Interesting Comments from David Rampy

[Bobby Fazio]

Originally Posted by SS/1230

That's exactly the kind of treatment that's been getting worse every year. It takes the fun out of it sometimes. I remember the days that we barely had enough room in the motorhome to put all the stuff that NHRA national events gave us. Anyone remember the blue Powerade coolers that were full of stuff? Or how the divsionals used to sponsor cookouts for the racers? I believe one year at Numedia when they used to have D-1 divisionals there, they had semi-pro wrestlers show up, after a crew of guys built a wrestling ring between the stands and the guardrail at the 330' just to entertain the racers. NONE of that stuff exists anymore.


- James Fontana
SS/STK 1230

Damn we missed out. Dad said he used to get oil, spark plugs, etc. when he ran the Keystones and Etown back in '90-91. We didn't race again until 2009. I'm hoping that since I read TV ratings and viewership went up so much this year that maybe just maybe more contingency sponsors might step in if NHRA doesn't fleece the **** out of them.

[69ss/rs]

That's why I stopped over 10 yrs ago. The fees where going up and at the national events they were starting to rushing you in an rushing you out. I can remember back in the mid to late 80's when you had to buy tickets in advance to go to Maple Grove points race, cause of the crowds. An yes I remember the first thing that you did when you got parked at a National event was to go to whatever oil company that was the sponsor, for your case of oil and go over to get your pack of spark plugs. You got 4, count them 4 time runs. The fees went up and the services went down. As a businessman I thought that if you are successful than you stick with what got you to that point, but you also have to be able to adapt to your changing environment or you won't be in business for long. This is something that NHRA needs to learn. Most of the young people I have talked to don't watch class racing, because they don't understand the rules and aren't willing to learn; when they can just go watch heads-up racing pretty much anywhere.

[SS/1230]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fazio

Damn we missed out. Dad said he used to get oil, spark plugs, etc. when he ran the Keystones and Etown back in '90-91. We didn't race again until 2009. I'm hoping that since I read TV ratings and viewership went up so much this year that maybe just maybe more contingency sponsors might step in if NHRA doesn't fleece the **** out of them.

Those were the days. I hope for our sake Bobby, that it improves, or NHRA is going to end up in the toilet.

- James Fontana
SS/STK 1230

[Mike Pearson]

Its sad to see our sport in decline. My observation is that the TV coverage is doing absolutely nothing to improve our sport. Back in the hey day of drag racing there was no TV coverage and the stands were packed full and there were lots of race cars both pro and sportsman. Now NHRA has decided to severely cut back on the number of sportsman entries at the nationals and pretty much do away with tech for the sportsman categories. All of these actions are for the TV coverage of the pros. The pro classes are almost dead now but the heads cant see that. I really don't see that the path is going in the right direction. I had some hope when Peter Clifford took over but we went from the frying pan to the fire with him. He doesn't have a clue.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

I had some hope when Peter Clifford took over but we went from the frying pan to the fire with him. He doesn't have a clue.

I met and spoke with him in Pomona last year. I made the comment then that"he is going to make Compton look good!". My thoughts on the subject haven't changed.

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

Its sad to see our sport in decline. My observation is that the TV coverage is doing absolutely nothing to improve our sport. Back in the hey day of drag racing there was no TV coverage and the stands were packed full and there were lots of race cars both pro and sportsman. Now NHRA has decided to severely cut back on the number of sportsman entries at the nationals and pretty much do away with tech for the sportsman categories. All of these actions are for the TV coverage of the pros. The pro classes are almost dead now but the heads cant see that. I really don't see that the path is going in the right direction. I had some hope when Peter Clifford took over but we went from the frying pan to the fire with him. He doesn't have a clue.

Interesting observations Mike, but its easy to see why NHRA has regressed...no board members or bean counters ever raced....they haven't a clue.....

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Bobby Fazio

Damn we missed out. Dad said he used to get oil, spark plugs, etc. when he ran the Keystones and Etown back in '90-91. We didn't race again until 2009. I'm hoping that since I read TV ratings and viewership went up so much this year that maybe just maybe more contingency sponsors might step in if NHRA doesn't fleece the **** out of them.

We used to get stuff like that at all national events. I used to use Penzoil, the rep (very nice gentleman) used to bring a case of oil by at every race. 24qt cases of oil. Free ACCEL spark plugs, and Fram filters. First day was making the rounds, loading up. Never asked, given to us.

[Jeff Niceswanger]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

We used to get stuff like that at all national events. I used to use Penzoil, the rep (very nice gentleman) used to bring a case of oil by at every race. 24qt cases of oil. Free ACCEL spark plugs, and Fram filters. First day was making the rounds, loading up. Never asked, given to us.

Ed . Remember the 3 "Participant" tee shirts that Eldebrock gave out for everyone of the racers ... I was just a kid hanging around with Terry Lynn ( he ran D-Gas Class), but those T's were cool

[farmco r/sa]

Thanks Fred for sharing the very candid interview with Mr Rampy.
Would not have seen it without this thread. Would like to make a comment
on the fact that is nice to feel appreciated. Much to be said
about that. While our home track is not perfect this past friday
we had our annual awards banquet in downtown Denver.
Very nice venue in downtown Denver and the Bandimere family
always works very hard to create a memorable night with lots of
pictures, video , and audio. Food was good and it was a very nice
evening. Kudos to the Magna fuels super gas racers who shared the "superman" award for their outstaning sportsmanship.
The Bandimere family and staff always thank the racers and family for their support. It seems like nearly every year the track and or facility gets
some kind of upgrade and is well maintained.


Thanks again to all the Bandimere and Crispe family's as well
as the staff. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

Ed . Remember the 3 "Participant" tee shirts that Eldebrock gave out for everyone of the racers ... I was just a kid hanging around with Terry Lynn ( he ran D-Gas Class), but those T's were cool

Yes sir. I had forgotten about those. Always ended up with 2 or 3 hats as well.