NO BUMPS ALLOWED
In order to provide a safe and fair track, NHRA must insist that all tracks have 0 tolerance for "bumps". This is just as important as surface preparation. I can't imagine going to a track where if you get in the "wrong" lane your chances of winning or losing are for some part out of your control because of the "bumps". Makes no sense to me to even allow a race where there is an inherent slower lane. That eliminates "race" from the event because the outcome is determined by the lane rather than the race.
Skip Hill
Souderton, Pennsylvania
OUCH 2
Coil used to be a regular guy, but he’s been in the 'bubble-world' of Force-land so long, he can't deal with the fact that not everyone faces Yorba Linda, kneeling on a Castrol towel, worshipping the almighty fake. (It was nice that on the recent telecast "S-pin" periodically interrupted their slathering on Force long enough to show some racing) Na-Ra just continues to arrogantly thunder along, screwing everyone and pocketing the $$.
I the only one dreaming of Bruton and a silent partner (ahh… ahh…SHOE!!) buying the whole deal and firing all the dog food salesmen, making them walk out the door ala "Private Pyle", thumbs in mouth with their britches by their ankles?!?
Burkster, you jus' keep on doin’ what you do, thanks.
"Chicago Jon" T Hoffman
Woodstock, Illinois
TRICKLE DOWN?
About your (Jok Nocholson’s) comments about fuel pricing, and the countries we buy crude from. I don’t disagree with the concept of letting the countries we’re helping pay for the help. But, and I'm not a “financial wizard”, I don't think those countries actually get the current $120 something a barrel. Isn't that the price on the futures/commodities/stock market? I think we can probably more likely blame the folks that want to make “free” money, kind of like loan sharks. It might also have something to do with the oil companies making “record” profits.
Bob Wold
Oxford, Florida
IT’S 320 FEET SHORTER THAN A QUARTER MILE
I like your article on track prep. What do you think about a 1000-foot race track?
Sammy Mahan
The Sammy and Bob Show...
Baytown, Texas
FAMILY PLANNING
I have two children now over 12 to get in to bracket races with me. If track owners only charged the entry fee for the driver, with free or reduced prices for family I could afford to go to more races.
Philip Greene
KEEP IT CLOSE TO HOME
Jok, As always, I enjoyed your latest commentary... especially the last section! ;-)
Will bracket racing survive? I think it might actually thrive. Some of the tracks in areas with more tracks near by may struggle but I think you're going to see racers staying closer to home. Especially many of the horde who typically thumbed their noses at bracket racing in favor of chasing the NHRA points circus. This kind of goes with your "travel less, race more" idea. If more racers show up in support of the their local track's events things can't help but improve... unless you've got track owner like one of the ones we've been dealing with for years out this way.
Take care and good luck!
Greg Stanley
STICKS AND STOCKS
Cole Coonce has always been an arrogant jerk and he has now proved it to all. The nostalgia concept is nothing but a boat anchor. The cars need some other identity. Kids have not had an opportunity to experience fuel cars and when they do there is no "disconnect" any longer. Coonce's characterization of ‘70s funny car racers is just libelous crap. He describes the lowest guys and smears everyone with the same brush. I was there too, Coonce, and you are full of **it. Unlike SCCA club racing, NFC racing is attracting paid spectators when properly presented. Being paid a decent purse is not the same issue as club sports car road racing.
Norman Hechtkoff
THE CENTER OF ATTENTION
As one living in the epicenter of Bucky's funny (car) business ventures, I'm relieved to see Cole's retort gone national. Nice to see "Mr. Reality" is back available for consultation$.
Philip Bradford
Tacoma, Washington