March 31, 2014:
A few days back I was rummaging through boxes of old VHS tapes and came across the 1993 Winternationals coverage I had recorded so many years ago. I transferred the final rounds of the Pro coverage, which included the horrific crash of Kenny Bernstein to DVD, and then worked with that digital clip to put it up on YouTube and embed it on this blog here. I also provided a link from my Facebook page for others to view.
After three days, this historic video has been watched by only ten people, which has to give me pause. Over the years I have seen many articles highly critical of NHRA, myself included, but perhaps the real decline in our sport is more directly connected with the racers themselves. Just as the study of American history has been on the decline and considered of little importance, apparently NHRA history is of little historical significance to the modern, self-involved racer.
Therefore I will spend very little time in the future compiling video of historical significance, and will read any future articles blaming NHRA for the loss of attendance and sponsors with a new appreciation for what others have attempted to accomplish to keep the sport alive and interesting, but became equally discouraged along the way.
Roger Young, Edwards & Young Racing
I believe I am one of the ten and enjoyed it just as I would enjoy seeing stuff from back in the late 60s or 70s. But I really don’t even consider myself a racer at all…that is my son Dan. He has only been racing for 3 or maybe 4 years himself. We are coming up on a big race at Rockingham this weekend and people are already talking about the potential for low car, driver and even spectator turnout. We will see…I guess.
The good news was while testing yesterday at our local Mooresville Dragway track Dan had a .979 sixty foot time in his last test run. Good baseline to head to Rockingham….
I guess it reminds me of the old sayings… Eighty percent of the work gets done by twenty percent of the people…and most people are like blisters, they show up after the work is done!
Best,
Todd Ferguson
Harrisburg, NC
Todd, that is an excellent 60-foot time by Dan and his team! We wish him the very best at the upcoming race!
As to my editorial comment, I have no idea what the current spectators or racers wants or desires. Clearly I’m out of touch with the younger racing generation. I hear them bitch in the staging lanes but seldom hear them offer a positive solution. Meanwhile our sport continues to decline. It is what it is!