First published on 22 Jan 10 – Updated 15 Apr 10:
Pro Board Not Consulted On NHRA’s 4-Wide Nationals – Competition Plus.com – January 22, 2010
NHRA Four-Wide Nats Brings Format Change – Competition Plus.com – January 21, 2010
Hmmm, seems those in Glendora have a difficult time even communicating with the Pro racers?
Roger Young – Edwards & Young Racing
CAPPS: SAFETY HAS TO BE FIRST PRIORITY IN 4-WIDE EVENT – Competition Plus.com – February 17, 2010
McClenathan, Force, Edwards, Smith win NHRA Four-Wide Nationals – NHRA – March 29, 2010
FAN REACTION TO FOUR WIDE RACING MIXED – Competition Plus – March 29, 2010
PRO TO NHRA: WE’RE NOT RACING 4-WIDE FOR POINTS ANYMORE – Competition Plus – March 31, 2010
SUSAN WADE: FOUR-WIDE RACING IS PERILOUS PAGEANTRY – Competition Plus – April 6, 2010
FOUR WIDE DIDN’T DO MUCH TO DRIVE ESPN2 RATING – Competition Plus – April 6, 2010
SUSAN WADE: THIS TIME FANS SHOULD NOT BE THE FOCUS – Competition Plus – April 9, 2010
VEGAS P.R.O MEETING WILL DETERMINE GROUP’S NEXT MOVE – Competition Plus – April 14, 2010
Yes it does
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOW! NOT WHAT THE RACERS WANT! I WONDER IF IN A COUPLE OF YEARS THEY WILL HAVE ENOUGH PRO CARS TO GO FOUR WIDE? OR MAYBE THEY WILL BRACKET RACE A COUPLE OF FULERS AND A PROSTOCK CAR. MAYBE JR DRAGSTERS?
Chris is right, “it’s all about the show!” and putting bodies in the seats.
One of my major concerns is safety. Is the NHRA Safety Safari able to cover the four lanes on basically two tracks at the same time?
I’ve been watching the qualifying today at the 4-Wide Nationals on ESPN and have mixed emotions.
On one hand it is exciting watching four cars go down the track but it is difficult to take it all in. Because of the width of the track you’re seeing wide-angle camera shots which makes it virtually impossible to see tire shake off the starting line.
It also appears to be a distraction for the drivers as many are leaving real late. Guess I’m a traditionalist and prefer the two lanes of racing. Maybe it will grow on me with time.
Regarding “PRO TO NHRA: WE’RE NOT RACING 4-WIDE FOR POINTS ANYMORE” above, looks like the Pros didn’t care much for the points format.
Perhaps if NHRA had brought them in early on there would be more support?
I believe if you were a spectator at the event you probably enjoyed it. But it lacks something on television in my opinion.
SEEMS LIKE THE DRIVERS WERE AS CONFUSED AS ME. WOULD BE O.K. IN A SHOOTOUT OR SOMETHING THAT WAS JUST FOR THE FANS AND A BIG CHECK TO WIN. JUST MY THOUGHT.
Chris, I agree as a big shootout it would be good and bring many fans to the track.
I also agree with your earlier statement that this race was all about media exposure (show) and packing butts in the seats.
Susan Wade (articles above) seems the only one with courage to speak out on this issue. I agree with her, the drivers and teams should be and should have been a vital part of the decision making process or drag racing WILL turn into a circus!
Unfortunately, there are those who watch any auto racing event with the anticipation of the next crash. For drag racing teams this is NOT the desired outcome!
After reading the article above, “VEGAS P.R.O MEETING WILL DETERMINE GROUP’S NEXT MOVE,” I’m getting a little tired of Bruton Smith always talking about the money HE poured in to the facility.
I have it on close authority from a friend that lives near the track that the local taxpayer played a major role in the upgrades at the racing facility.
Mr. Smith, quit acting like a spoiled brat! Change takes time and with the passage of time we all may grow to love the 4-wide racing. But remember this national event was shoved down the throats of the Pro racers. And like it or not, many racers are rather an independent lot. It would have been better if NHRA and Smith had brought the racers along from the beginning in my opinion!!!