As a novice NASCAR fan I must say I am a big fan of bumping and grinding. The phrase “If you ain’t rubbin’, you ain’t racin” was a big part of the growth of NASCAR.
Since the newer, safer car came out, this contact has been few and far between, ratings and interest have declined and NASCAR didn’t want too much contact.
This season, NASCAR decided to push the envelope and allow more contact and Carl Edwards took advantage. He pooted Brad Keselowski out of a probable top 10 finish to settle a grudge. NASCAR gave Edwards a slap on the wrist.
This is wrong in many different ways, but the most glaring is that Edwards admitted to intentionally trying to take Keselowski out. At the time, Edwards was pretty much out of the race and Keselowski was in line for a top 10 finish. This is equivelnt to hockey sending out a goon to take out a star player late in a game with the score out of hand to “send a message” for next time.
Edwards should have been suspended for several races, docked points, and had his chances for the NASCAR “playoffs” simply limited. People pay good money to watch their favorite drivers and for one of them to be eliminated like this is simply rediculous.
I’m all for bumping, and grinding and all that good stuff that creates rivalries, ones that NASCAR desperately needs to re-attract a dwindling audience. BUT bumping someone to move him out of the way is one thing, purposely ending someone’s day like this is unacceptable and inexcusable. And I didn’t even mention anything about the safety factor.
