You told me it was OK.
Did not.
At least at first glance, that’s pretty much the essence of Nitrogate or whatever the National Hot Rod Ass’n and Don Schumacher Racing choose to call the latest controversy, which developed last weekend during the Summit Racing.com Nationals at The Strip @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
It depends on who’s analyzing it, but perhaps the question is did the NHRA sell its credibility for $100,000? Schumacher contends that NHRA President Tom Compton and Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light told him in conversation last month that his Pro Nitro fuel — a rival to NHRA’s official supplier, VP — has become acceptable to use at NHRA national events.
The other perspective is that Schumacher must have selective hearing.
The bottom line is that somebody isn’t telling the truth.
Or maybe it’s that a whole lot more to the story lies beneath the surface. Does a $100,000 punishment fit the crime? And was it a crime to begin with?
Perhaps more facts, and not rumors, will emerge as Schumacher appeals his fine — which, by the way, amounts to about the winner’s share of the purses from a Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock sweep at one race.
“God, I love NHRA drag racing!” a frustrated Schumacher said.
He must. This businessman who fields seven championship-contender teams (two in the Top Fuel class, four in Funny Car and one in Pro Stock Motorcycle) keeps coming back week after week.
And many observers wonder what would happen if he didn’t.
That’s not to say that well-funded teams should be able to observe the rules only when they see fit. It simply means that NHRA and the teams ought to be communicating more clearly on matters of gravity or mistrust could erode the foundation of the sport.
This latest tempest in a nitro drum overshadowed all the positive events of the race weekend.
Ashley Force was runner-up for a second-straight event, proof that crew chief Dean “Guido” Antonelli and right-hand man Ron Douglas are getting the sophomore Funny Car driver up to speed.
Her outstanding performance, matched by her refreshing graciousness and enthusiasm, salvaged her John Force Racing team’s weekend.
Her dad, John Force, failed to break into the field for the second-straight year at this spring classic. But a Force is in the points lead — this time make that Ashley Force. She leads Las Vegas winner and No. 2 Tim Wilkerson by five points. And the tour is headed for Atlanta, where Ashley Force demonstrated her focus and cool-headedness in eliminating her father in their hyped match-up.
Both Cory McClenathan and Jason Line snapped their long winless streaks. Joining Wilkerson at the podium, each of them first-time winners at The Strip. Antron Brown continues to impress in Top Fuel, reaching a second-consecutive final round in the Matco Tools Dragster.
Kenny Koretsky, the inimitable Captain Chaos, earned his first No. 1 qualifying position of his long Pro Stock career. It was fun seeing his delight, especially considering he has come back from a horrifying wreck at Dallas in 2006. He didn’t win, but that gave Line a chance to reclaim his confidence in winning for the first time in more than a year.
And NASCAR headliner Kevin Harvick was there with wife Delana. Harvick is considering partnering with Top Fuel veteran Bob Vandergriff in a drag-racing venture. Kevin, if you expand your interests into drag racing, remember to clarify everything, keep a tape recorder handy and get promises in writing.
It could save you $100,000.