I didn't know anyone besides John Force and Scelzi when it came to NHRA drag racing. To promote you have to take your best-known drivers and give the non fans a reason to tune in. Is that a bit unfair for the other drivers, YES but it gets a person like me going to Atlanta to see my first ever drag race and a chance to meet other drivers, personalities and teams.
In other words, Ashley coming to Funny Car was and still is a big deal. She is in a way the Dale Jr of the NHRA. She isn't standing on the sideline with a neon sign saying look at me, I am the best this and that. No, it’s a natural human interest story that the NHRA needed and it also gives the NHRA a bullseye for a writer like you to throw flaming arrows at weekly.
As for the NITRO CHILD, well, another driver gave John that nickname for her.
As for Paul Page, well you won’t hear an argument from me there. As for the NHRA broadcast being more even and driver friendly, well the next 22 events will and should be more normal although Ashley will be the main attraction again.
Thank you.
Jeff Gott
ONLY ONE ‘STAR’ PER SHOW?
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 advise 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 Weekend 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
