[Dwight Southerland]

Maybe the perception here is too harsh and undeserving. It seems that the museum was started to honor the history of NHRA and the work of Wally Parks, which is a good thing. Also, none of the revenue is given to NHRA. In fact, it seems that while "NHRA" is in the name of the organization, they are not the "owners". It is a separate, stand alone entity whose purpose is to support and preserve the museum. The latest financial reports shows a salary compensation of only $48K, which is more than reasonable for the amount of work it would take to manage the operations for a whole year. The original organization papers were signed by Cary Menard, and that speaks very positively to me. While I am not encouraging anyone to donate, I do not think the museum deserves to be vilified as a money-sucking ploy of the NHRA. If you have ever been there, it is an honorable representation of the history of NHRA drag racing and of the efforts of Wally Parks and the many men who worked to build the sport.