DEAD ON IS DEAD ON
I agree with your views, Jok.
I have thought for years sportsman cars could race in-doors at local sport arenas 330 feet. What a sight it would be, the Super Stock Class wheels in the air to the finish line!
They could promote local coverage, like the old roller blade league, race 3 or four nights a week, and maybe make money doing it.
Let's take it a little further, we could have an EX-Tream class with no out of bounds, heads up to 330 with a fixed index.
Stan Schackow
Defiance, Ohio
ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT
Just asking Darr... since, in this country we can impeach a president, then why not a president of racing organization?
Tom Gondal
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
ONE HAND WASHING THE OTHER
Thanks for the insights into the "business" end of racing - especially the business side of racing that is not about the "business of racing" but how, in this case, a business is helping to improve the sport of racing, and in turn how they relate racing to their core business of producing passenger cars for the consuming public.
Dale Tuley
Las Vegas, Nevada
LAUGH LINES
Good article Utterback. You're always good for a laugh...
Jim Maroney
COMPOUNDING THE PROBLEM
I usually enjoy “ALL TOONED UP” with DeGrandis & Burk about as much as I do stubbing my toe. But the Tom Compton Compound was both FUNNY and ACCURATE. Thanks for the laugh.
Wade Mooney
Phoenix City, Alabama
AN ILL TIDE
If, as the Agent says, the "Big Boy" of racing is in trouble with the Chevrolet cutback, what does that say for the "Little" boys?
John Potts
London, Kentucky
LEARN FROM KNOLL
Burke, does it strike anybody that the new schedule shows eight of the races are sponsored by O’Reilly auto parts after they bought CSK auto parts? Of the others, three are Summit. Hope they can stay strong during the economic turn down.
Evan comes to my mind!
Bryan Kelley
Phoenix, Arizona
MESSY
Matt Hagan did not make a solo pass in the finals at Edmonton - Grant Downing and he left the line at the same time, Hagan blew the body off and Downing would have won the race if he didn't drop two cylinders at the top end and take out the 1000ft timing box.
Lynne Downing
Fullerton, California
MAKE A WISH
At the recent Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, OH I got the distinct honor to work on a Top Alcohol Funny Car Team. I met Keeter, Ralph and Rosi Ray last year towards the end of the season. Keeter and I became buddies. Keeter and I have kept in touch via e-mails. I saw Keeter and the Team in Gainesville, FL this past spring. I told Keeter that I would love to be given the opportunity to work on his TAFC Team.
He told me that shouldn't be a problem.
Well when I found out that the team was going to be racing in Norwalk, OH, I got the plan into motion. Keeter welcomed the idea wholeheartedly. I arrived at the track on Thursday morning and was immediately put to work. Ralph (Keeters dad) was my mentor. He is a great teacher. By the second day they just left me alone and let me do my job. Now, keep in mind I have never worked on a race team in my entire life. Yes, I am a Division 3 Super Pro-Super Comp. drag racer. My racing operation is very simple. I did everything-except work on the motor. The entire crew led by Crew Chief Ronnie Sweargin were nothing but hospitable towards me. I really felt like I belonged on the team. even though we had some minor problems we did qualify #15. Yes, Keeter did get beat in round 1 to Steve Harker. It was still a weekend I will never forget.
Keeter will be racing at the up coming NHRA Mac Tools US Nationals in Indianapolis. I am once again looking forward to working on the team again. I want to personally thank Keeter & Ralph Ray for giving me the opportunity to go from a DRAW Board of Trustees Member to a Top Alcohol Funny Crew Member!
Thanks guys!
Kevin A. Bennett
Wilmington, Ohio
STORM CLOUDS
I love the site. Scary days as the General has spoken here in Detroit with live press deal. Says truck production will be cut by 300,000! Cut pensions for salaried retires over 65. No paid dividends to shareholders! I would think with the truck market dying from gas prices this could spell the end of the truck series?
Also, GM says its motorsports footprint will definitely change as it is under heavy scrutiny.
Specifically mentioned NASCAR. I would think NHRA drag stuff would be the first to go?
Rick Rzepka
Clinton Township, Michigan
CANNONBALL RUN
Way to go Carl.