IMPROVING TALENT MEANS IMPROVING RATINGS
Improving the quality of the show is essential. I think you're a bit high here on the negative scale. If NHRA would have left the points system alone I believe ratings would continue to drop and they would be getting flamed to their knees. Change is a way of life and they need to "sharpen the saw". There will be a few bumps in the track along the way.
Mike Dunn is outstanding. Paul Page should move on, David Rieff has a nitro load of synergy with Mike. The shut down interviewer (sorry can't remember his name) should be replaced. NHRA has got to find some new talent. I'm sure there are some ex drivers who could do the job justice. It works for other sports, it will work for NHRA.
Bill Stephens was excellent but wanted to spend more time with his family. I heard Bob Frey didn't test well, but sometimes the tests are wrong. I think he would do a great job at the top end or in the pits. NHRA needs to invest in grooming talent to get to the next level. Improving ratings is a major piece of the puzzle.
Just my two cents.
Bob Weickgenannt
FC 11
Columbia, Maryland
DIP STICK?
Paul Page doesn't know a drag slick from an oil slick. Can him!
Gary DiPasquale
Spanaway, Washington
GETTING OUR MONEY’S WORTH?
Dead On!! NHRA spends 10 million to be usurped on airing times by Little League and women’s volleyball last year. WHAT DO THEY PAY??? Must be serious money in women’s volleyball!
If ESPN and the NHRA want a reliable fan base, aka NUMBERS, they should start airing all telecasts at the same time without being pre-empted by a sport that NO ONE has interest in.
Jeff Parker
Central Square, New York
SLICING THE PIE
OK I figured it out: anytime a racer goes out and beats the door down of a great sponsor, and does all the legwork, then the NHRA comes in like the mob, wanting their kickback on the deal. That sucks for the race team, because the more the sponsor gives NHRA, the less the race team gets.
That's my two cents on it.
Phillip Shelton
Upstate South Carolina
MERGER?
Why not? The air of change abounds. It's an election year. The open-wheelers have become one again. Why not the NHRA & IHRA coming under one umbrella to be run sort of like NASCAR, which I think is the intent? Mr. Smith, I feel is one who can get it done to grow our sport...
Jack W. Smith
Chesapeake, Virginia