What will it take for NASCAR to finally start parking drivers for aggressive on-track actions. It’s only happened once, that I can remember, and that was in the truck series. Kevin Harvick found himself parked for aggressive on-track actions. Some would say that was the turning point for Harvick which went a long way to help mature him as a driver.
But, aside from the truck series, NASCAR officials seem to turn a blind eye to the dangers of drivers using their cars as on track weapons. Emotions run high on the road, and police arrest you for road rage. Emotions run high in a NASCAR race, and NASCAR officials turn a blind eye saying it’s just all part of racing. Sorry boys, but the phrase is “Rubbin’s racing” not “Intentionally aiming your car at another car is racing.” If NASCAR doesn’t soon address this very dangerous issue, someone is going to get killed. The sad thing us, that someone will probably end up being some unsuspecting fan, or some unsuspecting pit crew member. The drivers won’t get hurt. After all, they’re pretty much protected by the weapon, which in some cases has more safety features than a tank. But, as almost happened when Kurt Busch took a run at Tony Stewart in the pits last year, some poor pit crew member might get hit by a car and die.
This whole scenario came to light once again as a result of Juan Pablo Montoya’s on-track actions at New Hampshire last weekend. Apparently he was somewhat upset with Kyle Busch. So, what does he do? He aims his car at Busch, and takes him out. What does NASCAR do? They penalize Montoya by taking away two laps. Yeah, right. That’ll show him!
Come on NASCAR, give me a break. It’s time to smarten up and tighten down on such conduct. What will it take for you to finally figure out drivers who use their car as a weapon, need to sit out a race or two. It’s called road rage, and certainly does not put out the family-oriented image you’re trying to present. It’s pretty sad when parents have to explain to their kids that what the driver just did, you should never do in real life on the road.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
