I like the idea and thought of it - but it doesn't have the same effect as the example that you outlined Bobby. In your example it allowed the champ to be crowned - it won't do anything for the memory of Eric except leave him in the same spot of the points standing for another week.

All the IHRA teams black striped their numbers last week in San Antonio and Brain Olsen did a good job of a "eulogy" and moment of remembrance - maybe someone can make a black number 5 that all teams carry for the rest of the year... and / or sell the patches for head injury research...

Maybe let the Eric's backup car take a single bye run on Sunday... idle down the track... there's lots of things that you can do to make a tribute - I'm not sure not awarding the points gets the results you're (we all are) looking for.

I like the thought though - something special should be done.

reserve the #1 qualifying spot for Eric then have the remaining racers qualify 2-17, so that no one gets a bye run.....my idea...like it, hate it...thats what i think should be done

I agree whole heartedly with the suggestion of not claiming any points for f/c at Houston. I have always felt that the NHRA is one big family, where everyone is willing to help each other when in need. I think this is what makes the NHRA so different. I read that the comment was made at one of the services for Eric that said something to the effect of "you mean these guys actually compete against each other"...referring to the outpouring of love from all of Eric's fellow racers. What better way to prove that the NHRA is indeed different, and one great big family.
Just my .02...............

Solid point......

jOkA!

Jerrod Felix: I don't agree...this wasn't done with Blaine and Darrell when they passed, so why do it now. to me it would be disrespectful to those 2 fallen heros.
Jerrod: I may be wrong, but I believe the idea of forgoing awarding any fc points this weekend is because the 3 remaining Force team cars won't be in competition, so they therefore won't be earning any points.

I'm sitting here kinda shakin my head wondering, why even run F/C or the race at all?? Why are these drivers going out there and putting their lives at risk this weekend then?? I am not at all insensitive to this issue at all... Read my past posts!! However running a race, just to run, makes no sense... of course the winner is going to dedicate the win and trophy and money to Eric and his family... But the point is the points... I think...

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theDARKSIDE- TOP ALCOHOL DRAGSTER*

I too think it would be a nice gesture.

Let the Force team have some extra time to deal with all this, without being penalized for taking that time.

They can race for the trophy and the money this weekend, just not the points.

Maybe NHRA could have a drivers/owners meeting for the FC teams and take a vote. If the teams had an overwhelming majority in wanting to forfeit points, then I don't see any harm.

I think ideally though, Eric would want "the chase" to continue. Even though it would be with heavy hearts, I think everyone should dig down and consider what Eric would have wanted. I don't pretend to know Eric or what he would have wanted, but those who did should take that into consideration with regards to the points situation at Houston.

Just my .02

i was thinkin' ice-cream decals, just a cone with a double scoop.
the story brandon bernstein told to nhra.com made me laugh.
just a thought.

Welcome Ginger!
Very well said.

I see both sides but am leaning towards........
I'm really torn!

The situation is a sad one but the show must go on. I agree w/ Ray....Points need to be awarded and the show must move forward to the next one.
If the same situation happened in the NFL would all the teams play the following Sunday and not claim any scores?

NHRA is one big family as long as you bring money to the dinner table....

There will be three memorial services at Houston, ample opportunity for all concerned to show their respect and say goodbye to Eric. There's no need to come up with some hokey time-out. As was the case when we lost Blaine and Darrell, the best way to honor Eric is for the race to go on and for the competitors to race as hard for the points as they would if all this was just a bad dream.

The legal ramifications of attempting to coerce the teams into foregoing the points would throw the entire championship into a legal snake pit - even if a team wanted to surrender their points, there's no provision in the rules for them to do so and if NHRA were to attempt to honor the gesture, the resulting legal hassle would tie the rest of the season up in uncertainty.

Just read the "record crowds" thread for another good reason this is a bad idea - thousands of fans have invested in tickets and travel and turning the event into a test session would make them unwilling participants in a meaningless event.

Larry You make some very good points, & even though I'm a nobody bracket racer, I agree with you... By racing for points will NOT show any disrespect for Eric...

Having a race for no points in Pro classes has never been done, and as you said it could open a can of worms.... lets just have the memorial services you spoke of, say a prayer, and continue to do what most of us love... DRAG RACE!! Amen...

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"When I die, I want to die like my grandfather, who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming in panic like the passengers in his car."

I think it would be a nice/classy gesture....but I don't think it would work. I know who ever wins the championship sure wouldn't want an asterisk...but there would always be the what if the JFR camp would of run Houston.

I have a sneaky suspicion..they'll be in the points chase even without this one..

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--Medicated for your safety!!--