Gang, sorry it’s been so long. Got the big day coming up, and the GF (now fiance) and I are planning this ourselves, so it demands a certain amount of attention that’s pulled me away from my regular blogging duties.
But the recent craziness at Richmond - and, in all honesty, a mandate from Boss Man to get back on the stick - compel me to write. Clearly put: some of the reaction I’m seeing from this Earnhardt/Busch/Hamlin matter is clearly beyond proportion. People are talking crazy. I have otherwise sane folks writing in droves that Busch should be suspended, or that Hamlin should have been fined and placed on probation, or that both of them should be parked for a race. Yes, parked! Something that’s only happened once, and that in the truck series. Please!
I realize people are passionate, and that’s a good thing. But we’re beyond the looking glass here, people. At some point, a little common sense has to rule out. There’s absolutely no evidence that Denny stopped his car to help Kyle win. None. In past years, Junior and Kurt Busch were fined for admitting they brought out a caution on purpose, something Denny did not do. And the proposed penalties being thrown out here are ridiculous. It’s like wanting to electrocute somebody for shoplifting, when we’re not sure if the accused is guilty or not. Remember, NASCAR never attempts to judge intent. And sometimes circumstances look fishy, but they’re just that—circumstances.
I struggle with why so many NASCAR fans so easily gravitate toward the realm of conspiracy. I’ve covered just about everything but jai alai and cricket, and I’ve never seen it like this. Is it because their passion overwhelms them? Because they don’t have enough information before them? Or would they rather believe the conspiracy, because it absolves their man of any blame?
Not sure. All I know is, some folks need to chill, and try to not let the heat of the moment influence their thinking. I received an email from fans who were accosted in the Richmond parking lot because they wore the shirt of a driver who fans of another driver blamed for Saturday night’s accident. That’s ridiculous. But as my email box clearly indicates, passion drives people do to some crazy things.
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12 Comments
2dIs1stLoser
May 09 2008 13:07
NASCAR FANS
I’m going to be blunt. Everyone, including some respected announcers, are cautious about what they say concerning the #88. In my opinion, to the point of almost being cowardly. Its obvious that others are just complete suck ups. I don’t think its a lack of information. I think its the inability of some fans to process it.
CheckNrun
May 09 2008 10:57
Thanks for your thoughts on Richmond
David,
Thanks for your thoughts on the Richmond race.
I enjoy reading most of your stuff although I don’t always agree.
Is jai alai really a sport?
Seriously, I hope you don’t think that NASCAR fans are the only fans that
do stupid things in the heat of passion. If so, you only need to go to an NFL game
in Philadelphia. The difference is that NFL events have two teams and NASCAR events have
forty three (soon to be eleven).
As for the the realm of conspiracy that so many fans gravitate to, I think it is just suspicion.
When we see NASCAR throwing around penalties for stupid stuff, Some fans may say to them selves:
“Damn, they really can control the way things turn out” Back in the day, a race was kind of like
a 43 person rumble, with every man for himself. As the sport has evolved over the years and the multi-car
teams have dominated the field, we are beginning to see what I call tag-team racing. We have never seen that
before. The sport is clearly evolving to eleven franchises. I cannot imagine what the sport
will look like when that happens. Will the ‘chase’ or even the championship be set on owner points?
Will all team drivers share the purse for a win? Will drivers switch cars for different races? Who Knows?
As for your upcoming nuptials, you should know that it is a fact that married men live longer than single men.
Or in other words, it’s a slow death.
Best Regards,
Check N Run
UncleFugly
May 08 2008 22:36
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
To you and your lovely bride.
You are a busy man…try and enjoy the madness. I alway love your articles – keep up the good writing! Kyle has replaced Tony Stewart as the Wild Child of NASCAR! Damn, this just got funagain!!!
Challanger
May 08 2008 15:45
Great Blog
Great to have another voice of reason on the matter. Congrats on your up comming nuptials!
20forme
May 08 2008 15:37
Congrats on your special day enjoy
great post. Nice to see the few voices of reason among all of the hoards with pitchforks.
KarinB
May 08 2008 15:30
Cool
Another voice of reasoning!! Great Blog and congrats to you and your better half.
cartercrew
May 08 2008 14:44
GREAT BLOG!
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials!
Steve_CA88
May 08 2008 14:16
Congratulations David!!
I’m happy to hear your news! I hope you are both HAPPY forever! Great blog, I hope that the FANatics can get past this last race and move on!! Have a great day!
RowdyPenny
May 08 2008 14:16
Good Luck
Have a great day on your wedding day – one suggestion – lots of planning up to the day so on the day, just enjoy and if something goes slightly out of whack – don’t sweat it & enjoy. Nice blog too!
chica20586
May 08 2008 13:47
passion was on
overload this week, threatning people and the drivers uncalled for…it was a racing incident and its time to move on..looking forward to darlington and its challenges…
And good luck with wedding plans!