Before the U.S. Nationals for the NHRA (which is there superbowl event), the NHRA made an announcement that they will be going to a countdown in 2007.The Countdown is:
From Thatsracin.com: In the season's first 17 races, competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will score points toward qualifying for the "Countdown." Only top eight in each class will advance after those 17 races.
- Those eight will have their point totals reset, with 2,070 points for first, 2,060 for second and so on. After the next four races, the number will be cut to four and those four will have points reset to 3,030 points for first, 3,020 for second and so on.
- Those four will then compete over the season's final two races at Las Vegas and Pomona, Calif., for the championships
During the U.S. Nationals, the TV broadcast announcers in the booth and pit reporter kept asking the question, what do you think of the new countdown in 07. The reactions were mixed with some very interesting answers.
First: So, What do you think of the NHRAs new countdown to the championship in 2007?
My Take: No, I really don't care that much for it, it reminds me of NASCAR's Chase For the Championship, but with alot more that a driver can loss than win. If the NHRA wants to do this and it looks like they do, then go with an 8 race championship showdown only and get rid of the final two race showdown. I believe this system is going to put a driver out that should have won the championship, I like change, but not this. All of us NHRA fans will have to see this format in full force next year and it will be an interesting 8 race format.
Second: Before the Elimations, John Force won the $100,000 Skoal Showdown the night before.
The Earlier and Final Elimations were held on Monday, thats a little different even of me, that though me off, but the coverage was pretty good. For the earlier elimations, ESPN broadcasted the event with what looked to be a 35 minute delay or so. The track temp and time were 10:55am CT at 12:30pm et. The Final Elimations came on later that day.
U.S. Nationals Results:
In Top Fuel, Tony Schumacher got his fifth Mac Tools U.S. Nationals victory over Brandon Bernstein, for Funny Car: After both of his John Force Racing teammates went out during the first round, Robert Hight got his first U.S. National victory, In Pro Stock: Greg Anderson came up with his fifth Indy victory, and Matt Smith won in Pro Stock Motorcycle.
Finally, a new piece of news from the Don Schumacher Racing Camp,from NHRA Website: Mega-team owner Don Schumacher confirmed that his Mopar-sponsored blue Pro Stock team and driver Richie Stevens Jr. will now operate under Allen Johnson's J&J Racing umbrella. His other driver, Erica Enders, says she has purchased DSR's red team outright and will retain crew chief and engine builder David Nickens.
That news is big because I am an Erica Enders fan and I will be looking for her on track winning soon.
See Yeah!
