But can they dance?

Jeff B., I think you’re right on with your piece about Sunday's Bristol coverage. I was discussing the mock game show with a co-worker on Monday morning. We both agreed we would have liked to hit the sack 1/2 hour earlier rather than sit through crap like that. There has to be more interesting stories out in the pits somewhere.

Don't get me wrong, I like being able to watch every National event on the tube. I remember in the early to mid-eighties I could only catch a race or two all season. That was if local TV programmers didn't have something else up their sleeve like a St. Patrick's Day parade or something along those lines to put in drag racing's place.

As for getting to see some of the other classes, that would be great. I’m a big fan of Stockers, Super Stocks and Comp. But I don't think that would fly with a lot of the viewers ESPN is targeting. (All the people who rush to the pits or go for a hotdog after the completion of a round of pro class racing.) They probably thought the game show made for great TV! Maybe all the couples could get on Dancing with the Stars!

Randy Dozier
Falmouth, Kentucky

Still hanging in

I used to be a big NASCAR fan but not so much anymore. I like the idea of live shows but now I see the reason why. BUT, if NHRA did go live, I would watch!

Steve Elkin
Decatur, Alabama

Racing takes a back seat

Burk, couldn't agree with you more. Drag racing coverage from ESPN has morphed into some kind of live/half live MTV "reality show". When the race becomes secondary to the "characters" involved it's time for NHRA to find another TV outlet. I'm sure the SPEED channel could produce a far better package of the ACTUAL race. I'm expecting Ken Herring from PASS TIME to show up next in the booth to compete against Dunn, Force, and the ever brain-dead Paul Page for gag gifts and guffaws.

Diamond P used to produce a far superior show. I'm sure the late Steve Evans is rolling in his grave with every "Page-ism".

Jack Issi
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What a concept: actual information

Where do you start with our TV coverage? First ESPN replaces Marty Reid with Paul Page. Now we are forced to watch a game show? ESPN should try doing something interesting like a horsepower type segment, where they go in-depth to explain the engine development at the shops; they could go to all shops, sportsman and pros.

ESPN, dump Page! Add someone who knows drag racing!

Rick Johnson
California

Shoveling it

That was perfect Mr. Burk, how much bullsh*t can these NHRA races have and how much Force family sh*t can a person take?

Thanks.

Jim Kiraly
Cedar Lake, Indiana