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closeNHRA shouldn't even want to be NASCAR, says ESPN's Dunn
ELLEN SISKA
The York Dispatch, Pa.
Friday, Aug. 15, 2008
Mike Dunn says he doesn't think the National Hot Rod Association will ever become as big as NASCAR.
And that's just fine with him.
Dunn, a second-generation drag-racing star and now analyst for ESPN's coverage of NHRA drag racing, talked with me recently at his Wrightsville farm near Sam Lewis State Park in advance of this weekend's 24th annual Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading.
The California native, son of Hall of Fame racer "Big Jim" Dunn, earned 22 NHRA national event trophies in his career, winning 10 times in Funny Car between 1981 and 1991 and 12 times in Top Fuel between 1993 and 2001. Along with six-time world champion Kenny Bernstein and four-time champion Don Prudhomme, Dunn is one of only three drivers to score 10 or more wins in both Top Fuel and Funny Car competition.
''I don't think NHRA wants to be as big as NASCAR because one of the best things about our sport is that our drivers are accessible," Dunn said.
"They're great with the fans, for the most part. But if we ever got as big as NASCAR, we would lose that intimacy of fans because you would no longer be able to have fans come in the pits. It just wouldn't work.
''Can you imagine if NASCAR allowed all the fans in the pits to get autographs from drivers?" Dunn asked. "You couldn't do it. And that's part of the allure of our sport, that you can go up to Cory Mac (McClenathan) or Tony Schumacher and get his autograph in the pits. Just buy a ticket to go in the race and you
can go in the pits and see these guys. If they're out there signing autographs, you can get their autographs.
''And we would lose that if we got a lot bigger, as big as NASCAR. Don't get me wrong -- I love our sport. I think it's a great spectator sport and I'd like to see it grow, but at some point, you have to be careful what you wish for."
Dunn is wishing to see local residents Sunday morning at Maple Grove. Those who show up early can be part of his live broadcast from Nitro Alley and maybe even make it onto national television. Dunn co-hosts NHRA Race Day, a news and information program on ESPN2, that sets up the day for fans at home with must-see match-ups, interviews, news and analysis, a qualifying review and a finals preview.
A resident of York County since 1990, Dunn is an avid mountain biker when not working or spending time with his wife, his two children and his granddaughter.
''We love the area," he said. "I enjoy cycling with friends here. It's just beautiful country."