My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

"I’m really not a fan of Four-Wide racing and it appeared to my simple mind that it was very confusing while watching it on TV as to who “won” or “lost.”

https://dragracingedge.com/the-blog/...yists-4-10-19/

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

I understand that the producers of the broadcast are trying to explain the sport to potiential new fans. This is dragracing not reality show t.v., and last sundays' broadcast was worse than the previous one. Show the racing, not the filler interviews that end with the next pair of cars half way down the track.Bring back Chris Economaki and the Wide World of Sports. Anybody remember the World Finals when a lot of Super Stockers were being aged out of the eliminator and really flew. That was great t.v.. John Kissel K242

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

John yes, you are "spot on" about confusing!!! I, too, watched Sunday's show and as much as I understand drag racing after 50+ years of spectating, I am dumbfounded by who won, who finished second and so forth. It has to be even more confusing to the casual fan.
Yes, I am quite certain of the "wow" factor for a fan to watch a 4-wide run or two, but to enjoy (or should I say suffer through) a 3 hour show? I don't think so.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

If NHRA has any doubts about how their Nitro Circus ends they only need to look at the grandstand pics from the NASCAR show at Bristol.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

Four wide was invented as a freak show in the 1960's.

Miami-Hollywood had what they called the Georgia track, it was two paved lanes where they ran four jet cars in addition to the regular track.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

Four-wide was run in PA and Ohio in the 1960's as a way to get the program completed as a lot of tracks did not have lighting then, and the car counts were much, much larger then as opposed to now. My Grandfather ran four wide in Stock at Quaker City in 1964 and 1965.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

It's a gimmick to attract that all important, elusive "casual fan" to the track. It is certainly an experience in person, at least for the first few runs. After that, it's just trying to keep score. It doesn't transfer to TV very well. What's the next gimmick? Maybe 2 funny cars and 2 top fuel cars. Handicap the dragsters and run 'em.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

It's Bruton Smith's gimmick. His track, his rules.

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

It really sucks !

Re: My $.02 on Four-Wide & Hobbyists
 

And who can read the numbers clearly on that bright green highlight. They end up being taken down before I can figure out what the winner ran.