This is the Stattmann Baby!!  Time to Scatt a little bit.

Three years ago Larry Dixon was on his way to his first Top Fuel title when we verbally clashed… he challenged me because I questioned the depth of the NHRA Top Fuel field.

In short, I argued most in the 16 car field were field fillers or less.  In those days, a couple weren’t even able to get down the track under power.

Well, Larry, this one’s for you Bud!

The Top Fuel field in this year’s Winternationals was the fastest in NHRA history.

You needed a 4.597 just to get in the field.  All 16 were within three percent of each other.  Fifteen hundreds separated everyone.  Fifty-five THOUSANDTHS of a second separated the top eight!

That’s Pro Stock stuff!

Seven ran faster than four-and-a-half seconds. Reigning champion Tony Schumacher led the way with the fourth fastest run EVER!

And that same Larry Dixon who won two of the last three titles had to run his fastest ever just to qualify sixth.

And all this came after the NHRA took steps to slow everyone down after the Darrell Russell tragedy.

And they say there’s no technology in drag racing!

Peace.