Now that the top classes in the NHRA are running 1000' instead of 1/4 mile, will it hurt the attendance?

Question

I for one would pay to watch a nitro car race 60' without thinking about it. There are some diehard quarter mile guys that think it will hurt the sport, but will the spectators really even notice??

Answer 1

I think the majority of the people at these events go for the booze and the noise... I think die hard fans are few and far between...

So no, I don't think it'll hurt attendance nor do I think many will notice.

Answer 2

The die hard fans will notice but what else can they do with out taking the tracks with short shut down areas off the schedule... I read on a few forums that some are not going just because of that and that is stupid... what do they want someone else to lose their life just so they can be entertained for the weekend... I believe this will keep some from going but not enough to make an impact... NHRA needs to step up... I can't take losing another hero.

Answer 3

My biggest concern is that this "temporary" measure will become standard.  Let's face it, drag-racing is a dangerous sport (that's why we love it!) with very few fatalities.  Will 320 feet save lives? I doubt it.  How will newer times be compared with the 1/4 mile?  Maybe i'm old-fashioned, but to me, a 1/4 mile is 1320 feet, dammit!