Yeley Fan Reacts

It’s not the driver. “Sliced Bread” is not the answer. The 96 (Hall of Fame Racing) team is toast.
Neil Bell
Scottsdale, Ariz.

NHRA, Stay Accessible

In the Sept. 10 issue of NSSN was a really nice column by Sheena Baker about the new zMax Dragway built by Bruton Smith. It’s a marvelous facility. Everyone loved it — racers, fans and sponsors.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone. All of his properties are first class. The only negative I heard all weekend was that when the Top Fuel cars go back to running the quarter-mile, it needs a longer shut-down area. Also, getting out of the parking lot was a pain.
NHRA’s best advertising and selling point is that every ticket is a pit pass, and everyone has access to all of the drivers. That was really true six-eight years ago. However, now virtually all of the Top Fuel teams and some of the pro-stock teams have roped off hospitality areas that are accessible only to those who have been invited. . .  The drivers are hiding out in the hospitality area, talking to the media or doing interviews. Once in a while, you get a wave from a driver because he’s seen you at 10 events all over the country.
The more they hide, the more they are becoming like NASCAR drivers. Have you noticed the increase in empty seats at NASCAR races? I switched over to the NHRA many years ago. NASCAR was fun in the 60s, 70s and 80s, but rapidly went down hill.
So, you, NHRA, better stay accessible if you want the sport to keep growing and eventually be paying more.
Bob Clevinger
Maryville, Tenn.

Shootout Changes

An interesting note in your paper, “Changes On Tap For Bud Shootout.”
“Added excitement,” it says. For some reason, it included race fans with manufacturers in the same sentence.
I grew up in the 1940s, watching my uncle (Len Faas) race midgets. I didn’t care then nor do I now who built the car he drove. Racing is cool. Every driver will drive any car. Ask Ken Schrader.
How sad is it that Joe Nemechek took Furniture Row to its first pole, but isn’t allowed in the Shootout? A national survey of race fans is in order. Not that the manufacturers would care.
Frank Nation
Mancos, Colo.

Respect For Anthem

As a proud American and racing fan for more than 60 years, I am appalled at the lack of respect by multi-million dollar drivers and crews of NASCAR during the playing of our national anthem.
The camera shots during the playing of our national anthem show very few in the pits with their right hands over their hearts and many look bored. We have these TV stars who should be role models who should be showing respect for our country, our flag, our national anthem and the service men and women who keep us free.
It behooves the ad agencies of the multi-million dollar sponsors to demand the very best appearances of their beneficiaries.
The NASCAR teams have the privilege to work in a great industry in the greatest country in the world. We are supported by our hundreds of thousands of service men and women who are fighting overseas and in this nation so we can have the freedom to pursue a sport so many of us cherish.
These service people are the ones we should show respect to by the removing of our caps, placing our fight hand over our heart during the playing of our national anthem. There isn’t a one of these service people who would not want to trade places from their embattlement to be here and enjoy the race. Let us show them we care for their sacrifices.
Dean Hastie
Alexandria, Va.