I believe drag racing is the better sport for the fan; you see the whole race and you get in the pits where you can talk to the drivers. I’m usually at the Las Vegas race, but will miss it this year.
Don’t get me wrong; I love drag racing. I actually photograph for one (sometimes two) cars. Before Melanie Troxel drove for Schumacher she drove for Larry Michael; good car but had a crew chief who couldn’t set the computers up properly. I talked with Mel many times....she’s good people. Bob Bode drives a funny car (Alard Machine Shop) and is one very nice guy; but never gets past the first round. Again, good car, but the setup just isn’t there.
I believe that Bob is using Wayne Dupwie (sp) for his setups at Vegas; I hope he does well. He needs to win some $$.
But two things bother me about drag racing:
1. I am sick of being force fed John Force and family. On TV they continue to refer to him and when Ashley loses they interview HER, not the winner. Oh, please. It has gotten to where if you don’t like John Force you won’t be able to watch drag racing.
2. Bring back the throttle. Who knows how good (or bad) these drivers actually are? The throttle setting is set by the crew chief; the driver just presses a BUTTON with their foot and the computerized sequence takes over. That is why four teams dominate drag racing. Those who can do the most research win the most.
I agree on both points. I like Force but it’s the media that constantly pushes him. Maybe because the NHRA doesn’t want ‘clorful’ characters or there’s just not that many in the sport,I don’t know.
I would like to see the driver,in all categories, have complete control of the car,too.I’m not a fan of the new Pro Stocks. Back in the day they actually had to be able to shift a 4 speed. There were some real masters at it, Ronnie Sox,Bruce Larson and Grumpy Jenkins to mention a few.
Bring back Fuel Altereds!!!!