What has happened to the Pro Car Counts?

[Bret Kepner]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

Bret, a quick question for you. Do you think that a quarter of the Pros have slipped quietly away?

From everything I've heard, there will be an honest sixteen teams in each class touring for the entire series so things are fine for 2012.

My personal opinion? The NHRA needs no more than sixteen...or for that matter, about twelve...cars per class to present the show within the required time frame. Based on the propensity for oildowns and the resulting down time, twenty cars in a class is almost too many nowadays. They're shooting for a two-hour qualifying show (per session) and research proves that's about as long as folks will stay if they're entertained. Eliminations can be no longer than five hours since most fans will leave before that period elapses. (We've all seen the modern-day trend of spectators leaving before the final rounds on Sunday afternoon).

There's a reason all other eliminators are down to eight cars on Sunday, kids.