A New Directive

Doug Rice

Now that the dust has settled on the whole Carl-Brad altercation, here's what we know.

At least for now, NASCAR is going to stick with "have at it boys".  That is the new prime directive.

When NASCAR will let Carl Edward go unpunished for his tanking of Brad Keslowski, we realize that NASCAR is serious about letting the drivers police themselves.  This fits with the whole retro movement that NASCAR has made the past season in their attempt to capture the magic of yesteryear.

This is a logical progression of NASCAR's recent tweaking of the rules:   the dual file restarts, and multiple green white checkered restarts, standardized starting times, and now taking the handcuffs off.  It's really a journey to the past for the most part.

You can fully expect to see more of what we saw in Atlanta because NASCAR has shown that you almost have to be caught with a hood mounted uzi before you're punished.

A lot of folks are going to like that...until it bites their favorite driver.

I must admit part of me is excited about the new NASCAR attitude.  I'm also looking forward to the moment when a driver finds the new ceiling tolerance.  

I just hope there isn't a sad to story to go along with that discovery.

NASCAR is Off and Running

Doug Rice

2010 Daytona Speedweeks are history and if NASCAR wanted to get out of the gate quick; they sure got their wish.

There were enough story-lines to keep everyone interested.  Danica created a huge buzz and in the end performed well.  She took 6th in the ARCA event and was taken out in a wreck not of her own doing in the Nationwide race.  The enormous media hype surrounding her had to benefit both the ARCA and Nationwide Series.  All publicity is good!

Mark Martin and Dale Jr made for anice fan favorite front row for the Daytona 500. Mark had an okay run in the 500 and Dale Jr. came from no-where to finish second and gives hope to the citizens of Jr. Nation.

Jamie McMurray provided all of us with a truly emotional win when he errupted in tears in victory lane.  In today's manufactured world, it's nice to see genuine feelings on display.  Jamie drove a great race and in no way lucked into the win.

I applaud NASCAR for the new green-white-checkered rule that allowed all of us to enjoy a fantastic finish.  NASCAR really seems to be trying to give the fans what they want,.  Yes I know the race was stopped twice for pot-hole repair.  Embarrassing, but when it's all said and done, we'll remember a super competitive race with a great finish .  

On the whole, the 2010 Daytona Speedweeks were a roaring success.  Let's hope NASCAR can catch the wave and ride it.