Interesting...Jon Asher on Pro Stock and Factory Stock

[Bernie Cunningham]

For many years now I have been saying that it's 'technology' that is killing all sorts of motorsports, not just NHRA Pro and Sportsman. I'm talking about any king of propelled vehicle all over the world.

Technology has transformed racing into a boring sport because the competition between racing apparatus has gotten too close and too predictable.

All forms of racing are affected, consider Formula One that has battled with this for decades with many, many ideas and changes trying to keep it exciting while affordable with unlimited budgets from the teams.

You only have to look at the bracket like consistency of a modern day Top Fuel car to see it, very boring.

[Rod Greene]

I remember the old days, back when Cloy or Farmer would bounce you for having the wrong trim on the car. Back when Tech meant something. I remember the private Top Fuel teams blowing up all the time and then the call would go out for Stock to the lanes. I remember a special lane for Record Setting attempts. I remember when we would make 6-8 passes in a day instead of sitting around BSing about the good old days and hoping to get a pass or maybe 2 if lucky. I remember when you could race AHRA,IHRA or NHRA and there were full fields of cars. AHRA died with Jim Tice, Billy Meyer killed IHRA and Greed is killing NHRA.
Pro Stock used to be entertaining with a great mix of all brands of cars. Then politics and corruption took over and it became a GM playground. NHRA will never change with the current Hierarchy in charge who are more interested in lining their own pockets and sucking the racers dry.
We need a revolution but you can't get 2 racers to agree on anything.

[SStockDart]

Farmer bounced me from the 1971 Nationals, because my 1969 roadrunner did not have side lights. Claimed I was cutting weight. Obviously, 68 Roadrunner had side lights, 69s have reflectors. I had the build sheet in the trailer and fixed the problem. Farmer was a piece of work and no arguing with him.

[randy wilson]

The fans ain't ever coming back. There's no home town heroes to follow. Factory Stock will do nothing to gain fans. Just the way it is.

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by randy wilson

The fans ain't ever coming back. There's no home town heroes to follow. Factory Stock will do nothing to gain fans. Just the way it is.

The paying fans are now watching grudge style heads up racing.

The "Lights Out" races that Donald Long puts on are a prime example of great marketing and event management.
When you have to close the gates because the place is too full, then you know you did a good job.

[SStockDart]

Originally Posted by Bernie Cunningham

For many years now I have been saying that it's 'technology' that is killing all sorts of motorsports, not just NHRA Pro and Sportsman. I'm talking about any king of propelled vehicle all over the world.

Technology has transformed racing into a boring sport because the competition between racing apparatus has gotten too close and too predictable.

All forms of racing are affected, consider Formula One that has battled with this for decades with many, many ideas and changes trying to keep it exciting while affordable with unlimited budgets from the teams.

And Bob Multry, I understand what you are saying...I get it. Again, the world has changed. Individually owned gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants, etc. Are nearly a think of the past. Replaced by National companies. The notion of sponsorship on a local level is really challenging.

You only have to look at the bracket like consistency of a modern day Top Fuel car to see it, very boring.

Bernie, for once I agree with you. Example being F1...ga-millions of dollars spent for a tenth on a 2 mile track. Or...half a million for a leased motor for pro stock...everything is out of hand. Another example is the pro basketball player that makes 40 million a year. It is stupid. The same player would play for much less if that was the going rate.....maybe half a million a year (how many of us would work for $500,000 a year)...the world has changed and we sportsman are no longer in favor for a number of reasons (factories no longer sell 69 Roadrunners).... so, if we desire to race, either accept the facts or do our own thing....whatever that might be.