My thoughts, along with clarification
/So, the last few days have been pretty interesting, to say the least in the world of drag racing. Some things were said that I don’t think people fully understand based on the feedback I received.
Editorial is Defined as:
a newspaper article written by or on behalf of an editor that gives an opinion on a topical issue.
With that in mind, I want to clarify some things that were stated in editorial articles that I wrote over the last couple of days regarding NHRA and Pro Mod. The first thing that I want absolute clarity on is that I do love the NHRA. They are the heart of drag racing. Without the NHRA, we wouldn’t have drag racing as we know it. They do put on an amazing production, and they are the governing body of our sport.
Secondly, the opinions that I express are those of me and no one else associated with the company. In fact, most other people within the company disagree completely with my opinions and approach 90% of the time. While they support my ability to speak freely, I certainly don’t speak for them or anyone else but myself. Next, I want all of you to understand that I have the utmost respect for those that work within NHRA. I certainly wouldn’t want the responsibility of doing what those people do day in and day out 365 days a year. There is a reason that I don’t work in that world, and it’s not because I don’t have the brains to do it, it is because I don’t have the patience to do it. So, don’t get it twisted when you read my editorials about things.
Also, I want people to understand that I will always praise a promoter or promotion when it is warranted, but at the same time, I will call out anyone, or any organization that I think is acting a fool. I have never been and never will be beholden to an organization or promoter. So while I have the utmost respect for the NHRA, if they do something that I don’t agree with, I am still going to hold my ground and say so.
Next is the notion that I hate everything that the NHRA does. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, they are my favorite events to cover in certain aspects. They treat the media folks with a great deal of respect, they run a tight ship and schedule, they are very organized, and it isn’t easy to get to the point where you are allowed to cover an NHRA event. Listen, I have busted my ass for almost 5 years, since Ellen and I founded E3xtreme, and another 5 years before that on my dime going to races and shooting for myself. I respect those that have come before me and those that I share a wall, media suite, or anything else with. That does not mean that I am a sheep and will always agree though.
Yes, I have been critical of the NHRA regarding some of their decisions and moves. I still don’t like 1000’ racing. I don’t like that Pro Stock has become the 500” Camaro class. I don’t like the Pro Mod schedule next year. At the same time, I have been critical of small tire promoters, and other series for moves they have made to. I don’t just do it to hear myself speak either. I do it to start the conversation and say what others are wanting to say, but either don’t have the platform or have to worry about the corporate side of the business.
You may not like a lot of what I have to say, or how I say it. That is perfectly fine with me. That is no different than like Fox vs CNN vs MSNBC vs BBC etc. I am not everyone’s cup of tea, and that isn’t a surprise to a lot of people. At the same time, those thoughts are mine. They aren’t Ellen’s or Courtney’s or Mikel’s or anyone else’s.
I certainly hope that our readers like some of the opinions that I voice on here, and I hope that it gets the conversation started. So, enjoy the rest of your day, and I hope that you continue to find quality content on E3xtreme that keeps you coming back for more.
Thank You
Damon C. Steinke
Co-founder E3xtreme.com