Shirley Muldowney, a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion and drag racing icon, has certainly earned the right to speak her mind on the state of drag racing. She admits she's done her best to be supportive of the sport and those who make the decisions, but the NHRA's latest program which basically cuts the championship battle down to two races at the end of the season has her up on the tire.

"What in hell are they thinking?" Muldowney asked. "This is definitely where the car owners need to stand their ground...if they have any balls now is the time to show it.

"You frigging race your ass off for eight races and then some leaker gets lucky the last three races in the season and walks off with the money? What the <ooops> are they thinking?

"Oh, right, "let's copy Nascar." That'll make us look like we're big time.  This makes no sense at all."

Muldowney is just one of many team owners, drivers and former drivers who have contacted our office to complain about this new program. Word comes from at least one major sponsor that NHRA's heirarchy is already on the defensive in an attempt to spin public opinion in their favor.