Not a complaint, just an observation seeking discussion

[Cglrcng]

I just read the new NHRA rule change for women only in our sport. And it appears to me that the old adage gentleman "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" and "Ladies just get things done!"

Like I said above at 67 yrs. of age, married to my lovely bride for more than the last 36 years (we have had our children who are well into adulthood by now, and are grandparents to 4 so far), so I am not complaining and think the decision is a positive for our sport.

But, in reading the new rules (and having noticed the age of the average pro & class racers competing recently), I wondered just how many men over the recent couple of decades had to put a points chase season on hold for verifyable medical reasons?...I know a few that have for sure.

And it just made me wonder why the rule change(s) was exclusive (to women of child bearing age, and only pregnancy related), instead of just across the board inclusive to all racers and due to verifiable medical reasons?

Just a thought...health and accidents can affect all racers.

I do think Motherhood deserves special treatment though Ladies of NHRA, and as an aged father of 3 boys and for a grandfather now 2 boys and 2 girls going all the way back to my first born in 1975 (trust me, parenthood is the greatest thing in my opinion ever created). I hold zero ill will Ladies toward the rule changes.

[Cglrcng]

What struck me most about the new rules adopted was quite simple as Leah and Tony Stewart now get treated differently than say John Force and his replacement driver.

And it can apply to many others in all classes and categories both Pro and Sportsman.

[BZenzen]

I agree, NHRA could have labeled it as "Health, Disability or Life Events". In the case of Force and Beckman where a driver is injured, or a Mike Salinas where he has to step away due to health issues during the season.

[1legjerry]

Drag Racing is a sport and it requires you to be physically able to drive the car. If you can't so be it don't care who it is or the cause.

[kansas stocker]

The difference between ignorance and indifference?
I don't know and I don't care.
Applies directly to me here.

[Another Friendly Racer]

This whole "replacement driver" stuff is a joke.

Force hasn't competed SINCE JUNE, yet he's 3rd in points currently and a good race or two away (a good race or two that he won't be competing in) from somehow being crowned champ over guys who are ACTUALLY RACING.

Replacement driver rules getting expanded upon to accommodate pregnancies...

On a side note, how is it ok for a pregnant woman to compete in top fuel?

I have to assume this stuff is only for the pros and won't trickle down into the sportsman ranks.