Author	[Modern View]
Popinjohn 08-31-2012 18:13:37 24.168.43.43 Report to Moderator	Here's a quote from a recent HOT ROD magazine interview with Don Garlits, things he would change about NHRA. Whether you agree or not, the concept of some of his comments could equally apply to tractor pulling. DG] I'd say, "Boys, this is how it's gonna be for 2013: We'll spray the track lightly once, and that's all it's gonna get. You guys just put all the oil you want to on it. You're gonna run in your own slop, and you can settle that amongst yourselves in the pits; if a guy is constantly oiling, take it up with him. I want these wings pulled down 2 feet, and get all those spoilers off 'em. You want a 1,000-gallon [per minute] fuel pump? Fine, because you ain't gonna have any tires. Goodyear can only make a certain size." The playing field would be level, because big money would be worthless. Those guys would spin right where they sat, and the guy with not much money that knew how to tune, like Dick LaHaie, would win the races. There's about as much chance of that happening as there is of Congress fixing the country. But NHRA is between a rock and a hard spot. It's kinda risky to say, "Mr. Force, Mr. Schumacher, Mr. Kalitta, we're gonna make it easier for Joe Stroke to outrun you." What would the financial consequences be to NHRA and their tracks if these big teams all stayed away? Besides, NHRA doesn't want them to be outrun by some no-name. I know that for a fact because when I did TV, and John Force did get outrun, they would make me interview Austin Coil--not the crew chief on the winning car. Wally let it get out of control. I always said they should seal the engine when the race starts; if you blow it up, you're done. Had that been initiated years ago, it'd be OK. But now, it's like the federal government owing 15 trillion. It's a little hard to get a handle on it. You ought'a have this conversation with Tom Compton. Surely he realizes the sport is out of control and should go back to the quarter-mile. Read more: http://www.hotrod.com/feature_stories/hrdp_1210_take_5_with_drag_racing_legend_don_garlits/viewall.html#ixzz25AxSfH81 [Reply]   [No Email]
Willenium 09-12-2012 10:59:42 141.116.212.23 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Popinjohn, 08-31-2012 18:13:37   So would you say that knowing what you know now, is it still worth it (purses, fuel costs, time involved)? I could think of nothing better than seeing if I could build a tractor to outpull others and get my brand out there. I remember watching the Haney family in Athens, Alabama tear it up when I was a kid. They even let me sit in Cujo when I was 4. It was the thrill of a lifetime. I want to be that guy to future generations. [Reply]  [No Email]
Popinjohn 09-01-2012 18:32:28 24.168.43.43 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Popinjohn, 08-31-2012 18:13:37   Just for clarification, I am pointing to DG's comments about tire size, engines, and leveling the playing field. From what I've read on this forum, most pulls do have rules aiming at fairness, but there doesn't seem to be uniform consensus everywhere on rules. That's probably why the drag race sport now has NHRA, IHRA, etc. etc., maybe uniform consensus can't be obtained. [Reply]  [No Email]
Tempola 09-01-2012 08:50:41 141.0.9.150 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Popinjohn, 08-31-2012 18:13:37   Well put. Once the big egos take over any competition, it becomes boring and predictable. I know of a club that pulls and the posted results are mostly cookie cutter, year after year. The boys and i have been made fun of here and elsewhere simply because we are not people of means. But that makes victory much more sweeter and appreciated....i guess some things cannot be bought after all. OF course people have been putting on airs since humans first walked erect. Just human nature that stems out of personal insecurity, mostly. A T [Reply]  [No Email]
VicS 09-01-2012 18:35:52 70.195.0.145 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Tempola, 09-01-2012 08:50:41   Andy don't forget about those tires, If you ever drive down I 64 stop and get them. 110 mile marker. 6188382225 [Reply]  [No Email]
cowboycorey 08-31-2012 20:04:29 173.202.11.93 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Popinjohn, 08-31-2012 18:13:37   As a father of three girls I love seeing these ladies win in Drag racing. Garlits is a real dude! When I first started racing my car was 10 different colors . I was so happy when I smoked a "ego in a helmet". Just got back from seeing Obama's 2016 movie, you gotta go see it . It makes sense out of his madness. Get everyone you can to go see it. [Reply]  [No Email]
Jim Johnson 08-31-2012 19:03:21 67.142.168.22 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Popinjohn, 08-31-2012 18:13:37   Hear, Hear! Wally Parks let that get out of hand when he decided years ago not to pay back the racers what they deserved. Ask Don Garlits about what they did to the other organizations back when. You'll get an earful that's for sure. Jim [Reply]  [No Email]
B-maniac 08-31-2012 19:52:13 97.85.62.26 Report to Moderator	Re: Future of tractor pulling in reply to Jim Johnson, 08-31-2012 19:03:21   I've been an avid drag racer/spectator since the mid '60,s but lately the national events are so boring that the only thing that keeps me watching them is to see Erica Enders finally kickin' those arrogant jerks arses THREE times so far this year. Used to like you , Anderson , but you have proved what a royal jerk you are. What a sore loser!Rest of the pro classes are just the same ole crap with a little courtney thrown in once in a while. [Reply]  [No Email]