If this has shown up already on the board, Mods feel free to combine and or delete. Here's a link to a really interesting article with Bob Vandergriff and his take on the importance of rivalries to the advancement of our sport. Good stuff, Bobby. Thanks. Drag Racing Internet Magazine - Competition Plus.com - GUEST COMMENTARY - BOB VANDERGRIFF DELIVERS

So well put and I agree 100%. Love the baseball references but more importantly the Nascar references and driver identitiy.

Simply said, I LOVE IT!

Sean D

More shirts and rivalries are needed!!!!!!!

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Evil Squirrels Are After My Nuts
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The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.

Someone who gets it!!

Thanks Bob! Well written and I agree...and that's MY opinion.

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Ignorance is not a legitimate handicap...

Great stuff - thanks Bobby! But . . . don't let NHRA catch ya selling "unapproved" merchandise at the track -

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"The Counterfeiter"

TRUST ME TERRY.... I'M DOING EVERYTHING I CAN TO HELP MR. VANDERGRIFF GET HIS OWN RIVAL for his OOPS Top Fuel Dragster!

Timmah!<---Delivering the Purple Promise Everyday... Hoping to do it at 300mph someday! 1-800-GOFEDEX

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Timmah! 5636 S/C
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I think Bob makes great points.

Remember when John Force got into Lee Beard's face?

Or who can forget how Doug Herbert gained the moniker "Dougzilla?"

I'm not advocating fisticuffs, but it sure made their next matchups more interesting.

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AKA DrRocket

While I agree with a lot that Vandy said in that piece, NHRA has all but squashed any kind of so-called Harsh comments any driver has said to another driver in the way of fines! Besides, is Bob suggesting rivalry's be created, you just can't create a Rivalry without the drivers themselves doing it. However I don't want to see this sport become WWF!

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Shift for Brains!!!!

yeah... We don't need fights. But a good rivalry is definitely something that would be good for the sport. I think it would attract a younger crowd that isn't real sure about Nitro. IMO, one of the best things to come to drag racing as far as attracting a bigger fan base is Pinks. Great Article!

...Reminds me of "Jungle" and "Brutus" staging scraps in the bleech box!

Bob Jr. is a smart dude and good businessman.
(His Pappy is no slouch either!!!)

It is 20 years past due that NHRA starts promoting the names, people, and places rather than elapsed times, MPH's, and MOV's. Rivalries, although somewhat fabricated by media and sponsors, we prevolent during the Super Stock F/X-early Funny Car-front-engined Top Fueler days of yore. That sold tickets, merch, and sponsor product better than a record or number 1 qualifier spot. It was all about who beat who and who was talking trash on Monday.

Take a lesson from the past history of our sport since we will soon not have big numbers to sell!!!!

Right on, Bob! Luv ya, man!!!

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Wes Tarkington
www.galaxywest.com

Anyone remember the Jim Head vs Cory Mac incidents of the Mid-90's ? Can't recall the details but it got attention at the time.

Bobby V is awesome, and right on with his viewpoint. If he's teaming up with Kevin Harvick, you can expect some turmoil to be brewing!!!


Also, this photo from the other thread tops it all!

I won't be booing anyone.
Seems kinda cheapening.
It's one reason why I am into drag racing and not nascrap.
Like Joe said; "Don't want to see NHRA turn into WWE".

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Go NAPA/ Rockstar funny car team!