Yeah, the politics of the NHRA are legendary. Pretty much like any other race series these days. It's all about "the show", and the names are a part of "the show". In this day and age of pretty much nothing but "hired gun" professional drivers (owner/drivers are pretty rare at that level these days), there ain't much loyalty flowing in either direction. Gone are the days (for the most part) where the teams, including the drivers, were all just a bunch of buddies gone racing. I can't believe it's reached this point, but the big sponsors, in colusion with the NHRA, pretty much dictate who drives which cars. It's all just business.

I asked that exact question.
The answer I got was attitude and too much complaining.
Wanted to be top dog, be the king, not zackly a team player. Pissed off the money guys.
I understand he got his humble back since then.

In drag racing, just like in F1, it's all about kissing up and bringing in the sponsorship money.
If the sponsors don't like you then you will quickly be out of a job.
If you piss off the team or the team owner they'll throw you under the bus and the sponsors won't want to pay your bills anymore.

Anyone 'member Wit bazemore?

I was surprised Whit stayed as long as he did. A chip on his shoulder you could see from the cheap seats..

Well, there is always the other car. But I don't know about no noise. I was sitting at half track at Pomona some 10 years ago when Mike Dunn's Top Fuel car had the blower let go directly in front of me in the near lane. All I know is that is the loudest sound I have ever heard. I think the grandstand moved back an inch. When I go to the drags, I wear in-ear plugs and over-the-ear muffs and then press the muffs to my head when they launch.

I'm pretty sure the percussion of Top Fuel can alter your heart beat. That might sound crazy to someone who's never been.

Oh, and I just remembered, that Mike Dunn thing was before the nitro was reduced to 90%. He was blowin' 98 back then.