[NASCAR] Will NASCAR ever get a clue about how to discipline drivers?
I see NASCAR punished Tony Stewart again this week for an altercation with Brian Vickers after the race at Sears Point. Stewart allegedly assaulted Vickers while he was still inside his car. Stewart got a $50,000 fine and was docked 25 points. Woo-friggin'-hoo.
I like Tony Stewart. He is a hell of a driver, and I think he is generally good for the sport of auto racing, showing dominance in the IRL and making a successful move to NASCAR. However, I think his behavior toward some of his fellow competitors and the press (as annoying as they may be) is bad.
NASCAR continues to show they have no clue as to how to discipline drivers. It is bad enough when guys drive rough and put other drivers at risk. This is still auto racing, and in spite of the hoopla about HANS devices and SAFER barriers, the risk of death is still very real. Hot heads and short tempers can get someone killed. This activity spilling over into the pits is a symptom of a bigger problem. NASCAR needs to take charge of the situation and enforce some penalties that make a difference. If a driver assaults someone in the pits, it ought to come with a 1-race suspension. If they do it with a car, it ought to be more serious. And if the guy is a repeat offender like Kevin Harvick, maybe NASCAR ought to consider a year-long suspension or perhaps even a ban.
Close competition and fender banging are what makes NASCAR great, but there is no need to leave the door open for sucker punches in the pits.
I like Tony Stewart. He is a hell of a driver, and I think he is generally good for the sport of auto racing, showing dominance in the IRL and making a successful move to NASCAR. However, I think his behavior toward some of his fellow competitors and the press (as annoying as they may be) is bad.
NASCAR continues to show they have no clue as to how to discipline drivers. It is bad enough when guys drive rough and put other drivers at risk. This is still auto racing, and in spite of the hoopla about HANS devices and SAFER barriers, the risk of death is still very real. Hot heads and short tempers can get someone killed. This activity spilling over into the pits is a symptom of a bigger problem. NASCAR needs to take charge of the situation and enforce some penalties that make a difference. If a driver assaults someone in the pits, it ought to come with a 1-race suspension. If they do it with a car, it ought to be more serious. And if the guy is a repeat offender like Kevin Harvick, maybe NASCAR ought to consider a year-long suspension or perhaps even a ban.
Close competition and fender banging are what makes NASCAR great, but there is no need to leave the door open for sucker punches in the pits.
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