I agree with the 1000 foot rule. I saw it in the early 90's at the Paris (TX) drag strip and it made some really great racing. They cut back because of lack of shut down area. They have since gone to 1/8 mile which has made it even safer. At first I rebelled against 1/8 mile racing and swore to never go to another drag race there or anywhere else where 1/8 mile racing was held. A couple of years ago my son finally talked me into going to Redline @ Caddo Mills, TX. I loved it. It seemed like with the lower gear ratios these folks were running to set up for the 1/8 they were launching a lot harder and this made for some spectacular starts at the tree. Now I can hardly wait until we are campaining a car in N/E on the 1/8 mile. I figure the track owners get a better deal on 1/8 mile insurance because it is safer, which in turn would lower entry fees. With fuel cost effecting every aspect of racing these days we need all the help we can get.