Big Wow, news from Ford??

[Alan Roehrich]

Wonder if this is connected with NASCAR leaving ESPN, and the NHRA ratings dropping to the basement. Not to mention NHRA pays ESPN for everything.

[Bruce Noland]

The Ford folks should come out and put this baby to sleep if any or all of it is untrue. I've seen a few of them on this site. Might be a good time for one of them to speak up rather than speaking through surrogates and allowing this story to wonder around the Internet.

[Ken Miele]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

The Ford folks should come out and put this baby to sleep if any or all of it is untrue. I've seen a few of them on this site. Might be a good time for one of them to speak up rather than speaking through surrogates and allowing this story to wonder around the Internet.

You have formed an opinion by asking Ford to make the reply and not ask Burk to name his source? I would think the fair thing to do is give Ford the benefit of the doubt. After all in this country we are presumed innocent until the proven guilty..... but then again this is the net, so we are guilty first.

If some facts come out that prove me wrong, then you can say I told you so. Until then I will not take one mans word for the demise of factory support from Ford Racing.

[Bill Koski]

This wouldn't be burk's first trip to deep left-field!

[tim worner]

Thanks Kenny, now I only have 10 days left.

[Rob Petrie E395]

Originally Posted by Bill Koski

This wouldn't be burk's first trip to deep left-field!

X2!! I like DRO and Mr Burk and look at his site regularly. But he does get it wrong sometimes. I hope its BS myself. I am a die hard GM guy but what the big 3 are doing is good for the sport.

[Comp 798]

Official Statement from Ford Motor Company:

“Ford is not getting out of drag racing. We are fully committed to continue our support of grassroots sportsman drag racing with our Mustang Cobra Jet, parts support and contingency programs. Enthusiasts and production-based racing is at the heart of what we do.”

“We have, however, made a business decision to conclude our team sponsorships and support in the NHRA Mello Yello Series at the end of the 2014 season. This decision was based on an ongoing assessment of our motorsport programs’ effectiveness and the strategic alignment with our company objectives globally.”

Makes sense!

from http://www.dragzine.com/news/ford-to...ng-2014-season

[Ed Carpenter]

http://www.dragzine.com/news/ford-to...ng-2014-season

[Greg Hill]

When you make your living selling the Focus, Fusion, Taurus , SUV's and trucks why you would spend a bunch of money on drag racing. Especially John Force.

[RJDUDEK]

Its either a hobby... or a Professional Endeavor to make a profit from an investment.

IMO, the line has never been more blurred.

NHRA has to make up its mind towards their future marketing plans .. and as to the Auto mfrs.' factory involvement .
I.E., The presentation of NHRA style Pro Drag racing.. as a affordable family day/weekend,that makes the attendee/fan to consider purchasing/leasing the current offerings and products of the participating Mfrs. and vendors. You know..win on Sunday.......Sign on Monday.

The fans and their families have had their limited entertainment $$ being bombarded 24/7 by every product and service imaginable ..and the automotive related sponsors must know that..
Also , I would say that 18-34 YO males(and females) are NOT taking out 5 yr. books on Current 35 grand 12 sec.muscle cars..in droves. THE demographic that companies most covet , too.

THE factory pro (& sportsman) supported racers must have a tough experience when one must explain how well they will represent /expose their product(s) ..as NHRA often presents half (once unheard of) empty stands... ( One of a handful of Exceptions : NE Drag-way 2013 ) during qualf. and sometime eliminations..so that's a hard nut to sell..going forward. Throw in some less than full 16 ProStock / Fuel car counts, .uneven ESPN start times..and National Broadcast ratings that are far from a selling point. The final say bean counter would say.. "Why Bother?."

I would not be surprised at all..a major cut in funding for the Professional contractual sanctioned racing endeavor that prove to be a "drag" on the bottom line,.... and special sportsman projects (CJ's - COPO- DRAGPACK's etc.) that are for most part , stunning showcases (ringers?) of technologically advanced (sold out) super-car engineering ..but not affordable for 95% of current or prospective (new) class racers or ?.