Mike,
I agree with you on much of what you are saying, but!
If I think of teams like "The Surfers" that built a top fueler in a Motel Garage, that won the March Meet, defeating Garlits, Kalita,and a total of 64 car field . That's what I am talking about!
Yes they were only running in the 7s but there wasn't a mega million $ backing either.
http://www.draglist.com/stories/SOD%20Feb%202000/SOD-022300.htm

Sure cars are faster today, but those days had their own appeal too.

Mark


1996 Ram 1500 Sport
1968 road runner
1952 Sears Allstate licensed, pump gas, Hemi 5.98 @ 115.73 1.33 60 ft. The best is yet to come. Painless Performance / Street RODDER magazine Top 100 for 2019