KEEP 'EM SEPARATE
It's a big mistake for drag racing to try and crown only one champion! Why? NASCAR with their cars that all look the same but with a tremendous media coverage is on the right track. Drag racing is far more exciting but lacks the vision for the future.
The media along with the fast cars with all the TV coverage is the future for drag racing. To accomplish this they must promote speed, noise and racer personalities. Drag racing will
make a huge mistake if they try and crown only one champion.
I recently listened to Larry Dixon along with Tommy Johnson Jr. on Speed try to decide on what type of vehicle would be necessary for the TFr's and FCr's to race to crown one champ. Something like a 250 inch Funny Car on 2 wheels to make it even for the drivers. BS. Drag racing is special because of the visually different vehicles.
The problem with drag racing is the sanctioning bodies are still in the 60's. Top Fuel, Fuel Funny Cars, Pro Mod, Mountain motor Pro Stock and Screaming Eagle Top Fuel Harley's are the future of drag racing.
The mistake in drag racing is the sanctioning bodies want to keep all the racers happy instead of the paying customers. Where else other than drag racing would put on a "National Event" with classes such as 10.90, 9.90, 8.90 or little motor bikes that only the diehard racers would compete in. They certainly wouldn't pay to go and watch this boring stuff.
No, drag racing doesn't need a single champion, they need only to promote the fast and very fast vehicles. Nothing slower than maybe 6.60 ET and get the media involved big time. This is why I believe a good start for the IHRA and NHRA is a promoter like Bruton Smith and only the fastest and most colourful of race cars and drivers would be involved in a "National Event".
With spectator entertainment in mind nothing would compete with Drag Racing for the fan base, and, yes, nobody would be trying to crown only one champ!
Terry Spargo
Vancouver, Canada
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