[John Bender]

First, let me say nhra should deffinately recind the fine, as they admitted they had a crappy staring line. In years past when we had the Summernationals in the heat of June and July, nhra people would show up on Monday or Tuesday before the race and take over the track, so that the racers could perform to the best of their abbilities and the fans got to see a good show. I was at Englishtown, but not competing. The starting line was a complete joke. I have been racing Stock Eliminator and brackets since 1964, this was the poorest i have ever seen a starting line. I also put some of the blame on Englishtown Raceway Park for letting the track go to the condition it is in. There seems to be very little time or money spent on the track surface compaired to what it used to be.

Second, my reply to Dan. I don't know you, but to compare running a national event to reffing a soccer game is a stretch. Did David Barton go a little too far? Maybe. But it got the attention of a lot of people. Sometime you just have to say whats on your mind at that very instant, and that is what he did. I don't know if you are a racer, but i can tell you this. From AAA/S down to W/SA, the guys and girls who build and race these cars have not only a LOT of money invested in them, but also a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. And to lose a race because of something that is completely out of your control is ludicrise, absurd, and anger inticing.

Thats my nickle's worth. John Bender 1969 E/SA

P.S. Lets see what the starting line is like at Bristol