Describe your short-term and long-term goals as the SC consultant?
My short-term goal is to maximize the current exposure of the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series, as well as that of the racers, NHRA Member Tracks and sponsors. This way the Series will attract a larger fan base, lure future sponsors and enhance NHRA's status as Sport Compact Drag Racing's premier sanctioning body.
My long-term goal is to bring the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Series to the forefront of motorsports entertainment throughout the country and the world. But I also feel it is crucial to the series that we continue to grow at the same rate as the industry around us. It is my belief these goals are well within our reach with the continued support of spectators, racers, NHRA Member Tracks, media outlets, sponsors and peers within our organization, as well as those in the sport compact industry.
Will the series be expanding its schedule in 2003?
We are currently planning to keep the series at 10 events in order to ensure every event meets NHRA Sport Compact series standards. At this time, increasing the number of races would be a premature reaction with the potential of placing too big of a financial burden on the racers. Being an NHRA Sport Compact world champion should be settled on the strip, not on the highway, because teams can't afford to travel to all the races.
What kind of rules changes are we going to see coming in 2003?
The primary objective concerning rules for the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series for the 2003 season is to develop the necessary rules to keep the stability and consistency of the series over time. Stable rules and a consistent racing format encourage more competitors to build cars, provide closer racing for the spectators and television fans, and entice sponsors to invest in the series, competitive teams and the industry as a whole.
Parting Words: On behalf of the NHRA as well as myself, I would like to acknowledge all the individuals that have put their time and effort into making our sport what it is today and what it will be tomorrow. Whether you are a spectator, racer, track operator, media personnel, sponsor, or manufacturer, your participation has helped make this sport a reality, and for that we want to thank you. We hope to see you at the track-let's keep on racing.
Racing News
Kenny Tran Joins Forces With Bob NorwoodFamed import racer Kenny Tran has moved to alcohol in 2002 and Bob Norwood has been the "mad scientist" making everything work. Norwood Autocraft will continue to provide guidance and implement tuning changes on the Jotech Civic. The pairing has produced results from the get-go. The announcement was made prior to the NHRA Dallas event and Kenny promptly motored all the way to victory lane in the Hot Rod class. At the next event in Woodburn, Oregon the Jotech Civic blasted into the 8-second club with an 8.94 at better than 172 mph.
Racing Rumors Saturn In Orbit
We hear Saturn Motorsports in San Diego California and Jim Epplers are teaming up and forming a two-car SC drag team in 2003. We expect to see entries in Hot Rod and Modified but have no word on possible drivers. The Saturns run GM's race proven Ecotec four-cylinder.
Who Is Next...
Don "The Snake" Prudhomme?Don't laugh too hard, but we have heard his name pop up. Honestly, this is a shaky proposition at best; but stranger things have happened.