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Debbi Willis, Daw613@bigfoot.com

There's a Difference

There's a difference between complaining and stating an obvious fact versus "crying and whining" about an outcome. The new shock rules have the GM drivers bitterly complaining about the severe push their cars are experiencing under the new shocks mandated by NASCAR. Some of the media, many of the fans of the Ford drivers and a few of the Ford drivers too, would have everyone think the GM teams are "whining." Of course, there's a lot of money to be made while the advantage is in their court! Just insinuating "whining" reminds everyone of Rusty's poor reputation from a few years not so long ago when he practically found fault with sheer existence! A couple of years ago, though, Rusty finally realized how bad he sounded and gave up the "whining" for calmly complaining and stating the facts when there was actually something to be upset about. However, that reputation still haunts him like Dale Earnhardt's early days remain vividly current! Nonetheless, with the risky condition of severe pushing at high speeds, I'd have to agree with the GM drivers: they have good reason to complain.

There's a difference between trying to find the edge of competition and blatant cheating with illegal parts or specs on the car. Every race team in any division wants to attain the best results. However, few teams are willing to risk the reputation or the consequences by using illegal parts or setting illegal specs. Yet repeatedly, as almost a tradition, Jeff Gordon's team will attempt to slip something past the Nascar officials - like the spoiler angle or an unacceptable fuel part. When a champion, (as Jeff Gordon has been crowned several times), sets such an example, others follow suit. Children and racers aren't so different in the if-they-can-get-away-with-it-I-can-too mindset. As Joe Nemechek aptly stated, they "pushed the envelope" regarding his illegal weight distribution for the BGN race resulting in his obviously advantaged fast time! The difference is that Nemechek (as have others) suffered fines or setbacks for their offenses, while Jeff Gordon didn't lose anything since it didn't seem to benefit him. In short, could it be that Nascar only fines now if it helps the driver if he cheats? As with any organization inconsistency is disruptive and undermines all goals. At least this is the message NASCAR is sending out with the inconsistency of their decisions.

There's a difference between today's racing and the racing of the early years. No this is not a trip down memory lane to beat dead horses, however, the 1999 season proved hugely refreshing by providing some of the toughest competition fans had enjoyed in years. Daytona opened with Dale Jarrett's spectacular nearly field-eliminating accident and Jeff Gordon's recklessly foolish victory move in the final laps. The season also saw Dale Earnhardt become the only driver to ever win both Talladega races in the same season and clinch a decade of 125's, as well as regress to being the old Dale at Bristol's infamous night race in August. With no clear cut champion for most of the season, Dale Jarrett and the whole RYR team emerged as first time champions. Everyone awaited the new season with eager anticipation. However, with the 125's and the fury of the GM teams over being essentially crippled by the new shock rule, the season opener resulted in a concensus of a relatively mediocre Daytona with little or no serious competition. Instead of focusing on individual drivers and their teams skills, Detroit dominates the track and all anyone hears is Ford vs Chevy vs Pontiac and soon to be next yr, vs Dodge. Manufacturers racing is an unappealing thought!

There's a difference between a driver suffering deep emotional turmoil and simply experiencing the usual growing pains problems of any season. When queried about his season shortcomings at the end of the 99 season, Mark Martin candidly answered the media by admitting that the absence and loss of his father and family coupled with the extreme back pain he was experiencing had deeply affected him. Understandably, who wouldn't have been so affected? Undoubtedly, Bill Elliott and the Waltrips felt the loss of their fathers also, as have many other drivers who've lost family through the years. However, Jeff Gordon's fans would have everyone believe he's been "traumatized" by his DNF's and "mediocre" performance last season. Many drivers in Winston Cup would like to have a "mediocre" season like Gordon's was!

There's a difference in the heart of Nascar being in competition versus today's rules-regulated racing! Dale Earnhardt said it well in his comment that "Mr.Bill France Sr probably rolled over in his grave" over the "worst racing I've seen at Daytona in a long time". The freight train of Fords was hardly a competition when deals proved who went where instead! However, as has become the norm in recent years, Nascar will re-evaluate and re-check stats after Daytona with wind tunnel tests and begin the musical rules process until they feel they've leveled the playing field to their satisfaction again. Whatever happened to setting the basic rules and then letting the ingenius creativity of the teams take over? Racing would be very competitive again.

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