Daytona Notebook - Slaps on the Wrist
Emotion plays a big part of every sport. NASCAR is finally going to start letting their drivers show some. Before this year began, NASCAR announced they would be a little more lenient in punishments when drivers became overly emotional. The penalties assessed to Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch on Tuesday back up that claim in a big way.
Both received just a slap on the wrist - six race probation - for using their cars as battering rams in practice on Friday. Busch tried to pass Stewart, and the 20 car squeezed him into the wall. Busch then hit Stewart three times with his car, then Smoke kept him from leaving the track.
Probation seems pretty weak, but I'm okay with it. This story between Busch and Stewart is what's buzzing among media members who are all ready here at the track. It's generating interest, and igniting a rivalry which is one of the largest in NASCAR. The best part about a wreck is watching the drivers get so angry afterwards. So why not let them show it?
Neither of those drivers used the cars as a weapon. The only point where there was any real danger was when Busch was sent into the wall initially, which was probably unintentional, if we want to give Stewart the benefit of the doubt.
And that's where the line gets drawn. Where there's danger, that's when severe penalties should come out. And as long as NASCAR really upholds the rules about probation, then that is an actual punishment.
Stewart is known as being a bully. Busch is known for having a short fuse. They're a match made in racing heaven.
Posted by on 02/12 at 02:52 PM
