[Jack Matyas]

Hi kids - Here's the thing - I didn't desert you this afternoon but rather than write while I wasn't in the best of moods I thought it better to just hang out and settle down .Why you ask ? Here's the skinny - the NHRA taught me a new rule this after while in the staging lanes taking pictures during SuperStock qualifing .The rule is as follows - they simply asked me to leave because I didn't have a car there .Didn't matter that I had a Restricted Area pass - no car then you must get out .The official just plain told me I had to leave - no ifs, ands or buts .Plus he was bigger than me and had a radio and looked mean - and i'm no match for that .

Please understand I wasn't on the starting line or anywhere near it but the rule is the rule and they mean business .On the other side of the coin I wasn't anywhere that I was in harms way and I'm not the enemy that I was treated like .I was simply taking photos - nothing else ........they just don't get it ! ! !

I've been their biggest supporter for a great many years and I don't want any special treatment but some common sense would help - someone had to point me out to that official as I'm sure he had more important matters to attend to than tossing me out .

My advise is to just stay out of their way in the staging lanes ............And abide by the rules ! ! Even if you don't agree ..........