They say that the only constant thing is change, so we shouldn't be all that surprised.
I still do miss the old days though. I started racing in the mid-60's on Long Island where it wasn't that unusual to be able to race 4 times a week if you didn't mind the drive to New Jersey! NHRA/AHRA/UDRA tracks with-in a couple of hour tow, and flat-towing with NMW hubs and a Lakewood tow bar! I don't know if I could stay this active now, 40-some years later, but I'd sure like to try! I moved to South Florida and had two tracks close by on the East Coast, and at least 5 others you could do on a weekend.
I've always been told to be careful what you wish for, so I am. Would I like to see things back the way they were, sure, but there are also a lot of things that changed because they had to - the economy and the environment did a lot to slow things down. I also don't listen to the oldies station because it depresses me that I'm getting older!
I really enjoy the Nostalgia movement, because that was a simpler time for me, something about being a kid that's still a wonderful thing, the world full of endless possibilities. I just thank G-d I can still remember back that far and I still have good friends like you Danny to share it with!
Lew
(Old but definitely NOT out!)