Another good race is in the can.
That’s some pretty good racing, and in Miami of all places.
Apparently Nascar is pretty much OK with its sport exhibiting as many cheap shots as an NHL game. Drivers with some class know how to retaliate without having to brag about it. If a driver promises to ruin someone’s race and follows through, a one lap penalty in a second tier event is less than a slap on the wrist. In the Cup race, similar behavior after a “warning” is punished with an additional lap. In that instance, with the 42 already laps down, that’s no penalty at all. This is Nascar saying we have to do something because everyone’s watching, but it’s no big deal if you risk the safety of others because your feelings are hurt. Nascar calls the actions of Hamlin and Montoya “aggressive driving”. That’s not aggressive driving, it’s bonehead and dangerous driving. I know it’s a result of a combination of competitiveness and frustration, but if a hockey stick can maim or kill you, what about a 3500 pound car? Speaking of aggressive driving, that shouldn’t be against the rules, it should be mandatory.
On the other hand, it was a great race weekend even without any championship drama. We may not appreciate for a while what we’ve witnessed this year, but what the 48 has done plus the numbers Kyle Busch put up will prove to be one of the most notable years in the sport.
If Ned were in the booth, we’d know what’s up with Buckshot Jones.
