#3WideBlog Opinion: Tragedy in Pocono, My take

     First off I am starting this piece by offering my condolences to family and friends of the one person killed and the nine people injured by lightning strikes at Pocono Raceway. This was a horrible tragedy, that certainly could have been avoided. You must first look at all the facts, and look at it from every angle before placing blame. In my opinion everybody takes a little bit of blame away in this situation, NASCAR & Pocono. I will break down, in my opinion, how each party is to blame.

     I will start off with NASCAR. NASCAR waited way, way too long to bring cars off the track. They literally waited until the storm system arrived and rain poured down over the speedway. Again this was way too long. They put all of the drivers, their crew, NASCAR officials, the media, track officials, and (indirectly) the fans in danger. I say indirectly when it comes to the fans because NASCAR's main concern is what is happening on track, they are charged with running and maintaining order on the race track, and everything in between those concrete walls. In that same respect the race should have been stopped far sooner than it was, allowing all the people NASCAR is responsible for to get to safety, in turn forcing the fans to get to safety. I say forcing purely because if there are cars on the track, the fans stay in their seats, if NASCAR throws a red flag for impending weather, fans know without a doubt that something bad is coming.

    Pocono Raceway is next. I am disgusted with how Pocono Raceway handled this situation. Regardless of whether or not there were cars on the track, Pocono's responsibility is the fans. To my knowledge Pocono did not announce to the fans the severity of the system until AFTER the race had been red flagged. I spoke with Dan M. from London Ontario Canada (@midtownexpress on Twitter) who attended the race

#3WIDEBLOG: Do you recall if/when the speedway PA system announced weather? What time? Was it audible?

DAN M.: "I have twitter and radio. When 51 car crashed we decided to at least come down. We waited to see if drivers would pit they didn't so we walked back towards turn 3 where we camped. Still no rain. We got out from under the grandstands and I remember hearing the cars on the track on turn three and radio saying they were going 2 go green. So at that point still nothing heard over loudspeaker because they were coming to green. We made our 10 min walk from grandstand to camp. It was about that time it started raining. About 10 mins later the lightning struck. And everyone knew that was the bolt. It was so close."

DAN M.: "I just feel it could have been sooner. As we only left because I had twitter @NASCAR_WXMAN".

     That is disturbing. I too follow @NASCAR_WXMAN on twitter and I recall his tweets urging fans and NASCAR and Pocono Raceway to stop the race and seek shelter. Then I spoke to Patricia Westfall (@p_west97 on Twitter) from Virginia, who also attended the Pocono race

#3WIDEBLOG: Just wondering if/when 2nd storm was announced over track PA

PATRICIA W.: "It was announced over the PA. they kept warning about 30-40 minutes before the storm actually hit, saying a storm was coming. Everyone was leaving the stands at this time anyway, as it was starting to rain. Therefore, some may not have heard it. Also the cars were still going around the track, it's hard to hear the PA while the cars are coming down the front stretch.

#3WIDEBLOG: Was there an actual call for fans to take cover? Or just that storms were in the area?

PATRICIA W.: "If there was, I didn't hear it because we had already walked down stairs. But the case is, that NASCAR never calls a race until the rain is heavy enough to cancel it. I'm not putting blame on NASCAR, because they didn't do anything wrong. They are working on it. This was a freak accident."

     What Patricia told me was less disturbing, but still in my opinion Pocono dropped the ball. Some would say their hands were tied because NASCAR left the cars on the track, but the speedway still could have made it very clear to the fans that an impending storm system was coming and if they remained in the open their lives would be in danger. If this was not clearly stated, then there is a problem.

     The party who is least to blame in my opinion is the fans. Some would believe that it is the fans own responsibility to know what the weather will be and act accordingly. This is ridiculous, if NASCAR and Pocono have access to the weather information (through their own real time weather radar), and the ability to let the fans know this information (track PA), THEY SHOULD DO IT. Furthermore as I said before, the race should be stopped in the event a severe weather bulletin is issued for the track in the interest of safety for all of those involved both inside and outside the concrete walls.

#3WideBlog Opinion: NASCAR's Drug Testing Procedure; Good Enough?

AJ Allmendinger (Getty Images)

     Recently, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger failed a random drug test administered by NASCAR. The sample was sent to Dr. David Black, Program Administrator at Aegis Sciences Corporation, the forensic science company hired by NASCAR to perform sample analyses. If this scenario sounds familiar, it is because not so long ago Jeremy Mayfield was in the same position. Aegis and NASCAR stand by the lab's procedures. No one (to my knowledge) in the garage area or the media had ever noticed any errant behavior of the driver which would lead to speculation of any drug use; the use of any illegal drug was vehemently denied by the driver.

     The similarities seemingly end there. While NASCAR quickly released that Mayfield had failed for methamphetamines, they still have not reported the substance which caused Allmendinger's failed test. Mayfield's "B" sample was almost immediately tested with the same result; Allmendinger's "B" sample will not be tested until July 24th. Mayfield asserted his positive test was due to the interaction between an over-the-counter allergy medication and a drug prescribed by his physician to control symptoms of his ADHD; Allmendinger's camp has stated the failure stemmed from a slightly elevated level of an unknown (or at the very least unreported) stimulant which they feel could be related to a dietary supplement.

Jeremy Mayfield (LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC)

     Although at first glance the stories are different, I feel other issues are simmering below the surface which, in my opinion, must be looked at. Before the season began, NASCAR assured its fans that the days of hidden penalties and behind-the-scenes dealings were over. We were promised true transparency. I feel NASCAR has failed to deliver on these promises thus far. The test was administered on June 29th and the results were first reported on July 4th. Allmendinger was pulled from the car so close to the start of the July 7th race that a replacement driver just barely made it to Daytona in time. Although the question regarding the length of time has been raised, to my knowledge no explanation has been given. Another question is why NASCAR is the only sport which has "A" and "B" samples tested by the same lab. Once a positive test result is found, other sports have the "B" sample tested by a second lab. In my opinion, that is the correct procedure. If the "B" sample results are found to be the same by a different lab, the validity of the result can hardly be questioned. The odds of two separate labs coming up with the same result in error would be astronomical.


     As reported by Nate Ryan, Carl Edwards is calling for an alteration to NASCAR's testing policy. He feels, and I obviously agree, that we live in an imperfect world and for that reason, the use of more than one lab would provide peace of mind. Edwards was quoted as saying: ”My point is I think the drivers need to get together, and we need to have our own group...to be here in tandem with the NASCAR drug testers and have them test us at the same time so that we have not just an ’A’ and ’B’ sample, but an ’A’ and ’B’ testing facility.... I don’t think it would be a contentious thing. ... I think until we do that, no matter what is found to be positive, no matter what the test results are, there is always going to be that little question of, ’Maybe there was a mistake.’ ” Not surprisingly, NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said the sanctioning body was satisfied with the policy and wasn’t planning any changes. ("Carl Edwards: NASCAR needs to alter drug-testing policy," Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com/article/20120714/SPORTS16/120713086/Carl-Edwards-NASCAR-needs-to-alter-drug-testing-policy, Jul. 14, 2012)


     The polar opposite to Edwards' opinion was put forth by Brad Keselowski. ”I don’t think we need more politics in the sport,” Keselowski said. ”That’s what gropus [sic.] like that bring in..." (Detroit Free Press, Jul. 14, 2012) He hasn't explained what "politics" he was referring to nor how they would come into play in a negative way. My belief has always been that better decisions are made when based on the most information available and that keeping things as above-board as possible can only bring about positivity. I also found Keslowski's opinion odd in light of his comment that, as far as Allmendinger's reputation, "Whether (the 'B' sample) comes back positive or negative, it's still a death sentence." In addressing the media at New Hampshire, Keselowski also said, in respect to his own experiences, "But when you go in that room to have a drug test – and I've never taken drugs in my life, I'm scared shitless of it and it's honestly a phobia of mine – I go in that room and I'm still scared. Becauese you know if something goes wrong, it's a death sentence for your career. It's over. And it's in human hands, and by the very nature of it being in human hands, there's a potential for error." (Jeff Gluck, "NASCAR At Loudon: Brad Keselowski's Anti-Drug, Anti-Vitamin, Anti-Supplement Rant," http://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2012/7/13/3158006/brad-keselowski-nascar-drug-vitamin-supplement-rant-2012/in/2920891, Jul. 13, 2012) He admits there is a possibiilty of error and that any such error can be a "death sentence." If a driver's career hangs in the balance, doesn't it make sense to take every possible precaution that a life isn't ruined in error?

Brad Keselowski (Getty Images)

     Keselowski went on to say: "My personal belief that nothing should be allowed. Nothing. I don't feel like you should be able to take Flintstones (vitamin) pills. It's my personal belief. You're race car drivers, you should have to overcome it. I think it's a bunch of bullshit people should be allowed to take supplements, any of those things. I don't think that's right. I don't think any athlete should be allowed to take that. But that's my own personal belief." Further, "I laugh out loud when I read that people say, 'Well I have my supplements checked.' Like there's some special list of supplements that are OK, but these aren't! What kind of world is that? That's terrible. Nothing should be allowed. Because then it comes down to if you've got a doctor or a lawyer who says, 'This is OK and this is not.' And I think we all know you can get a doctor or a lawyer these days to say you're OK with anything you do." And: " I don't think there needs to be any committee that approves drugs or supplements because I think you shouldn't be allowed to take anything. You should just man up and drive the damn race car." (www.sbnation.com, July. 13, 2012)


     I think this is where Keselowski lost a bit of touch with reality. Not being able to take vitamins or supplements of any kind? Maybe he'll feel differently once he hits his 30s! As anyone who has ever taken even a high school class in biology knows, the human body is a very fragile thing. I find it hard to believe there are more than a handful of people whose basic diet is so nutrionally perfect that not one necessary vitamin or mineral is lacking. And considering how differently each individual's system processes what is consumed, there are times when vitamins, supplements and medications are imperitive to one's health. I wonder how Mark Martin (noticeably absent from any reported comment) feels about Keselowski's view on vitamins and supplements as well as if Jimmie Johnson took any offense to having his supplements checked called out as laughable. (Johnson has stated multiple times that his supplements are tested/approved by Dr. Black/Aegis.) I have no idea what, if anything, Keselowski took at the time of his broken ankle but I do wonder how he was able to drive a punishing course like Pocono without as much as a Tylenol in his system.


     Other drivers handle the issue in a variety of ways. Jeff Burton sticks to supplements on the NFL's approved list and Clint Bowyer uses products supplied by his sponsor 5-Hour Energy. We can assume with relative certainty that both Kyle and Kurt Busch consume Monster Energy drinks, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had an Amp or two and Brian Vickers has polished off his fair share of Red Bulls. None of these drivers have had a positive test result. Have they just been lucky? Or maybe it's because what they have ingested hasn't interacted with anything else they may have in their system. Perhaps none of the ingredients can ever cause a positive, or they simply are not found in high enough levels to cause a false one.



      Finally, I revisit a topic I brought up in the beginning. How could a driver possibly use any drug, especially one with effects as visible as meth has, without notice? I will not profess to have first-hand knowledge of Mayfield's life or situation but in my opinion he, nor anyone else, could have kept a meth addiction hidden. One does not have to be a drug expert to know one of the most obvious side effects of meth use is the rotting of teeth. If you look at pictures of Mayfield from years ago and compare them to recent ones, his teeth have not changed nor do they appear cosmetically enhanced. Also, while I have read of Mayfield's other legal problems, I have not read that he has failed any further drug tests. Is it possible that a non-drug-additcted NASCAR driver would choose to use meth for the first time during the season when he knows he subject to random drug tests? I suppose it's possible but realistically the answer is no. If someone is going to try an illegal drug, I would think they would choose a time when they are least likely to get caught. Could a person addicted to meth suddenly stop using without a single symptom of withdrawal? Especially when being monitored by law enforcement officials? Again, no. I realize some readers will shake their heads and think I'm merely defending a favorite driver, but this is not the case. While I never disliked Mayfield, I am not a big enough fan to grasp at straws in his defense. I simply state these facts in support of my opinion that many questions remain. Considering NASCAR's closed-mouth attitude on the subject, as well as their reluctance to modify or upgrade their testing procedures, we may never get answers to any of them.


Written by: Judy Brizz ( @GERI13FAN) on Twitter

#3WideBlog Opinion: Predetermined Cautions? My Take

     In the wake of recent races having fewer and fewer cautions and more long green flag periods, fans and NASCAR executives have been bouncing ideas around to try and "enhance the product". One suggestion that particularly disturbed me was the thought of predetermined cautions. NASCAR already uses a competition caution under certain conditions, such as the assessment of tire wear, but these are mainly used for safety. In the proposed scenario, a caution would be thrown at a predetermined time purely to bunch up the field in an effort to make the race more "exciting". 

Chairman of Speedway Motorsports
Inc. Bruton Smith (USPresswire)

     Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., addressed the topic with these comments. “You just can’t sit there and nothing is happening, it ruins the event. It’s damaging to our sport. Look at some of your other sports — they have a mandatory timeout, TV (commercial) time and all these things, and that creates things within the sport." He then went on to say “If you have (cautions) every 20 laps, I don’t care. It adds to the show. Someone once said we were in show business — if we’re in show business, let’s deliver. Let’s deliver that show. Right now, we’re not delivering.” I note with some amusement that these comments come from someone that chairs 5 of the 1.5 mile tracks that have garnered most of the complaints.

    Jeff Gordon wasn't totally against the idea. "I'd rather have that than some mysterious debris caution...The integrity of racing is about letting the race play out, and sometimes that's the most exciting finish, sometimes it's not. Trying to get in the middle of that can be challenging. If you're going to do it, it's got to be something planned in advance, and you take a break. I'm not totally against it."

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France (Getty Images)

     Gladly for myself as a fan, and surely some of the other drivers in the garage, I was pleased that NASCAR chairman Brian France basically shot down that idea from the get-go, in his mid-season press conference held in Daytona prior to the Coke Zero 400. “We've shortened events; It's generally worked well,” France said. “At Pocono it worked well, California worked well, Dover has worked well; We'll look at that". I have to agree with him there, in my opinion knocking a hundred miles off of a few of these events has definitely added a sense of urgency to get to the front faster if you can. France continued, “That we are open to changing The (Chase), wild card did that. It did it in an authentic way. Double-file restarts get us better racing action. Anything that gets something better on the track and doesn't employ a gimmick, we'd be reasonably open to.”. France then went on to say,“What we're not going to do are gimmicky things, I've heard we ought to throw a caution every 10 laps. That's nonsense. We won't do gimmicky things. But we'll do things that incentivize performance, incentivize wins."

     I was more than glad to hear of France's reaction, and also glad to hear NASCAR will not employ any of these "gimmicks" especially the use of predetermined cautions. In my opinion that idea is total nonsense. Just about three months ago everyone was throwing fits at David Reutimann's neck for causing a late race caution at Martinsville, which in turn bunched the field up and caused a separate wreck after the ensuing restart. Now a few months later, because professional drivers can keep their cars between the walls, we all of a sudden need predetermined cautions? Nonsense. If you would like to watch something that has a manufactured story, with a predetermined outcome, flick on the WWE.

Carl Edwards (Getty Images)

     Carl Edwards had some down to earth comments on the subject that I certainly agree with. "It's not gonna be a Game 7 moment every race," he said. "That's what makes some races great. To me, if you start affecting the competition like that, that is analogous to stopping a basketball game if the score gets too far apart and putting the score back even.". He also said, "That, to me is not what auto racing is about. If you let these races play out naturally, and let the racing be racing, sometimes there are some wild things that happen and things happen that are unexpected. That's what makes that true, real drama that happens every once in a while."

     Thank you Carl for some logical comments. I have a hard enough time with the idea of breaking other non-points events into "segments" which is also basically just to bunch the field up as well. However, those are exhibition events, more of a "show" and therefore have far more leeway for that type of tweaking. If those tactics are used in points events, I think NASCAR loses integrity.

    I'll leave you with some other comments that Jeff Gordon made that were a bit more intriguing. "If you really want to know what I would like to see, I would like to see heat races and invert the field and have a 50- to 100-lap shootout. I mean, that is what I grew up racing. It's exciting, it's fun, and I never knew what a 500-mile race was until I came into NASCAR, other than the Indy 500." He then posed a thought-provoking question. "What's more important? History and tradition or the most entertaining form of racing? I don't know. I'm glad I'm not making those decisions."

     I am also glad I am not charged with those types of decisions, but heats and a feature? That's what we've got at most of the short tracks here in Canada but for NASCAR? I'm not sure. I'm confident that NASCAR will do the right thing, and use science or a different rules package (aero, tires, something...) rather than gimmicks to "enhance their product" if they feel any changes are necessary.

Quotes via SBNation.com, Sportingnews.com & USAToday.com

#3WideBlog Opinion: Earnhardt Jr. Snaps "The Streak", My Reaction.

     Sunday after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway, an entire nation had a reason to rejoice, JrNation that is. After 4 years, 143 races and surely mountains of frustration, Dale Earnhardt Jr. dominated the race leading 95 of 200 laps and eventually pulling away from defending Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart by almost 5.4 seconds on his way to victory.

 
     "I know you guys have been waiting on that one,", "I know I have." were the words Earnhardt Jr. said over the team radio moments after taking the checkered flag Sunday. This win marked Dale Earnhardt Jr's 19th Cup Series victory in his 450th start, and also marked the end of the most publicized losing streak in motorsports. After some "on the chip" crazy burnouts, came that long awaited visit to victory lane.

   
     Almost before Earnhardt Jr. came to a stop a cell phone was being handed to him. On the other end? Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick. Hendrick is quoted as saying "I just told him, 'I knew we were going to get it done,' ". " 'I'm so proud of you. Enjoy this. The world's been looking at you, and now you can take a deep breath and go have fun.' ". More had to be said because Earnhardt Jr. spent a lot of time on the phone before his shower of Diet Mountain Dew, but whatwas for sure, was his grin from ear to ear.

     After a nice "welcome home" to victory circle from TNT reporter Matt Yocum, Earnhardt Jr. was quick to start his thank-yous. "That was a great race, I want to thank my sponsors National Guard, Diet Mountain Dew, Great to have the Batman on the car today. We just had a really good car and this Chevrolet was fast, its just pretty amazing". After recalling how tense the last 15 laps were and a hug from crew chief Steve Letarte (who broke his own 115 race winless streak), Yocum asked Jr. "What is the most satisfying part of this victory?". To which Jr. answered "To do it for my fans, they've stuck behind me for all these years and I know exactly what they've been thinking about, and how long they've been wanting us to get to victory lane." Looking with a nod to the camera said "So this one's for them", "I appreciate their loyalty and their support, and we wouldn't have made it back to victory lane without it so, that's who we have to give all the credit to". I've got to admit, as a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, this was awesome to hear.

      The celebration was on but it wasn't too long after the critics started, with Tony Stewart ""It's no different than anybody else that does it -- it's not a national holiday, guys,". "This morning they were celebrating the fourth anniversary of his last win, so I guess we're all in a state of mourning now, 'cause he's broke that string now, so I wonder what we're all supposed to think." Typical Tony I guess because every other driver was quite congratulatory.


     It was on twitter too, the snide remarks, trying to downsize the hugeness of this victory. "One victory in four years? So what.", "Most over rated driver in Cup history". But all of that is ok, because the people who matter to Jr. were able to celebrate, his fans (me included). After so many close calls (7 second place finishes in those 143 races), I believe a larger than normal celebration for the sports undisputed most popular driver was more than merited, and I'm glad there was. Don't like him? Don't celebrate.


    As for the talk of championship. Earnhardt Jr., at this point is having a championship season. Having been a factor at all different tracks, getting the monkey off his back with the elusive victory and sitting only 4 points back of leader Matt Kenseth, one could argue that Earnhardt Jr. is poised for a championship. But this is NASCAR so only one thing I can say for sure: the next few weeks are going to be a roller coaster. It starts with Sonoma.


     We're in for a wild ride. Smitty OUT

** Quotes and pics from NASCAR.com **

#3WideBlog Opinion: Kurt Busch Suspension, My Take

     On Tuesday June 5th 2012, the inevitable happened. NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch until June 13th 2012, and has extended his already existing probation (originally set to end July 25th 2012) until Dec. 31st 2012 for his actions following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race June 2nd 2012 at Dover International Speedway. Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing; violation of probation; verbal abuse to a media member) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book.


     After leaving some time for it all to sink in, reading various articles from the media, reading drivers and fans mixed reaction I have formulated my own opinion. Honestlly I had two knee-jerk reactions when I read this news on my twitter feed at work. "It's about time" and "WOW". Now before you climb up on me as a "Kurt Busch hater" hear me out. Kurt Busch is one of NASCAR's elite drivers. Having captured the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship, and having amassed 24 victories, 88 top-5's and 170 top-10's in his Sprint Cup Series career, there is no question that Kurt Busch is a very talented driver.


     Busch's talent however, is often clouded by controversial events. He is well known for his on track run-ins with drivers, notably: Jimmy Spencer, Greg Biffle, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and even his younger brother Kyle, who owns his NASCAR Nationwide Series car now. But that's more than expected at this level. With the most elite drivers and the highest competition level any driver is likely to have an on track run-in with another, its just how the aftermath is dealt with. There was the incident in the pits at Darlington between Ryan Newman and himself, innocent enough, it was in my opinion his reaction to Newman's crew members that landed him on probation.

Kurt Busch ripping the transcript
(YouTube screen cap)

     Herein lies Kurt Busch's problem, dealing with an issue once it arises. Its not even most often a driver he has an issue with, its the media. NASCAR has rules set out in its rulebook that prohibit drivers from verbally abusing or threatening media members, Busch has flagrantly disregarded this rule on several occasions. Notably: Richmond in September of 2011 Kurt and Jimmie Johnson had tangled on track, when NASCAR.com reporter Joe Menzer asked “Kurt, can either you or Jimmie win the Chase…”. Busch cut Menzer off replying “How did I see you were going to come with that? We’re good.” and turned to walk away. Busch ultimately shouted, swore and went after Menzer before Team Penske members had to restrain him. Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer later in a press conference asked Johnson about the comment during the post race interview, Busch interrupted denying it and Fryer offered to show him the transcript. Busch then tore up the transcript (after reading) showing he had made these statements and walked out of the media center.

Kurt Busch & Jamie Little
(YouTube Screen cap)

     Another instance is, before the 2011 New Hampshire Motor Speedway race, Kurt's #22 Penske crew had to delay taking their car to the grid until after the anthem. This was due to issues with their rear-end housing. Pit reporter Jamie Little, who was walking with Busch, asked if it was okay for her to ask a question. Busch responded with: "Why the f#%k do you think it would be okay, I gotta get in my car. NASCAR told me I gotta get in my car"


     

Kurt Busch & Dr. Punch

     Then the incident at the 2011 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. While waiting for a live interview with senior pit road reporter Dr. Jerry Punch, Busch verbally berated him with repeated expletives until the interview was cancelled. This was caught on camera by a fan and posted on YouTube, ultimately it also led to his release from Penske. During the 2011 NASCAR Championship week, Busch revealed that he had been working with a sports psychologist to work on "personal issues". Untill Darlington of this year it had looked like Kurt had changed his ways. Then came his comments to Bob Pockrass that got him suspended.


     NASCAR sent a clear message and used Kurt Busch as the billboard. I was just as surprised as everyone to learn of the suspension but it was time, and it quickly became clear. NASCAR's probation is not to be taken lightly, once thought of as a "slap on the wrist", it now carries more weight than before. Another thing was that NASCAR will not tolerate continued abuse of media members. Fines and probation were not teaching Kurt the lesson so NASCAR was forced to take the next step. James Finch has agreed to continue to field his #51 Chevrolet with Kurt as the driver on a race by race basis, and is quoted saying  "Here's the deal: Quit wrecking the cars, get a good finish, be nice to people. That's not real hard to do." 


     Here's hoping for Kurt's career, his fans, and NASCAR that he can turn this around and not spoil his unquestionable talent.


     Untill next time Smitty Out.

#3WideBlog Opinion: Blackflag? Debris? Richmond Review.

   Debris? Or no debris? THAT is the question.

   Following Saturday nights NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Capitol City 400 at Richmond International Raceway, there are many story lines I could talk about. I could talk about Kyle Busch coming out with the win and breaking a 20 race winless streak. Maybe Dale Earnhardt Jr. having another solid finish in second place? Or the poor finishes of Greg Biffle (18th) and Martin Truex Jr. (25th). Nope. I am going to talk about the restart on lap 318 where Carl Edwards is "controversially" black flagged, and the "debris" caution on lap 386 that has everybody, including myself, riled up.

Capture via NASCAR.com

   In my opinion, there is no controversy, Carl Edwards black flag was fully merited for its intended infraction. Carl Edwards jumped the lap 318 restart, that is why the black flag was shown. You can see in the diagram on the right (still frame taken from NASCAR.com and edited by myself) that Edwards has accelerated before the designated restart zone. Nevermind Tony Stewart in the bottom lane spinning his tires, Joey Logano didn't go either, because it was too soon. There was some controversy regarding whether a NASCAR official told Edwards spotter that he was in the first position at the time of the restart. This could have been caused by the fact that the scoring pylon at the time of the "1 to go" signal, showed the #99 (Edwards) in first. This was caused because as they had lined up for the restart, Edwards (while scrubbing his tires) inadvertently crossed the start/finish line before Tony Stewart in the #14. With electronic scoring, the pylon is automatically updated with this information. If Carls spotter looked over at the pylon he might get the impression that Edwards was the leader. BUT, As they roll around under caution the ticker goes by. 89 to go Edwards, Johnson, Stewart. 87 to go Edwards, Johnson, Stewart. Johnsons pit road penalty is announced which takes him out of the mix. THEN, Carl has to pit. He is the only car on the track that hasn't pit yet, thus Tony assumes the lead. There is no way anyone could have thought Carl was the leader before that restart UNLESS, a) they looked at the incorrect scoring pylon OR b) a NASCAR official in fact did tell someone on Edwards crew that they were first on the restart (neither confirmed or denied), which makes no sense because as they lined up for "one to go" Stewart went low line (preferred line) and Carl went high.

   Carl tried to defend himself in the post race interview. Saying that his spotter, not a NASCAR official, told him he was the leader, and that he wanted to gain any advantage he could because he was starting on the outside lane. He was caught. He tried to say that Tony spun his tires, which yes may have embellished the infraction, but doesn't negate restarting before the zone. He also said that he had restarted like that all night and hadn't been penalized. His lap 57 restart was within the restart zone. His lap 122 restart was good aswell. The lap 237 restart was awesome, bunched 'em up short track style and took off, IN the restart zone. Lap 318, Too soon Carl. Black Flag. That is all.

   Which brings me to our next bit of controversy coming out of Richmond. The "debris" caution on lap 386. Now I don't want to go all conspiracy theorist on you, but NASCAR has been known to have a problem with "phantom" debris cautions. This is a caution that NASCAR throws, because they claim there is debris somewhere on the racing surface, but NOBODY actually sees this "debris". Some fans say there was a huge piece of metal on the backstretch, Tony Stewart claimed it was a plastic water bottle, and the majority of us didn't see anything at all. The point here is that NASCAR needs to do a better job of telling the TV crew where this "debris" is. Even if its a plastic water bottle, or a ball cap (Texas), and NASCAR has blown the call, we have to know so we don't begin to think NASCAR is trying to manipulate the race at all.

   In closing SHOW US the debris, this will curb the "phantom caution" conspiracy. We can't wonder if we're shown. Smitty OUT

#3WideBlog Opinion: NASCAR Tracks/Schedule, Smitty's View

   To start off this edition of #3WideBlog, I have to be honest with you all, I didn't watch Sundays NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas this weekend. I know, I know, I missed what was dubbed a "great" race by some. But some others thought the race was, again, "boring" or lacking "action. I didn't want to be caught up in this discussion again, so I made the decision to go out with my family instead. Personally I couldn't handle another race on a 1.5 mile track anyway, but I was just glad Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't finally snap that streak and me miss it. In my opinion there needs to be less of these "cookie cutter" tracks on the Sprint Cup schedule and things need to change.

   In the late 90's and early 2000's with the expanding popularity of NASCAR across the United States these 1.5 Mile "cookie cutter" tracks started popping up more and more. The tracks I'm talking about are Las Vegas, Kansas, Kentucky and Chicago. To a lesser extent Atlanta, Texas and Charlotte. Ten of NASCAR's 36 points races are held at these 1.5 mile tracks. This is too much. Four of the Chase races are also held on these tracks, also too much. NASCAR needs some diversity in the tracks it visits.

   Personally I enjoy the "dog leg" style 1.5 ovals of Atlanta, Charlotte and Texas, but there is no need for 5 dates on the schedule dedicated to them. I would never touch Charlottes races they are a part of NASCAR's History (Aside from the All-Star Race, which I feel should travel). Texas and Atlanta though need to be changed. One race, at one track, one year then switch for next year. This would bring us down to 3 "dog leg" track races.

   Then theres the "D-Shaped" 1.5 mile tracks. Of Las Vegas, Kansas, Kentucky, and Chicago. NOT my favourite. These too should be cut to 3 races. I am sorry for the fans of these areas or these types of tracks, but the masses have spoken. I dont care how they change it, or how they switch back and forth but something has to happen because 5 stops at these types of tracks is too much.

    I am a short track fan, So if they took my advice and had 6 races at 1.5 mile tracks instead 10, I would pack those extra openings with different short tracks. I would love to see Sprint Cup series race at Iowa Speedway, a 3/4 mile track with lots of excitement. Or what about any of the 100's of short tracks across the United States. Here's another novel idea, Expand further into Canada!

   Either way, in my opinion, NASCAR needs to do some work on their schedule. Bring in some tracks that are unique, and not like something you already have. Go back to "The Rock", revive North Wilkesboro, Build a new track. Anything but another 1.5 mile track, Please NASCAR? Please?

   Smitty OUT

#3WideBlog Opinion: Was Texas That Bad? My Point of View.

     The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series raced at Texas Motor Speedway this past week. The biggest story being that the field managed to run the final 234 laps under green. At least that's what ended up being the biggest story. 43 Drivers at NASCAR's most elite level should be able to run 234 laps under green more often in my opinion. But all over twitter and social media fans voiced their opinions. "Texas was boring", "Bad race with no restarts", etc. Even in the NASCAR on FOX Television coverage you could hear Larry McReynolds, Mike Joy and Darrell Waltrip almost begging for a caution it seemed, at least referring to it several times throughout the last 50 laps. Is this not what we were climbing up David Reutimann's tail pipe for a couple weeks ago? Causing a late race caution that changed the complexion of the race? I would bet the farm that a late race caution at Texas would have caused a totally different outcome.

     Back in the old days of NASCAR it wasn't uncommon for there to be several cautions. But it also wasn't uncommon for race winners margin of victory to be measured in laps not tenths of a second. The 1965 Southern 500 at Darlington actually holds the record for the widest margin of victory, 14 Laps. Ned Jarrett took the checkered flag 14 laps ahead of Buck Baker. This is also regarded as one of the most wild Southern 500's ever, but regardless there's no race for the win, no contest at all. Richard Petty won one of his many Daytona 500's by 2 laps. Even a late race restart couldn't "fix" that race. This happened many times. If you're a fan of wrecking this is all acceptable, you're not watching the leaders anyway you're watching for a wreck. What about Michigan? Three races held there have had no cautions at all! 1973, 1984, 1999. Were they all terrible races because they had no cautions?

     Texas did have two cautions, yes the record for fewest at that track. The first being our favourite, a "debris" caution. Lap 67 for "debris" in turn 4. This turns out to be a ball cap. Also at lap 93 Trevor Bayne has some bad luck slapping the wall. So you got two restarts. There were two extra chances for 43 of NASCAR's elite drivers to wreck, and imagine that they didn't! Bet their car owners patted them on the back.

     In my opinion races like this past Texas race are the ultimate test. Its the ultimate test of drivers focus at race speed, feeling the forces of the inside of a race car is physically demanding lap after lap. It is the ultimate test of your pit crew, to go through so many cycles of green flag pitstops, getting the job done with no mistakes and not losing track position. It is also the ultimate test of your equipment and set-up. With less cautions to make large set-up changes, you have to get it right early and build on small green flag stop changes. The engine and drivetrain had better be the best its ever been too because with the last 234 laps run under green there's no rest.

     This race had several cars on the lead lap, and a pass for the lead with 30 laps to go. There was great side-by-side racing and action all around the track. No my favourite driver didn't win, and yes a late race caution COULD have made a difference. Kudos to NASCAR for not throwing a phantom "debris" caution to make a great hard fought battle more "interesting"

    If you're looking for more wrecking at NASCAR's elite level, Maybe instead you could turn to your local county fair. Theres a demolition derby coming to one, near you.

Smitty OUT

#3WideBlog Opinion: Sponsorship Woes In NASCAR, Canadian Perspective

   As I sat watching the NASCAR Nationwide series and Sprint Cup series race from Texas Motor speedway this weekend I began to wonder what happened in the sponsorship sector of the sport. Was it the Economy?  Is NASCAR not a viable marketing resource anymore? Here's how I see it.

http://owlworks.wordpress.com/2010/06/

   If you think back to the plentiful sponsorship years of the 90's and early 2000's, it seemed that sponsors made deals with teams not drivers. I'm talking big national corporations committing to multiple years and multiple millions of dollars of support to team owners. Contract terms were discussed in years not races. No one could ever forget that black #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet even 11 years after Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s death. Earnhardt Sr.'s legendary legacy still provides advertising for GM Goodwrench through his ever popular merchandise. These sponsors didn't sign with the drivers at first, they met with owners that made their performance promise. After Earnhardt Sr.'s death GM Goodwrench stayed on to sponsor Kevin Harvick as a rookie in the Cup series for a few years. Not only was a driver noticeable because of their car number, it was generally painted the same way every week too.

   It seems with the most recent recession those days are gone. Sponsors want to feed off the "star status" todays Sprint Cup series drivers are given. Sponsors want to make the deals with the drivers instead of owners, leaving some team owners searching not for the driver with the most potential talent, but the most potential sponsor dollars. They use more than the space they've bought on the car, they use the driver for commercials, appearances and anything else they can get them to do. So not only is a drivers talent important, but their marketability is also vitally important to many sponsors. This has left drivers with considerable talent sitting on the sidelines: Kenny Wallace, Trevor Bayne; and others looking to lower tier series or teams for rides: David Ragan, Kurt Busch. Even the multi-car teams have been hurt. Roush-Fenway closed its flagship #6 team in Sprint Cup and #60 Team in Nationwide due to lacking sponsorship. RCR's #33 team, Rusty Wallace Racing and so on.

http://www.facebook.com/TheNascarFans

   The fans of NASCAR are a die-hard group and hate to see their drivers sit on the sidelines. Twitter handles like @TheNASCARFans and @followthefans use hash tags like #SponsorKenny and #SponsorTrevor to try and corral major companies to produce sponsorship dollars for their favourite drivers. They've had success too with companies twitter feeds responding. I'd like to see more of this. Its great to see the fans step up and support their drivers, and let companies know that if they sponsor a NASCAR driver that the fans return the favour.

   In my opinion NASCAR is certainly a viable marketing resource. The decal on the hood of a car is seen by millions of eyes every race, if you run up front, for long periods of time. Rick Hendrick himself has even sponsored his own, and cars from other stables. Citing his website HendrickCars.com had noticeable traffic increase during NASCAR events it sponsored. Sponsors in NASCAR have just had to transform to adapt to the changing demographic and their changing needs. They don't sponsor a single car for an entire season anymore. They can pick and choose certain drivers and certain races as their own marketing needs see fit. Good performances can mean more races added to your schedule, bad could mean their not interested anymore or will try another team.

thefinallap.com

thefinallap.com

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   So your favourite drivers car is no longer painted the same every week, no even NASCAR's most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr has three major sponsors Mtn Dew, AMP, and National Guard to keep their operation running. But be happy if your driver has a sponsor right now because you never know, that's the way it is now. Its a sponsor driven sport where again not necessarily the most talented driver gets the ride, but the most marketable or the one with the most sponsor dollars. So all you race fans out there that know someone, who knows someone who has any say in a company's marketing strategy ... Pull some strings would ya?

   Untill next time ... Smitty OUT

#3WideBlog Opinion: Why Earnhardt Jr. Is Strong Early

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   As a fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. I find it tough not to write about him all the time. Though I have only been writing this blog for a short while, he certainly wouldn't have given me much to write about in the last few years. But lately as a fan on Sunday, I have been on the edge of my seat watching Dale Jr. somewhere in the top-5 or 10 with a relevant chance to win. You can see the confidence oozing from him in post race interviews, and pre race interviews.  So in a world of "what have you done for me lately" Here are some stats, and here's what I think has changed for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to fire him out of the gate this year, and why I think it will continue.

   In the last 5 years Dale Earnhardt Jr.has not traditionally started off well. In 2007 he posted finishes of 32nd, 40th, 11th, 14th, 7th, and 5th in the first 6 races. Average finish was 18.2 position. In 2008 (the year of his last win at Michigan) his first 6 races were 9th, 40th, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th, with the average of 10.8 being brought down by the 40th place finish at Fontana. 2009 was abysmal, 27th, 39th, 10th, 11th 14th and 8th were the first 6 race results, average being 18.2. I am betting at this point you can see a trend. 2010 and 2011 are similar with 14.5 place and 11.2 place averages respectively. Both years see a best finish of 2nd place in the first 6 races but worsts of 32nd and 24th.

  Fight through the statistics and its easy to see why 2012 looks to be a good year. With finishes of 2nd, 14th, 10th, 15th and two 3rds it is the best first 6 race average (7.8 th place) of the last 5 years . In fact I believe the best of his career. He is currently sitting 2nd in Sprint Cup Series points, 6 points back of leader Greg Biffle and 6 points ahead of defending champion Tony Stewart. Earnhardt Jr. has led laps in 3 of the first 6 races this year and his current laps led total of 75 beats his entire last years total of 52.

DaleJr.com

  I believe a couple things at the shop have changed as well that has also helped Jr. have success at the beginning of the year. Days after Jimmie Johnsons 5th championship in 2010, Earnhardt Jr's team owner Rick Hendrick switched the crew chiefs. Steve Letarte moved from Jeff Gordon’s #24 team to lead Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #88 team. Hendrick also has the 48 & 88 shops move in together in an effort to make Earnhardt's team as competitive as possible for 2011 and beyond. In my eyes both moves have worked. In 2011 Earnhardt Jr. made the chase for the Sprint Cup for the first time in 2 years and finished 7th in the standings, a vast improvement from 25th and 21st in the 2009 and 2010 standings. 

DaleJr.com

   In that time he has also developed a great personal and professional relationship with Steve Letarte on and off the track that is crucial to on track success. You can see this confidence in pre and post race interviews even after pit road mistakes and miscommunications. Talks about what was good about the day and how it can be improved. No more monotone Jr. in interviews going through the motions. As a fan of his it is great to see all of this come together for him. It is great to tune in Sunday and see him up front and racing competitively again. 

  As Earnhardt inches closer and closer to his first elusive win since Michigan 2008, I can only hope for myself and the rest of #JrNation that it all keeps clicking. With 1 win, 3 top-5's, and 10 top 10's in his career at Texas it is looking good for him to keep it up. I hope.

Until next time Smitty OUT

#3WideBlog Opinion: Mayfield in ARCA?

     I have learned through twitter and reading an article by Bob Pockrass, that ARCA team owner Roger Carter wants to enter a car for suspended NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield. My jaw absolutely dropped when I read this. I couldn't believe that anyone would release this kind of statement untill Mayfield had dealt with his US Court cases. May 1st 2009 at Richmond, Mayfield tested positive for methamphetamine, the next week at Darlington, Mayfield was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violating their substance abuse policy. At the time Mayfield had stated, "I believe a combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted resulting in a positive drug test".

     David Black (oversaw testing program at the time) said "What we have is a clear violation of policy. I have never seen a violation like this due to the combination of over-the-counter or prescription products." Saying it was "a drug of concern."

     Mayfield at the time and still has not attended NASCARs rehab and rather has taken legal action against NASCAR. I am sure this rehab offered by NASCAR would have been a be a paid for stay. Successful treatment and evaluation by a doctor could even clear his name, but yet it seems he would rather take the long road and sue NASCAR.

     A US District Court Judge temporarily lifted Mayfield's suspension. But in July 2009, NASCAR stated that Mayfield had again tested positive for meth on July 6, five days after his suspension was lifted. To me this is a clear indicator that this is a problem. While under suspension he continued his legal battles with NASCAR untill a US appeals court in refused to reopen the lawsuit by Mayfield's against NASCAR over his suspension for failing the drug test. All the while I believe not entering ANY rehab programs to at least clear his name. Mayfield got into more trouble too. In 2011 he was arrested for allegedly having 1.5 grams of meth in a safe, and $100,000 in stolen goods on his property. Allegedly. That case is still before the courts.

    And that's what ARCA officials are waiting for, to see the outcome of Mayfields court case. Until then ARCA has stated, no comment because Mayfield hasn't applied for an ARCA license . I personally tweeted Steve O'Donnel Senior VP of NASCAR and asked him his thoughts on Mayfield in ARCA. His response? "no thoughts" My thoughts on Mayfield racing in ARCA? Listen, I am all for give a guy a second chance. I know people make mistakes, and change and get better. Hey most of this is alleged at this point anyway so its all speculation. But be any of this true, ARCA and any other sanctioning body for that matter had better take some serious precautions before they let someone with that history drive at those speeds with other drivers. Its about safety not chances. Again this is if its true. But rehab a must, and tests every week. 


   I again believe in second chances but they have to be the right way and under the right circumstances. He was quite the wheelman, and if he could prove that he is drug-free absolutely I would like to see him race again. Just tested every week.


   Until next time Smitty OUT


Bob Pockrass article http://aol.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2012-04-03/jeremy-mayfield-arca-racing-roger-carter-suspended-from-nascar-meth

Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Mayfield

     PS NEW Comment Section, ANYONE can comment now. Criticism and opinions appreciated but please be polite.

#3WideBlog Opinion: Who To Blame at Martinsville?

    NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series went to the half mile paper clip shaped track of Martinsville Speedway this week. What a race. After a couple of snoozer races in the Food City 500 at Bristol (truly a surprise) and the rain shortened Auto Club 400 (200something rain shortened), I personally was pumped for another short track race. And boy did Martinsville deliver.

   Very close, side-by-side, door-to-door action the whole race, just what NASCAR fans (myself included) were clamoring for the past couple of weeks. Drivers using their bumpers to move other cars out of the way. It was awesome. But as the laps dwindled down the midset of "Give & Take" faded, patience wore thin, and there was alot more taking than giving. NASCAR at its finest.

   Through all of that, Jeff Gordan and Jimmie Johnson had driven off to a 5 second lead over Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff and Jimmie were in the midst of sorting the race out between themselves with less than 5 laps left when the #10 Tommy Baldwin Racing entry of David Reutimann slowed and came to a stop on the frontstretch near turn 1. Reutimann's motor had been breaking apart in the laps prior and he was limping his car around the track off the pace, in an effort to pass his teammate Dave Blaney in the #36 to gain a spot in the coveted Top-35. The caution that ensued changed the complexion of the race indefinately.

    Here's where the blame game begins. Drivers and fans alike all threw David Reutimann under the bus. Quick to say "He should have pitted" "He stopped on purpose" "Why is he even out there". Both David and crew chief/owner Tommy Baldwin were quoted as saying the steering broke. I dont know about you, but if the steering broke on my car, I would stop. Reutimann was also quoted saying that the car had quit entering turn three (just past pit entrance), again if my car quit, I would pull down and get out of the way. The reason in my opinion, why he was still out there limping, this all happened is NASCAR's top-35 rule. The top-35 rule locks the top 35 cars in the points into the upcoming race. The first five races of the year are run based on last years top 35, after the first five races it reverts to this years points. Had Reutimann not been vying for that one extra point he could gain to lock him into the next race, potentially he may have not been out there. But who's to say something else wouldn't happen. It is NASCAR right? Any thing can happen right? Would that person be chastised as much as Reutimann? I can't say, but it is NASCAR and anything can happen.      

            

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   There was some blame game on the ensuing restart as well. Both Jimme Johnson and Jeff Gordon stayed out during pit stops on the caution to retain the front row on the restart. Clint Bowyer, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Newman, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. all had pitted and had fresh tires. Jeff and Jimmie spun the tires when the green came out. Clint poked his nose to the inside entering turn one and Ryan pushed Clint down into Jeff and Jimmie taking all three cars out of contention.  Clints post race interview consisted of him trying to explain himself, and then him too blaming the 10 car for stopping on the track having no idea what had happened. A few other drivers in post race interviews threw blame around, to various scapegoats.

   The only common denominator is short track racing. Had Reutimann not stopped on the front stretch, someone would have run out of gas, or blew a tire, or hit the wall. Could have been a pot hole, DEBRIS, or a jet fuel fire. A plane could have fallen out of the sky. ANYTHING could have happened to bring out that last caution, causing the ensuing Green-White-Checkered, causing the pile-up in turn one ... Get my point. Don't blame Reuti. If you have to blame someone, and we all know we have to (unless your a Newman fan your laughing at all of this) blame short track racing. Anything can happen.

   Over and OUT.

#3WideBlog Opinion: NASCAR's All-Star Waste?

   Tuesday NASCAR officials announced a re-working of the All-Star races format, AGAIN. It seems every year NASCAR makes some tweak to the format to try and enhance the "racing experience". I am not going to try and explain this here, as I'm afraid you'll snooze.  But for those of us watching at home, this becomes rather confusing. We the fans watch the race, and fans who dont religiously follow the sport online, and through social media, have to be sure to tune in during pre-race (something I usually skip) to have any idea what the rules are for that year. Myself I am active on twitter and check NASCAR.com often, but your average fan is not so inclined. Your average fan has the TV muted untill "Start your engines". Luckily the race details usually come shortly after that so they will get a brief glimpse of the rules change.

    The All-Star race should be the same format every year. The NASCAR Executives have had decades to tweak, alter, enhance (what ever you want to call it) the format of the race. You would think after this long they would have found something that works. Nope. Changes almost every year. But not in the way fans have been asking for. They just keep adding laps, and taking them away, mandatory pit stops, 10 minute break, it goes on and on. I think fans want something universal. For instance a Hockey All-Star game. They don't change the length of the periods, make the nets bigger or take away the icing rule. The rules stay the same, they play hockey, but its all the All-Star athletes of that year.  Isn't that a novel concept? Also using hockey as an example, The All-Star game moves from city to city giving every market in the league a chance to capitalize on the All-Star game hype.

     This brings me to my next point. Who made the decision that Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) should be the venue (EVERY YEAR) for the All-Star race? Bad Call. Even fans have been asking for the All-Star race to move around to different tracks. Why should CMS be the track to benefit from the All-Star Race. I'm sure CMS executives think this is a horrible idea. But the other tracks could benefit huge from this concept. All the talk of filling seats and fans in the stands, an All-Star race would do that for any track. struggling or not. Imagine an All-Star race at Watkins Glen, Phoenix or Martinsville. A Martinsville All-Star race would be epic. 20 some odd drivers on that half mile paper clip vying for $1,000,000 ? Guaranteed awesome race. Or even a track not on the NASCAR circuit. I'm sure an All-Star race at a local US track just about anywhere would be a spectacle. There are so many markets NASCAR is afraid to try ESPECIALLY CANADA but thats for a different blog post.

    In closing I think NASCAR should take a page out of Bruton Smith's book (Speedway Motorsports Inc Owner). If the fans want something changed, they will let you know. But you just have to listen to us.

Untill next time Smitty OUT!

#3WideBlog Opinion: Helio's tribute and Tony's "Slide Job"

     The IZOD IndyCar Series had their season opener this past weekend at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. I have traditionally been drawn to NASCAR, and it is by far my choice of racing to watch, but over the last few years I have been giving open wheel disciplines of racing more of a chance. I have been rewarded with some great races. Then came Vegas. What was supposed to be the grand finale of the 2011 IndyCar season turned into anything but grand. The race was stopped after 15 laps. Dan Wheldon was killed in a scary 13-16 car pile up. I have been watching racing for years, both on TV and as an official at a local short track, and I have seen some wild things. But when that wreck happened, there was no cheer for the pile-up, no hooting and hollering. Anyone who watched that crash knew something bad had happened.

     As the TV coverage began we knew everyone had heavy hearts. They were picking the scab off of a wound that wouldn't go away. Most other times when a driver is lost, it seems the best way for the other drivers to "move on" is to get back in the race car. Las Vegas was the season finale, and also 5 months ago. These drivers had a lot of time to think about what had happened, and you could see it on their faces. There were a few short and very touching tributes to Dan. I had the TSN coverage on, I had heard the ABC version was alot more emotional and longer. Also the final two turns of the St. Petersburg street course were named "Dan Wheldon Way" in his honour. Dan made St. Petersburg home when he wasn't in his homeland of England

    The race itself was alright. Mostly a parade through the tight street course, though a late pass for the lead did spice things up. It also led to one of the most touching tributes to Dan Wheldon of the day aswell. Helio Castroneves made that late race pass and won the race, his first in 20 starts after a winless 2011. On his victory lap he stopped at "Dan Wheldon Way", hopped out of his Shell Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet and climbed the fence for the crowd, Dan Wheldon style. On his way down he patted the "Dan Wheldon Way" sign and leaned against the barrier obviously, even through the helmet, overcome by emotion. That emotion continued into victory lane where he hugged Dan's sister Holly Wheldon who presented him the trophy for winning the race. Tears were flowing and Helio had many looks skyward in Dans honour. Even not have been following IndyCar that closely you could see a sense of healing for all those involved. Honestly, the best tribute is to win a race, and dedicate it in Dand honour. Way to go Helio.

   NASCAR's Nationwide and SprintCup series went to boring speedway this weekend. Hence the large IndyCar piece of this pie. Ya there was 3 and 4 and for brief moments 5 wide racing as to be expected but only for a few laps until the cars got strung out. I'm a real racing fan, don't get me wrong, but after the Bristol boring 500 and the Fontana Boring 200something I am SO ready to see the Camping World Trucks and Sprint Cup Series go to the "ole paper clip" and get back to the "boys-have-at-er" "rubbin-is-racing" style for a week. One thing to note about Sundays SprintCup series race is Tony Stewarts new nickname. "Slide Jobbing Smoke" Well, ok its my new nickname for him. Did anyone else see NASCAR on FOX's side by side view of Smoke slide jobbing Kevin Harvick, and Denny Hamlin IDENTICALLY through turn 3 and exiting turn 4? For those who may not know, Slide Job; The act of driving ones car SO hard into a corner, that through corner exit you SLIDE up in front of the person in the high lane (usually going faster) causing them to either a)lift the throttle b)brake or Kevin Harvicks option c) shove you so hard into the corner you almost hit the wall. Anyway, it seemed the only time I saw Tony pass a car on Sunday was via this "Slide Job". But it worked for him. The rain shortened race ended with Tony in front.

   I learned through my first blog that people want to hear more of my opinion. Ok there it is. Untill next week Smitty OUT!

P.S. The comment portion has been giving me problems, you can @ me on Twitter @Smitty_1333. Or E-Mail me at smitty_1333@hotmail.com. Thanks

#3WideBlog Opinion: Its Bristol Baby? Middlebrook Overturns?

      In this, my first post on my blog, I am going to discuss the racing at Bristol Motor Speedway this past weekend as well as the Chief Appellate Officer (CAO) of NASCAR, John Middlebrook, overturning most of Jimmie Johnson and the 48 teams penalties from Daytona.

     Please bare with me untill i get used to this, I am new to all of this : )

      NASCAR's Nationwide and Sprint Cup series' rolled into Bristol, but to me is just didn't seem to be the same Bristol. Elliot Sadler won the Nationwide race Saturday, his second win of the season, followed by Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Dale Earnhardt Jr.. It was a rather uneventful race only 4 cautions for 26 laps not your typical Bristol. Sadler maintained the Nationwide points lead with the win.

The Sprint Cup series Food city 500 left a little on the plate too. The 500 lap event only contained one multi car pile up early on when Kasey Kahne earns my bonehead move of the race. Kasey changes lanes in front of Regan Smith making contact causing him to spin out. Took out some good cars in Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose and damaged Kevin Harvicks. Please don't get me wrong and say I am not a "real" racing fan. At a 1.5 mile track I like to see 2 and 3 wide racing, but at a half mile track I want to see some beating and banging, a little action if you will

      Brad Keselowski was the eventual winner beating Matt Kenseth by 7/10ths of a second. Michael Waltrip Racing scored a 3-4-5 finish with Martin Truex Jr., Clint Bowyer and Brian Vickers respectively.

      Lots of side by side green flag action but not your typical beating and banging short track racing Bristol is known for. So much so that track Owner Bruton Smith said in an article that he was considering a $1 Million Reconfiguration to change the track back to the way it was before its 2007 reconfiguration. Could we get the old Bristol back? Only time will tell. Greg Biffle continues to lead the series points followed by Kevin Harvick, Kenseth, Truex and Denny Hamlin rounds out the top five.

     Also on Tuesday of this week NASCAR's Chief Appellate Officer (CAO) heard the final appeal of Rick Hendrick, Chad Knaus and the rest of the #48 team. After the first step of the appeal process had Hendrick and company leaving unsatisfied with the result, they vowed to take the final step. That was held at NASCAR R&D center in North Carolina with CAO John Middlebrook. By overturning the six week suspensions of Knaus and Car chief Ron Malec, also overturning the 25 point penalty the team faced he made history. But the confusing part to me is that the $100,000 fine stayed intact, by definition meaning that there was indeed a rules infraction in Daytona. Why overturn 2 parts of a 3 part penalty and leave one part. Questions I myself cannot answer, but hopefully we can have answered at some point. Just confuses this racing fan and leaves me wondering about the creditability of the system, especially with no insight into the situation and no explanation of the decision.

     Untill next week ... Smitty OUT.