NHRA, Atco and my thoughts

[Ken Miele]

I know some members will not be happy with my thoughts on NHRA and the Atco D1 race. It is so tiring to here the same old bitching and crying and griping. I understand the frustration that some people have, but the constant bashing of NHRA is getting old.

I think Bob Lang and Joe Sway did an outstanding job with what they had to work with. Some of things said on this forum are so out of line. Unless you walk in someone shoes, how could you possible know what the right decisions are. There have been many suggestions on what the right calls for the Atco race should have been along with the reschedule. Some have to work, some have other racing events to attend. We all know we are at the mercy of the weather. This is nothing new to most racers, why do the racers that are so unhappy with how they are treated by NHRA continually return. D1 made the decision to reschedule next week, now we all have to live with it, right or wrong.

You all could give suggestions on what the right thing to do is, but with all do respect those suggestions are self serving for your own needs. If you think I am out of line with my opinion, your only kidding yourself. Some times we as racer need to look at the big picture and not just are own needs. You guys that are upset with NHRA can think I am just an *** kisser, but it does not matter to me. I am happy I have a place to race, I feel blessed that I can race. Sure I get upset with NHRA at times, but I know here in D1 they are doing the best they can. I have nothing but praise for guys like Dave Ley, Ryck Campbell and all the rest of the D1 officials.

Did anyone take the time to thank D1 for going around to everyone's trailer and teching us in at atco? I guess its easier to slam them on here than to just say thanks when they go out of there way.

I don't apologize for supporting and racing NHRA, its not perfect but it is were on want to race. I have tons of respect for our D1 guys, they're paid minimum wage, and we all know its a thankless job. I am here to make sure they know I am one racer that is more than grateful for the work they do..

The next time you want to bitch and whine about how your were treated, think of the guys in D1 that do this for the love of the sport and the time they put in. They are here before we get ready to race and are still working after we are done. They want us to have a safe place to race and believe it or not that want us to have fun. We should all learn to except what we can't change. This after all is racing, were not forced to do this. We do it for the fun and there are way to many things in life that are so much more important than racing. We are lucky we have the means to enjoy this hobby. Many people dream of what we have. Is it that big of a deal that we miss a race or we don't get enough time shots.

Sure everyone has lots invested, but we all know racing is a very poor investment.

Please try to think of someone other than yourself before you come on here and start hammering NHRA. If you don't like NHRA, they don't support them.

One last note after this rambling. Judging by all the racers that are here at Maple Grove, I would have to believe even with loosing a day of qualify and time shots, it is still worth being at the race track.

Thanks D1, you guys are the best and you have my support.