[Ken Miele]

This video is the first round of the Factory Stock Showdown. It was a tough first round. 2 cars had engine issues, 2 other had traction issues. These cars are making so much power, getting them off the starting line has become frustrating for a few teams.

As you can see from the size of the crowds Factory Stock is a big hit. Unfortunately the final two rounds will be missing one car. Chris Holbrook will not make the call tomorrow. He hurt the engine in round 1. He still managed to run the quickest time of the round as the motor starting going away at the 1000ft mark. Barton will take on Bell, and Watson will get the bye into the final.

On a side note..... As I was watching the winners come across the scales and then pulled over so the tech official could go over them today. It came to me that the tech team has been decimated. With so few tech officials at the track I was amazed that they could do what they did this weekend to make sure our cars were legal and safe. I'm not sure why or who's call it is to cut staff, but it sure does put pressure on tech team to keep us inline.

I wish the powers to be would reconsider bringing back tech at national events along with the tech personnel we all know and have come to respect. To me the main reason why Stock and Super Stock are so popular with NHRA is the legitimacy. Its knowing the tech will be there to make a fair and safe place to race. Over the years it has been slowly deteriorating. I now feel its heading in a direction were the racers are having to police themselves.

Watching Dave, Harry and Danny having to go over the cars give the impression the tech staff has been gutted. Anyway, that's my thoughts on this, but I would love to here your opinions on why or what can be done to bring back a tech department we all can feel good about.