One could argue that the single best fuel tuner currently involved with NHRA Drag Racing is Alan Johnson. Yes, there are quite a few high quality, talented nitro crew chiefs out there, but nobody comes even close to matching Alan's experience & knowledge - his record speaks volumes all by itself. In my opinion, his involvement, no matter the capacity, is a good thing for the sport.
Look at it this way - would anyone complain if, say, Austin Coil announced he was going to come back and be involved in a similar role to what we're "hearing" AJ will be filling? Doubtful.
Another view is this - As much as we all miss the old days (70's & 80's), they're not coming back. Tuner's will continue to tweak and adapt and push the envelope... and some will always be better than others. But the closer they get to 0.00 ETs, the more the performance gap between #1 & #16 will shrink. And in the end, no matter how much changes, the one constant is that driver's have to leave on time and go as straight as physically possible while controlling a machine that's on the mechanical ragged edge. That, and the belching roar of CH3NO2 is what keeps us coming back for more.
