One more thing I love about drag racing,over other forms, is the total access to the pits.See them working on the cars between rounds and a chance to actually meet the drivers. A few years ago, the wife and I were watching night qualifying at Indy and Erica Enders came and sat down by us to watch the fuel cars,pretty cool!
I believe drag racing is the better sport for the fan; you see the whole race and you get in the pits where you can talk to the drivers. I’m usually at the Las Vegas race, but will miss it this year.
Don’t get me wrong; I love drag racing. I actually photograph for one (sometimes two) cars. Before Melanie Troxel drove for Schumacher she drove for Larry Michael; good car but had a crew chief who couldn’t set the computers up properly. I talked with Mel many times....she’s good people. Bob Bode drives a funny car (Alard Machine Shop) and is one very nice guy; but never gets past the first round. Again, good car, but the setup just isn’t there.
I believe that Bob is using Wayne Dupwie (sp) for his setups at Vegas; I hope he does well. He needs to win some $$.
But two things bother me about drag racing:
1. I am sick of being force fed John Force and family. On TV they continue to refer to him and when Ashley loses they interview HER, not the winner. Oh, please. It has gotten to where if you don’t like John Force you won’t be able to watch drag racing.
2. Bring back the throttle. Who knows how good (or bad) these drivers actually are? The throttle setting is set by the crew chief; the driver just presses a BUTTON with their foot and the computerized sequence takes over. That is why four teams dominate drag racing. Those who can do the most research win the most.