02/22/08
 |
RISE UP, MASSES!
After reading this last batch of mail, I am convinced that only a mass fan boycott is sufficient to gain at least a look from the NHRA hierarchy. I myself had been agonizing over going to either Denver or Dallas this year since the last race I attended was in '96. After reading the letter about the price of a bottle of water at Motorplex, well, that made my mind up right there. I will not go again this year.
It will not just be a boycott of the events that gets attention, it should be every pissed-off fan that feels slighted in some way or another, taking the time to write these major sponsors and tell them exactly why we are staying home, and even considering not buying their products. If they start to lose business over the way the NHRA is run, that might, "might" spark some change.
I know recently I wrote to several companies asking for flags and banners just to make our little strip in the desert look more presentable, I was a little taken aback by some of the replies. Edelbrock, Mr. Gasket and Jegs were very gracious with their donations, sending almost more stuff than I could put up or disseminate. However, the most troubling of the replies I got was from no other than Castrol. Instead of sending me a few flags or banners, or stickers, I got an email from one of the minor operatives advising me to log onto the JFR website where I could "purchase" those items! Hmmm… Ok, all the Castrol oil that I owned went to charity, I will not buy another spoonful of Castrol oil, nor will I allow a Castrol banner at my dragstrip! I replied to him with that bit of information too, and have yet to receive a reply, so I guess business is good without me! Now, if 5000 fans were to send that same email...
In closing, one gent’s letter stated that among other things, bracket racing ruined drag racing. Not so, it made it so guys like me could still have a at least a little fun and not have to pay through the nose attending national events just to get the "fix". Thanks, Jeff.
K.E. Lewis
Carlsbad Dragway
Carlsbad, New Mexico
NASCAR IS WHERE THE MONEY IS
Living in central Arkansas we get absolutely no drag racing coverage in the local media, yet they NASCAR us to death, especially about Arkansas native Mark Martin, he can come in dead last in the race and they will cover him till the cows come home. I have called and e-mailed the local media and they act like drag racing does not exist except stories they have about illegal street racing and especially if a death is involved. The only way we will ever get coverage will be if the great Mark Martin switches over to Top Fuel or Funny Car. Then the media will be scratching its head and saying, where did this sport come from?
Also while on my soapbox, if the NHRA made such a huge profit last year then why are the championship purses so piddly? You can come in last place in one NASCAR race and make nearly what the nitro drivers make for a championship. Our sport needs more exposure!
David Pierce
Little Rock, Arkansas