NHRA vs NASCAR

Yesterday was the last NHRA Drag Race of the 2011 season, and it was the next to last NASCAR race of the year. For the race junkies out there like me, we are approaching the time of year when there are several months of no racing action on the tube.

I'm a fan of both styles of racing, but ever since I witnessed my first drag race in Fremont, CA, where "Big Daddy" Don Garlits won the top fuel action back in the early 60's, I've been a devoted follower. When we retired from our Harley-Davidson Dealership, and joined the NHRA circuit, pulling the brand new Harley-Davidson Pro Stock Drag Bike Team merchandise trailer, I just knew that I had died and gone to heaven. Being part of that racing community for 2 years was like a dream come true. We were a part of that traveling road show for 2 seasons (2002 & 2003), putting almost 50,000 miles on our motor home, and seeing a good part of America in the process.

Toward the end of the season, the individual drama involved with those drivers who are competing for the championships, can be quite interesting for race fans like me. The last NHRA race of the season was completed yesterday in Pomona, CA, and the professional champions were all crowned. Out of the 4 pro classes, the one that we were most involved with was Pro Stock Motorcycle, so that's a class that is always on my radar screen. When the dust was settled at Pomona, Eddie Kriewic, on the Vance & Hines, Screaming Eagle, Harley-Davidson V-Rod, won his 2nd championship trophy. Since we were a part of that team when it started in 2002, they have won the championship 5 out of the last 10 seasons. That's a record that most race teams would love to have, and I'm sure there was quite a celebration last night.

There's one more NASCAR race next weekend, and it looks like the new champion will be either Tony Stewart, or Carl Edwards. After that, the long dry spell begins, and I'll be counting the days toward February, when both series start their respective racing action once again.