Well, here it is the end of January 2009 and the preseason testing is abuzz with who’s doing what with which team, as usual. Only this year proves to be a year not seen quite like this in some time and that’s not always a bad thing. As we all face unique times economically, it is interesting to see what develops out of the “woodworks” when your proverbial back is against the wall.
That being said, I am excited to see the number of new faces like European Top Fuel champ Andy Carter, Shawn Langdon, and Matt Hagan coming into the NHRA fuel ranks as well as some “veterans” like Steve Faria, whom I just read is planning to compete in Top Fuel to fulfill a lifelong dream before he “gets too old,” as he put it. Steve comes from the alcohol ranks and let’s not forget Spencer Massey, too. Hopefully my alky peers will do us proud in Top Fuel although we all know it’s much tougher in NHRA Top Fuel than it is in the alky ranks or the other sanctioning body.
When you look a little further, you will see other teams stepping up to the plate such as Joe Hartley and his dad, Allen . I think it’s really cool that Joe gets a shot at a full schedule and I am betting they will go rounds with the best of them and will surprise a few along the way. Speaking of surprises, don’t count out Bill Miller and the BME gang with Troy Buff at the wheel. They, too, have moments of grandeur that can spoil a party in a hurry. I would love to see guys like Buff and Hartley going to the later rounds.
Oh yeah, we can’t forget my friends Clay Millican and Steve Chrisman. They are always a ton of fun to race with no matter what! Then there is the B& J Transmissions entry of Mike Strasburg that will be out again this year. I used to race against Mike in the Alcohol Dragster ranks in Division 5 and actually won my first race in TAD against him at a points race at Denver back in 2001. It was a very special moment and his team was cool enough to bring us a celebratory Keystone Light beer on the top end to celebrate our win. What a class act!
I see David Baca will be back this year with Mach 1 Air Services and that is really good to see. Baca is a personal friend whom I believe the sport will benefit from his return. He adds so much healthy positive joy to the sport as compared to some of the “redundant” interview moments and personalities we’ve all been so acclimated to seeing.
So for the most part, the NHRA will gain a few characters back into their regular line-up as a few fall out. Even better is the fact that the “little guy” teams will have an opportunity to see Sunday morning from the burnout box and not the grandstands. I believe this year is their year because I can assure you they have all spent more money than Don Schumacher Racing over their racing lifetimes if you look at it from a percentage perspective. Because if they are anything like me, they spent every dime they could make, borrow or steal just to go drag racing. Well, maybe not the stealing part but you get my drift.
Don is a smart business man who loves the sport as much or more. He’s just one of the few that has chosen to race only when proper backing is afforded to him and you’ve got to agree that’s a smart decision unlike most of our decisions all of us adrenaline junkies have done year after year.
In looking at the entry lists so far, there is only one name missing that really bothers me and that person is -- you guessed it -- yours truly. I have been working feverishly to put corporate money together so I could return in 2009 but we all understand the challenges there. The great news is that I have a half dozen standing job offers within the fuel ranks, even from “the Don” himself. Of course, all driver deals are contingent on sponsor acquisition. After all, this isn’t football or baseball, right? So I am continuing to pursue every avenue for a return in 2009. As they all like to say, “It ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings” and last I heard, there wasn’t any intro music playing!
I will keep you posted as things develop.
AB out!