The sport of Drag Racing has come a long way from my first introduction. Capitol Dragway, Spring of 1970, Ronnie Sox in the Sox and Martin "Boss" Cuda taking on "Dyno" Don Nicholson and his Maverick. Here at this small track in the countryside of Maryland, a Drag Racing tradition of paid match race appearances was the lifeblood of the sport. The intimacy of a small track, a small group of dedicated fans, and a couple of Drag Racing's superstars made for a day of racing that forever would color my view of the sport. I have been called a "Luddite," "backwards," and "out of date" in different forums as I've lamented the loss of match racing by the touring pros. In this series of pictures, I will lay out my case as to why what little match racing is left is important to the future of our sport. 

Another title for this series could be "Dave ‘n'..." This first pic was taken last year at Lebanon Valley where against all odds, two touring pros came out to the country where trees and hills replaced mass media and Top Eliminator seats, and about 4,000 moms, dads ‘n' kids got a chance to experience Nitro burners first hand. Dave poses reluctantly for his Dad, as Jerry Toliver signed autographs for a small circle of fans. "Dad! Hurry up, I wanna go talk to Jerry Toliver." Awfully hard to get this kind of access at a national event.

A few years back, Dean Skuza and Del Worsham made the tow up to New England to earn a little match racing dough. Again, a great group of families, who would never be able to afford the cost of an NHRA national event, were treated to a pretty good show, and a level of access to the two drivers that would be impossible at the larger races. Dean stops for a minute not only to pose for a picture with Dave, but also to have a pretty cool chat with him. Someone close by (who I wish I could thank again) produced a Dean Skuza rookie card and gave it to Dave. Dean signed it and earned a fan for life. This race is also where Dave got his first snootfull of Nitro.

Dennis Roslansky has found the Internet a good source for help when he needs a crew. When Dennis said he was coming to our part of the country, I jumped at the chance to help him out. Dave, my brother in law, his son, and I assisted (or hindered) Dennis for a night match race. Dave still talks with pride about being a Jet Car crewmember. Dennis gave Dave a "Crossfire" Tee Shirt and autographed it: "Thanks for all your help." It remains one of Dave's prized possessions. Again, match racing afforded a regular Joe and his kid an opportunity that would be doubtful in a national event setting.