New Starter?
- Thread starter tx_trojan
- Start date
cantdrive55
Nitro Member
You do need someone up there to make a decision as to whether or not to shut someone down. But, I don't think that person needs to pretend to control an automated tree.
Others have answered already but my lame response would be "What Buster Did."
I know it's no real answer but anyone who ever had the honor of racing with Buster at the controls will know exactly what I'm talking about. Buster never made a mistake, even when he did. He was respected enough that people were willing to write off what they may have considered a mistake.
I honestly don't know that he ever did screw up, I'm just assuming since he was human it must have happened a time or two.
He was firm, fair, friendly, consistent, totally competent, and as far from a hot dog as is possible. That's about as good as you can get.
clwill
Nitro Member
Even with all the automation, someone needs to click the switch to say "it's all clear, let them run". But I think everyone would agree that Rick perhaps took the "switch click" to a new level of showmanship.
my friends call me Zappy
Nitro Member
Registered member said:
megadeth
Nitro Member
You think competitiors never had a disagreement with him?
onfire
Nitro Member
Of course they did, Bob........BUT, it was his sarting line.....and his word, good or bad, was final.
Marchboom
Nitro Member
When things are running well, anyone can be the starter. But when there is something wrong with a car, something that might be disqualifying or might not, and both cars are getting hot, the starter had better known what he is doing and be able to make a decision...quickly and accurately. Contrary to how easy it looks, it all comes down to making the right decisions at the right time. Championships can be decided by a starter's decisions.
SundayNiagara
Nitro Member
Darrell Gwynn refused to shut off and Buster stepped over the car in front of him, drew his fingers across his neck. Guess what? Darrell shut off! RIP Buster.
whipster61
Nitro Member
Just heard that Chuck Norris is going to be the new starter to replace Rick Stewart-can any one else confirm this?
Jet
Nitro Member
Didn't see Rick Stewart do that to Tony Schumacher on the last night qualifying run in Pamona a few years back when he won over Kalitta on 'The Run" the next day. The consequences were only a fine for not obeying Stewart but no points were deducted. I don't think Buster would have handled it that way. I hope they get someone who isn't just a yes-man for the suits.
Why would you think this job is any different than your 9 to 5 job? Regardless of the actual task, the bottom line is you are hired (or promoted) by a company to do a job. At the end of the day they (your employer) calls the shots. Buster worked for a very different NHRA than the one we all currently enjoy and Fans have to get past that. In today's NHRA, Buster wouldn't be able to be Buster for a lot of reasons ... Period.
Today, you do what you are supposed to do as defined in your job description and you will be reviewed / rewarded based on how you execute. Rebel too much or buck the system and you might be back looking for a new job.
You guys read way too much into this job ... it is just that a job. The people here and most fans think the NHRA is chock full of glamour jobs with glitz and power and all that goes with it. You could not be more wrong. For the Full Time "working" employees, pay scales are likely uncompettitive with other markets requiring the same amount of time betwen working the events, driving equipment to the next venue, etc. Jobs at NHRA have a defined role and you are expected do that job as Management intends. And yes there are year end performance reviews like in most other jobs. Don't think its a "real" job ... ask all the Full Time people including the Safari team how it felt to have a flat 10% pay cut. How about losing their 401k matching? Sounds just like many other American workers to me. The NHRA runs just like any normal company that makes money and employs people.
Trust me, employees from the Staff in Glendora, to the Full time National Event Crew, to Sales, Maketing, and the Division Staff all view this as a job and if something better comes along, they will move on just like you or I would. In our society (in this economy), you come to work and you do your job the way you see fit and to the best of your ability. If your Boss doesn't agree, he'll let you know about it.
How many of you as employees (not self employed or business owners) have complete run of the joint where you work say like Buster ran the Starting Line? Can you do what want? How you want? When you want? I would imagine very few can. There aren't very many jobs with complete autonomy. Everybody ultimately takes direction from somebody and has to answer to somebody.
partsman
Nitro Member
vegasnitro
Nitro Member
I must say I am surprised at the interest generated over who is going to be the new starter. I have been to dozens of events under different sanctions, and never once gave a thought to who the starter was. I am sure there are plenty of competent guys out there, NHRA will hire one.
I wonder if you guys are worried who the refs are going to be at the Super Bowl, rather than the guys actually playing the game.
I wonder if you guys are worried who the refs are going to be at the Super Bowl, rather than the guys actually playing the game.
but the refs of the NFL all suck...
