The Debate: Michael Waltrip vs Peter Windsor

I found the debate between Michael Waltrip and Peter Windsor, on SPEED TV’s episode of Tradin’ Paint to be very interesting. Some strong viewpoints by both people. I’m both a huge Formula 1 & NASCAR fan, but did find Michael Waltrip to be the WRONG person to debate whether/what/how on the issue of “Which is better, Formula 1 or NASCAR?”

I do enjoy that NASCAR is about the driver, as well as Formula 1 being about the teams. I love Forumla 1 for the technology, but I love NASCAR for the stiff feild of competition.

I found some of Peter Windsor’s views/points were in more of a “What NASCAR should do” format, but Michael Waltrip did not counter very well. For Michale Waltrip to say the reason we don’t turn right is because “were not that smart” (just one of his dumb phrases he used) is just b.s., for once Michael Waltrip should’ve threw away his comedian act, and been stronger in this debate.

I’m not too sure that John Roberts saw this debate coming on his show, which he could’ve been a better mediator between the two. I’d love to see a more formal debate (ex: Mike Joy vs Peter Windsor).

Post Race: Harvick vs Riggs team (Updated)

After the race at Texas, a altercation occured between Kevin Harvick and the #10 team of Scott Riggs. The information being given is still vague, BUT so far we’re hearing that Kevin Harvick and his wife Delana Harvick were both pushed to the ground, with Delana being clipped by a Crash Cart somewhere during the incident.

Update #1: Also hearing a NASCAR Official was injuried, when the Crash Cart that clipped Delana Harvick ran over the Officials foot (possible ankle injury). Both team owners, drivers, crew chiefs and other involved have been called to the NASCAR trailer.

 My Opinion: From looking at the video, Harvick did get the #10 aero-loose, but while Riggs was trying to save the car, Harvick made contact with him which lead to Scott Riggs crashing hard into the wall.

You would think NASCAR saw this fight coming. The teams should let the drivers settle the issue. Unsure why Delana was pushed, but shouldn’t matter, she should have never been pushed. (Can’t wait to see what penalty those involved will have to pay. NASCAR is investigating the issue.)

Update #2:
NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Scott Riggs’ front tire carrier, Craig “C.C.” Curione, along with a $10,000 fine, for the post-race altercation at Texas Motor Speedway. Craig Curione was identified as the crew member, who shoved Kevin Harvick from behind, which lead to he and his wife DeLana falling to the ground.

NASCAR official, John Sacco, also fell and landed in front of a crash cart, which the cart then hit Sacco, leaving him with a sprained ankle. Kevin Harvick and Delana Harvick were not hurt. 

My Opinion:
The man (Craig “C.C.” Curione) got what he deserved. Enough said.

Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation says NASCAR

If E=mc², then Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation …says NASCAR!

The results of the two-day investigation convinced NASCAR that Robby Gordon did throw a piece of padding onto the track at Atlanta, and officials issued a harsh penalty to discourage other drivers from doing the same thing in the future.  

NASCAR reviewed NBC’s coverage from Sunday’s Atlanta race to determine if Gordon in fact threw debris onto the track. The footage provided two clear angles, and officials followed up with a re-inspection of Gordon’s car.

Penalties Issued by NASCAR:

• Robby Gordon fined $15,000, 50 drivers points & 50 owner points. (Why? Robby Gordon violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-N (intentionally causing a caution condition during the race) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Greg Erwin (Robby Gordon’s Crew Chief) has been fined $10,000 due to violations of Sections 12-A and 12-4-N – and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her driver, car owner and team members) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Both Robby Gordon & Greg Erwin have been placed on probation by NASCAR until December 31,2006.

I have to give a lot of credit to Jeff Burton, for a man to get that mad and not use foul language once, is very respectful. But it would’ve made a unique showing if he dropped the f’ bomb about it, but that would also meant more fines issued.

Robby Gordon received what he deserved, as far as NASCAR’s penalty goes. NASCAR will now, more than likely, monitor and chart all roll bar padding inside these cars now.

But Robby Gordon isn’t the first driver to throw debris, or cause his own caution. Robby Gordon has simply been made the poster-boy of this issue, hopefully it’ll make drivers think otherwise. Am I fan of Robby Gordon? No, and will never be (Just don’t like the guy).

Robby Gordon’s team would not admit guilt in this situation. Of course, Robby Gordon’s team is going to appeal NASCAR’s decision. If they didn’t, they would admit their guilt

Does the fine effect the team? No. Does the points effect the team? Yes.

NASCAR should focus more on taking away points when it comes to penalties. For any NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team, who spends $10-20 million/year to compete, $15,000 is nothing to them. If NASCAR starts issuing larger points penalties, you’ll see some things start to change.