Top Guns 500

Another good race is in the can.

It started off on the right foot – the famous 4 words were actually just 4 words for maybe the first time this year – and kept on going. Thanks AAA.

And, not surprisingly, Charlotte was finally dethroned as this year’s fastest track (qualifying-wise).

What is quite curious, however, is that, after exhibiting immunity to  the empty seat syndrome over the last couple years, Texas has finally succommed.

Just as curious is Ty Dillon – the ARCA champion – losing “Rookie of the Year” to Chris Buescher. I’m sure there’s a logical reason. Someone please enlighten me.

I believe the ESPN team is the best, but is it just me (probably) the continual use of too loud and too hip supposedly background music in pre-race bits and interviews seems very annoying?

And now to the “big story”. All things considered, I wouldn’t have a problem with Kyle being suspended for the remainder of the season.  I say that knowing that without him on the track, races are much less interesting. As much as Nascar wants us to believe they’ve really put their foot down, I’m not buying it. First of all, if Nascar had drawn the line with Cousin Carl a couple years ago, we might not be at this point now. I understand Carl Edwards didn’t bring the same baggage to the table at that time, but that event was under green at a historically dangerous venue. Additionally, there was much more danger to fans. (If memory serves, fan injury did occur.) Secondly, sponsors are always considered in penalty situations. This is not the climate to alienate them beyond the minimum.

Let’s not be too sympathetic towards Mars, Inc. either. I find their statement regarding the situation patronizing, if not ludicrous. They knew what they were getting into even when Kyle was much “badder”. Reminds me of the scene in “Casablanca” when Louis is “shocked” to find there was gambling going on at “Rick’s”.

Anyway, it was a great weekend of racing and racing stuff. If you’re a fan of the 14 or the 99, it was even better.

If Ned was in the booth we’d know what’s up with Eddie Bierschwale.

By Gary Erdakos

Ref: racing-reference.info, Greg Fielden’s “Forty Years of Stock Car Racing”, Richard Sowers’ “The Complete Statistical History of Stock-Car Racing”.

 

 

 

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