This commentary is the OPINION of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of NTRA. I ahven't 'checked' my comments with any other guys......this is me and all me.
Who got the SHAFT?
ONE GUY. AGAIN! SLUGGER CANADY, a well known name in HO drag racing was totally left off the starting grid. Doesn't matter why, and guess what. HE HASN'T CALLED FOR ANYONE'S HEAD ON A PLATTER. He said so. In a conversation reported to me, he was quoted as saying (paraphrasing) "what you guys are doing is a great thing for racing in general, and I was happy to be an entry. I'll be at the next race." I don't relate this to embarass him, or even to tell you he's a stand up guy (which he is) but to help put things in perspective.
Lets put this baby in its cradle. Superstock nationals are O.V.E.R. DONE. FINITO.
First, who can dispute the outcome of a clearly superior team finishing 1-2??
Second item: let's not duck the question. Yes, the pairing system used was unexpected. Was it unfair??
NOPE. Did some high qualifying guys get "penalized" COMPARED TO THE NHRA PAIRING SYSTEM by having to race top qualifiers early on?? Yes. So what were they cheated out of? A FEW RUNS. IS THAT COOL? Not really. If you are one of those guys, You got a little bit of the shaft, you might say.. By who's hand?? No-one. A simple, un thought of oversight. No crime, no subterfuge, trickery or sleight of hand involved. Plain old circumstance. Luck of the draw. Fate. Human factor. All part of racing.
Consider this; for every one of you who feels somehow slighted, another guy, possibly a brand new racer in a slower car, got another round under his belt. In the scope of NTRA being a brand new sanction, and many racers racing either first time, or first time in years and years, I would ask you guys to let it go. Those new racers and returnees to the sport are the guys you are lining up against at every event. Without them we have 6 car fields and race each other. Period. Now, if I am one of those guys who felt cheated of a couple of runs, I am inclined to forget it, shut my mouth, and let a newbie bask in the glory of a one or two round wins.
I have already heard from a number of so positioned racers who agree.
I welcome, encourage and LOVE the competitive spirit among racers. I am glad that this becomes SERIOUS BUSINESS to some of you guys. Taking it seriously IS part of the fun for some of you. I for one, will NEVER be JOHN FORCE, TONY SCHUMACHER, or WARREN JOHNSON.
For a few hours a month tho and for a few bucks, I can be all of them, or a team owner or an engine builder with a miilion dollar a year budget. That's FUN. THATS WHAT A RACING HOBBY is
as far as I am concerned. HOWEVER, at some point, we can get so serious that we end up killing the vehicle that was built with the intention of having fun!
So yes, please take this seriously. Guys who want to take this laid back and slow, welcome to the fray. I am having a blast, what about you guys? Personally I'd love to win, but if I never win ONE round, I AM winning lots of friends and lots of fun with this type racing.
So what are we really talking about here? Some elimination match ups that seemed unusual. Period. While I respect every dollar, every moment of building, and every moment of anticipation you guys invested in this race, I am still asking you to get over any irksome feelings. To prevent this PARTICULAR issue from arising again NTRA will use the NHRA pairing system which all can view at NHRA.com We will also post a copy here.
None of this should be taken of a complaint against those who questioned or criticized the running of this event. That's what a free speech forum is all about. Those who questioned, I assume did so with fairness to all racers in mind. We had offers to re- stage the event, by very well intentioned individuals. I accept the spirit of the offers. What I 'don't accept, however respectfully, is the conclusion that this event is somehow a flawed orphan.
We do care very much about delivering a quality product. I am not dismissing your concerns with a wave of my hand. I am merely asking you to weigh the good that has been for the sport these past few months, to invest a bit of trust that we will improve and learn with every event. Trust also, that we are going to make mistakes. We don't have a single rocket scientist on our board. We all have day jobs. Yes, we owe you our best, and I think we delivered in St Louis. In no way do I apologize for the event or for decisions made 'on-the-fly by the on site directors. Don't let anyone tell you this event was somehow invalidated. The old axiom applies. "A RACE is a RACE."
NTRA isn't me or SAM or the board. It's YOU guys. I know I have heard other 'leaders' say the same thing at different times and places, and remeber thinking "right it's MY group." Now that I am trying to help direct such a group I realize how true it is. Without the participation of YOU guys and GALS, we have no useful function as a BOARD. I am very proud>>>>>>> OF THE RACERS, YOU GUYS, (NOT US) we have gathered here.
NTRA has more than one iron in the fire already. A GASSER RACE IN COLORADO SPRINGS IS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. It's a mail-in again, but its not a "previously scheduled national event." NTRA is fully behind this event however, and will promote it and prizes as well. As far as I know there is NO LIMIT on the size of the field. The Fall NATIONALS are approaching. I suggest you start getting ready, as this bus will leave the station before you know it.
for this event, btw, Funny cars will use the same GASSER chassis you may already own. Ratt RODDS will run on a newly configured "PRO STOCK" chassis.
SUPERSTOCK REUNION will run as well. This is not make-up, but a new and separate event.
Let me make this offer. Anyone who feels the 'ripped off' somehow by the SS NATS.......................... while I don't agree with you, I and NTRA will cheerfully refund your entry fee. Just so you know what kind of guys you have here, All board members offered to do this independently. Furthermore, Ill go another step. If you still feel this refund is due and still not enough, Contact me and I'll buy your car. I just recently destroyed a few chassis by forgetting them for a month in my ultrasonic cleaning tank (not running thank goodness!) and could use a few chassis.
Why would I make such an offer??? To illustrate where our motives lie. Do I hope you don't accept this offer?? Absolutely. I hope you read this, think it over, and decide I'm making a lot of sense.
Lastly. Am I worried about the short term fate of NTRA?? NOT IN THE LEAST. I don't say this in arrogance, I say it because my gut tells me most of you guys are delighted with the races and smack talk and bull sessions etc.
What say we get back to racing shall we?? I am gonna in the staging lanes, where will you be?
I for one, am closing the book on the SS NATS for 2008. If guys want to discuss it further, I wont duck the issue, but I think this horse has done been flogged.
Comments welcomed. If you wish to remain anonymous, please do me a favor and send direct to me johnbalich@sbcglobal.net
? I had a blast Guys I love this NTRA.
