I don't think NHRA really cares if they get a full count of nitro cars. The number will get back up in short order. IHRA teams will round out the nitro fields if short fields become chronic.
I also think "they" are trying to repair the Schumacher nitro fine controversy behind the scenes and the fine will be negotiated down to $5,000, which Schu will gladly pay to get this behind him and the entire drag racing community.
Pure imagination on my part, I just couldn't leave a thread by Ron go unanswered.
-90% Jimmy