[Doug Hoven]

Every time I see the posts on facebook with the stands packed at a national event, with some big name NHRA supporter saying something along the lines of "Drag racing is not dying, so on and so forth" While I'm not going around saying the "sky is falling," it is obvious that drag racing on a sportsman level is dying a slow death. National events will always bring spectators. However, even in the few years I've been running stock eliminator, the attendance has been dropping every year. Part of the issue I think is scheduling. There are some races that just make no logistical sense for racers to attend, such as the Epping divisional race right before Indy. But, I can say that there was a sizeable crowd at NED this past summer due to their Night of Thrills type show being held Saturday night. It sucks to say, but it seems like to get people to a division race, there almost has to be another attraction that weekend other than just the regular racing. While quite a few of my peers from high school are interested in cars/racing, the appeal of stock eliminator, or almost any sportsman category, is not there. While I don't know precisely why, I can say that the rise in used/classic car prices definitely hasn't helped. Billy and I, well mainly Billy, has proven time and time again that you can go racing for peanuts, but to face facts, it takes a special person to want to race a rusty, brown cavalier. I know it's easier said than done, but maybe there needs to be more "old timers" letting "punk kids" race their cars from time to time.