Back to the future?

Dear Mr. Blast,

So the NHRA may not have full fields in TF this year.

The boys and I are thinking that maybe they'll let NTF (Nostalgia Top Fuel, aka, AA/FD) fill out the field. Who in TF is going to complain? NTF typically has 100 fewer c.i., one pump, one mag, and a 12" tire.

Well, no complaints until the #1 qualifier stages next to our fearless "Senile Delinquents" AA/FD, blows the tires off, and we advance to the next round.

Kind of like NASCAR's one-lap-and park teams that fill fields there.

Denny Corso
Senile Delinquents
Kent, Ohio, USA

What’s wrong with a little competition?

I don't understand why NHRA says you run this tire and this fuel. If there are other companies that can test their product to be used on a car, it makes jobs. That's something that the whole country needs now. Besides, another tire company may find that their tire can go 330 mph and still be safe. Then we can go back to 1320 ft.

I thought this country was founded on innovations and competition. How can there be either if there is a king telling all the villagers what they can and can't do?

Tom Gondal
Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Spread the wealth around to the ‘members’

I haven't always agreed 100% with everything Jeff has "blasted", but this time he hit the nail square on the head. What is the point in carrying over $5 mil when the racers (for the most part) and the fans are REALLY struggling? If we want the sport to survive, they (being the suits in Glendora) need to do whatever it takes to keep all racers racing and keep it affordable for the fans. Let's face some simple facts - bad times for the economy means less racers and less paying spectators. Less paying spectators can be the beginning of the end.

I heard from a friend that the Top Eliminator tickets for the 2009 Gatornationals had gone UP! He's cried Uncle and isn't going for the first year since 1972. My last year was 2005 (after going to Gainesville every year since the '70s). Until the ticket prices are made affordable, I'm done! Wake up Glendora!

Randy Johnson
North Georgia

A mere pittance

I totally agree with every point of your latest commentary. I recently attended the Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex. Tickets were $20.00 and the place was packed for all three days.

NHRA's attempt at offering some ticket price relief is a pitifully small bone thrown at the spectators. I firmly believe it was done more to have a positive press release to post, than to actually help the average family afford a day at the drags.

Compton & Company don't give a damn about anything but the bottom line on December 31st.

Rich Venza
Suwanee, Georgia