Where was the motor sports coverage?

Recently The Route 66 Raceway in Joliet hosted the NHRA Nationals. This is a drag racing event where all the top drivers from across the nation compete. The event began on Thursday, July 7, with a media event downtown and ended Sunday, July 10, in Joliet. Yet nothing, not one word about it in your paper.

I was fortunate enough to spend Saturday, July 9, at the track and witness firsthand the excitement of this competition. Imagine launching a car with 8,000 horsepower to 330 miles per hour in less than four seconds! Witnessing such a spectacle is something everyone should have on their bucket list.

This is a sport that affects multiple senses. The smell of burning Nitro. The thunderous roar emanating from that massive engine hand built by a pit crew with the skills of a surgeon just moments before. And finally, the bone rattling concussion felt when the Christmas tree indicates ... GO and these brave pilots let loose the reins of their powerful machines.

And then there are the drivers and crew. Did you know you can actually walk up to and speak to these athletes in between runs?

I had a moment with John Force. The No. 1 drag racer in the country. One heck of a nice guy! The perfect ambassador for the sport. After listening to him speak, you know it's his heart and soul that keep him racing (and winning). Not the money.

So how about it Paddock Publications? How about complete sports coverage that includes motor sports ... all motor sports?

Jeff Issel

Mundelein