In my opinion, before a variety of affordable aluminum heads, affordable stroker kits, ebay turbo's and everyone packing credit cards, racing was more fun. To me even more pure. I remember when a mid 13 second true street car was respected. I remember the '87 GN was a hot rod off the lot... and ran a 14.9 from the lot. Now, 8 second street cars travel on drag week pulling trailers. They have no more fun, it's just the bar of competition has changed. Fast is only fast when compared to what others are doing in the same class of sport.
