When you think about how the NHRA markets that very point, you may initially think it's dirty. However, if you ask some folks that took advantage of that this past weekend, you would probably hear something different. Like Kelly said, I'm sure there were many folks that were more than happy to save the extra $18, jet still be able to enjoy the most awesome show on earth. They were probably just happy to be there.

The problem with most of us is that we've been spoiled all these years being able to go to this show and have the access we have to the cars and drivers. However, when it comes right down to it and things were really tight, I would pay less to see the show and sacrifice going to the pits in a heartbeat. Even without pit access, it's a sensory overload/experience that simply cannot be matched by anything else in the world.

Sean D

I was looking at the top of the boards also. Never even noticed the new lights

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Yeah, well, sometimes nothin's a real cool hand

Gee, I was surprised the first time I went to a National Event and was Not charged for a pit pass...

show of hands, how many here owned white pants, was a requirement to get into the pits a few years ago... and who remembers having to sign a release to even get into the pits, after paying for the pit pass? $2.00 in 1969 money is How much today? try 10 gallons of gas, or a carton of cigs, or, a family of 6 to mickey d's...

d'kid

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Coca Cola pants count?

ROTFLMAO Keith... starting to think the 'kids' don't know how really good they've got it... buying a beer on the pit side of the track, heck even buying a beer at the track was unheard off...

d'kid

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Well, I've never been to the Texas track before so I really don’t know the situation. Only been to thee drag races in my life - the last three U.S. Nationals.

I can say this - I was at the inaugural U.S. MotoGP race on Sunday and don’t believe there was any access to the pits. I was at all the F1 races at Indy except the first and there was no pit access except on Thursday when they had a walk by. After going to the U.S. Nationals and getting to walk thru the pits and see them working on the cars and look inside their semi trailers, something is missing when you go to events that do not allow access to the pits. If only I could get invited into one of those trailers and get a little tour!

I was going to put a sign in my front yard 'WILL WORK FOR NHRA DRAG RACING TICKETS' but I thought it might be tacky next to my other sign.....

FEMA: SEND BEER!

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NAPA Nitro Fan!

If you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them!

My only question is..... Did the pit's seem less congested ?
I know in my early years the pit's were much less crowded when you had to pay for pit passes.

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...............WARNING
ABSOLUTELY NO ADULT SUPERVISION

Yes, they were... Think it also helped that the "Hot Car" pits were a long hike from the stands.

d'kid

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quartermileclassics : photos : US 30 Dragstrip (A Private Collection)- powered by SmugMug Karl I'm giving up my age here but in that picture I am looking in the window of the LRW and my old brother is standing in front trying to sell Drag News.....Long time gone!

Keith, those are some great pictures!

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"I never said most of the things I said."

I was at most of the races at US 30 back then and saw most of those cars. What a great way to grow up... every wed night 8-20 Funnys and sometimes on friday and sunday too. I think I got that link from someone here.....

Keith, I was told at U.S. 30 you didn't want to let on how quick your car was. Otherwise someone might lose money on you via a bet! I heard some racers had their rigs shot at!

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Shift for Brains!!!!

I never let my parents know about the guns and the betting....but I did make some money as an advisor to some of the guys out there. It was a little rough and primative with today's standards but it was an awesome place to grow up...... I'd love to go back!

I can still remember when women weren't allowed into the pits!!

White pants - check
signed releases - check
cigs - negative
$2.00 in '69 - priceless

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Looks like I'll be needing some ice cream after today!!