First, thank you to DRO and Jeff Burk for bringing information like this to the fans. I’ve watched the NHRA and the IHRA maneuver around each other year after year, trying to further widen the gap and eliminate cross participation. I’ve come to expect it. With premium television time being absorbed by NASCAR, Busch and any other series that makes laps, (not to mention the recent surge in Poker, Spelling Bee’s and Dart tournaments) the major drag racing organizations should be doing whatever they can to get exposure for the straight line sport.
News on how the NHRA and the IHRA are trying to eliminate venues for the ADRL is not what the sport needs. I’m really not sure what the NHRA’s long-term goals are. With the recent addition of the NASCAR “Chase” style points system and a couple seasons of timing system failures, it seems that the NHRA can’t push people away fast enough.
One would think that the IHRA could capitalize and offer a growing alternative. Unfortunately, they don’t have a television package to offer. No, a thirty-minute show with half the pro categories broadcast a week later is not a television package. One would also think that being owned by a major communications company would help promote the organization and help to produce a comparable event coverage package.
(Excuse me while I jump over to another soap box) With all of that said, I’m having trouble understanding the motives for the “Big 2” making life difficult for the ADRL. I understand that in the end, it’s about the dollar, but there’s a lot of dots to connect to make this all about money. The only thing I can see this accomplishing is alienating tracks and fans. I’ll say it again: The major drag racing organizations should be doing whatever they can to get exposure for the straight line sport. Keep up the great work DRO!
Steve Webb
Roanoke, VA
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