By Ramsey Poston
NASCAR Managing Director of Communications

Here’s a little more context regarding driver fines…

We want the drivers to speak their minds and show emotion – if we blow a call or make a mistake we should be criticized for it and we often are.  That’s fine.  But over the years, we have seen comments by drivers do serious damage to the sport – that means damage to every track promoter trying to sell tickets, every sponsor trying to promote their drivers and products and, ultimately, the fan base.  

What are we to do?  No business owner would permit employees, vendors or partners to damage their business – nor can we.  It is the sanctioning body’s obligation on behalf of the entire industry to protect the brand, just like every other major sport.

We’ve done our flat bottom best to communicate with the teams and drivers like never before.  We have forums with drivers to express opinion and give input.  As a result we have made changes to further improve the sport.

We also used the forums to specifically address how to protect the brand and the subject of fines - overall there wasn’t objection from the drivers and in fact, many agreed that we had to do it. 

As to why the fines are unannounced, it is akin to a meeting with NASCAR in the hauler.  It is something between the driver and NASCAR.  It is not a good idea to further recite and replay derogatory remarks - nor do we intend to embarrass the drivers’ sponsors or team.

I know there is plenty of opinion on this topic – I read all the comments, keep ‘em coming -- hopefully this answers some of your questions.