It is Sunday and that means to most people they sleep in a little, wander through the day without much of a plan, and enjoy the fact that they don’t have to work, and maybe have an adult beverage or two after noon (or before…we’re not here to judge). We’re not most people, though. We look at Sundays during this time of the year as race day. From local drag strips to the highest echelon of Formula One, there is racing happening all over the world as you are reading this. Today’s question is one that should garner lots of interesting responses as we ask you which racing sanctioning body head you would replace given the chance right now. You’d step into the job and put your own stamp on the particular racing series of your choice. Would you come in like a ball of fire, keep things moving at the status quo, or start to implement gradual, slow changes?
We’ve thrown the photos of Bernie and Brian in for some reference points at the biggest series in the world but there is so much racing out there and so many organizations steering different series, this could be very interesting. Put on your thinking cap, pack a bag, and get ready to wing off to the racing destination of your choice. YOU are going to be the boss….so where do you want to go?
BANGSHIFT QUESTION OF THE DAY: If You Could Replace One Racing Sanctioning Body Head TODAY, Who Would It Be?
Tom Compton, NHRA. NHRA continues to focus its race coverage on the nitro classes- a type of racing that has little to no relationship to the younger racers and fans. And they are not trying to relate it to new fans. Instead, according to a recent article, they are trying to focus on the drivers and drama- not the cars and racing. Gee- the thing that made you is now the thing that you play down? Not a recipe for continued success.
Younger fans want to see something they are familiar with, like what is in the stock ranks or the cars that are now racing on drag radials- something they saw as kids and wanted (Ford saw the writing on the wall on that one.) Nitro is fun to watch and feel, but unless something is done soon, NHRA will become just like the IHRA- a body that cannot live up to its potential.
Yes, Tom Compton is out at NHRA. 1/4 racing back at all tracks that have the shut down for it,(Sorry Pamona) Pro Classes only allowed 1 Transporter per car,6 crew members only allowed to work on car between rounds, plus driver. 100 bonus points for winning an event using only I block the entire event or runner up if the winner changed blocks. Limit of 10 gals maximum fuel tank and a single -16 fuel line to pump(s) 2 max. Some kind of body rule for Funny Car that makes them look more like what ever car they are. Open rules for new Fuel engines any bore space etc. 500ci max. Turbos allowed.
Pro Stock. More stock. Maybe 2 classes or formulas,500ci at 2300lbs (or what ever they are now) plus a formula for current V8 engines including over head cams and Fuel Injection any transmission, any number of forward gears allowed.
MANDITORY Finals coverage on all TV contracts of ALL classes. Push Sportsman coverage packages to TV.
Bernie Ecclestone has got to go the current state of F-1 is a travisty. Formula 1 was known for its cutting edge technology, now it’s all about fuel consumption and alternative energy use . Imagine just how fast they would be if they allowed ceramic crankshafts, beryllium treated cylinder walls, unlimited rpm, active suspension and a normaly aspirated 3.5 liter engine.
Although Bernie is a problem the current formula in F1 is bleeding edge tech. turbos,KERS (or what ever it is now) regeneration braking the ultimate highbred formula and what automotive manufactures will be interested in for years to come.
F1 should lead all motor racing in future technology .