Mark Lyle NHRA chief starter

Ken Miele · 09-02-2013, 02:48 PM

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.

09-02-2013, 02:48 PM	#5
Ken Miele Live Reporter Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 4,860 Likes: 456 Liked 16,540 Times in 1,521 Posts	Re: Mark Lyle NHRA chief starter 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.