Hi everyone. I'm new to the list but not to the sport. I grew up
attending the drags at tracks accessible from Philadelphia PA and
I `v been a Hot Rodder since the late 50's, I now live just outside
of Seattle WA., second only to Alaska as a racing back-water. I `v
seen the sport through it's many ups and downs and have been able to
enjoy it in virtually every part of the country. I've watched the
technology change and evolve and the nature of competition change
from exciting heads-up (genuine) Drag Racing to (in my humble
opinion) the dull hybrid called Bracket Racing. I fully understand
why bracket racing was developed but the idea of slowing down to win
is, well, just wrong headed in my mind. With the demise of heads up
drag racing I left the sport and got involved in oval track racing
and even hydro's for some years. However two things have brought me
back....somewhat. I've been to the last three NHRA National's events
at Seattle International Raceway, now Pacific Raceway, and I began
attending the Nostalgia events when they where held. I started going
to the National's events because I just had to see with my own eyes,
and experience in person, a car doing 300+ in under 5 seconds. I was
NOT disappointed.
This year the GoodGuys will be holding one of there Nostalgia
races (there first here) and me and my 53 Merc will be attending.
I've even tried liking Bracket Racing again but it still seems to
lack the fire, the excitement, of genuine Drag Racing so I'll
confine my self to the real thing. I don't mean to offend or malign
those good folks who work hard at there sport of Bracket Racing but
I don't think it's been all that good for the sport. I've tried to
explain it and how it operates to others and they often look at me
blankly. Drag Racing, however, is simple...first one to the end
wins. I look back at weekend races that where exciting and well
attended and it seems to me that with the rise of Bracket Racing the
fire went out, the real excitement got lost. For me the end happed
shortly after Bracket Racing began when I saw winners with brake
lights on slowing down to win. That was it, it was off to the Sprint
Cars for me. I even take exception with those who call Bracket
Racing Drag Racing, it's not, it's Bracket Racing. Drag Racing is
heads up who ever gets to the end first wins......period.
I'm very pleased to see real drag racing making a come back. Maybe
we can fill the drag strips again and put some life back into
weekend drags, if that happened I'd go more than a few times a year.
We'll, enough from this old curmudgeon, I have a C-4 to get
intimate with and spendin' time with you lunkheads ain't gettin' it
done so keep your wheels down.


Regards to all