[AWP9521]

My local track went from 1/4 mile to 1/8 mile about 10 years ago, the reason being it was safer and the speeds would be lower. (Actually it was in response to him having an accident his car on the big end in Florida and got hurt pretty good) Of course the racers had mixed reactions and it was about 50/50 liking or hating the idea.

Ironicly the owner decided to take another of his cars in an "exibition" run down the track and rolled it 5 times right smack at the 1/8 mile mark. He was unhurt but couldn't say the same for the car.

Personally I too like doing the 1320 foot dash than the 1000 or 660 foot runs and think NHRA is making a mistake reducing the length of the track. They at one time mandated cutting down the amount of nitromethane allowed in the racing fuel, why not cut it down some more since it is obvious that the engine builders have found more ways of extracting more power on less of a concentration.

Plus I think it goes against the whole thought of Drag Racing in the first place, "An accelleration race between 2 vehicles, first one crossing the finish line wins", pats on the back are given to the person who broke a speed or ET record in a class, speed and time is what it's all about. Crashing and risking death is part of the game, and every participant that ever races (or raced) on a drag strip knew the risks before strapping in.