Ed Cook wrote:
Nobody sitting in the stands wants to see a Super Car or a F.A.S.T car go slow. It's great to see pretty muscle car go in the 11's but it's MUCH BETTER TO SEE IT RUN IN THE 10's.
I understand the passion to strive for quicker times down the quarter mile. However, I think that sometimes when you're in the middle of your own personal quest to hit your next ET/MPH goal, you lose sight of the fact that the numbers many of you and your fellow racers are running IS Impressive.
You may have been there, done that, and want more. But, you forget, there are still A LOT of car enthusiasts out there that haven't "been there, done that" for themselves, and haven't seen you doing it. A perfect example was this past weekend at the Mopar Nationals, THE Largest Mopar event in the Entire world. Every time the SuperCar racers came back to the pits, there were Many spectators and fellow car owners swarming upon the SuperCars staged in the pit area. They were Impressed, and wanted to know more about the cars that just ran the numbers on bias ply tires. Up in the grandstands, there was a lot of people buzzing about the class and the numbers the cars were running. Out in Heath, no fewer than 4 separate people stopped to point out Scott's Green A12 as it sat in the parking lot near the street. And, what they said was, "Wow, that car was running 12.00 at the track today, on those tires!". And, they couldn't believe that a car that could run that quick would be out cruising around Heath. Don't forget, at this particular event, the fastest cars were mid 11's. People were impressed. Don't let anyone let you think otherwise.
If the only people that matter are the ones who have biggest, most powerful engines, than why would anyone with a small block engine car bother building a car for this style of racing? If there is no appreciation for a small block that's running in the 11's, or even the 12's, why should someone bother to participate? Everyone is at different levels, be it the new racer or the seasoned veteran. Everyone has a passion for different marques, models of car, and engine cubes. There should be a place for everyone to be seated at this table we call racing. They are all worthy of respect and admiration running 10's, 11's, 12's and beyond.
Gentlemen, I've had the privilege of sitting in the stands and videotaping practically every event that's been held on the East Coast in the last 4 years. So, I have a different perspective than that of the racers. And, I am privy the all the comments the people in the stands, in the towers and in the pits. You may not hear all the buzz surrounding you guys, but I do. And, I'll tell you, People never tire of seeing your cars going down the track, from the quickest to the slowest of the pack.
Oh, and Ed, I can't wait to see you break into the 10's! Because I feel like each of your (and your fellow class racers) milestones are my milestones. I'm excited to see each of you reach your own personal best, and that's what this class is all about.