It appears that a series of errors occurred this past weekend at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, which lead [sic] the NHRA to fine DSR $100,000. In its Statement of Action Against Participant, NHRA indicated the fine was based upon DSR's alleged possession of nitromethane from an unauthorized supplier. Unfortunately, NHRA did only a cursory investigation of the facts before releasing a public statement and sanction regarding this situation. While DSR did nothing improper, the allegation has caused great embarrassment to us and our sponsors. For the reasons set forth below, I ask that you correct this situation immediately.

 

It appears that a series of errors occurred this past weekend at the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, which lead [sic] the NHRA to fine DSR $100,000. In its Statement of Action Against Participant, NHRA indicated the fine was based upon DSR's alleged possession of nitromethane from an unauthorized supplier. Unfortunately, NHRA did only a cursory investigation of the facts before releasing a public statement and sanction regarding this situation. While DSR did nothing improper, the allegation has caused great embarrassment to us and our sponsors. For the reasons set forth below, I ask that you correct this situation immediately.

 

"As you are well aware, the applicable provision in the NHRA 2008 rulebook states: "Only nitromethane from an NHRA-accepted supplier may be brought on site or used on site at any NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event ("NHRA National Event") or NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event ("NHRA Divisional Event"). NHRA will designate accepted suppliers of nitromethane that may be brought on site and/or used on site at NHRA National Events and NHRA Divisional Events. . . . "

 

"The nitromethane in the DSR pits was from an NHRA-accepted supplier; thus, DSR did not violate the NHRA regulation. Specifically, the nitro methane in question came from Wego. In fact, Wego purchased this nitromethane from Pro Nitro. You will recall that both you and Graham Light told Mr. Schumacher that Pro Nitro was also an NHRA-accepted supplier.

 

"NHRA amended its Rulebook on February 13, 2004. In doing so, NHRA stated as follows: "the accepted suppliers of NHRA nitro methane are DOW/Angus and Wego." After diligent research, DSR can find no subsequent amendment to the NHRA rulebook excluding Wego as an accepted supplier. Again, you personally indicated to Mr. Schumacher that Pro Nitro was also an accepted supplier of nitromethane to the NHRA.

 

"Regardless, it is a fact that the nitromethane within DSR's pit was from an "accepted supplier." Any suggestion to the contrary simply is inaccurate. Worse, the press release from NHRA regarding this incident was written so vaguely that it implies something far more underhanded. It is my sincere hope that such ambiguity was unintentional.

 

"After your review, I am certain that you will agree that this was nothing more than a misunderstanding. DSR had in its possession nitromethane from an NHRA-accepted supplier. NHRA's actions in imposing the largest fine in history without justification were unwarranted. 

 

"Accordingly, I must ask you to withdraw immediately the $100,000 fine imposed against DSR. More importantly than the money, NHRA must issue a public statement making it clear that DSR was not cheating or doing anything that created any type of performance advantage. If you fail to do so, DSR's reputation will be forever tarnished. Already, this incident has been detrimental to DSR's reputation in the racing community by jeopardizing DSR's sponsorships and goodwill. I cannot imagine that you, or anyone else at NHRA, wish for DSR to stand unjustly accused.

 

"If you wish to discuss this further, feel free to contact me at [ number withheld]. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Again, I trust NHRA will act as expeditiously in correcting this mistake as it did in making the allegation.

 

Very Respectfully,
Cory A. Watkins, Esq.
General Counsel
DON SCHUMACHER RACING"