[Gary Smith]

Listen up S/SS racers....Rich contacted me today and had a lengthy talk after warming up to my idea(s) after a few back and forth emails. I just sent him another outlining a format similar to class eliminations at National Events. The prime element would be performance based competition using a CIC rule to prevent runaway combinations and sandbagging. Due to contractual restrictions a TV package can't be included (but not ruled out completely).

Remember, this is an attempt to market our group to the masses. I must respect his wisdom with experience in TV ratings, spectator appeal, etc. Rich is a promoter, not a gearhead and is the first to point that out. Yes the program is crude, but it's for the sake of simplicity. He is truly passionate about what we do though. The idea is to find a happy medium that allows class cars to finally run as hard as they can within the rulebook. No shoe polish, breakouts or handicapping. PLEASE give it some serious thought with an open mind. NHRA is claiming they care about sportsman racing but guarantee it's because they're finally feeling the squeeze, and will say anything to prevent losing us to something better!!!!!!! It could also secure a better future in case the hammer does fall at NHRA.