Let me go back to the NASCAR Nationwide race in Montreal one more time: Frankly, the success of the event still leaves me puzzled. How can there be so many empty seats at other Nationwide races, but nearly 60,000 rabid fans here?
Sure, the organizers arranged for several local drivers to take part in the action, but that doesn't explain all the frenzy. Some people came to see what they called ''real auto racing'' with competitors pushing and shoving each other on the track from start to finish. They have no interest in F1 races and similar open-wheel series where drivers try to avoid any contact.
Of course, the monstrous machines used in NASCAR weigh more than 3,500 pounds and are much better suited to withstand the abuse.
Meanwhile, others are crying foul over the poor display of sportsmanship and the excessively aggressive race tactics used in the NASCAR Nationwide race.
When Jacques Villeneuve hit his fellow Quebecer, and arch nemesis, Alex Tagliani sending him spinning around in the Senna corner, we heard people cheering and shouting: ''Now that's racing!''
I say no. I do not approve of any of that. Actually, I will quote a highly decorated Canadian driver who vented his frustration on Facebook a couple of days later: ''It's too easy to gain a spot by pushing another driver while he's braking. Come on, where are your driving skills? Truth is, you don't need talent; just bump the others out of your line and continue on.''
He's right.
The worst part? Don't be so shocked if this leads to more cases of road rage. You can't take it anymore?Just strike back, like in NASCAR! I mean, NASCAR officials seldom hand down penalties for dangerous driving. They prefer to let the drivers settle their scores all by themselves, without interfering.
Recently at the Bristol Motor Speedway, a very angry Tony Stewart forcefully threw his helmet at Matt Kenseth's car! ''It may happen again -- I’ve got a lot of helmets, and a lot of races,'' he joked afterwards.
Do you feel that such behaviour should be authorized by the so-called ''family-friendly'' NASCAR series?
Sure, the organizers arranged for several local drivers to take part in the action, but that doesn't explain all the frenzy. Some people came to see what they called ''real auto racing'' with competitors pushing and shoving each other on the track from start to finish. They have no interest in F1 races and similar open-wheel series where drivers try to avoid any contact.
Of course, the monstrous machines used in NASCAR weigh more than 3,500 pounds and are much better suited to withstand the abuse.
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| Danica Patrick wags her finger at Regan Smith after an incident at the Bristol Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR) |
Meanwhile, others are crying foul over the poor display of sportsmanship and the excessively aggressive race tactics used in the NASCAR Nationwide race.
When Jacques Villeneuve hit his fellow Quebecer, and arch nemesis, Alex Tagliani sending him spinning around in the Senna corner, we heard people cheering and shouting: ''Now that's racing!''
I say no. I do not approve of any of that. Actually, I will quote a highly decorated Canadian driver who vented his frustration on Facebook a couple of days later: ''It's too easy to gain a spot by pushing another driver while he's braking. Come on, where are your driving skills? Truth is, you don't need talent; just bump the others out of your line and continue on.''
He's right.
The worst part? Don't be so shocked if this leads to more cases of road rage. You can't take it anymore?Just strike back, like in NASCAR! I mean, NASCAR officials seldom hand down penalties for dangerous driving. They prefer to let the drivers settle their scores all by themselves, without interfering.
Recently at the Bristol Motor Speedway, a very angry Tony Stewart forcefully threw his helmet at Matt Kenseth's car! ''It may happen again -- I’ve got a lot of helmets, and a lot of races,'' he joked afterwards.
Do you feel that such behaviour should be authorized by the so-called ''family-friendly'' NASCAR series?