Post by dalejrfan on Feb 15, 2006 23:46:46 GMT -5
NASCAR word play is nice, but how is it not cheating?
Jimmie Johnson talked about crew chief Chad Knaus working in the "grey areas" and getting ejected after "crossing the line." Let's not mess with euphemisms. Based on what's been said about what was wrong with the No. 48 Chevrolet, the team wasn't playing around the edges of the rules. When you rig parts into a mechanical contraption in an effort to deflect air off the rear spoiler, you're overtly trying to break rules. That's cheating. If rationalizing that away by using terms like "grey area" helps you sleep at night, fine.
Look for NASCAR to officiate Thursday's Gatorade Duel much like officials would call a basketball game. They'll start out calling things tight, especially if the "bump drafting" gets rough. If somebody tries to see how far NASCAR will let them go, officials may park somebody - especially somebody in the top 35 that'll race on Sunday any way. Then, as each race goes along, they'll back off and let the drivers race unless things get entirely out of hand. A good basketball official doesn't call a foul every time someone gets touched. He blows the whistle when contact gives someone an unfair advantage and otherwise lets the teams play. That's exactly how NASCAR's officials should approach this new rule.
The "real" race in Thursday's 150-milers will be among those who're not guaranteed Daytona 500 starting spots. The top two finishers in that group in each 150 advance into the field for Sunday's big race. The non-exempt drivers who wound up in the second race seem to have the bigger hill to climb. Travis Kvapil, Robby Gordon, Scott Wimmer, Mike Wallace, Kenny Wallace, Scott Riggs and Terry Labonte are all in that race.
Jimmie Johnson talked about crew chief Chad Knaus working in the "grey areas" and getting ejected after "crossing the line." Let's not mess with euphemisms. Based on what's been said about what was wrong with the No. 48 Chevrolet, the team wasn't playing around the edges of the rules. When you rig parts into a mechanical contraption in an effort to deflect air off the rear spoiler, you're overtly trying to break rules. That's cheating. If rationalizing that away by using terms like "grey area" helps you sleep at night, fine.
Look for NASCAR to officiate Thursday's Gatorade Duel much like officials would call a basketball game. They'll start out calling things tight, especially if the "bump drafting" gets rough. If somebody tries to see how far NASCAR will let them go, officials may park somebody - especially somebody in the top 35 that'll race on Sunday any way. Then, as each race goes along, they'll back off and let the drivers race unless things get entirely out of hand. A good basketball official doesn't call a foul every time someone gets touched. He blows the whistle when contact gives someone an unfair advantage and otherwise lets the teams play. That's exactly how NASCAR's officials should approach this new rule.
The "real" race in Thursday's 150-milers will be among those who're not guaranteed Daytona 500 starting spots. The top two finishers in that group in each 150 advance into the field for Sunday's big race. The non-exempt drivers who wound up in the second race seem to have the bigger hill to climb. Travis Kvapil, Robby Gordon, Scott Wimmer, Mike Wallace, Kenny Wallace, Scott Riggs and Terry Labonte are all in that race.