Nostalgia Drag Racers Concerned as Top Fuel Class Dwindles

The small field of Nostalgia Top Fuelers at the March Meet has me concerned. Is this a sign of things to come? Is a rethink in order? The March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, is the Super Bowl of our sport. Top Fuel dragsters are the fastest machines of its kind in the world. When it comes to pure speed, these are what millions of fans come to see. By the way, there was a huge turnout for Friday and Saturday - Sunday was rained out and was run March 26th (won by Rick White & Kris Krabill).

There are reasons why Famoso had a small field. I should also mention that the Funny Car field was smaller than usual, too (22 cars). First off, there were 15 Top Fuel diggers at the race when qualifying began - to fill a field of 16. Now, during a regular season meet that doesn't have the prestige of the March Meet, it's not unusual for a less than full roster to fill out the ladder.

Three Reasons Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragsters Have Small Fields

But what happened this March is a state of affairs which shouldn't have been as inferior as it was. Dollars are always tight at this level, especially without sponsorship. And this is key with all the listed reasons.

First, there are explanations for the dwindling Top Fuel count. The most obvious one is that the Recession still hasn't given in and I am concerned that it may be warming up for another dive. Surely, with high unemployment and real estate in the tank, no economy can move forward and the same can be said about Nostalgia drag racing and the extra costs this entails.

Which brings us to the second reason: gas prices have risen dramatically over the past several months. These gasoline prices increased in-part by our inflamed inflation and by world events such as the Mideast turmoil, which isn't getting any better. Racers' biggest cost is travel and when international oil prices soar, it has a direct correlation with their ability to afford fuel and race.

And the third and prevalent reason is unneeded rules changes that have had a debilitating affect on Nostalgia nitro racers. NHRA, in the name of safety, had several rules added including these mandates: carbon-fiber brakes - automatic chute deployment and fuel shutoff when burst-plate blows - molded seats. This costs at least $10K additional dollars which small teams can't afford. None of these added 'safety features' are proven to make a Nostalgia Top Fuel car safer but tech personnel stated at the track that it may be possible that these additions might help.

One size doesn't fit all

So the sad status of not having enough Top Fuelers to fill the 16 car field at the March Meet emerged. Racers were denied running with too many costs and fans were denied because of fewer nitro cars to watch and listen and smell.

I don't disagree with safety measures when needed or warranted but because a 8000 HP car in NHRA Pro series has issues doesn't mean a 3000 HP Nostalgia car is going to have those same issues. Let's be safe, smart and sensible. If we need to make a rule change that solves a real safety problem, no one will disagree. But where are discussion, debate and discourse? Too many teams parked their cars and if the fans start feeling the value is no longer a factor with our great sport, we will all feel it in the pocketbook.

It's like we're dealing with Clint Eastwood, who once said: "I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it."

One size never fits everything so let's change the new safety cost situation because the Recession and gasoline cost aren't going away. If we don't alter these unnecessary rules, I'm concerned the shrinking fields may just be a sign of things to come. A reasonable rethink is in order ... Now!