Nitro drivers PO'd at WJ

[Ed Fernandez]

Written by Bobby Bennett Thursday, 15 July 2010 08:08




Warren Johnson spoke in obvious frustration, directing his comments towards the NHRA for what he felt was a lack of equality in track preparation amongst the professional divisions.

Johnson, following a first round loss at the recently completed NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways [Kent, Wa.], pointed out in not so many words, the NHRA cared only about the nitro cars when it came to preparing a safe racing surface.

However, Johnson’s supporting argument, pointing out the lack of talent required to drive a nitro-burner has some of the nitro community not only angry but determined to challenge the veteran Pro Stock racer to back up his statements.

“Hell, Ray Charles could drive one of those things in his current state,” Johnson told ESPN pit reporter Gary Gerould.

Now a couple of those “Ray Charles” racers have offered up nitro cars to Johnson as a means of letting Johnson prove his point.

Jim Head, who has publicly responded to Johnson’s criticisms of the fuel classes in the past, says he will provide the car and even tune it if Johnson wants to do as he says, “A Ray Charles impersonation.”

“C’mon Warren, the car is here … anytime you’re ready – we’ll make this happen,” said Head. “This just frustrates me so much. I will tune the car and lucky for him, I can’t afford to burn the car up. So, he ought to be safe there – that’s his safety cushion, but if I had the money; I’d light him up pretty good so he could say what “Ray Charles” driving is all about.”

Head paused for a moment and added, “I’ll put the Ray Charles name over the window for him. I just don’t understand why he has to slam on us when we didn’t do anything to him. This time, he went too far. I’m sure everyone in the nitro pits will pitch in everything needed to make this happen from firesuit to nitro.”

Bob Tasca III, who has licensed in a Pro Stock car before headed to fuel racing, offers up his car as well but only if it becomes more of a complex challenge.

“I’m saying this, I will get in his car with my eyes closed, you can tape my eyes closed, and you can take my car and he can tape his eyes closed and see who makes it further,” Tasca said, voice raising with emotion.

And no, Tasca said, he’s not speaking just to be lashing out. He’s adamant with his challenge.

“If he wants to accept the challenge, we’ll get in each other’s car, and I’ve never driven a hunk of s*** GM in my life, but I’ll drive one and he can drive a Ford, eyes closed just to prove a point. I’m sick and tired of him talking s*** about the fuel car drivers. Consider this my challenge to a blindfold match.”

Head prefers his challenge be carried out with eyes wide-open.

“Hey this is just a friendly challenge from one senile old man to another,” Head concluded.

Go,Warren go.

[Bob Bender]

WOW.........................

[A100]

Lucille Lee, a secretary, jumps in a top fuel car and wins Atlanta. When was the last time a rookie racer jumped in a PS and even qualified let alone won something.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by A100

Lucille Lee, a secretary, jumps in a top fuel car and wins Atlanta. When was the last time a rookie racer jumped in a PS and even qualified let alone won something.

There ya go.

[John Leichtamer Jr]

Warren is twice the driver Head is.

Hammer

[Matt Ratliff]

Originally Posted by John Leichtamer Jr

Warren is twice the driver Head is.

Hammer

Is this not the WWF?

[Frank Castros]

NHRA doesn't love this because?............................

[Brian VP]

NHRA should love this. It is about time there are some people angry at others. It would be nice if they were in the same class and could get a rivalry going but this could be good too. I am so sick of all the lovey dovey interviews at the end of the track talking about how great the other team is and what a great driver the other guy is. It is total bs. Of course back to the original subject. WJ is right. NHRA would be a lot further along if they only showed Pro Stock and quit showing the unbelievably boring Nitro classes on tv. I must admit the first national event I went to I was so impressed by the feel, smell, and sound of the nitro cars. By the time I left, I was done with them. The novelty was over. I want to see drag racing and about 10% of Nitro races include a drag race. About 90% of Pro Stock includes a drag race. Nitro cars are point and shoot, maybe pedal or hit the brake, a Pro Stock car has more going on in the first 2 seconds than Nitro does in 4. And they only go 1000 feet. Boring.

[Ed Fernandez]

Bring back Whit the Twit.He's good for a fight or two.And Bob Gilbertson is a real redeo cowboy driving through the pits in a rental vehicle.Now those were interesting guys.
I'd like to see any of those prima dona fuel guys make a pass in a pro stocker.Or a PS bike,that would be something.Road rash city.

[keith ohanesian]

For what it is. This guy would have trouble driving a stocker..