If it wasn't for the fact that Gallen, Nichols and recently McIntire, and the few races for Sanders, Romine, and your involvement at a couple of those events, I don't think the IHRA would be happy. If all the performances were like the other couple cars then the IHRA would be saying, "see ya later....." even if it is a booked in deal.
All I did Virgil was state how the car ran on the 14 runs I know you were involved in as your son was the driver. That is not bad reporting that is reporting the runs at posted through DRC. What you did was not tell the entire truth on the dominating performance you posted when you went 13-5 and had less than half the runs quicker then 6.30.
The definition of journalism "The style of writing characteristic of material in newspapers and magazines, consisting of direct presentation of facts or occurrences with little attempt at analysis or interpretation".
That is what I did when I posted your numbers.
You stated how dominant you were and I stated the actual numbers of your domination. Were you in fact entertaining the fans on the 8 slow or no runs? On a couple you shook and pedalled and that can be entertaining.
Because I was a fan first I have difficulting at times not writing my opinions, I give you that, so that is more of an editorial than journalism, I plead guilty!
Drag racing is a passionate sport, it affected your senses, and my writing describes the senses and feelings I think.
I like the IHRA, have always liked them, but I liked them more when Pro Stock, Pro Mod, Nitro Funny Car and TAFC was contested in an open show. I still like it now though because they still basically entertain.
If I didn't like the deal I would not spend money resources to cover their events
I think the cars should be paid based on their performance though.
The IHRA makes a deal about who the winners are with the new format but that is only because there is no other way to report it. Why they do the points I don't know, because you get no cash at the end of the year, you get the #1 and a bigger Ironman is all.
Yes all the TA and Pro Stock competitors got paid at Pomona. I think all pro racers and TA racers even if 20-30 show up for a national event should be paid. But that does not mean IMHO that it does not make it legit. The ones who don't qualify only get 10 points for attending or passing tech, and there is a pretty good prize at the end of the year. They race in an elimination bracket and they have to qualify.
There were quite a few events last year that TF and FC had only 16 cars, were they less than legit? I know you don't feel that way and I know you were just making your point. But, I don't think I report the same way that DRO does either.
My overall point is that the teams get paid pretty decent for racing in the IHRA, they should take pride in running their asses off and should not take advantage of the deal they have. The IHRA is smart and will make changes if they aren't getting their moneys worth. Change was made to the Pro Fuel class and the Top Fuel class already after one season.
If a few of the teams are walking away from an event happy with runs that were not representative of the class then they should make sure they improve the next event, if they don't improve then they should be replaced, because their are a lot of teams that will run better for the money the IHRA is paying.
You were only singled out in my initial post because of what you posted Virgil. was I wrong to do that? I talked to many people and all said my replies were not out of line.
I think you know you did not have a great showing at two of the events. You even said your 5's were only a soft tune up at your best event.
Mike yes the legends back in the 60 and 70 got paid everywhere they went, funny how times have changed, and some still race for the love of it.
The NFC class’s evolvement has proven to be a boon for drag racing as has Pro Mod and Pro street style racing, what I am sad about is that they have come at the expense of the two of the quickest classes in drag racing.
Dean
