A Force ??

The WJ story just kills me.... a few years back he flipped out ( i would do the same) when a few idiots helped them selves to his doors to his cars.
During rounds many PS take the doors off the car and hang them on the trailer . These guys saw them there and decided they wanted them to sell on ebay. They were busted outside the gate at Richmond and he pressed charges. Now his guys do it:LOL:
Back to the subject Neff will be fine just like Ashley will.
I have worked on a few Alky cars and 2 fuel cars. Everyone gets in over their head once in a while

My point is simply this. Ashley Force deserved a shot as a FC driver because of her past experience in the lower ranks. Her grade so far as a FC driver in my opinion is a C or C-. Will she make it big? Only time will tell but I think she has a good chance.

Neff? Im not sure what the exact NHRA mandate is but if he has no experience on the strip he shouldnt be allowed to go directly to a top pro category without running a lower division for a given amount of time first.
Or anybody else with no experience.

Maybe Force will have him run an alky car for a while. I dont think you can get a fuel FC license without having a lower class license first?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike in Motown

My point is simply this. Ashley Force deserved a shot as a FC driver because of her past experience in the lower ranks. Her grade so far as a FC driver in my opinion is a C or C-. Will she make it big? Only time will tell but I think she has a good chance.

Neff? Im not sure what the exact NHRA mandate is but if he has no experience on the strip he shouldnt be allowed to go directly to a top pro category without running a lower division for a given amount of time first.
Or anybody else with no experience.

Maybe Force will have him run an alky car for a while. I dont think you can get a fuel FC license without having a lower class license first?

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He wont run in any class other than a Fuel car. That is what JFR is all about.
You can get a licence for a pro class with out any other type of racing many guys out there have Hight, A. Force, Worsham, Doug Kallitta ( circle track does not count) Dixon many others.
Basically what it used to be was a physical , Orentation test ( blindfolded find all your levers and shutoffs) 1 half track pass, 3 passes more than 660 feet and 2 full runs with 1 of them being with in 1/10 of the national record
So that would be a 5.10 Easy with a good crew and car
Then have it signed by 2 drivers already in that class. And then you got it.
Your 1st 2 qualifying passes at a national event will be solos
I think it is still the same

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iceburgh

He wont run in any class other than a Fuel car. That is what JFR is all about.
You can get a licence for a pro class with out any other type of racing many guys out there have Hight, A. Force, Worsham, Doug Kallitta ( circle track does not count) Dixon many others.
Basically what it used to be was a physical , Orentation test ( blindfolded find all your levers and shutoffs) 1 half track pass, 3 passes more than 660 feet and 2 full runs with 1 of them being with in 1/10 of the national record
So that would be a 5.10 Easy with a good crew and car
Then have it signed by 2 drivers already in that class. And then you got it.
Your 1st 2 qualifying passes at a national event will be solos
I think it is still the same

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Well there you have it!

Any Tom, Dick or Harry wins the lottery, completes this short list and WALA, you're a pro!

I knew of these requirements you listed but I thought that for the pro catagories there was some experience required by the NHRA as well.

So I guess I can see why he'd pick Neff over a guy thats negotiated an alky funny down greasy tracks at divisional events.:rolleyes:

I think JF purdy' much picked the people he did, because he can. It's the direction he feels is the best rout to take. I doubt he takes the time to get the opinions of armchair forum racers. It's hard to dispute the results he's had to date. Even if we do, makes no difference, it's still JF's choice to hire who he wants.

On a totally unrelated note. Many years ago I had a guy down the street call me up and he said ...... "I'm sending my son down to your shop to help you out for the summer, so he can learn the ropes".
After I picked my jaw up off the floor, and did my best to contain my laughter, I said no & hung up. Don't know why, but this whole deal just reminded me of that event. I still get a chuckle out of it. I wonder if JF gets a kick out of all the chatter, or if he even pays attention to it at all? :eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pro70z28

. I doubt he takes the time to get the opinions of armchair forum racers. :

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WHAT???????

YOU MEAN HE DOESNT HANG ON MY EVERY WORD BEFORE MAKING DECISIONS??

'GASP', the nerve of him.:rolleyes:

Truth be told if I did win the lottery I still wouldnt be able to buy enough gonads to sit in one of those FC's. (but I'd sure as heck hire an experienced driver instead of my neighbor mechanic). But hey thats just me.

Im trying to get up enough nads (and cash) to go to Hawley's school; for a SG license!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike in Motown

Well there you have it!

Any Tom, Dick or Harry wins the lottery, completes this short list and WALA, you're a pro!

I knew of these requirements you listed but I thought that for the pro catagories there was some experience required by the NHRA as well.

So I guess I can see why he'd pick Neff over a guy thats negotiated an alky funny down greasy tracks at divisional events.:rolleyes:

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What's the big deal!!!! Nobody starts with experience.... Driving an alcohol car is not training for a funny car...other then it's a fast car... The clutch is entirely different, launch procedures are different, tires are different, everything is different....The only way you learn to drive a funny car is by driving a funny car....(Gee, I think I said that before!!!) If someone has a comp license, why shouldn't they be allowed to drive a funny car???? That's how new drivers and new teams get started....If John Force's method of driver selection and training doesn't work, how do you explain Robert Hight???? Pro Drivers should not have some sort of exclusive club.... If you've got the money and or the backing, no reason you can't run a Top Fuel or Pro Stock club. PLEASE don't ever let it become some sort of private domain for a bunch of Prima Donna's like some racing has become!!! Leave it wide open like it is so that Joe Average has a chance to go Pro!!!!! No reason to fix a system that isn't broken!!!!

Theres some truth to your words Dave.

BUT, saying that alky car experience has no advantage over no experience? Well you're never gonna convince me of that.


As far as keeping the 'exclusivity' away from pro racing, how do you figure that having no experience but lots of money helps that?

We'll just have to agree to disagree.

Dave that's exactly what I meant to say before I said what I said. ..... Neff said. :LOL:

Oh, those pro cars. They practically drive themselves. Nuttin' 2 it. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O0b90G8Yhg

I agree with Dave...every car I have been in has been different and not much you can transfer from one car to the next.
9.00 car to 13.00 car is all new
rear engine car is very uncomfortable IMO and you can take NOTHING from a front engine car that runs the same times and class. Been there id d that....wont do it again.
I got my SG from Hawleys and later SC..... well worth the money IMO.
Looked in to Roy Hill but at the time Hawley was traveling so it was much easier to catch a date and place

John really blew it on this one by picking Neff. He missed a chance to make a kazillion dollars by having a driver search on TV!!!!

Since no previous strip experience is needed he coulda got a cross section of americana to 'CHASE THE DREAM' You know, a couple blue collar types, wall street suits, housewifes, a couple homeless people, rich preppy types, Ya this would work!! Ten minutes of class time, a couple of 60' 'squirts' and HAMMER DOWN............ The ones that make it to the other end make it to the second cut and so on................:LOL:

IMO John is a clown:LOL:

From the horses mouth (No Mustang pun intended).

http://competitionplus.com/index.php...3371&Itemid=24

If JFR is doing it wrong.........Scrape together a few bux and start your own F/C team. Then you can make the right decision about who drives & who doesn't. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Right on!


Kitz

Anyone watch the infineon sportsman coverage on espn. Had an alky driver(cant remember his name) doing some commentary that was looking for a pro ride. Looked comfy on TV and spoke well. According to Bob Frey its only a matter of time before he gets a pro ride. I wonder if John knows he exists?

If I were a team owner and looking for a driver I'd ask Bob Frey to pick one. He seems to have the pulse of the ama ranks better than anyone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike in Motown

Anyone watch the infineon sportsman coverage on espn. Had an alky driver(cant remember his name) doing some commentary that was looking for a pro ride. Looked comfy on TV and spoke well. According to Bob Frey its only a matter of time before he gets a pro ride. I wonder if John knows he exists?

If I were a team owner and looking for a driver I'd ask Bob Frey to pick one. He seems to have the pulse of the ama ranks better than anyone.

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As said before, why don't you start your own team and then you can quit hammering this dead horse. :rolleyes:

Jeez!

tough crowd

I think John Force made the reasons for his selection perfectly clear.... If we should decide to put a 3rd car together this winter, my selection for a driver is going to be a 19 year old kid with 0 passes on the quarter mile. Going to take him out towards the end of the summer and let him run my Mustang a few times, then just teach him the rest as we go. I like his work ethic and his attitude. Like to see him have a chance. Sometimes it's good to go with the person most deserving a chance, not the person most qualified for the job....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Sometimes it's good to go with the person most deserving a chance, not the person most qualified for the job....

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WHAT???


No offense Dave, but am I the only one here that makes absolutely no sense to?

Im of the opinion that at the top level NHRA PRO CLASSES the most qualified IS THE MOST DESERVING. Jeez louise are you advocating some type of affirmative action for the pro classes?


NOW THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MIKE!!!!(im never wrong, just ask me)

It is wrong to let someone with no drag racing experience(driving) go straight to the pro's with only school and a few single squirts. It says a lot to the legitimacy (or lack thereof) as a whole.

Some have said that the alky class has nothing to offer as experience to a fule driver. THIS IS WRONG.. How can learning how to handle an out of control car at 250MPH not help prepare a driver for doing it at 300mph? Im not talking about the differences in staging, clutch or not, rpm's up or not, im talking car control. It makes no sense to pick a rook over a rookie with experience.

Im not going to name names but some of the drivers listed by some here as having no experience DO HAVE EXPERIENCE. I borrowed a couple of TI bolts from a guy at sacramento while he was shaking down an A-fuel car well before he ever ran a FC. You see him on tv quite a bit but was listed as one of the beginners on here by someone. I can give another example first hand but will leave it at that.

I'll also say this. Not everyone in the pro pits thinks its all hunky dory to bring a greenie straight to the pro's. I'll leave out how I know this, think of it what you will.

And for the life of me I cant figure why this subject seems to get under peoples skin.

Just one mans opinion that dont mean squat, mine I mean.:D


NOW THATS THE WAY IT IS OR DAMN WELL SHOULD BE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im done and now return you to your regular programming.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike in Motown

Im done and now return you to your regular programming.

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Thank God!
You sure are obsessed with the way John Force runs his business. I don't give a d%^& if he hires Little Miss Muffet to drive one HIS cars it is HIS business! :rolleyes: :( :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NTFDAY

Thank God!
You sure are obsessed with the way John Force runs his business. I don't give a d%^& if he hires Little Miss Muffet to drive one HIS cars it is HIS business! :rolleyes: :( :(

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Not a bad choice, I heard LMM ran an A/GAS car back in the day. Hey its something!

Now back to your nap grumpy;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike in Motown

And for the life of me I cant figure why this subject seems to get under peoples skin.

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It's not the subject. Even a good song gets old if you listen to it over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......over..... & over......

[QUOTE=Mike in Motown]WHAT???



Im not going to name names but some of the drivers listed by some here as having no experience DO HAVE EXPERIENCE. I borrowed a couple of TI bolts from a guy at sacramento while he was shaking down an A-fuel car well before he ever ran a FC. You see him on tv quite a bit but was listed as one of the beginners on here by someone. I can give another example first hand but will leave it at that.

QUOTE]
I think you have read to many message boards that belive what they print and want others to do the same.
I am no longer involved with NHRA pro classes but I still know many that are. Bottom line everyone wants to be there and they dont care how they get there.
It takes money and/or a break and someone needs to give you both.
Like I said before there are many peole that are or have raced fuel cars that have never raced anything else.
Back on the subject Ashley is growing and doing fine. I still think she will get a few breaks and win this year

Hey, if she does get a win this year, she will have beat ol pops, it took him ten years to get a win.

may i quote aerosmith? "its the same oll song and daaaaaaance my friend!!!"

Nothing to do with affirmative action. Just a form of repayment for some of the folks who gave me a shot driving when I was probably the least qualified to get in the car...

Many moons ago I put a 17 year old high school kid in my Super Gas car.... He put Sheldon Gecker on the trailer final round at Brainerd and got us a Super Gas win!!!!! The first and only National event win we have ever had!!!

I guess I'll just keep on cheering for and when I can supporting the young up and coming's in every sport. I get bored watching the same old bunch win everything, a bit of new blood occasionally keeps the old dawgs on their toes!!! Doesn't matter to me if we're talking a little Saturday night action on the dirt track or the Pro Classes in NHRA... I would again mention how much easier it is to train a brand new driver to your program then it is to try and break a lot of bad habits that a lot of more experienced drivers have. You just never know Mike, maybe the new kid you give a break to could eventually become the next Force, Bernstein, Garlits, or ??????. Now that I'm a full fledged geezer it's fun to have one of my "kids" stop by and tell me how things are going. Ok, it's probably never going to be good for anything other then warm fuzzies for me, but I guess I'll just have to keep cheering on all the newbies!!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

may i quote aerosmith? "its the same oll song and daaaaaaance my friend!!!"

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Nope, you ain't old enough to quote Aerosmith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: We'd first have to make sure you have an oldies station playing on the shop radio and not a bunch of that head banger crap!!!!!!!!!!!

You can have the last wise word on that one Dave and rightfully so. The court of public opinion has the noose around my neck for repetitiveness so I'll let it be for now. Maybe I'll open the can back up if some NEW news breaks on the subject.

Back to the original topic about Ashley.

OK SO WHAT SAY YALL, grade wise on Ashley's performance so far.


I give her a C

Now remember, grade her factoring in the first year driver, resources, team, pressure, etc. Take all into consideration and grade HER performance.

I'm just amazed that this thread is still alive and kicking. Talk about making a mountain out of an ant hill. :eek: This poor horse has been beaten to death, raised from the dead and beaten again. :LOL: :LOL:

As far as Ashley's performance so far... I give her an A plus. But I don't matter, it's what her dad thinks and her sponsors think that really matter. Certainly not anybody here, including me.

i only listen to rock n roll from 57-to about the mid 70's when it kinda went pfffft. c'mon now dave you didnt think i just like the cars of that era:eek: thats the only music i listen to!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Nope, you ain't old enough to quote Aerosmith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: We'd first have to make sure you have an oldies station playing on the shop radio and not a bunch of that head banger crap!!!!!!!!!!!

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Dave, I was thinkin' back to the real ol' days when there was a guy down on the corner that made & sold steel tipped arrows. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: Had his own foundry. :eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pro70z28

Dave, I was thinkin' back to the real ol' days when there was a guy down on the corner that made & sold steel tipped arrows. :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: Had his own foundry. :eek:

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Think I know him!!!!! As time progressed he got into the cannonball business. Shortly after that life really started getting screwed up!!!!! Bullets and bombs, all that other stuff!!!! We should have stuck to arrowheads!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Did he change his name to cannonsmith, bulletsmith & bombsmith :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :eek:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pro70z28

Did he change his name to cannonsmith, bulletsmith & bombsmith :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :eek:

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yup, that's the dude!!! Now his name is Newkumsmith but everybody just call him Stupid for short, you've probably met the guy!!!!!!LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

i only listen to rock n roll from 57-to about the mid 70's when it kinda went pfffft. c'mon now dave you didnt think i just like the cars of that era:eek: thats the only music i listen to!!!

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You can quote Aerosmith, but nothing from Janis Joplin or Arlo Guthrie---you're still to young for that stuff. "Oh Lord, won't ya buy me, a Mercedes Benz....My friends all drive Porshce's.........:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

to young my a** :LOL: check my radio station its all old! whats that i hear in the distance,,,,,,,sounds like a plane? "after the turn of the century, in the clear blue skies over germany, came a roar and a thunder men had never heard,like the screaming sound of a big warbird. up in the sky a man in a plane. hows that dave can ya name the song? :D:D

I was Snoopy's crew chief when he fought the Red Baron!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hmmmm, wanna be my crew chief!? :D:D:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gassersrule_196

hmmmm, wanna be my crew chief!? :D:D:D

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Didn't know you had a Sopwith Camel or that you were a fighter pilot!!!!!!!!!!!!:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: