Mark Lyle NHRA chief starter

[Jim D'Amore]

After starting line traction problem at Englishtown, I had spoke to Mark and he said that they were going to start prepping the track for the sportsman racers, mainly stock and super stock. I will tell you he was not kidding ! I have been at four national evens sense Englishtown and all I seen is a sea of yellow shirt keeping after the starting line. As most of you know I help a good friend of mine out, Don Fezell with his 08 Cobra Jet stick. Don's combination is probably one of the hardest to get off the starting line. Sense Englishtown Don's has been getting the best 60ft's he has ever had. I miss the set up on Don's car the first couple of runs at Indy. I was expecting the car not to work at the tracks high temperatures, and man was I wrong.
I want to give a big thanks to Mark Lyle and his starting line crew for giving us the best starting line they could possible give us.

Jim D'Amore
JDM Engineering

[Kevin Panzino]

Good to hear this, and its good of you to mention the improvement. Often times many folks are quick to complain, not not so quick to give props when a change is made.

After all the childish behavior at Englishtown, I give NHRA credit for working to improve the situation instead of digging their heels in and treating us the way they were treated there. That could have easily gone the other way with what happened, and I'm glad NHRA realizes the temper tantrums of some folks are not representative of the class of this fine group of class racers.

[Jeff Lee]

I heard a rumor that Tom Compton was at Indy shaking hands with Sportsman racers and thanking them for being there? Anybody that can confirm that?
I'd like to believe it as it may signify NHRA realizes there are problems and they are trying to alleviate those problems.

[Steve Williams]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

I heard a rumor that Tom Compton was at Indy shaking hands with Sportsman racers and thanking them for being there? Anybody that can confirm that?
I'd like to believe it as it may signify NHRA realizes there are problems and they are trying to alleviate those problems.

It is true.

[Ken Miele]

Jim is right on, the track temps were high, but Mark and his crew were on it, constantly prepping the track. I would say after every 4 or 5 pairs they were out there making sure the track was in great shape.

In my class final there was a oil down at the top end, so the shut us down in the burn out box. They pushed us back and while the clean up was going on one of the start line crew offered me a bottle of water, I'm sure they did the same for the other driver. They starting line crew were polite and apologized for the delay. I don't know the name of the starting line crew that put us through the water, but every time I made a run he put me exactly were I needed to be, professional and friendly they were all, I couldn't ask for more.

Jeff, I did not make the dinner but I did here Tom Compton speak to the sprotmans racers, they piped it through the radio for all to here. I was very impressed with what he had to say. Not being a big fan on they way Tom Comptom has run NHRA, I'm hopeful that this new direction will give sportsman a better place to race. Tom Compton said NHRA lost their focus on the sportsman. He said the sportsman are big part of NHRA and changes are coming to make NHRA a better place for us.

I also heard he was talking and shaking hands with the sportsman racers. Its a positive step in my opinion and I think he was sincere also.

Although my experience at Indy did not turn out so well, the tech department was courteous and professional. At no time did I think they were unfair or unprofessional.

I also can not leave out the parking crew, as always they did a great job. You know parking is a stressful thing when we get to the track, but Red, Wallace and the whole crew always seem to work with everyone.

I know to some it may sound like I'm sucking up to NHRA, but I can tell that I can see a difference and I have a good feeling about the future.

Jim, sorry to go a little off topic, but I thought I would mention the rest of the NHRA officials, as I think its part of something good for all of us.

[Marty Buth]

Jeff,

It is true, Tom Compton greeted sportsman racers with a hand shake and a warm welcome to the sportsman appreciation dinner at Indy. He spoke to the group and admitted that sportsman racing was the beginning and foundation of NHRA and that NHRA had "lost it's focus". He is definitly talking the talk, now we need to see if they can walk the walk. Actions speak much louder than words.

[Kevin Panzino]

Absolutely outstanding. So happy to hear this.

[Jeff Lee]

I'm glad to hear this. I flew in and was a spectator to the inaugural Top Stock race in OH. I was impressed that Bill Baeder (sp?) shook hands with the TS racers and he made sure he met me as I came in all the way from AZ just for this race. Considering I had been racing at Firebird AZ for about 20 years at the time and had never met the owner (Charlie Allan), much less seen him, I was impressed.
So I hope this is a new leaf for NHRA and yes, actions speak louder than words!

[boster]

I would agree the track was great at Indy, Mark Lyle seems to really care about the track conditions. He made a great impression on me at the Epping National event . Jeff NHRA upper management could learn a lot from the Baders. I enjoy the Factory showdown. Even though my car broke , looking forward to the next one.

[Carguy49]

I have never met Mark personally, but have heard many comments about the way he works the starting line. He was congratulated by Div. 6 racers on his new job, but was told he would be missed here in the Northwest. Seems he can help make the races better for the "little" guy. Kudos to Mark and his crew.

Originally Posted by Marty Buth

Jeff,

It is true, Tom Compton greeted sportsman racers with a hand shake and a warm welcome to the sportsman appreciation dinner at Indy. He spoke to the group and admitted that sportsman racing was the beginning and foundation of NHRA and that NHRA had "lost it's focus". He is definitly talking the talk, now we need to see if they can walk the walk. Actions speak much louder than words.

I hope this is more than lip service from Tom Compton. It is about time that NHRA started to realize that the sportsman racers are VERY MUCH needed at each race. I, for one, don't get excited to watch the national events anymore. It is all about the traveling circus and not the stories behind the racing. Yes, there were some good interviews from the U.S. Nationals, especially Alan Johnson. I was waiting for some coverage of the Hemi showdown and the Factory Stock shootout (or did I miss it). Maybe they will be included in the sportsman coverage whenever that is shown. With 11 hours of coverage between 2 days they could have, at least, mentioned the winners.
NHRA has a real chance for growth and I hope they use it. The sportsman racers need more than lip service, how about some real interest in what it takes to go from race to race? How about more coverage on T.V. than just a sportsman show that covers the Alcohol cars and the finals in all the other classes??????