Wow Mr. Hartman, sorry to hear that. The local distributor offers VP Fuels. NHRA probably realized there were no other options within a hundred miles so they begrudgingly gave the guy the okay to stay.
Use to be the reunion was something to look forward to this time of the year. We'd even got use to getting bumped around in the run order to keep the show running on time. It's a reunion after all and a race second.
The only issue I encountered was at the sign-in tent. The guy wearing a Heritage shirt must of had a bad cup of coffee Friday morning because he was in a crappy mood. I asked a simple question, "How many crew members can I have on the starting line?" he gives a blank look. I stated, "Normally we're allowed 5." His reply, "Yea, okay 5." So Proceed to write down all the names as we have had unknown people sign under our teams sheet before. As I write the last name, this guy blocks my hand and states I already have 5 names down and proceeds to count the names. I respond thinking he must think I'm an idiot (I am sometimes, but not always), "Of course the driver will be on the starting line. I asked about the crew."
Just a minor thing, but they sure can learn a lesson in customer service. It's those little things, like showing some appreciation to your customers that make the difference in long-term success. I certainly didn't felt appreciated.