NHRA are you watching?

[Randall Klein]

I've always felt the "pull" of NHRA racing was:

the unique WALLY
the INK in Dragster
the tension of TEAR DOWN and "fear" of NHRA tech

Wally's are somewhat of a dime a dozen the last 10-15 years (watered down)
INK in Dragster is GONE (I don't even read mine anymore)
TECH has been watered down

Raise prize money? There is a level that is still a "slap in the face" to racers balanced by an amount NHRA would never pay.

I believe NHRA could increase participation by CUTTING purse and increasing the EGO component that most racers crave: a redesign and unique WALLY (crystal?) LIMITED to S SS only, and increasing S SS INK in dragster, the way it was and more if they had any imagination. If Sports Illustrated can make targeted issues, couldn't NHRA offer a S SS (Sportsman issue): winners on the cover and increased round by round coverage? Current Top 10 (20-25) points leaders get preferred parking, drive right in.

There are other low cost perks that would appeal to S SS racers, most class racers are spending descretionary play money after years of successful income....money is not the driver....perks....recognition....peer acknowledgement and on and on

Takes thinking outside the box and bold leadership. Arguing about money is a waste of time.

I have 3 winnings checks I never cashed. Two I never went to tower. One is pasted above my desk at work ($100 for Rd 5 in a 96 car NHRA combo in 2003) all a slap in the face for effort expended. My 29 Wally's are a sense of pride although diminishing.
My 2 SS D5 Champion trophies are nice, more golden and larger....but 'eh

My rant after digging out of 15" snow