NHRA has announced that they will, again, be penalizing Top Fuel and Fuel Funny Cars that oil down the track during National event qualifying and eliminations at the NHRA Finals at Pomona. I used to hate the idea of this, and felt it was unfair to the racers. Now, I'm not so sure. I went to Maple Grove for the Toyo Tire Nationals a few weeks ago, and had to endure what seemed like an endless parade of track cleaning vehicles.

It hasn't taken long for the crew chiefs to figure out how make the engines blow up at 1000', instead of 1320'. Now, let me be clear on this. It isn't just the fuel cars that are making the mess. You could count on it: two sets of Alcohol cars, and a clean up. In fact, I'm not sure there wasn't more downtime because of the Alcohol cars than the fuel cars. It's boring for the spectators, and takes up valuable racing time.

But, I think NHRA should tread carefully here. I think the penalties should be as proposed by NHRA, monetary, and not points loss. The idea they've put forth appears equitable. BUT, I don't believe any of the "lower" class Sportsman racers should be penalized, and at this time, it doesn't appear they will be. I'm pretty sure NOBODY sets out to blow up and oil the track, but particularly Competition Eliminator on down shouldn't be penalized in any way. They are running on tighter budgets, and are the backbone of NHRA racing. They get a pass. The money they'll have to pay for the new equipment will be penalty enough. And, if NHRA insists on placing a monetary penalty on Sportsman racers in the future, I'm pretty sure there would be quite a few people who would assist in paying those penalties.

It's clear that something has to be done to minimize the downtime during the events. Exactly what, I'm pretty sure I don't have the answer, but this seems like a logical step, as long as the Sportsman racers don't take it in the.....well, you know. NHRA is open to ideas, it's time for racers to try to come up with some sort of solution to the situation.