representative web site when matters such as Robby’s appeal and the Cuz’s potential penalty?
It appears that the NA$CAR suits kept a semblance of consistency in their penalizing of Cousin Carl’s infraction discovered in post race inspection. He lost 100 points and, if he makes the Chase, the ten bonus points for the win. The win still stands and herein lies the problem. At this point in the season 100 points and a 100K fine is insignificant as was shown by Jeffie and JJ last year. What I’ll never understand is why he gets to keep the win. Any team found illegal in post race inspection where a perceived performance advantage is determined should be given forty third place plus the 100 point penalty.
I can’t believe the flimsy excuse given by Roush’s Geoff Smith. “The bolt holding the lid in place failed in its purpose as a result of vibration harmonics generated by the car and the race track during the race. The bolt was secure enough to survive 225 miles of practice, perhaps up to 399 of 400 miles of the race and the scrutiny of numerous inspections.”
Say what? Let me count the ways. Have you ever heard of safety wire, lock washers, loctite? My street car has vibration harmonics due to it’s engine and road conditions. This problem is overcome by using the proper fasteners in the right locations.
I keep hearing the term cookie cutter tracks thrown around like it’s a disease. Even though the numerous mile and a half tracks resemble each other in overall shape they also have many variances. The corner banking varies considerably. They have both asphalt and concrete surfaces. The racing surfaces vary in width and the transitions from the turns to the straights is quite different and, in a few cases, quite dangerous. Atlanta and Charlotte are both mile and a half tracks but Hotlanta’s large radius turns makes it drive much faster and differently. The main reason for the tri oval configuration is simple. It makes for far better spectator viewing of the race. In general, it also makes for better pit roads and pit road safety. Let’s face it, if they were truly cookie cutter they’d all drive the same and teams wouldn’t have built specialized cars for each one as they did in the past. We can’t have ten Bristol’s because the magic of that configuration would soon fade. The mile and a half tri oval is a compromise for obtaining speed, seating large crowds and being able to view the whole track. I sure wouldn’t look forward to racing on ten New Hampshire’s per season. It would be total foolishness to try and duplicate Darlington.
I’ve read numerous accounts about the inherent danger of the inside walls at these tracks since Jeff Gordon’s horrific crash at Vegas. For driver safety these inside walls must have openings that allow the safety vehicles quick access to the track. They can’t be eliminated simply because, to do so, our drivers would face more danger in delayed response time by the track safety vehicles. All of a sudden, Bruton Smith is a villain for designing his track all wrong. Sorry folks. Those walls were designed based on scientific studies at similar tracks by Dr. Sickening at the University of Nebraska. If he felt SAFER barriers were required in more places I’m sure Bruton would have complied. Statistically, Jeff couldn’t crash where he did. That was, to say the least, a freak accident. Anyone who has any knowledge of track ownership knows Bruton Smith will spend whatever it takes to make his tracks safe for the drivers and the fans. Would SAFER barriers have made that much difference had they been in place? I’m saying, “Let’s not panic and over react” Give the experts time to study this and see what needs to be done to
protect our heroes. I can only say that my
design would have been different but would it
have made a difference? Dependent upon track
ownership, you can bet your boots that requiring
all retaining walls to be covered with SAFER
barriers will increase ticket costs and then let’s
hear you howl about that.
I’ve read some reader responses on other sites
and some are hard to fathom. One wrote that he
wished Jeff had hit harder to knock some sense
into him. What an idiot. Some years ago I had a
respondent write to tell me he had tickets in turn
four at Texas in hopes of seeing Jeff Gordon
crash and die. I hope he’s locked away where he
can’t harm himself or anyone else. What a sick freak. Many others wrote to say that if it had been Robby Gordon and not Jeff would there be such a fuss? There may be merit to that thought. Thank God it wasn’t Junior.
Until next time, be safe and watch over those little ones. This is my opinion based on my observations. You may disagree but not be disagreeable.
God bless you and yours, our great nation, all who serve to protect and defend and all victims of terrorism.
Never forget: We Are the Land of The FREE Because of The BRAVE.
Mom, Apple Pie, John Wayne and NASCAR Racing, now that’s America.
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