[Bench Racer]

I remember 10 or so years ago going to Indy with my brother to watch Super Stock class runs. There were (if memory serves) 250 cars in SS. Class was an all day affair. I had since then made the drive from NC to Indy just to watch class for Stock and Super Stock then drive back home. I'll catch some flack for this but shoot away. When class wins got you in on Monday there were cars there in every class. The format of qualifying IMHO has hurt the car count "numbers don't lie". I have heard the complaint and see both sides of the story that " that odd ball low dollar car got in, and my $100k+ car got sent home. Remember what the U.S. Nationals was founded on class wins! I still love watching a 2300cc Ford, 265ci Chevy, 318ci Chrysler, or an inline six load the new stuff on the trailer. My brother runs SS/GT with a rather quick car but I am still fond of the odd, obscure class cars. Indy used to be a muscle car nuts dream, I hope the dream returns. As for qualifying, save the qualifying for the Pros. BTW I was lucky enough to go to Indy and help my brother with a super stocker in 2011 and 2012 and never watched a fuel car make a pass, they are as boring as watching grass grow. If the car counts of "class" cars gets lower I doubt NHRA will care. Sportsman are only fill in to keep some action between the Pro round circus that attracts the spectators that don't know a carburetor from a injector, but is there for noise, flash, and 300mph runs. I was not able to make Indy this year, but last two years were great. I know why people return each year to meet old friends and make new ones. I wish the best for the racers that have worked hard and spent hard earned $$ to be there. I hope NHRA appreciates the effort the sportsman participants have made to be there. The officials should appreciate someone like Jack that promotes NHRA. I wish the best for NHRA leadership and hope they take a look at who got them where they are. Don Jackson