Solution for our sport
 

One doesn’t have to look very far to read the handwriting on the wall. But the handwriting is not going to change unless one takes the necessary steps to repaint the wall, and make the new handwriting that of their own.

Observing the regional market for drag racing venues, I see only three types of drag racing operations: Those that have closed; those that are about to close; and those that have ventured into alternate markets to remain successful.

Within the past two months, both Red River Raceway (Shreveport, LA) and Cherokee County Raceway (Rusk, TX) closed their doors, with the properties for sale on the market. It wasn’t that long ago that Red River opened with a bang. I was there, pitted on the fresh red clay with hundreds of racers. Nice track … but still closing.

Some will say the reason for demise was their location. Others will shout mismanagement, and still there are those who will cry that the track was unfair to them. I’m sure some will say it is just a sign of the economic times, while other state it was because they didn’t pay big enough purses. Only the operators know the real reasons, and until they make a public announcement, the rest of the racing world should not venture into speculation.

Remember when going to the drag race was fun? Remember when winning that trophy made you so proud? Remember how you met folks at the racetrack that became some of your best friends? Remember how much fun you had at your very first drag race event? If you think about if for a few moments, you used to really enjoy yourself “at the drags”. So, what is it that changed so much since you started racing?

Is it he cost to race? I doubt it. I know it costs more to go bass fishing than it does to drag race. I used to travel all over the country looking for “the big one”. Why a new bass rig with a 200-hp Yamaha and aluminum trailer costs more way than a ’69 Camaro in an enclosed trailer. So, ask yourself, “What went wrong?”

Is it all the rules? I can remember rules from the 1st grade. Everybody has to follow rules. Every job description has rules. Rules of conduct; rules for time off; rules for dress code; even rules for making rules!

Is it that money is just “tight”? That’s a possibility. But in south Louisiana, we have seen an increase every year in the gross revenues at No Problem Raceway. Money is tight everywhere, but people are still willing to spend their dollars to enjoy a movie; enjoy a nice meal; or enjoy a night out on the town.

Sure, money from sponsors had taken a dive. That will have a definite impact on professional teams that cannot afford the expenses involved in competing in the “pro” ranks. The pros don't keep local track running. It's Joe Racer from down the street. He races because it is fun, period! Ole’ Joe takes his 72 Nova to the local track because he has fun driving his 3,200 pound muscle car up and down the 1320. He smiles when he gets a win slip, and he loads up for the next race when he doesn’t. And after he loses out, he will sit with his buddies that are still in, and give them advice on the next round. More than likely, he will stay until the last car goes down the track, “just to see who won”.

Racers want to park next to their buddies. How much fun is it when a track official makes you park ½ of a mile from your friends? At our last big event, we had 17 racers come down from a small Mississippi town. They were outdone when they found out that I had made room for all of them to pit together. While it wasn’t on the asphalt, it did not matter. They just wanted to be with their friends at the track.

When the race was over, I had to make my rounds to shut down all of the lights and PA system. I noticed all of their gang was gathered around their campsite fire pit. I started to pass them by, figuring that one of the 17 would chew me out about something, but I bit the bullet, and pulled over just to chat with them. These out-of-state racers could not believe that “The Track Owner” actually stopped by to see how his customers were doing! Of course, I accepted their offer of a cold beer. My day was done. I spent 45 minutes just listening to these guy and gals. They kept saying how much fun they had, and they thanked me many times over for letting them all pit together.

If you read “their handwriting on the wall”, it is so obvious that they appreciated being able to pit next to all of their buddies. The little effort on my part made these racers value what drag racing is all about. IT’S ABOUT HAVING FUN…PERIOD.

Racers race to have fun. Spectators come to have fun. When track owners and sanctioning bodies remove the “fun factor”, racing then becomes all about business. Business is work. Work to most folks is a job, and to them, a job is not about having fun. Drag strip operators need to find a way to put FUN back into drag racing. Tracks that can keep the fun going will keep their doors open. Those that do not will close.

Maybe it is just a south Louisiana thing. I once saw a bumper sticker that read:
NEW ORLEANS… WE PUT THE FUN IN FUNERAL

I would like to end with my own saying…
The fundamental basics for drag racing success are the first three letters of fundamental…FUN

Keep it fun for the racers and fun for the fans, and you won’t have to worry about the economy. Even in bad times, people want to get away to relax and have a good time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Cajuns at No Problem Raceway.

Pat “No Problem” Joffrion & crew - NHRA SS/KA 4308

Re: Solution for our sport
 

You are right on the money. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year back to you and yours.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

This will be an interesting thread.

I can't comment on what is happening in LA as I haven't been there for racing, but I can tell you what is going on here in the Carolinas.

Drag racing at local tracks seems to be fairly healthy. But I think there is a 600 pound gorilla in the room. When I was a kid and first started going to local dragstrips supposedly bracket racing 'saved' many of these venues. I can say that over the last 25 years the bracket programs are drawing less spectators as each year passes. As the spectator count and car counts have decreased over the years the 'tuner' crowd has increased and now the 'test and tune' nights are way more profitable for tracks here than is a regular bracket program. I spoke with one track operator who told me point blank it would be fine with him if he never hosted another bracket race as the tuners and 'run for fun' deal was the real money maker.

The 600 pound gorilla is the very real possibility that the 'tuner' generation is a passing fad.

If this fad does pass, then what will the tracks do to stay in the black?

I have never been a track owner or promoter. But if I did have a track I would in addition to having races also have concerts and car shows and whatever else would generate interest and get people to the facility.

For what it is worth I think there are many reasons why bracket programs aren't as profitable for tracks anymore. The public doesn't really understand it, dragsters and enclosed trailers have played a part as well. And, in previous generations people almost had to work on their personal cars, thus the creation of 'car guys'.......the current generation is more involved in computer games than anything else.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Pat :

Very well said.

Don Kennedy

Pat Joffrion For President .

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Very good post Pat. I enjoyed reading every word. There is a lot of truth in what you say. Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Re: Solution for our sport
 

My first experience at a drag strip was Beeline in Arizona. They had what was known as "The Midnight Drags". We would cruise Central on Saturday until around 11:30 or so and head over to Beeline as they didn't even open the gates until 12:00 a.m.. Then we'd race until 3:00-4:00 in the morning. And the place was crowded, and we all had FUN.
Then Beeline closed (a local infamous promoter ran the place and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar of the Indian tribe the land was on).
Then I started bracket racing @ what is now Speedworld in Surprise, AZ. The owner had this interesting way of getting us to like bracket racing. Realizing that the 1st round was often times the hardest to win, he provided a trophy to all 1st round winners and an even larger trophy for the overall win. It really got everybody interested in racing. I had so many trophy's to show the guys they thought I was some track champion. Of course the big trophy was few and far between but it was FUN to bring home another trophy.
And I see none of this anymore. It's too bad...

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I have said it before and I'll say it again, NHRA has missed the boat in not picking Pat's brain! He obviously has the plan that works as far as running a successful track and event. I have had the pleasure of racing at 4 of 5 of Pats Cajun SportsNats and I can say without reservation that they are the most fun I have had at any National event, period. Nothing even comes close. Perhaps by trying some of Pat's ideas and making FUN the main goal, could be the reason the SSSSA has had such a successful first year. When will the other tracks and the NHRA figure out what we have known for years now, Pat has it going on! Jim

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Great post Pat.

There is another track I hear that treats their customers good. Can anyone tell us about Bill Bader and his track in Norwalk? Does he have the same attitude as Pat "No Problem" Joffrion? Its got to be more than just a pound of ice cream that keeps people saying good things about his track.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Pat, I have heard nothing but good things about you and No Problem Raceway and am looking forward to making the trip down for the Sportsnationals this spring. It will be my first national event and to say I'm excited about it would be an understatement. When I saw the date and realized it is during spring break I circled it and said that's what I'm doing (I'm a senior at Illinois). Good luck and keep up the good work.

Drew Whalen

Re: Solution for our sport
 

i run a independent drag strip. even though it does not make you rich, you can fill the seats with no break out racing. go to www.headsup-racing.com.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

For years Norwalk was a track where Bader Sr. would roam through the pits & hug & kiss all the wives & children. He knew everyones name & their whole family. Over time some of that has changed. Sometimes the beast gets so big you have to treat it as a business & forego fun. The track is now run by Bader Jr. Through the sheer fact that the tower is now 50' above the pits it has taken some of that personal feel away. Also the fact it takes more money to keep the place running due to it's size. There has to be more shows & less Grass Roots type racing. There is all the intention in the world to keep it fun @ NRP but this year & last. The weekly racer that goes for fun & friends feels a little left out. All shows & Test & Tune nights? Even the Fri. test & tune has turned into work with the addition of Door Wars (fast heads up classes).
What will the future bring?

Thank you for your post Pat I agree with all you said. This should be fun not work.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Pat,

You are SOOOO right! I remember my first years attending my local track and they were fun. The track my be gone but my memories are not. I continue to look else where to race and I do plan on visiting you someday.

I also know you do care. What other reason would you be here posting on Christmas eve trying to improve your business and get ideas? Good luck to you, your track and our sport.

Happy Holidays

Steve

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I am not an active racer, but I attend 8 - 9 National events each year including Indy, 3 - 4 Division 1 LODRS events each year, and the Dutch Classic; so I am definitely a hardcore fan. I had always heard great things about the Bader family and their "customer friendly" attitude, so I attended the National event at Norwalk in 2007 and 2008. I was very impressed; in 2007 on Thurs, Bill Bader Jr. was in the stands greeting the fans who were there on "hardcore Thurs". Bill Bader Sr. did the same on Fri. and Jr was back on Sat. and Sun. There is a customer service booth on both sides of the track, and there are track employees constantly picking up even the smallest pieces of trash to keep the grounds clean. Every track employee that I interacted with was cheerful, polite, and helpful. The fireworks show on Friday night at the conclusion of the racing is second to none, and the pound of ice cream for a dollar is great. Also the prices at the concession stands were lower than at other National events.
From what I understand, the Bandimere family in Denver operates in the same way as the Bader family, and all of the Bruton Smith owned tracks are "customer friendly". I went to Bristol in 2007, and to the new Z-Max Dragway in 2008 so I can attest to that. Pat Jeoffrion, the Bader family, the Bandimere family, and Bruton Smith "get it"; unfortunately the majority of track operators do not.

Bill Seabrooks - superfan1

Re: Solution for our sport
 

great post Pat.
FUN is essential.
Removing one thing can help also.Remove FRUSTRATION. Going to the track can continue to be fun but arriving can be prevented by FRUSTRATION.,IF Lack of supervision, Lack of enforcement of "rules" Poor technical factoring etc continues it can cancel out fun of caring to attend the event or even trying to build a car to compete.
A firm hand on rules without business attitude supervision is lacking today in some of the SPORTSMAN racing.
You obviously are correct on making it fun to race brackets by kind, thoughtful handling of the racers and attracting fans. I think the tuner nights also indicate a reborn interest in heads up racing which some how has to be channeled back to classes even if the dreaded "crate motor" has to be used as a basis. LB / cubic inch stuff with simple rules could be needed too, but just ....
Thanks for your hard work and kindness to the racers and fans in your area. I hope to attend and meet you in person and enjoy your hospitality.
Merry Christmas
Dick Butler

Re: Solution for our sport
 

............... would like to add the New Family to that list, the way they operate Firebird Raceway at Boise Idaho, is heads and shoulders above the other tracks here in the Northwest.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Just my .02...I always look @ going to the races as my escape from the real world (Construction in NY!).
I never had a problem @ any track I have attended because I entered that facility with the right mind set.
I think some racers bring the 'real world' pressure and do not have an open/relaxed attitude. I try to meet the track owners and shake there hand and say thanks regardless of the racing's outcome. The track owner is working to make $$ for a living while the racer is there to have fun/vacation...it is sometimes a delicate balance in my opinion. We as racers should work with the tracks on programs (what works and what does not) and the tracks should also have an open mind as long as there is return on investment.

Happy Holidays! Merry christmas!




SS/EM 161
QUICKROD 161

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Pat, you display an amazing talent for analyzing the human psyche as regards what constitutes "fun," and how to promote it. I was sorry when I heard that you might sell "No Problem," because, frankly, I was pretty sure that whoever took it over wouldn't, COULDN'T do as good a job at running it successfully as you have proven you can. I am still apprehensive about that, but it looks like you're still in there batting 1,000, and for that, I'm very happy (although I realize it may not be what you wanted.) Guess I'm just selfish on that score...

My one contribution to this discussion is a suggestion that is rooted in the first few times I went to the drags.... So, set your "way back machine" on 1955. No typo... "nineteen FIFTY-FIVE."

I was 17, and going to the drags for the first time, at Carlisle, Arkansas' drag strip, which had JUST opened that year. Drag racing was a new sport! Lots of spectators.... and, not a few cars.... probably 200. It was a monthly event.
They had Top Eliminator (dragsters and bikes), Middle Eliminator, (Altereds and Roadsters) and Little Eliminator (Gassers and Street Roadsters.) There was no Stock Eliminator; you won your class and got a trophy, A, B, C, or D Stock.... 4 classes; that was it. Sticks and automatics ran together and guess what??? Nobody complained!!! LOL!!!

No handicapped starts, and no breakouts, throttle stops, or red lights. Simplicity, itself.

But, I digress...

My sugestion is based on this bit of activity that went on at the end of every race I went to for the first two or three years there at Carlisle.
To wit: When the official day's racing was over, the announcer invited any spectator who wanted to, to drive their car to the staging area and they would be allowed to race someone of their choice for free, and they could make as many as three passes... and were given a time for their car (time cards were still way in the future.) LOTS of folks took advantage of this "freebie" and lost their "quarter-mile virginity" right then and there. The next month, some of those folks came back and ENTERED the race program, since they'd gotten a taste of what it was like to run down the strip, trying to beat somebody in the other lane. It was..... FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Doing that, really wouldn't cost a strip operator a thing, and would get the attention of lots of fans who maybe had never run off a 'tree, or gotten a time card for their daily driver. I think it could generate a lot of grass-roots enthusiasm. Worth a try, I'd think. It was a very popular thing, back then.

Thanks for caring to the extent that you do, about drag racing.... you're obviously hard-core, and the racers and fans know it, and love you for it!!!

Maybe I'll see you at Belle Rose this year. Hope so....

Bill

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Pat
I wish we could get Stock, Super Stock, and the 90's classes to form our own organization, comp if they want to join in as well.

You know NHRA caters to the pro's and what happened to Jack Matyas at the end of the year is a great example of that.

Why cant we organize our own points races and sportsnational events.

Also Big Buck bracket races like what David Ley ran at ATCO this year.

I wish all sportsman racers wouldn't go to NHRA meets in 09. then they'll see the difference in what holds the sport together.

Pistol Pete
1374 STK

Re: Solution for our sport
 

..

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I have noticed that Pat makes no mention of changing rules nor reorganizing the sanctioning bodies nor creating a new Union.

What he does talk about is returning to a program that creates good will. In addition, returning to a program that both racers and race fans will enjoy, a program that folks can look forward to being a part of.

To me, one of the key pieces missing from today's world is stability. All parts of our lives are changing rapidly. Most of this dynamic change is out of our control, most of it on a Global scale is driven by politics and money, there is very little that an individual can do about it.

However, even as individuals, we have areas of power. One areas is how we spend our personal income. This is the key to local and regional race programs. A program that attracts the personal income will thrive.

Larry Woodfin

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Don Kennedy, A union in a factory has the advantage of wanting a more common agenda. Do we think S and SS and Comp racers could elect a person/group/committee that would be accepted to "do whats best" for the overall Drag Racing? So many factions, brands, agendas surface when our sport is discussed.
We dont all want a higher salary for our work and benefits. More money to win yes!
The common desires of the vast numbers of racers would be tough to negotiate under one "Flag".
Who would be allowed to make decisions BEST for the vast numbers of racers? When someone can no longer race a turbo 3 cylinder Aveo in stock with no boost rules will the Lawyer card be played to topple the whole idea of doing whats BEST for the sport?( Tried to be non- biased using non existent car)
Within our common sport, desire for advantage of rules and level playing field (when it affects others) and limited cost winners are issues of verbal concern.When would the Democracy of Stock and SS be allowed to be governed down to a managable,profitable , attractive package, for National meets. All racers are equally important but in every current form? At the expense of the whole?

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Just a note on FUN.
I attended the Tucson AZ Division race a few years ago after going to the Chandler event a couple of weeks before. I am not sure whether it was at the Division race or the ET race the weekend before but the track put on a Big Wheel race for the kids between the early regular race rounds.
It was more of a show than anything else but it was FUN to watch and the kids had a blast.
The track furnished the Big Wheels and anyone under a certain age could compete.
They used the regular tree usually with parents or track personnel holding the kids on the starting like until the tree came down then it was a race for 60 ft. with win lights and all. It was a real hoot for the kids and I enjoyed it as much as the kids did and the bigger race was back to the starting line after the finish to do it again.
It drew fans from the pits of racers, friends, and even grandma and grandpa. I can't say for sure but the stands were as full for the kids racing as any other class it looked like to me.
It was FUN for the kids and me and I did not know a one of the kids competing. That is the only place I have seen it run but I would go to watch it again.
It JUST WAS FUN to watch those small kids having so much FUN.
My 2 Cents

Re: Solution for our sport
 

nobody does it better than No Problem...

and it confirms my committment to attend the march race, and reminds me how pissed i was last year when $4 gas kept me from attending my 5th CAJUNsportsnats...
i have never attended the columbus event.

unless you come in march, you will not experience the FUN.. make your plans now !
even if it is the only event you can afford to attend... im trading in INDY for it in my budget !!

jack mccarthy

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Thats a smart move Jack the Sports Nationals is hands down the FUNnest race! Especially if you race stock or s/s, because of the index FUN race for class winners, free crawfish, live music, and beer provided by none other than Ross Laris and a few others. I plan to take my 09' challenger SRT8 there in february for the Pinks All Out race. I probabaly won't make it in but the atmosphere and FUN is whats it's all about. I think Pat is and I have told him a million times over the best track owner/manager I've met. He works his tail off at the sports nationals, and still finds time to come hang out with the racers. Can't wait till March, I would trade the Sport Nationals for Indy any day!!!
See y'all there

David Buckner AA/SA 4772

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Two things I wish for ! I wish that No Problem were a little closer to where I live, Wi, and I wish I were 10 years younger ! 1100 mi is quite a hike, hope all have a Happy New Year,,,,,,,,, John & Ginny Lang

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Great post but in my opinion nhra dosen't care about fun unless they can line thier pockets with it.

Vinny Knapp Sr. at Englishtown N.J. started doing that back in the late 1970's It was a lot of fun for the kids and their families.
Then Vinny invented the JR Dragster. It took off big time locally. Then big "brother" nhra got involved.
Vinny wanted to keep it simple and cheap to have claiming rights much like the circle cars have.
Well "big brother" wanted no part of keeping it simple (cheap) They wanted modifications super lightweight parts, trick this and trick that.
Now you pull in with your huge lq trailer towed by your toter home. unload your $10,000 JR dragster. And the big problem is there are many out their that do exactly that.
After seeing the butchery of JR dragster Vinny was disgusted.

AND BOYS AND GIRLS the people that bring you the present JR dragster races are the same people making the rules and regulations for our racing.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

There you go again Dick knocking the oddball combos
Well quess what in 1974 I ran a very oddball combo (a street hemi) everybody knew (even Chrysler) it could never be competitive because you had to run street tires and you could never get it to hook with the tires available at the time. To bad they didn't ban the darn things then? What seems odd to you now might be common place in the future.
If in your book whats best for the sport is telling someone their car can no longer be raced. PLEASE go have a discussion with some of the Pro Stock truck racres and tell them you thought it was okay to obsolete their cars (trucks).
I don't need anyone to represent me I can do it myself.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

Dave put the weight in and run A/SA in March. It should be a great race "New School Vs. Old School" Mo Pars. And please dont forget the blender.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

i still say nascar is big because every weekend warrior at the local roundyround feels like dale ernhardt because if he wins he is the fastest car out there.drag racing lost that . i remember going to eddeville in the late seventies when there was standing room only for class racing. now on a regular weekend their will be 100 cars and 2 spectators.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I wish we could get Stock, Super Stock, and the 90's classes to form our own organization, comp if they want to join in as well.

You know NHRA caters to the pro's and what happened to Jack Matyas at the end of the year is a great example of that. NHRA wouldn't even acknowledge him.....

Why cant we organize our own points races and sportsnational events.

Also Big Buck bracket races like what David Ley ran at ATCO in 2008.

I wish all sportsman racers wouldn't go to NHRA meets in 09. then they'll see the difference in what holds the sport together.

Forming our own organization would be GREAT....

Pistol Pete
1374 STK

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I wish all sportsman racers wouldn't go to NHRA meets in 09. then they'll see the difference in what holds the sport together

Pistol Pete
1374 STK[/QUOTE]

I think one National event without sportsman racers would get their attention !

Re: Solution for our sport
 

How long do you think something like that would work for?You have to many out there with too much money,concern for their own agendas,fear of straying from the straight and narrow,etc,etc.
Think of the logistics of running all these organizations around the country9and Canada).You'll
eventually have orgizational squabbles that would make our discontent with NHRA seem minor.
These races would settle to small fields due to either economics and or travel distances.
As much as NHRA sucks in it's present configuration it's what we have to work with.And it comes
down to how many sportsman racers will boycott national events to send a message?I'll guarantee,
not many.Everybody praised Alex on the Class Nationals,then there was bitching about lack of being paid and other issues.Got to the point (i was told,wasn't there)that he would never do another one.
In the end we are our own worst enemies.Like it or not that's the bottom line.
Just my humble opinion.

Ed F.

I have the most respect for Pat and the few other track operators who have the vision to try to make the sport better for everyoue.They are to far and few,most care only about a sure route to profit.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Sportsman racers (as a whole) are so stupid that it's amazing that we manage to feed ourselves. I wish that somebody would prove me wrong! BTW I was at the Class Nationals and Alex and co. did a great job.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I think one National event without sportsman racers would get their attention ![/QUOTE]

John DiBartolomeo printed an editoreal in his magazine a while back about maybe it being time for NHRA to not include Sportsman Racers at National Events anylonger and it received a really negative response. I would LOVE to see some kind of a Sportsman boycott of NHRA events but the more than likely response would be just some new eliminators to fill in between rounds of the Pros. In the early 80s we racers somehow gave up / had taken away our right to vote on the policy making decisions inside the NHRA. The big thing (in my opinion) that the Sportsmen need to work towards is getting oun voting rights reinstated. Don't ask me how, I'm just a crazy old man living on a hill in Pa. and a stupid Sportsman racer.

Re: Solution for our sport
 

I thought that crazy old men who live on a hill were supposed to be guru's living in Nepal?
After reading Woodro Josey's farewell speech on the SRAC it is evident that the Sportsman racers do not have any rights, or ever will have.
I stated long ago, after the first Cajun SportsNationals in Belle Rose, that this is the begining of the end for sportsman at national events. That NHRA sees this as the begining of just sportsman races at seven geographical locations. Then came Columbus, then the Pacific race. It will not be long until we see another sportsman race in the south, the northeast, the mid west, etc. Once that is accomplished, you will see the sportsman fields cut to a 32 car field at national events.
NHRA will not loose as much money as you think from the loss of sportsman racers. They have been sticking it to the contingency sponsors for years, and the fans do not seem to be bothered too much for the $2 coffee, $7 beer, $5 pork butt on a stick, not counting the $25 t-shirt and daily ticket prices. With the reduction of sportsman will come the addition of carnival type activities. They will add Top Sportsman and Top Dragster as a minor filler. And when the fans are wanting to see all the early iron that used to be there, they will tell them about the "SportsNationals" in their local area. Now the fans will have to cough up more money to see the "remainder" of the show at a different time and location.
Pat Joffrion summed it all at the begining of this post. It is sad, but true.
I remember going to a national event was a great experience and alot of fun. As the years have gone by NHRA has seemed to take the fun out of it.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA soon to be N/U/SA
Nostalga U Stock Automatic