NASCAR Embraces “MadHouse” Approach to Racing
By · CommentsNASCAR has either totally lost its mind or is so deep into the pockets of sponsors, team owners and corporate interests that it can no longer see and think clearly. I suspect it’s a lot of both and the fact that it could barely muster the courage to put Carl Edwards on a measly three-race probation is evidence of it. Instead of making it firmly clear that NASCAR was in control of its sport, it turned its press statement into an opportunity to express just how concerned it is about the fact that Brad Keselowski’s car got airborne after Edwards dumped him. Safety first, after all! NASCAR President Mike Helton explained it: “[Keselowski's car going airborne] is a very important element of all of this that I would ask all of us to be reminded of the fact of the car getting airborne was a very serious issue. And that’s something that we’ll take a look at very quickly and try to figure out how to help prevent that happening in the future.” Way to divert the attention away from the real issue.
And this is where NASCAR’s conflicting statements begin. They want to “prevent” an incident like this from happening in the future, yet they’ve given the drivers the green light to act like complete morons on the racetrack. Does that make any sense at all? Everyone in the racing community is rallying around NASCAR’s supposed pre-season pronouncement that drivers are free to “take the gloves off”. Did I miss the press release? When did NASCAR say that its drivers had free reign to behave like totally reckless maniacs and wouldn’t be punished for intentionally causing violent accidents? If NASCAR thinks that fans are interested in watching their prima donna racers engage in tit-for-tat crashes rather than real racing, then they are even more hopelessly out of touch than I first believed.
NASCAR doesn’t understand the simple concept everyone calls “rules”. Is it or is it not, by the rulebook, acceptable to intentionally crash somebody? And if it’s not, what is the penalty, per the rulebook? Because if the only penalty is a slap on the wrist then Keselowski should be free to send Edwards right over the damn billboards at Texas next month.
Kyle Petty nails it: “I think we took ourselves away from just being a sport to being a sideshow in some ways. We’re not a sport. Sports have rules.”
A Tale of Two Carls
Remember last May when Carl Long — an underfunded driver who was attempting to qualify for a non-points paying race — blew an ancient and decrepit motor and had it inspected by NASCAR? NASCAR found the motor to be less than two-tenths of a cubic inch larger than the limit. Two tenths. Despite the fact that the violation was almost certainly unintended, they suspended the guy for 12 races, fined him 200 points that he didn’t even have, and fined his crew chief $200,000. Twelve races for two-tenths.
Carl Edwards nearly kills someone and he gets “probation” — which amounts to nothing more than being under the “watchful eyes of NASCAR”.
Consistency isn’t a NASCAR trademark. Consider:
- In 2007, Robby Gordon was suspended for one race after failing to yield to a black flag that was displayed for aggressive driving in the previous day’s Nationwide Series race.
- Ricky Rudd was fined $10,000 and placed on probation for the rest of the season after intentionally crashing Jeff Gordon in the 1994 Mello Yello 500 at Charlotte.
- In October 2004, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was fined $10,000 and docked 25 championship points for joyfully dropping an s-bomb in a victory lane interview at Talladega. The point loss dropped him from leading the standings.
- At Indianapolis in 2002, Jimmy Spencer intentionally crashed Kurt Busch in what is probably the most dangerous corner in all of American motorsports. Busch was scolded by NASCAR for “gesturing” towards Spencer after climbing from his car.
The Apple Falls Far From the Tree
Unfortunately for NASCAR, Brian France does not seem to be able to command the kind of respect his father and grandfather garnered from its participants. The limp-wristed, “well we’re not really sure if that’s over the line” approach doesn’t exactly exude a sense of strength on NASCAR’s part.
It makes me remember a time in 1990 when Dale Earnhardt and Geoff Bodine were wrecking each other consistently until Bill France, Jr. stepped in. The intervention was recalled in the film Days of Thunder. France had lunch with Bodine’s then car owner Rick Hendrick and explained: “Rick… If you can’t control your drivers any better than this… then maybe you should stick to something you can control. … Like selling used cars in downtown Charlotte.”
NASCAR Needs to Step Up
By · CommentsFor all it’s boasting about safety it makes me laugh how much insanity NASCAR’s drivers get away with on the racetrack. The sanctioning body is like the wrestling referee who’s off watching something else while a guy is bashing his opponent over the head with a steel chair.
NASCAR needs to grow a set, step up, and start sitting drivers who can’t contain themselves down for a week or two. This whole fascination with “intentional crashing” is a black eye on the sport and really calls into question the legitimacy and integrity of NASCAR racing.
And a special thanks to Carl Edwards for ruining for the fans what was shaping up to be a great and dramatic finish between Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya today at Atlanta. The race ended up taking a back seat to Edwards — who was 156 laps down — and his pouting match with Brad Keselowski, who was running in the top five with just three laps to go. Television cameras caught Edwards attempting to and then finally successfully crashing Keselowski at the fastest part of the speedway.
To his credit, Edwards admitted to intentionally causing the crash, but seemingly expressed surprise that it ended so violently, with Keselowski’s car getting airborne and smashing the wall roof-first, crushing the driver’s side roll cage. Not to be Captain Obvious here, but what else would one expect on a superspeedway with speeds reaching 195 mph?
Can we please get this kind of crap out of NASCAR before something bad happens and the national spotlight shines on yet another ugly aspect of our sport? It’s really getting embarrassing.
Racing for a Cure
By · CommentsThe 2nd Annual Driver Meet & Greet the Drivers at the
Granite Run Mall will be held March 6 & 7, 2010 to support the Mesothelioma Foundation www.CureMeso.org
Racing Spectacular and Fundraiser with Bridgeport Speedway
We are currently looking for donated items for the Chinese Auction table to be held at the Granite Run Mall Fundraiser. If you have any items that can be raffled/auctioned off please email us at Bill@RacingforaCure.us
Bill Thomas Racing presents the 2nd Annual Meet & Greet the Drivers and see the Cars of Bridgeport Speedway in support of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation “MARF” to help fund research to find a cure for Mesothelioma.
Racing for a Cure at www.RacingforaCure.us The show is set for the Granite Run Mall, Media, Pa. March 6 & 7 2010. The show will see the mall filled with racing vehicles of all classes and there will be a number of current and retired racers on hand with scheduled interview times and autograph sessions.
Media Contact: Brett Deyo - 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com
For Immediate Release/February 28, 2010
Taping of CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV Show
CARQUEST GASOLINE ALLEY NEWS
By · CommentsAllentown, PA: CARQUEST Gasoline Alley Welcomes Sprint Car Hall Of Famer “Bubby” Jones, Badger Midget Rookie of the Year Courtney Erfurth, Modified Sensation Ronnie Johnson, and Miss WALN Vicky Kidd To Monday Night’s Show
By:Steve Pados, GA Motorsports Media
The extremely popular CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Internet Show continues to prepare for the upcoming 3rd Annual IRCO Sponsored Dirt Track Heroes Show at the Phillipsburg Mall and will usher in another tremendous lead-in show to the Mall event as they play host to another exciting edition of their show on March 1st and have secured another blockbuster show for the racing fans to enjoy. The show airs from 6 to 8 PM every Monday evening on channels 103 and 137 and the Internet. The Gang is well into their seventh year on the airwaves and are well noted for their much acclaimed “theme” show format and will host the 464th edition of their show since they hit the airwaves and their 252nd show since joining forces with the party channel at WALN Digital Cable and “Happy Jack” Burns on Channels 103 and 137.
With all shows hitting the top of the charts with the tremendous amount of talent being interviewed, last week’s show with four of the top Modified legends who competed locally, received much attention as more than 250 emails and phones calls arrived at the studio offices regarding the great show. The Gang will shift directions a bit this week and showcase three drivers who have gained much attention with their racing prowess. Kicking off the interviews will be “RJ” Ronnie Johnson who will join the Gang for a first time interview to talk about his successful racing career, his legendary famous Dad Jack Johnson and the paving of the Albany Saratoga race track that will have “RJ” seeking a new home for his Friday night racing activities. Following in the second interview will be the Rookie of the Year in 2009 at the Angell Park Speedway and Badger Midget Racing Association Courtney Erfurth, who is a third generation driving star, and Courtney will explain her desire to become a driver in following in her family’s footsteps and the success she gained with being a first year racer. Courtney will also bring us up to date with the recent disagreement betweeen the Angell Park track and the BMRA group that will find each heading into a different direction in 2010. The final interview will be with the legendary Sprint Car racing Hall of Famer Norman “Bubby” Jones as the “Bubster” will take everyone on a racing journey that began in Danville, Illinois in 1960 and ended with his final sprint car win in the early 1990’s. Jones is a former Promoter of the Year, a former Mechanic of the Year and still today continues to share his expertise in mentoring the very talented Blake Fitzpatrick on the Midwest Sprint Car circuits. Jones entered into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1998 and is one of the true great barnstormer racers of his era. Miss WALN Digital Cable Radio Vicky Kidd will join the Gang for this edition of the show and will control the chat room throughout the two hour show and talk about the role she plays with the many remotes and shows she is involved with the Polka King himself “Happy” Jack Burns.
The popular TV/Internet show offers a live internet video feed to all of the Internet subscribers to view the wide assortment of the many racing videos that are played while the
CARQUEST Gasoline Alley TV/Radio/Internet Show continues its outstanding line-up of talented guests with this week’s edition of the show. The Show’s
programming on WALN Digital Cable Radio, Internet www.walncableradio.com for the Audio portion and: livestream.com/walncableradio/old for the video portion. The Show is available on Service Electric Digital Cable TV, Channels 103, and 137 and is live from 6 to 8 PM and later tape delayed on Channel 50 at 11 PM.
Join the Pados Brothers, Ed and Steve, and successful racing journalist Randy Kane Monday evening March 1st as they take you on a two-hour circular journey with their well documented, very informative and extremely funny show.
Should you have questions on how to be a part of the show through advertising, appearances or remotes, please contact Steve Pados at: 610 573 9706;
racewriter@enter.net
Among the 2010 show exhibitors are Grandview (Pa.) Speedway, Big Diamond (Pa.) Raceway, Kutztown Fairgrounds (Pa.) Speedway, Thunder on the Hill Racing Series, URC, Reading Eagle, Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc., Speedway Entertainment (Slingshots and SpeedSTRs), Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Historical Society, RAACE Foundation, Doug Borger’s XCel 600 Modifieds, Gary Silverman Productions, Dale Snyder Video, Clyde Martin Memorial (Pa.) Speedway, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Keystone State Quarter Midget Club, the NEETS Enduro Series and the Montgomery County Quarter Midget Racing Club
With 113 race cars on display, the show continues through Saturday (Feb. 27) with nightly activities planned. The show features a wide cross-section of racing vehicles, including vintage/restored cars, big- and small-block Modifieds, Late Models, Sprint Cars, ARDC Midgets, SpeedSTR Midgets, Sportsman, Roadrunners, Micro-Sprints, XCel 600 Modifieds, Slingshots, Go-Karts, Quarter Midgets and more.
The annual Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Reunion (Friday evening, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.) and the LLANDCO Inc. Penn National Speedway Reunion (Saturday afternoon, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.) are among the show highlights.
Show awards - including the first Don Marks Memorial Contribution to Motorsports Award - will be distributed during the popular BASH Racing Party to be held Friday night, Feb. 26 at the Temple Fire Company, just blocks from the mall, beginning at 9 p.m. Beer City of Quakertown and Lee Myles Transmissions are presenting sponsors of the BASH.
The BASH Party will feature music for dancing, a cash bar, racing movies (including 2009 footage from the Pennsylvania Dual-Track circuit) and plenty of bench racing. Tickets to the BASH are $10 and will be sold during the show and at the door.
Driver bartending at the Applebee’s on 5th Street Highway, adjacent to the small, is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 25 beginning at 9 p.m. each night.
Author Gary Ludwig appears nightly beginning at 4 p.m. and during mall hours on Feb. 21 and 27 to autograph copies of his best-selling book Tommy Hinnershitz, The Life and Times of an Auto Racing Legend, which will be on sale at the show.
Randy’s Raceway of Kutztown, Pa., has set up his HO slot car track all week during the show. A celebrity race featuring Modified racers is planned for Wednesday’s ‘Modified Madness’ program.
Vendors are on hand selling national and local racing memorabilia, collectibles, racing DVDs and much more.
For general show information, contact Brett Deyo at 845.728.2781, via e-mail at Deyo99H@aol.com or on the web: www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com.
For further information on the Reading Eagle or WEEU, log on to www.readingeagle.com or www.weeu.com.
25th Racing Reunion & Car Show Schedule of Events
Wednesday, February 24 - Reading Plastic Fabricators presents Modified Madness Night
3-5 p.m. - WEEU 830 AM Live Radio Broadcast (Stage)
7 p.m. - Meet drivers from the area’s big- and small-block Modified divisions - Drivers scheduled to appear: New Jersey legend Billy Pauch, Grandview Speedway & Big Diamond Raceway talents Doug Manmiller, John Willman, Kevin Hirthler, Terry Meitzler, Jeff Strunk & more, Bridgeport Speedway star Ryan Watt - Don’t miss the debut of the the BFP Specialty Young Guns: Mike Gular, Billy Pauch Jr., Jon Kellner Jr., Sean Merkel, Brad Missimer, Kyle Follweiler, A.J. DeSantis, Addison Meitzler, Jordan Umbenhauer, Kevin Albert Jr., Danny Nicholas, Carroll Hine III, Mike Lisowski, Jared Umbenhauer & Michael Weinert - Meet Ms. Thunder on the Hill Cassi Pinder
9 p.m. - Drivers Jeff Strunk, Mike Gular, Doug Manmiller & Kevin Hirthler Guest Bartend at Applebee’s 5th Street Highway (adjacent to mall)
Thursday, February 25 - Joe Adams Lettering LLC presents Late Model & Sportsman Night
7 p.m. - Drivers from the Grandview Speedway Late Model division and regional Sportsman division - Kevin Kovac of the World Racing Group reports on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series - Drivers scheduled to appear: Sportsman stars Jason James, Michael Weinert, and Daryl Dissinger, Late Model talents Brian Shuey, Chuck Schutz, Bryon Sipe, Nate Christman, Kyle Merkel, Kurt Spotts (additional drivers TBA) - Meet Ms. Thunder on the Hill Cassi Pinder
9 p.m. - Drivers Brian Shuey, Chuck Schutz & Nate Christman Guest Bartend at Applebee’s 5th Street Highway (adjacent to mall)
Friday, February 26 - Salute to the Reading Fairgrounds Speedway - 31 years later!
6:30 p.m. - Reading Fairgrounds Speedway Reunion (Stage)
9 p.m. - Beer City of Quakertown BASH Racing Party - Temple Fire Company on Kutztown Road (tickets available for $10 during show & at the door) - Sound provided by Lee Myles Transmissions - Presentation of the first Don Marks Memorial Contribution to Motorsports Award - PLUS Show Awards, Music for Dancing, Racing Movies, Cash Bar, Snacks and more.
Saturday, February 27 - Salute to Penn National Speedway presented by LLANDCO Inc.
5 p.m. - FIRST EVER Penn National Speedway Reunion presented by LLANDCO Inc. of Leesport, Pa., a landfill construction company (Stage) - Former drivers, owners, officials, sponsors, fans, etc., gather to remember the Grantville, Pa., oval that closed its doors in 1996.
- Mall Hours: Sunday 11 a.m-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. -
*Schedule subject to change
Racing Replay: 1981 125-Mile Qualifier at Daytona
By · CommentsSome of the best NASCAR racing of the season happens in the two qualifying races for the Daytona 500. To whet the appetite a bit for Thursday’s Gatorade Duels at Daytona, I figured it’d be fun to look back at some of the older races.
Here’s the second 125-Mile Qualifier for the 1981 Daytona 500. The race sports a who’s-who of old-school NASCAR: Darrel Waltrip, Buddy Baker, Richard Petty, AJ Foyt and Benny Parsons. The new body styles and restrictor plateless motors make for some awesome side-by-side racing and slingshot passes. They really mix it up hard, but stay professional down to the end.
Part 1 has the start. NASCAR coverage, like the sport in general, was a lot less refined back then… but I think some of the new broadcast teams could learn a lot from Ken Squier and David Hobbs.
Part 2 features the finish. After a late-race caution, the race is restarted with one lap to go. Today that would be a recipe for a definite crash — but not back in the day.
