Super Bowl of Racing

Friends,

Last Sunday's version of the Daytona 500 was exciting. The only problem is that, if we were truly comparing it to the Super Bowl (which people like to do, because it is Nascar's version...even though it is the first race of the year), it ended after three quarters. This is unlike the football version which continues come rain, snow, sleet or fog. Such weather doesn't usually happen because the big game is typically in a warm climate or a dome. Yet, there is something about going up to 200 mph and rain that does not mix...be it the inability to see out the windshield or no traction for tires. The officials waited as long as they could before cancelling the final 50 or so of 200 laps, but when it became apparent that it was not going to let up, they called it for Matt Kenseth who was leading at the end of the 3rd quarter. :-) Congratulations to him for ending a winless streak lasting over a year.

I would be remiss if I did not make some comment about the race itself...it all went pretty smoothly except for an incident involving Brian Vickers and Dale Jr. I am beginning to think that Jr. is really starting to feel the pressure of not coming through with victories over the past three years or so. His career has stalled out somewhat...and it appears that he is beginning to crack a bit under the pressure. I hope that this is not the case and that what appeared to be him spinning Vickers into a crowd of oncoming cars, taking out about 10 of them was just an isolated incident. Granted Vickers had no business throwing a heavy block on Jr when Jr had a run on him...besides, they were both a lap down, so it was all inexcusable. All of this still was on top of Jr rushing into the pits and having not one, but two pit penalties. I think that Jr is a good guy, but he needs to relax and let the race come to him instead of appearing like he is in a panic. He will be the better for it and his fellow drivers will be able to like him better. Blessings,

Don