Go ahead and put the National Time Trials on the endangered list. Right there alongside the African wild dog, polar ice cap, and NASCAR’s rear wing.

Honestly, that’s where it belongs. Thanks to Firebird International Raceway’s tin-ear management and NHRA’s hands-off attitude toward the traditional pre-Pomona test and tune session.

The Trials used to be a useful chance to catch-up, tune-up and warm-up in the Chandler, Arizona sun after a cold winter’s break in Brownsburg, Indiana. But its worthiness pretty much was all wet even before January rain storms of historic proportions washed-out opening day.

There's Enough Blame To Go Around …

Go ahead and put the National Time Trials on the endangered list. Right there alongside the African wild dog, polar ice cap, and NASCAR’s rear wing.

Honestly, that’s where it belongs. Thanks to Firebird International Raceway’s tin-ear management and NHRA’s hands-off attitude toward the traditional pre-Pomona test and tune session.

The Trials used to be a useful chance to catch-up, tune-up and warm-up in the Chandler, Arizona sun after a cold winter’s break in Brownsburg, Indiana. But its worthiness pretty much was all wet even before January rain storms of historic proportions washed-out opening day.

Not even a dozen Top Fuel and Funny Cars were in the pits. Top guns like Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Jack Beckman and Del Worsham – all past Firebird winners – had opted one week before for the warmer climes and modern facility at south Florida’s Palm Beach International Raceway. By all accounts, they ran quick and fast and – most importantly – accomplished a ton in ideal conditions.

I missed seeing those guys at Firebird. But I don’t blame them one bit. Especially upon observing the mud pile on the sponsor’s and media’s primary pathway to the Tower. I guarantee you Roger Penske would have fired everyone on the staff if he owned the place!

There was, however, a bigger mess. A greater disgrace.

Firebird was charging – and, no, I am not making this up -- $28 daily admission Saturday and Sunday, PLUS $10 for parking. Friday, which was rained out, would have been a “bargain” at $18 and only $5 to park. There was an oh-so-generous “discount” of $3 for advance buyers. If you had wanted to hang-out in a suite, that was $100 or $125, depending on the day. But, hey, snacks and beverages were included!

What bad economy? Firebird Raceway’s executives apparently believe we live in the Gilded Age!

In contrast, Phoenix International Raceway is offering a $25 ticket for its April 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup event, and has added 63 laps to the race distance. And ALL of the stars and cars will be there.

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In truth, those prices would have been an outrage even with Schumacher, Dixon, Capps, et al on-track. Firebird’s website listed those Big Names even though driver/team representatives let it be known -- at least to this reporter -- that they wouldn’t show.

Bottom line: The Firebird folks don’t get it. Remember, the Arizona Nationals were originally scheduled for the same weekend as the Phoenix Open, which draws massive media attention as well as the golf tour’s largest crowd of the season. It was only when I got all revved-up in another publication that the date was moved one week – avoiding what would have been a news black hole and embarrassment for the series, sponsors, drivers and owners – not that anyone involved has ever bothered to say “thank you.”

But the blame and the shame should be shared. Because, when it comes to pre-season preps, NHRA doesn’t know whether it’s on foot or horseback.

For years, the Glendora Gang has claimed these tests aren’t “NHRA” events. Well, I haven’t seen any IHRA or ADRL teams out there. Even the deep-thinkers who drove American open-wheel racing into the ground realized long ago the publicity value of a sanctioned “spring training.”

I’ve heard enough excuses from NHRA. Get with it. When setting your 2011 testing policy, factor in a “come one, come all” gathering that includes the Safety Safari and national-event standard track preparation, media operations and all the other bells, whistles and horns. Put the right to host it out to bid. Include competition meetings, sponsor seminars, local and national news opportunities, fan forums, photo-ops -- all the elements of a true sales convention.

That would be the right way to launch the Full Throttle schedule – with enthusiasm and legitimacy.   

And make sure the price is right! In tough times, Firebird should have opened the gates at $5 a head and used the Trials as a promotional vehicle to sell tickets for the Arizona Nationals.

“We need to rename this ‘practice,’ not ‘testing,’ suggested double Funny Car titlist Cruz Pedregon, who admitted only his newly-signed Snap-on tools sponsorship enabled his participation. “It’s like an athletic situation: When the guys are out there with pads on, they’re not testing, they’re practicing. It’s as much about getting the guys in tune as it is physically getting the cars down the racetrack.”

By the way, NHRA, although your series is sponsored by a brand of the Coca-Cola Co., Pepsi was served in Firebird’s media center.

That, alone, could be enough to send the National Time Trials the way of the front-engine dragster.                                             

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