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IHRA responds to Asher

Mr. Asher certainly has a lot of answers...unfortunately he has no idea what the questions are. When I read his column "More Suggestions That Will Go Unheeded" I agreed with a certain portion...that we have to continue to work hard to get the media to stand up and take notice about drag racing. However, when he pontificated about IHRA's media effort I could not let his inaccuracy go unchecked.

He stated "there's no excuse for their lack of media efforts" when talking about IHRA. He then went on to say how we should be all over Clear Channel's media outlets. If Mr. Asher had the facts I doubt he would continue to perpetuate that myth. Clear Channel Entertainment is the parent company, and Clear Channel Motorsports is a division of that company for the time being. They are seperate entities and under no obligation to give free plugs and/or advertising to IHRA. Look at it this way, would we at IHRA be making public address announcements or publish something in Drag Review about a Bruce Springsteen concert that is being put on in a Clear Channel venue? The television and radio stations at Clear Channel operate with an entirely different revenue stream than the motorsports division.

Mr. Asher himself, after slamming the IHRA media effort, went on to say "It would appear that someone in Norwalk has either failed to get the message across to the corporate leadership, or they're just not interested in promoting one of their own properties." So what is it, is it the media effort or Clear Channel? And Asher also said when the Monster Truck Series comes to town "the local media is flooded with information and advertising, most of it without cost because it's appearing on Clear Channel-owned properties." This is false. All those spots and commercials are paid for. Mr. Asher made assumptions and based his arguments on them. And his assumptions were wrong. If I worked for McDonalds could I go to any other McDonalds and eat for free? Just because Clear Channel ownes radio and television stations does not mean other Clear Channel properties can use them as a free message board. Next time, Asher should do his homework and make sure what he is putting out there for everyone to read is based on fact...not what he assumes. That is irresponsible.

Finally, we at IHRA are working very hard to increase the awareness of IHRA Drag Racing across the country. There is a solid media plan in place that we will follow through on. I look forward to bringing the public (and media) awareness to a level not seen previously. After reading Asher's "information" on your website I was under the impression that I have been sitting around the office twiddling my thumbs. If he wants to think that, more power to him. But, I think you know much better than that. - Michael Perry - IHRA Director of Communications

More on Asher's Media Commentary

Good article in the attempt to compare NASCAR with NHRA drag racing.
Growth seemed to be the measure of success in the evaluation of either
racing sanctioning body becoming all they could be. Okay, that is one
way to measure success, however in my opinion, more growth and more
money flowing into the NHRA would tend to cheapen drag racing, just as
it has cheapened NASCAR. I do not believe drag racing was ever meant
for the masses. There has always been an intimacy about the sport that
seems better suited in the margins of a society than in the over hyped
world of celebrity and high dollar politically correct and fear driven
world of NASCAR.

Look what the dollar has done to NHRA. Yes there has
been some improvements in down time due to oil down clean ups and the
pace of the show seems to be better managed. But it seems to me to have
come at a high cost. That cost is the virtual elimination of the little
guy nitro racer. For me, I really liked the local guys battling it out
on the weekends when the NHRA road show came to town. Now, the little
guy might come out, but usually there is just one team and they are so
under financed compared to the big boys, well, it really isn't a very
good match up.

Times change, sure. But I don't think the creation of an
elite group of nitro racers is a successful road to pursue. Rather, I
think a move towards cultivating ways in which more teams can
participate in the fuel ranks (even on a part time level) would be a
better measure of success and would serve to nourish the intimate
culture of this great sport for future generations to enjoy. - cruxseattle@mac.com

Just finished reading your article,"Drag racing has a media problem". Many truths were spoken in the article. Drag racing needs to promote their sport every chance they have, telling the public to come buy a ticket that includes a "pit pass". As an avid drag racer for many years, I can tell you the spectators do not like or understand "ET" racing. When ever there is a "Heads Up" event the stands are usually full. I do not understand why track operators and race promoters do catch on to this. I hope drag racing will turn around, better for evetyone involved. - elephant50@cyberlodge.com

How right you are. GREAT article. I'm just a fan, and go the the drags when
ever I can, unless you watch NHRA Today, or TiVo the races, you have no idea what's going on as a fan. I only live 35 miles from NE dragway, but hardly
EVER hear anything about it. I get more from your articles about it from
your site, than I do from the local media. Keep up the good work, you are
appreciated! - Wm Robinson

I agree with you 100%. Here in Sacramento we get virtually no TV coverage of local drag races and the only radio or TV we get anytime is when the Nationals are at Sonoma. The burden is put on the track owners and even thought the guy who owns Sac. Raceway has enough money to do a little advertising, he has a drop in the bucket compared to NHRA. I still don't understand how the people at NHRA can justify their half million dollar salaries when attendance at most races this year are down and TV right have gone to ESPN2. Hopefully Bruton Smith will buy the NHRA and give the boot to the upper management for doing a poor job in my opinion. - Kurt.Carlson@rippey.com

For the record KNX can be and is heard in Tucson, AZ. Your assessment of the lack of media and why is dead on. - alcoloman@raytheon.com

Amen to your story about the media and NHRA. My husband and I are big NHRA supporters and feel that the sport has a lot to offer both sponsors and fans. However, we rarely see it being promoted anywhere. I was hooked after my 1st race and feel that many others would be too but they have to know about it first. Powerade and the NHRA could do much more to promote the sport. We cannot figure out why they don't. - Roxanne Lindholm

I must comment on your excellent editorial. I have just completed my second year of pro class competition in the IHRA. In 2004 I competed in the Pro Mod class. In 2005, I competed in Funny Car ,finishing 4th. I have no sponsors at this time. It certainly is not because I have not tried. I have a professionally prepared marketing package that has been provided to over 100 potential sponsors. Of course, I'm not blaming IHRA completely. However, your article points to the exact problem. I know what it costs to have a bumper sticker size decal on a NASCAR car.

For what it costs for that, I could provide major exposure with money left to run my program for two years. I realize that sponsorship involves much more than just a decal.

However, without media support from the sanctioning body, it's very difficult to convince a potential sponsor that their dollars will translate in to an investment. How long can the sport sustain itself at this level? In my class, there are less than 10 teams that have the ability to compete at all National events. It's a viscous cycle of course. I mean that without the media hype, how do fans even know about us? Therefore, how can we convince a sponsor to step up to the plate.

Every discussion I have with a potential sponsor explains the excellent one on one contact we have with the fans. This, I feel , is our most valuable selling point. Anyway, you have hit the nail square on the head. If our sport is to thrive and not just survive, then something needs to change in a huge way. IHRA really has no excuse with their association with Clear Channel. The insight that you have provided in this article is astounding and I commend you for it. Now where do we go from here? I'm afraid it's in the hands of the sanctioning bodies. - Thomas B. Carter

Does drag racing cater to the African-American community?

Im responding to your article about NHRA and IHRA and there lack to make the sport grow. I think the idea of NHRA or IHRA to promote there sport is in non existence. There are so many ways to take this mainstream that it has to be there plan to keep the sport as small as it is. The NHRA has one spokes person for the entire sport(and we all are getting tired of hearing John talk about his"ole heap going down the track")do an interview with someone else do any other drivers or teams have an opinion.

Give us something different talk to a sportsman driver. Why arent Brandon Bernstein and Larry Dixon not made to be the spokemen as Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart? There are so many small things that the NHRA could do to really make the sport grow.

The NHRA has a race in Febuary which is Black History Month why not have a high profile Black person as the Grand Marshall, invite the NAACP,the NATL.BLACK CACUS and give them Top Elimintator tickets, doing this you could send a message about your sport and the press coverage would be spectacular. I know this would never happen{last Febuary I sent an email to the editors of Natl. Dragster and asked why did they ignore Black History Month when there are so many Black fans of Drag Racing, they ignored my email as well as Black History Month)but it would really be nice to see. I was really pleased to see that I am not alone in my thoughts of why my sport is going down hill. I think they really need younger more aggresive people running the entire operation. Thaks for the article and keep up the good work. You are the only place to go for the TRUTH of DRAG RACING - S A Tanks

Loving Clay's Blog

I'm surprised he knows how to type!!! Just kidding. Sorry I missed PRI this year, and seeing him too. Always enjoy catching up with him. I'll look forward to seeing more blogs in the future, I can't imagine life being dull if Clay's around! - Kim Lange

George Klass is dead-on

The latest "By George Money is the Root of All Evil" is dead-on. However, I bet he takes a lot of grief for pointing out the obvious...again. - Tom Worthington.

A member of the Media Speaks

As a member of the racing media, I’d like to comment on the recent column about NHRA media coverage.

No, the NHRA doesn’t get as much media coverage as NASCAR, but it isn’t from a lack of effort from the NHRA’s Communications Department or from the team media representatives.

I am the motorsports writer at The Greeneville Sun, a mid-sized daily paper in East Tennessee and cover everything at Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway and also cover the national event each year at Atlanta Dragway.

The difference between NHRA and NASCAR is night and day as to how they treat “local” media. If you aren’t network television or one of the major papers that covers NASCAR on a weekly basis, the series, most of the drivers and many of their teams reps come across with the attitude that they wish you would just go away.

On the other hand, Anthony Vestal, his staff at NHRA and every team media representative are the most accommodating group of people I have ever worked with. There are no better people in my eyes than Judy Stropus and Chris Dirato that handle the Schumacher teams. Gabrielle Stevenson, Ted Yerzyk, Todd Myers, Micky Schultz, Dave Densmore... the list goes on.

It’s not just the team reps. The drivers couldn’t be any more easy to work with. Legends of the sport — Don Prudohomme, John Force, Kenny Bernstein, again, the list goes on — have always treated me like I was a long-lost friend. I’ve had drivers remember specific interviews and stories I did with them from two or three years ago.

Trying to get something from NASCAR is like pulling teeth, and if you do get it, it’s made very clear it is an imposition for them to have to stoop to the local media. In many cases, if some third-tier driver has a couple of top 10 finishes to his credit, his ego is so big they can’t be bothered by questions.

I’m not making a sweeping condemnation of NASCAR, the teams or the drivers. Many of the NASCAR drivers, especially the older ones that are now moving on, are as great to work with as anyone in NHRA.

But from the point of view of someone who deals with it every day, don’t blame the NHRA’s lack of media coverage on a lack of effort. - Joe Byrd
The Greeneville Sun

The other side of the media fence

Jon Asher wrote, "This isn’t just an NHRA problem. The IHRA is just as guilty, and considering that they’re a Clear Channel property (at least for the present), there’s no excuse for their lack of media efforts. Clear Channel’s media outlets, including radio, television and newspapers, numbers in the four figure area, so getting the word out about IHRA Hooters drag racing should be no more difficult than sending out an internal memo directing those outlets to run everything provided. No drag racing sanctioning body could afford to buy the kind of exposure Clear Channel should be providing gratis, but it would appear that someone inn Norwalk has either failed to get this message across to the corporate leadership, or they’re just not interested in promoting one of their own properties."


AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAmen! Y'know, I didn't think of it just now, but every single Monday, there oughta be somebody supplying a Clear Channel motorsports update to all its radio stations, at the very least. Can you imagine the inroads IHRA could make in some of its markets if John Boy & Billy had an update from every IHRA race the morning after? - Thomas Pope, Fayetteville Observer Times

Disagrees with Asher

That's a well-written and interesting theory about the failure of drag racing in general, and NHRA in particular, to mirror NASCAR's success in the marketplace of American motorsports, but I feel it's seriously flawed in one important aspect. It fails to address the REAL reason that organized drag racing has not and will not achieve the kind of popularity among the general population that NASCAR racing has, and it has nothing to do with advertising or "P.R."

For reasons basic to the two distinctly different kinds of racing, there will never be the mass appeal for drag racing that circle-track racing enjoys. It's a victim of its own excellence, and let me explain just what I mean by that.

To understand the concept of the appeal that spectator sports has for the "mass market", or average fan, you need look no farther than the phenomenon of what happens to attendance at stick-and-ball sports events when a team has a really good season and is all but unbeatable. Their fans FLOCK to see them, in huge numbers, waving "We're #1" signs and shaking their fists in the air, BECAUSE they identify with the "home team" and it gives their egos a lift when their guys win. It makes them feel like winners, themselves... some sort of psychological transferrence at work there.

This phenomenon is obvious when watching the close-up of the faces of fans in crucial playoff games, or the Super Bowl final game... those fans want to WIN, along with their team.

NASCAR drivers have their fans, too, and I see the evidence of it on bumper stickers in profusion, down south here in Arkansas...

These race fans want to identify with a WINNER, so they can feel good about themselves.

Now, how many winners does the Daytona 500 have each year? One

How many winners does the NASCAR series that used to be the WINSTON CUP have? One

Hmmmmmm....

How many winners does the NHRA U.S. Nationals have (excluding the Sportsmen)? Well, there's one in Top Fuel, one in Funny Car, one in Pro Stock, and one in Pro Stock Motorcycle... Which winner do you want to identify with to boost your ego? Can the average fan remember all those names? Everybody knows that Dale Earnhardt drives a NASCAR Stock car. In drag racing, the possibilities are much more complicated than that.

Ditto, the National Champions in the points race.

NASCAR fans have a maximum of TWO people to cheer for and identify with, if they want to feel like a "winner" after the season is over. The same situation at the end of the NHRA season has EIGHT possibilities.

That is part of the problem.

Another part is the driver situation. Let me explain what I mean by that.

It is obvious to me after watching drag cars go down the strip for literally fifty years, that if you give a halfway decent driver in a drag race, a superior car, he's going to win most of the time. In a NASCAR race, you can put a superior driver in a mediocre car, and he may well win the race on his driving skill. Put the best driver in the world in a mediocre car in a drag race and he's going to have his head handed to him on a platter in the first round.

NASCAR racing is a driver's race.

Drag racing is a mechanic's race... it's that simple.

Given that, in order to understand the vagaries of Sportsman racing, which takes up the great majority of track time, you have to be smart, pay attention, and have a near-comprehensive understanding of the rules to appreciate handicap racing, breakouts, dial-ins, red-light starts, and active throttle stops (no, he didn't "break; " it just LOOKED like he did.)

A five-year-old child can understand NASCAR racing.. the first car to the finish line wins, and all the cars are alike. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Drag racing requires a lot of education, and intelligence to understand all the reasons why there are so many classes (and FOUR "PRO" categories/winners,) when a NASCAR race has only one.

A low-grade moron can understand NASCAR racing, to the extent that it will be obvious who the winner is... and that there is only ONE "winner."

There are a lot more "intellectually-challeneged" people out there than there are smart ones...

THAT is why NASCAR racing is, and will always be, the success (compared with drag racing) it is. It's EASY to understand.

As I said; drag racing is a victim of its own excellence... so many classes, rules, and "winners"...

In short, it requires a lot of its fans in terms of understanding, to appreciate it for what it is.

Watching and understanding NASCAR racing requires next to nothing...

Given the foregoing, I am happy that NHRA has come as far as it has. I'm not sure that things would be any better for the average racer if NHRA actualy DID achieve the popularity of NASCAR. In fact, I don't think the average racer today is as well off as he was in 1965. Everything has gone up but the payouts... But, that's another story. - Bill Dedman

Jon is on the mark

Jon is absolutely on target!

Keep up the good work. - Fred Simmonds

From a fan's viewpoint

I have just read your acticle on drag racing media problem. Very good acticle, and it was the most truth that I have ever read. You are so right, these people have to come out from under the rock and they are so far behind. They think they are first. And also they couldn't run a Financial Company, when you have sportsman paying to enter a race at $260 per car or truck, you would think they would want all they could get, instead they drop classes. I can't understand limiting them to x amount of cars. These people must make too much money. Why don't they start qualifying at these national events and then go down to a 94 car field and the rest go home. That will start the racers also spent more money on there cars and better show for the public. Sorry this got off track of your story, but you guys tell the truth. Keep up the good work. I am always enjoying your articles - Brian Oakes

Still can't take the ricers

I am about as old school as you can get. Had a 69 Camaro which ran 12.80's with a mild small block and 10.80's with a stout big block. This was back in the 70's. Sold the car when I got married and had 2 sons. I watch the NHRA and IHRA shows and fast forward till I get to the Pro Stock parts which turn me on. I know where patron@cuyahoga.lib.oh.us is coming from. But with that said, my sons are not into these kinds of cars. They watch with me when they are around, but when they get the chance they watch what he calls "ricers". My oldest son has a very nice STI (Or it was until he hit an armadillo on I-40 near Memphis.) and I can tell you that car would give my small block Camaro a run for its money! And that was with absolutey nothing done to it! And it goes around corners too!

I myself believe that the new cars like the EVO's and STI's are what the youth of America are going to be driving and if what they say is true. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday, then patron@cuyahoga.liboh.us better get ready. - Steve Prado

Who? Us?

Hey, why don't you work something out to build the car for a heads up bracket car and challenge other racing medias to build one. You should grudge races at certain events, maybe not national ones, but have fun. I went to a two year college,and we bought a 69 Camaro. Now we race it against other schools,and at local tracks. Think about it.- Waxman1320@aol.com

We like your thinking but the thought of our publisher Bobby Bennett gives us nightmares like Roy Hill running Top Sportsman during the 1989 IHRA Spring Nationals. We'll probably be able to stage the car with the smoke. - Editor

Cannonball rules

He's the man....plain and simple....he was always cool when I watched him race promod...he's still one of my all time favorite drivers...this just makes it better....he was always a nice guy when I watched him....he was always awesome to his spectators. - Syborgg86@aol.com

Nice to see some ink on Scotty Cannon. He is my favorite driver of all time and does not get much press. Any chance of getting more info on what he is planning? I saw the new deal with Evan Knoll and am looking forward to seeing him on the track again soon. - tim@michaeldburnsco.com

Tim, Scotty will be running the entire IHRA Torco Pro Modified tour in 2006. - Editor

Clay is cool

I think this is a great blog to have at your site. I enjoyed reading about lay and his PRI weekend. Sounded like lots of fun and very entertaining in more way than one. LOL. Clay, if you happen to read this. Thanks my friend. :)
Clay Millicans #1 fan in Michigan - Dawn Snarski

Johnson isn't the only one that needs checking

Jon, after reading your season in review Part 2, I was a little
disappointed you did not quote Greg's disparaging remark about Warren at
the NHRA Banquet. I have never been the biggest Greg Anderson fan and have felt more than once he was more arrogant than he needed to be.

I have also felt Anderson's performance advantage over the last couple of
years warranted some scrutiny as has Alan Johnson/Tony Schumacher's. - Devin R. Cline

The Media needs to play nice, too

"Why can’t members of different papers and magazines and web sites co-operate more with each to build up the overall sport of drag racing as opposed to going out of their way to tear down the others in order to make themselves look bigger?"

Roger Richards, you are so right.

Here in Europe we have a pretty close network amongst the bigger European web sites. We work very hard to help one another out and to maintain good relations. A couple of examples:

1) A few years ago the biggest Swedish web site had a major server crash and faced being off-line for an extended period. Several other web sites leapt to help, either providing alternative server space or making sure that everyone knew where the site had been temporarily relocated to.

2) Every year Eurodragster.com goes to the biggest race in Scandinavia and covers it live so that the local web guys can have the time to enjoy their own event. Then the Scandinavian guys come to the UK and help us with our own event coverage.

But even on this side of the Pond it happens: I personally have had to deal with web sites over here briefing against, or just plain lying about, Eurodragster.com to racers, or trying to blackmail racers into sending their news releases to them and not us. Now, if the sport is not big enough in the USA to support several unconnected web sites working against each other then it certainly is nowhere big enough in Europe. We'll keep on pluggin' at it, though...

Keep up the great work- Tog

V-6 Still Isn't Cool

This is absurd. First off, 99% of all people who watch or follow Pro Stock
think of v-6 foreign jobs as pure and utter garbage. Second, two sets of
rules?! okay then, if ya wanna go that route, it shouldn't just be like this
in IHRA, how bout doing it in IHRA AND NHRA? how bout taking the PRO RWD class of sport compact and throwing in some 500 cube'd cars with
nitromethane to run? How's that sound?

Second, the sport compact "fans"just aren't there, if youre trying to increase profiting from pro stock, this ain't the way to do it, you'll lose 5 old school fans for every NOPI fan you gain (that's IF you want to call them that, most of the "fans" of these cars could care less about the racing aspect of it, they just want to be like the punks in the Fast and the Furious). they call these cars the
future of drag racing.

Please, the crowds at these events are often nonexistent, anyone looking into the FUTURE of drag racing better invest in v-8 powered cars. Ricer fans don't care about sport compact teams, they drive around their crappy upper 16 second STI's and EVO's and tell everyone "I ran a 12.8-13.5 with this car", completely oblivious of what it could really do, due to the fact that most of them have NEVER BEEN TO A DRAG STRIP BEFORE! if you want to increase profits of pro stock, there are things you could do. make the cars lighter, make the motors EVEN BIGGER(lol, 1000 ci, wouldnt that be sweet?), make the winnings bigger, PUSH your product more, I don't see many advertising for Pro Stock at all.

Sitting in front of us is potentially the BIGGEST mistake IHRA will ever
make, and WILL be the downfall of Pro Stock, and maybe IHRA. Don't ruin what is one of the coolest racing classes ever over some dragstrip apathetic,
fart-can fans who don't care about the cars, and won't come to see the cars
anyway. - patron@cuyahoga.lib.oh.us

Scotty left that one out

Did he told you something about his visit to Puerto Rico? - Axel A. Fuentes González

Cannon Fan

Thank-you for the great stories about Scotty Cannon. I love your site and keep up the good work. - Scott Packer

Mike is in our prayers

I just finished reading your story on Big Mike. I have to say it was very touching and sincere. Tell Big Mike that we are proud of him for being strong and dedicated. When you think your life is down and you have to complain, there is always someone that has it worst.

Big Mike should be proud to have a friend like you.

Merry Christmas to Big Mike and his family, we'll have him in our prayers. Thank you for your story. - Joe Cahajla

Disabled in Texas

Mike seems to be an inspiration to you guys. I to suffered an industrial accident in 2002. Since I've been doing next to nothing with my life, until recently I got involved with an old drag racing buddy that runs an "Outlaw Pro Mod".Although I'm not as bad of shape as Mike I can,t do the things I once could. I have an opportunity to manage the clutch on this car but the Crower clutch system is new to me. I sure could use some education about it to make me feel more a part of the team. Any suggestions and God Bless you Mike, You are an inspiration to me. PS Don't give up on the insurance idiots, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!- jmakracing@hotmail.com

Mike said it right

Mike couldn't have said it better. You bust your ass to provide for your family, you are required to pay into this and pay into that. Uncle Sam says you owe him, they want it now. What this guy is going through, along with others with different ailments and problems is disgusting! We open our borders to every Tom, Dick and Mohammed that wants to come roost here and even go so far as to help them settle in and get comfortable. Then our government wants to fight and battle amongst themselves about who deserves this or that. We're AMERICANS! We deserve to feel that if injured, help is coming asap. Let one of these politicians fall into Mike's shoes and see how little they will have to suffer! The worst part is, it'll get worse before anyone attempts to make it better. Oh, let's see, we've had years to fix these problems, guess noone cares to try in government. Pathetic! Good luck Mike. Keeping a good thought for you brother! - Dale Orange

Mike

What a great story by Mr. Bennett about Mike. I too am disabled due to a work injury as a lineman but no where near like Mike. I can still walk but not far. I too was abandoned as used goods by my company. At the recent SEMA show in Vegas I got a taste of what people like Mike go thru that I never knew about when I had to rent an electric scooter to see the show. I saw people afraid to get near me like they would catch something, people shutting elevator doors before I could get there and numerous other ignorant things. I also saw many nice helpful people but they were in the minority. One guy on a cell phone refused to get out of the handicapped spot on the monorail so I stood up got off, tapped him on the shoulder and said get the *uck out of the way or Ill run this thing into your legs. He moved then, but was highly offended even though its a state law. I just have to deal with a lot of pain. I cant concieve having the courage to fight my way thru life like Mike. Im glad he has a friend like Bennett. Maybe someone will step up and do something to help him out as a result of the article. Either way it was a nice thing to do for him and youre a hell of a friend. Las Vegas was the most handicapped accessable place Ive ever been to also. - Willis Woods

The rape of American People

Your friend's story is another testimony about the rape of the American people. His situation is extreme, but there are legions of uninsured, under insured people with no medical care. As I get to old age, I have zero accsess to medical help.

American doctors made sure it would be like this by keeping the
government from installing a National Health system. The medical
profession and insurance industry operate guided only by greed. Your pal
is one of the millions of victims.

This situation is not going to get better, just worse. We live in an un
civilized country.

For what this country spent in Vietnam and Iraq, the situation could be
very different. Why heal your people when you can invest in death? - hechto@evenlink.com

Send Letters

I just got off work and as usual I enjoy reading the drag tabloids, and found a link to your Big Mike story. Thank you for witting that. No I dont know Big Mike. At first I thought it was about Big Mike AA/FA Demorist who passed away recently. What a wonderfully written story. It's wonderful to hear that Mike has his passion and friends in drag racing to keep him going though. Im glad to read that Mike kept and keeps you hard at it. We are all privileged to get to enjoy your stories, and for free no less. That's truly something that doesn't happen much these days.

I would love to see you add an email address and street address so that everyone that reads your story could write that insurance company and tell them how NASTY it was to take his bed away from him. - Lilyinphoenix@aol.com

Be Like Mike

Editor's Note - We have learned that on Monday, December 6 that Mike was released from the hospital after an emergency surgery. He's in our prayers as we are sure Mike is in yours.

That is very inspiring does he have an e-mail address we can write him at. - Gumbos@aol.com

Editor's Note #2 - Words of encouragement can be emailed to Mike Aiello by clicking on his address - mikeanca@aol.com.

I don't know Mike but I would like to help with a small financial donation to him to help with at least getting him a bed or anything else that would keep him "at the drags". I cannot imagine having to deal with the insurance people. You work your ass off for people and you don't even get anyone calling to check on you after an accident at work? I actually can believe it!
Let me know where to send a donation. - Brian DeHart

I like your style and we are usually on the same side on the issues.
Your column on Big Mike was outstanding---Don't ever lose your passion----Insurance companies and the "System" inhale profusely----Frank Oglesby

Your editorial on Mike was, well, is, ahh shit. I don't know how to put words to it.

You're a great friend to him and some days just doing the thinking of him part is all that is needed. You took the time to write about him and that speaks volumes. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. While that may be true, heartfelt words and taking the time to put them down is invaluable. - Jim LeClaire

What a wonderfully truthful story about an incredible man. Terry and I have so much love and admiration for him. - Debby and Terry Adams

Nice piece on Mike Aiello...makes you wonder what our forces really are fighting for here in the USA. It also proves that the little guy DOESN'T count with our governement. - Greg Guarinello

I want to say that Big Mike Aiello is a great friend ever since we first meet we hit it off, when my health problems got worse, along with some other things in my life that were going bad it would be Mike calling me on the phone to cheer me up and to tell me things would be okay. It would seem like I kept hitting road blocks along the way and as always Mike would say James believe me it is going to get better. My health problems are about the same, But other things in my life are for sure going better today. One time I would be talking to Mike about my daughter Jessica, when I came over to take photos of his broken wheel chair one day, of course, it was for the insurance company, so mike could get his chair repaired. Jessica who was going to school and I could not afford at the time to help her with the funds she needed. I did not know if I would have the rent money that month. Mike would call Jessica later that week and he paid for her books and two semesters of her college. When I tried to pay him back the money but he refused to take it.. Me and Mike have covered a few stories over the years together for CompetitionPlus.com. We make a good team and I can tell you what his wheelchair hauls ass. I have to run to keep up with him. I am glad I have gotten to know Mike over the last five years he will be friend forever.


The thing I wish for is for Mike to get treated better by the insurance company as they are always causing him grief. Thanks for being my friend! - James Drew

I have to tell you your story this month really hit me. The last 2 years working for Steve Johnson I had the opportunity to meet Big Mike and I can say first hand he's a great guy.

I never knew what happened until reading it today. Thank you for telling his story. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Next season I will be working as a Engine tuner for Yates & Roush Racing Engines and would like to invite Big Mike to a Nascar Busch race.

Keep up the great job with Competition Plus. - Shane Maloney

What a heart wrenching story that was. Just when people give up on you it takes someone in the motorsport industry to step up to the plate like you guys did. I have a work related injury too. Unlike Mike, I am not in a wheelchair, but i know where he's coming from with the insurance company. What a joke they are. They could care less, and what a shame when something happens to you that you did not ask for. Maybe one day it will come back to bite them. Tell Big Mike to hang in there. We'll be looking out for him - THE RACING FAMILY.
- Mike Alberts

Bob hits it good

Awesome article and he's smart just like his pa! I've had the pleasure of knowing Bob Sr. when he was in California at Hedman and have yakked with Jr. in the past.

I hope the UPS (?) deal is done and he can hit the tour. A full time column is in order. Merry Christmas and more DIRT please. Excellent job. - kddigger@telus.net

Bob paid you to write this, correct? - Editor

He Had To Pay For This one

When's the next installment out?

Tomorrow would be great! - nitroblues@yahoo.com

Traditionally Pro Stock

This is certainly a Hot topic and it may depend on your background of the sport. The Pro Stock class I have grown up with is naturally aspirated engines on the door bodied cars from First generation Camaros to Cudas, Mustangs, etc running four speeds to Cobalts, Mistangs w/ Lencos or Liberty transmissions. - PWJ5063@aol.com

Just Say No to Turbos

I personally do not feel that Turbos should be allowed into Pro Stock, and the reasons why can easily be seen in other categories. Look at the Pro Mod and Top Alcohol Dragster categories for example. In each case, disparity between the cars has resulted in restrictions on the quicker cars, often raising the cost to be competitive. Trying to compete with ever smaller engines and heavier cars will only raise the cost for these racecars. When a defending series champion has to quit the sport because imposed rules drain his budget, something is wrong. Racing has never been cheap, and never will be, but drag racing cannot afford to run off any more teams.

Getting back to the situation of Pro Stock, I feel that the addition of turbo'ed cars to the class will only mangle the class rules in an attempt to make everyone "fit in". Leave this cool class alone and find another place for Turbo'ed cars to show their talents. Speaking of "fitting in", perhaps political correctness has gone too far with import cars being considered for Pro Stock. Drag Racing is as American as apple pie, and no other country does it better than we do, as is evidenced by our speeds and E.T.'s. I know that Cobalts and Grand Ams are wrong wheel drive, but when in history has Toyota or Honda ever offered a 450 inch plus, carbureted V-8 in their vehicles? Perhaps if they had, I'd feel better about them participating in an American sport that was born out of American spirit and American iron. I feel we should just let the imports "drift" off to their own events. Seems that the import crowd has found a home in their "new" drifting sport, but perhaps Steve Kinser would dispute the origins of such driving. Sorry, that's another conversation for another web site. - Shawn J. Kohut

Marketing 101 with Bobby V

Very informative Mr. V…. I look forward to the next installment. - Justin Levitte

Drag Racing is its own worst enemy

The other thoughts in your interest-is that most people don't have the marketing insights or dynamics of the thoughts that are brought into marketing. Often times it's a matter of being in the right place and the right time. In addition, having that interpersonal connection with your potential sponsor. This gives you a leg up-something alot of people won't tell you. Once you understand that the dynamics are of a constant change-you're ahead of the ballgame.

It would be interesting to see how many people in the NHRA understand this dynamic partly due to the fact that drive people and potential sponsors away year after year. - ply49@sonic.net

More Top Stock Rumblings

Top Stock was dead until we saved it. Racers like you (Mike Carr) did it in. You forget the good things that are happening with Top Stock or maybe that's what you don't like. IHRA only needs eight cars for the TV package they don't need 20 .

We currently have 10 cars in the show. That's more then then we have had in
the last two years (everyone paid) . You guys who don't like the class killed
because you could not compete heads up. We saved Top Stock . - Bo Kenney

Bring on the EFI and Turbos

I for one love turbos and EFI and there needs to be a place in the IHRA for these cars because they are impressive. They have a motor that I can actually buy not some hybrid Leonard/Kaase $100K non realistic motor combo running a prehistoric carburetor(something that has not been used on a production vehicle in 15yrs).

I love to watch the IHRA and NHRA pro stock class but I recognize them for what they are....outdated. Please IHRA do not insult the future of performance by throwing it in this dinosaur class. With enough time and support they will rule the class and you will be forced to reduce them to below 200ci and add weight!

All they need is a class for them showcase their abilities, attract larger sponsor and Leonard and Kaase will be in the unemployment line. They need a sanctioning body to treat the class with respect and not bikini contests and burnouts. 800+ci????? Why when 250ci can outrun it! It would be like building a normally aspirated Top Fuel car....why?

If you want to improve the PS class then give them EFI...you know the same stuff that is on every car sold in America in the 15 yrs. What was the first NHRA stocker in the 7's? I will give you a hint it had less than 210ci and wasn't normally aspirated! - KE4DGI@aol.com

Top Stock #2

In all honesty, who really cares? It just seems like a filler to me. I would rather see the old Top Sportsman Quick 8 shootout as a filler, gives the quick t/s cars who may want to move up to Pro Modified or Pro Stock some exposure in front of the big crowd. - josh.m@sympatico.ca

Top Stock #1

Just more whining from someone that didn't support the class as much as they say they did. The rules certainly don't make everyone happy; but commentary from people that want to play but don't have the resources are no good to anyone. We would all love to run Pro Stock, so go whine to NHRA and see where it gets you. - schristian12@adelphia.net

Foreign Cars Not Welcome in Pro Stock

Good Day CP. I'm a frequent visitor to the CP site. I was almost knocked off the chair when I read the article on Japanese cars coming into "IHRA Mountain Motored P/S". As a spectator,and ticket purchasing American, leave the rice cars to NOPI. GM and Ford both are having some difficulties regarding the Japanese junk, and GM has had to whack 30,000 American jobs because of the imports. If my comment is worth a penny, lock the gates IHRA. You heard the racers, Japanese cars are not welcome here in the IHRA Pro Stock class. Just my opinion. I vote "NO" too. - Dan Mead

Oil and Water not mixable

I just wanted to voice my opinion concerning this so called new addition to the IHRA Pro Stock ranks. This class is just fine as it is. Oil and water will never mix so keep the rice burners out of the mix. If need be, develop an Import Pro Stock class just for them to race in and let's see how it goes that way. There's nothing more exciting than seeing a 2,400lb. car with over 800 inches cover the 1/4 mile in under 6.5 seconds on ALL MOTOR!! Let's keep the foreign stuff out of this class unless they're willing to fund a program where they can develop a naturally aspirated import, large cubic import motor. Then, maybe this can get interesting. Foreign mountain motors versus domestic mountain motors wouldn't be so bad in my opinion. - xlr8r4u2003@yahoo.com

A Racer Speaks

I just want to know if IHRA is prepared to police fuel injection. It is no secret that the fuel injection ECU controls engine function while traveling down the race track by what it reads off of a sensor. This means it receives input and makes corrections and adjusts what the engine does, this also means within the ECU other things can be treated the same way (i.e. traction control). If they try to police it and stop what the computer is trying to do then you might as well make the import guys run a carburetor which will never happen. IHRA Pro Stock works just fine, there is close racing, great car counts ( equal to or greater than NHRA Pro Stock) and the class has had the same basic structure since its conception over 30 years ago.

Not only do the "Pro" stock racers as well as the rest of the pro teams have to run on a sportsman ladder now they want us to run turbo V6 cars. All we need now are some dragsters and altered and we have recreated the class IHRA canceled a few years ago....Modified Eliminator (NHRA calls it Competition Eliminator).

IHRA is looking for its place in the motorsport entertainment industry however there are some things that you just can't mess with, there will be no positive gain. The only gain I see will be negative, 35 pissed of Pro Stock racers in the pits with 2 happy import guys who got the chance to race against the Pro Stock guys. What about the fans IHRA? I haven't see any positive feedback from them on this issue, aren't they what is most important in the first place. What is the real underlying issue, will IHRA come out and say what is really on their mind?

Concerned about my racing future. - Tony Gillig

Well, Did He?

I think Pro Mod would be a better fit, but I notice at NHRA races when Pro Stock runs a lot of people leave the stands. Does the same thing happen at IHRA events? I think the racers need to take notice. Didn't John Nobile run a Ford at a couple of Fun Ford Events against small-block turbo cars? Interesting comments. - Ed Mats.

Where's the promotion?

Today I was reading USA Today and in the sports section Chevrolet was touting their five series champions. However, there was no mention of Steve Spiess bring home the IHRA Pro Stock Championship.

Why not?

I hope Aaron is asking himself the same thing. IHRA needs to promote what it has first and then build on it. Throwing ideas (i.e. your dart board) and classes at it won't fill the stands. - Pat Norcia

Down Under Feedback

I am an engine builder in Melbourne, Australia. I am somewhat of a smaller operation than Jon Kaase. We build Pro Stock motors for racers here and that includes all three manufacturers, GM, Ford and Mopar.

I couldn't agree with Jon more. Pro stock racers have paid their dues over the years. Imports are a growing 'idea' which have no place in a naturally aspirated class. There are whispers of trying a similar thing here. Pro Modified is the only class they should be 'placed' or if the numbers are there, a stand alone class. Pro Stock is the elite naturally aspirated class of our great sport, whether it is Mountain motor, 500ci or 400ci small blocks(Australia).

Mix it up if you want to mess it up. - Con Sideris

A True Fan Responds

I agree with the Pro Stock drivers. I will set and watch all of the classes run, stock, Pro Stock, Pro Mod, elapsed times, cars, whatever it is. Well almost. I don't really get off on the box cars. I understand the work they put into winning, but they are boring to watch. Mash the gas and hold it there.The V6 Turbo's will be real fun to watch. They go very fast. They leave the line very hard and that always makes for great racing, but give them their own class. - John White

A Racer Responds

Some day Pro Stock might be foreign cars but this class is American made mountain motors. We all use the same fuel. We all have to be naturally aspirated and now you are asking us to change our rules so they can run with us really does this sound fair? IHRA is known for its mountain motor cars. Please leave the class alone. - Mike Bruno

Sport Compacts in Pro Stock = Two Edged Sword

I apologize for saying this, however, both sides have points, but, the real proof is what do the fans want. If you look at any racing business that is successful and progressing it is about the fans and the loyalty, you can sell marketing packages to Fortune 500 companies all day if they know in the end it is the bottom dollar sale.

I know that with the Sport Compact crowd their events are wild, they are the future of Motorsports, however, do you want Bikini Contests at IHRA events.. We are pushing way past Hooters girls now....

Just know that in a time when America is looking for young Americans to have role models and values, and ethics ... this may not be the way to go...

We need to be unique, yes this is true. However, we need to do through promotions, public relations, with different corporations. Does it need to be like a circus? No, does it need great excitement for everyone, yes...

Where's the Mission Statement?

How are we going to get there? - Don O'Neal

Pink is cool

As a fan and a later participant in our sport, I have thoughroughly enjoyed reading the Dave Wallace articles on Ed Pink.They have been very informative and give a great perspective on the mind of the "Old
Master".Hopefully there is a lot more on Ed Pink,he is one of the true greats of our sport. - Chris DeGidio

Love the Photographers

As a loooong time photo wannabe, I enjoyed this piece so much! The first NHRA meet I ever had credentials at,(Atlanta, 82) Joe Sherk was the man in charge.

I consider Les Lovett as a mentor.

And meeting Rick Shute, Richard Brady and Les Welch was just a pleasure. I really enjoyed the close call part of the story, as although I had a piece of The Greeks blower case land right next to me, taking photos for years at one of the top sprint car tracks in the country, (Knoxville, Iowa) was way more hazardous than any the story told of shooting drag racing.

Thanks for running the piece! - Al Booton

I had to let you know how much I enjoyed your article on Drag Racing Photographers,"History In Their Hands". Excellent article with a very appropriate title. As a track photographer myself (Huntsville Dragway) I stand in awe at the photos these true Professionals have worked so hard to share with us all. Oh yes,it IS work. It's wonderful to be able to live in the internet era where a click of a mouse allows me to visit CompetitionPlus,Auto Imagery,and others to see a collection of their awesome photos.

So,thanks for the article and thanks to these Photographers for the great photos. I know sometimes being at the right place at the right time produces a great photo,but the majority of the great shots these folks take are due to a knowledge of the sport of Drag Racing,a knowledge of their equipment, their skill in using that equipment,and a drive to get the best shot possible which means planning the shot. I applaud their efforts and that of CompetitionPlus for the article. Keep up the good work! - usa4ever@hiwaay.net

Great article. Would like to see some of Leslie's (Lovette) photos too! Great website,ya have and I check it every day! - Greg Davidson

Steve, tell us how you really feel...

Well another outstanding batch of muckracking by that "Nabob of Negativism" Asher.

As a Stock Eliminator racer I was glad to see the circus act of Pro Mod take a back seat to those who are constantly getting jabbed when the rains delayed the show. To say they were treated shabby was to ignore the premium pit space they were given while I got put in the rocks and mud. A little poetic justice in my book!

While there may be a dampening of some people's ability to attend as many races next year, I doubt the attendance debacle that Asher frets about. Frankly I'm amazed at the resiliency of the sport of drag racing through many of history's various crisis. And Asher has been in print screaming during everyone of them "the sky is falling, the sky is falling".

I would venture to say the Asher is considered something of a joke inside NHRA's insular executive suite. He is like a fly buzzing around the ass of an elephant. Annoying but harmless.

You should be ashamed to have this gadfly on your staff. - Steve Sullivan

Letters submitted to CompetitionPlus.com do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the staff of CompetitionPlus.com, its advertisers or management. Send any feedback letter you may have to comppluseditor@aol.com. 

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