Carl Edwards had plenty to say about the upcoming Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and although it was said in a much different environment - a formal media availability rather than outside the infield care center - it became obvious the message is one we've heard before.
Back in the spring, after taking another wild wide in a bad-looking crash in a race at Talladega, Ryan Newman emerged from the infield care center and unloaded on the racing there.
He said restrictor-plate races shouldn’t be points races, and that racing at Talladega "was something different besides racing.” He claimed Talladega and races like it were more marketing tools than competitions.
On Thursday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Edwards was asked pointedly, "Should there be races like Talladega?"
This was Edwards complete answer: "Points should not be awarded at Talladega. In a fair competition they shouldn’t be because it’s so random. It’s just a treacherous race. Now, since there are points awarded, it adds a whole other level of stress to the race. You drive around and if you’re doing really well in the points, every lap your heart is pounding and you’re just trying to predict any wrecks that might happen and the best way to avoid them. I guess in a guy’s position like myself, the reasons that I don’t like it when I’m running well in the points are the same reasons that I look forward to it now.”
There is one significant difference in the two responses: Newman received an unpublicized, hefty fine from NASCAR for making comments that "materially damage the sport." As of this morning, Edwards - as far as we know - has not.
I look forward to learning how NASCAR officials plan to make the distinction between the two.
Will a distinction be made - let alone provided? If anything, Newman's earlier response should be given more leniency given the time and place it was made (following a wreck). That said, I agree with both drivers. Talladega provides entertainment but truly has no place in a 10-race playoff. I'd much rather give that 10% to a road course if track variety is indeed a goal for the Chase.
ReplyDeleteIt is so unAmerican to have any kind of restrictions on free speech in a country that so many have died defending that right. On the other hand it pretty much fits with American business greed.
ReplyDeleteRight on the money, Larry. There's no such thing as free speech in NASCAR. Now it will be interesting to see if NASCAR penalizes drivers equally across the board. My gut tells me Carl will get off scott-free.
ReplyDeleteNila,
ReplyDeletecompletely agree. why we have a SS race instead of a road race is beyond me. the only thing a SS is good for is the big wreck. If NASCAR truly wants diversity of field and good racing, do a road course.
Personally, I am a huge JJ fan but I think that in the interest of fair competition, the Chase races should vary every year. Give every track a chance to host a chase race, even the 1/yr tracks. the mix will keep the racers on their toes as well.
I see where Carl is coming from to the point of the stress level but if he hadn't beat on B.K. so much this year maybe his stress level wouldn't be so high. We need all kinds of tracks in the chase thats what makes a champion, one that can drive all tracks. Put down your purse & drive the car Carl. And road course racing is for Indy cars, has anyone looked at the fan base over there?
ReplyDeleteNo one has a right to be wrong, and Edwards is wrong. Talladega is real racing - lead changes, sidedrafting, combat. That he's talking about points as though they matter more than winning the race shows what a fool he is.
ReplyDeleteAs for Ryan Newman, he's a punk and a coward. Real racers shake off a wreck like his and prepare for the next race; real racers WELCOME the challenge because it makes them better as racers. You're not supposed to worry if it's treacherous, you're supposed to face the challenge and outfight the field.
You're a racer when you outfight the field; you're not a racer when you whine about it.
Wow. And here I thought all those incredibly talented drivers who take the track every weekend were "real racers". Silly me.
ReplyDeleteBeen following Grand National/Winston Cup/currently known as whatever since 1951 and Monkeesfan speaks for the REAL fans!
ReplyDeleteTeflon Carl, NASCAR's golden boy get a fine? Are you crazy???Hell would freeze over before NASCRAP fines Roid-Rage Edwards. Well, maybe if he put another driver in the hospital in critical condition after intentionally wrecking them, they might fine him a few dollars or take a few points away from him, but even that would be a surprise. I wish he would tangle with Ruety, who is probably the one driver who would take him out with a smile on his face.I am sooooo glad Carl is having a crappy chase and doesn't have a chance at winning the championship.
ReplyDeleteNila, they're NOT racers - they worry about the points, not winning; they don't fight for anything until the circumstances make them do so; they have isolated themselves entirely from the audience. They are supposed to fight to win regardless of lap; they're not supposed to stay in motorhomes, they're supposed to be in the same hotels as everyone else; they're supposed to WANT to race Talladega etc. because they want to face the challenge of having to outfight the field.
ReplyDeleteGeorge, there is ZERO competitive value to a road course. SS racing is lead changes. Road racing is worthless. That is a fact.
ReplyDelete