What are the chances of hardcore NASCAR fans getting a taste of NHRA drag racing, and then deciding to also become fans of straightline racing? In drag racing we don't make those sort of edge-of-your-seat torrid turns that you see in NASCAR roundy-round racing. Our format of competition only lasts for mere seconds, blink and it's practically over. While NASCAR fans are used to races that last long enough to go in the kitchen and grab a beverage, make a sandwich, feed the dog, etc, and when you get back to your seat there's still plenty of racing remaining for your viewing pleasure... The reason for me addressing this issue is because of the hype surrounding NHRA Funny Car racer Alexis DeJoria's trip to the Food City 500 NASCAR race to try to promote drag racing. Do you think Alexis' numerous personal appearances throughout the NASCAR weekend, including Q&A sessions, visits to sponsor suites, and autograph sessions was able to sway NASCAR nuts to develop any affection towards drag racing?-- I dunno, most diehard NASCAR guys who I overhear yakking at bars and other public places, seem to be pretty set in their ways, and not necessarily open to try anything new or different from their usual routine, and yes, I admit that we've got our own minority of blowhards in drag racing who are pretty much the same way. We are creatures of habit and familiarity, we find what we like in life, and most often stick with it-- like your brand of favorite breakfast cereal or your favorite living room chair... If the sport of drag racing could recruit even a tiny percentage of the NASCAR audience to become loyal fans of our form of motorsport, that would be a huge increase for us-- I get that-- And I also have to give credit to Alexis DeJoria and her team for making an effort to work towards that ambitious goal. We should see more NHRA stars like Alexis DeJoria attempt to promote NHRA racing on NASCAR soil, I believe it's at least worth a try to influence the massive NASCAR crowd into giving NHRA drag racing a look...

Our racers go in a straight line, it's all over in a matter of seconds, there's no torrid turns like you see in NASCAR racing-- That said, I address the question of whether or not NASCAR fans can be swayed into developing an affection for NHRA drag racing...

Photograph of the historic Englishtown Raceway Park starting line taken by yours truly.