Erica Enders

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Megan Meyer is a classy racer, as is her teammate Julie Nataas from Norway. It's only a matter of time, maybe a year - 2 years max, that a TF team picks her up. Randy Meyer runs a good program, Jr Dragsters included!

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Originally Posted by YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

Megan Meyer is a classy racer, as is her teammate Julie Nataas from Norway. It's only a matter of time, maybe a year - 2 years max, that a TF team picks her up. Randy Meyer runs a good program, Jr Dragsters included!

Randy Meyer was asked last week about their aspirations of moving into TF, and his response "we have no desire or plans to move to Top Fuel, its a dying class"! I think that's pretty bold given that the stands thin out after TF dragster and funny car, and are pretty empty after Pro Stock. Would he really say 'no thanks' if Schumacher called and wanted to put Megan into a TF dragster....doubt it!

[67 Nova Boy]

Originally Posted by YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY

Randy Meyer was asked last week about their aspirations of moving into TF, and his response "we have no desire or plans to move to Top Fuel, its a dying class"! I think that's pretty bold given that the stands thin out after TF dragster and funny car, and are pretty empty after Pro Stock. Would he really say 'no thanks' if Schumacher called and wanted to put Megan into a TF dragster....doubt it!

It really is tough finding a sponsor to go TF let along all the hassle that goes with it. I think that Megan's sister {Rachel} would not be able to run top fuel like she does in a

TA dragster.

It is a big step to go top fuel as well, but a dying class? They know something we don't?

Like you say Marlin...all pro classes are dying off. Money is down for all the drivers. If you

look at Erica's check for winning the 1st championship...it was $250K. NOW it's down to

$185K? Top fuel was $500K this year...don't know if more of less then 4 years ago?

I don't know if the girls are ready for top fuel yet...it is faster for sure!!

[67 Nova Boy]

https://www.nhra.com/news/2019/watch...n-saudi-arabia

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Originally Posted by 67 Nova Boy

It really is tough finding a sponsor to go TF let along all the hassle that goes with it. I think that Megan's sister {Rachel} would not be able to run top fuel like she does in a

TA dragster.

It is a big step to go top fuel as well, but a dying class? They know something we don't?

Like you say Marlin...all pro classes are dying off. Money is down for all the drivers. If you

look at Erica's check for winning the 1st championship...it was $250K. NOW it's down to

$185K? Top fuel was $500K this year...don't know if more of less then 4 years ago?

I don't know if the girls are ready for top fuel yet...it is faster for sure!!

For the last several years, the only NHRA class that has grown in numbers has been Jr Dragsters. The issue is that Jr Dragster racers don't increase the overall racer count because when they graduate from the Jr ranks they either can't afford their own race car - or more commonly, they simply displace their parent in the 'family' race car. This is why the Jr program is not a 'success' as intentioned. Very few kids can move on, especially if they head off to college - Benjamin included.... He wants to race during his college years, but time and money are significant headwinds.

Even for the fortunate few like Rachel, Megan and Julie - they indeed need a big sponsor to run TF or PS. I think Megan and Julie are capable, not sure about Rachel, but a sponsor is a definite - just ask Tony Shumacher!!

Ben won some $$ this past weekend, wants to put NO2 on his T/A....anyone wanna sponsor him!!

[67 Nova Boy]

You are 100% correct Marlin! Jr drags is great to get the kids into but as you say...it takes

allot of dedication to continue on into the pros. Not easy to get into these days without big

money and the sponsor to believe in you and your talent! Good looking kid and car Marlin.

How old is he now? The girls {Rachel, Megan and Julie} are very talented but money will

keep you in the game if your good enough. Tony may never come back? Tony has other

things to deal with on top of racing right now.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

[67 Nova Boy]

https://youtu.be/iV4jSSUKZpc

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Ben is 18, and a Sr in High School. He's applying to 16 Universities (helps circumvent white penalty...), and will race his T/A in Street Class when possible. This is another issue with the Jr Dragster program, so many kids age out and think they need to run top alcohol dragster, a super comp, or a pro mod - what's wrong with Street Class with a mild muscle car or a cost effective 11.50 index type of car? Why not race with your parent as opposed to just taking over their race car?? I don't have the answer, but I do know that Ben's parents don't have a race car for him! I did tell him that I'd be fine if he wanted to sell his '69 Nova SS and buy a race car, he immediately said 'no'. However, he'd love to run at a National event with those whom he looks up to: Erica, Jason Line, Butner, Matt Hagan, Langdon, Antron, etc....

His Dana 60 rear with 4.10's just arrived from Strange Engineering yesterday, so that's the Winter project.... Best ET was an 11.96 @ 114MPH back in October with the stock 7.5" rear with 3.23 gears! He drives it to High School every day!

[67 Nova Boy]

Sounds to me Ben {& dad} is having fun racing! I guess it all depends on what the kids into when they get into college years. You really have to want it or have a good dad or team behind you to keep the fun going. I hope that Ben goes into some type of racing or keep that burning drive inside for a few more years!

Drag racing in any level is quite allot of dedication from week to week if he wants to be competitive. The kids that race once in awhile keep the track owners in business...they are paying the bills right now. I have been to many tracks on test and tune days/nights and that is what shows up unless they have an event. '

Small clip to help the Sunoco 260 flowing in your vain's!

https://www.facebook.com/NHRA/videos/514278972492742/

Dave
67 Nova Boy