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March 08, 2010
No Suspension for Carl Edwards
By: Dennis Terry
No suspension for Carl Edwards!
Edwards intentionally crashed young Brad Keselowski in the closing laps of the Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta.
The crash was “payback” from an earlier racing incident when Keselowski and Edwards crashed into each other.
It just looked like aggressive hard racing to me.
Edward’s team then spent the majority of the race in the garage rebuilding their car and as soon as Edwards returned to the track he seemed to have only one goal in mind – crash the 12 car.
And crash the 12 car he did!
Edwards sent Keselowski spinning down the Atlanta front stretch into an end over end flip.
Keselowski’s car then hit the safer barrier upside down and at an awkward angle which severely caved in the roof of the car.
It was a scary crash and Keselowski was lucky to walk away. Very lucky.
The front stretch at Atlanta Motor Speedway is one of the fastest stretches in NASCAR racing and a very dangerous place to settle a score.
In my opinion, that should have been settled in the garage after the race (with helmets off), but Carl didn’t ask for my opinion.
Poor loser, reckless, over aggressive, out of control… call it as you see fit, but at the end of the day it was just a bad decision on Edward’s part.
NASCAR parked Edwards for the remaining two laps of the race on Sunday for his actions and he is sure to receive a stiff fine and NASCAR’s usual probational slap on the wrist, but there will be no suspension.
If Keselowski had just done a few 360’s and kept on racing everyone would be talking about Kurt Busch’s victory and Jimmie Johnson’s lack of victory and Matt Kenseth’s second place finish and not the spectacular payback that Edwards dished out.
At the end of the day, drivers along with all the rest of us that dedicate so much of our time and energy to the sport are indeed poor losers, reckless, over aggressive and we are out of control a lot of times.
That passion and aggressiveness is the fuel that got us to this level in the sport to begin with and it’s the fuel that keeps the sport exciting to watch and to be a part of.
Hopefully, Edwards will make a better decision next time.
I’m certain we’ll get to find out at the next race… BRISTOL!
DT
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March 8, 2010 | Permalink
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Comments
Poor choice by Carl for sure. But then again we wouldn't be making as big of a deal over it if Brad hadn't flipped. This isn't the first time Carl has had road rage either....ask Junior about the Busch race at Michigan a few years back.
Posted by: Mark Young | Mar 8, 2010 6:48:58 PM
I am not a Carl Edwards fan, but yesterday he did what a Lot of Drivers have wanted to do. Just sorry his car flipped but I suspect NASCAR will now seriously look at what effect that friggin' wing has when the air gets under it when going backwards at a high rate of speed. It is aptly named a Wing and we know that they have something to do with man's ability to fly.
Glad the Brat was OK, No way want to see any driver, crewman or fan get hurt. I just wish Carl had of waited and beat the Crap out of him. I was glad though Carl did it when no one else was around and only wreck him. Hopefully Brad will realize he isn't the only driver out there to win. I am sure Carl just wanted to put him in the wall and destroy his car, not flip him. Hopefully Denny or Kyle will get him next at Bristol. It was too early in the race for Brad to wreck Carl, but he has proven himself to be a Jerk. Gotta hand it to Carl for Manning up to it. Just as Denny said last year he was going to get him, but unfortunately didn't finish the job.
I say this and I am a Kyle Busch fan, so it ain't like I don't appreciate hard Racing and a little rubbing. Brad seems to have a Big Chip on his shoulder and hopefully some of it got shaken off yesterday. JMHO.
Posted by: Stump | Mar 8, 2010 7:12:46 PM
Outstanding blog, very well written.
Posted by: Dave in the Bend | Mar 8, 2010 8:15:28 PM
Payback is OK, but I believe they should be racing. First of all, it is not clear Brad intentionally hit Carl. Carl had no chance to do squat and he comes out and runs down a top 10 car. I must also say Carl isn't much of a punter, it took him at least two tries. Also, the media is trying to expand the agressiveness of BK. The Tally deal was Carl's deal, not Brad's. I am going for the win, you block me, and I am supposed to let off. Pooh Pooh
Posted by: bill | Mar 8, 2010 8:20:52 PM
You have to be kidding me. No suspension??? Somebody needs to kick Mr. Ed's ass. Where's Harvick? LOL! I laugh at the 'roid rage comments that I've seen following comments about the incident. He needs to change dealers, then, because his skinny little ass is getting ripped off. Plus, after yesterday, how many people are going to keep falling for the fake, "aw shucks, I'm Cousin Carl" routine?
Posted by: Ironman | Mar 8, 2010 9:07:10 PM
First off, I have been a fan for more than 35 years. For those of you who say that Dale Sr., Darrell Waltrip, Jimmy Spencer, Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarbrough or any of the old school agressive drivers wouldn't have punted Keselowski into the wall a long time ago are wrong. Brad would have been taught a lesson many times over before this if he tried the crap he does nearly every week and some weeks several times a race to multiple different drivers. As for those who say he should have met Carl behind the haulers, I say HA!HA!HA! Put them both in ring attire and you will realize that Brad is a Pee Wee Herman compared to Carl's Arnold Schwarzeneger physique. A suspension should not happen because the intent to spin someone out versus the intent to put someone on their top and into the stands is the difference. Carl said that he did not anticipate Brad's car flipping. However, he did man-up and admit that he intended to spin Brad out. Brad has never admitted that he intentionally took out another competitor and if we are honest with ourselves, we all can see that he has on more than one occassion. I expect there to be a fine and points taken away, but there should be no suspension. If Carl hadn't done it, someone else would have eventually. And Brad should probably be watching his back because I think Denny Hamlin was right in saying a lot of other drivers had chips to cash in.
Posted by: Sammy | Mar 8, 2010 11:29:51 PM
Awesome blog!! Awesome comments!! I like BK, so I hope he learned that if you are gonna dish it out you had better be able to take it. Hamlin, Edwards, Montoya, countless others have issued warnings. Hamlin and Edwards admitted they did it. Sure Brad's altercations were racing ones, maybe. He never admits it. He even acts like he doesn't get it. In Homestead he said after Hamlin spun him "That boy still didn't do it right" or something very close to it. Carl just wanted to ruin his finish. The intend did not mirror the action. I think parking him and probation is enough. NASCAR can't afford for the driver to not trust them. Plus it brings attention to our sport with an off week!! Bristol ratings should be up.
Posted by: kendria | Mar 9, 2010 12:17:50 AM
One guy dont have too many fans the 99 and one guy is starting build a fan base
Payback is always a bitch
Posted by: 1550tc | Mar 9, 2010 11:46:38 AM
Carl Edwards has been Ah Shucksing his was through NASCAR for the last five years. It's always Gee I didn't really mean to do that or golly gosh I sure sorry that happened. Someone needs to take him outside and give him a good beating.
I'm sure there will be no suspension but the very least NASCAR should do is figure out the difference in points from where the 12 car was running when he got wrecked and the number of points he gained for where he finished and then dock Edwards the same number of points.
Posted by: Peter | Mar 9, 2010 12:24:05 PM
I think a points penalty would have been appropriate. Has any driver in NASCAR history ever "violated probation?" I doubt it, and if so, the probation just gets longer.
I am in the camp that didn't see anything wrong in the lap 41 deal. If you look at the replay, Keselowski didn't come up into Edwards - Edwards came down on Keselowski.
As for Talladega, aren't the rules a bit different when you're both running for the win on the last lap?
If Keselowski is over some line, I have no problem with him being educated - it may be a verbal lashing, a mid-race tap, or any contact which falls under the umbrella of "hard racing." When you're 156 laps down, though, you should be doing one thing - staying out of the way.
Posted by: Doug in CA | Mar 9, 2010 3:01:39 PM
I think the penalty should have been paying for BK's car, well Penske's car, and the difference in prize money between 6th (when he was wrecked) and where he finished given to a charity of BK's choice. Out of Edwards pocket.
Posted by: canucken | Mar 9, 2010 6:31:29 PM
Whats scarrrrry is how that COT just launches itsself going backwards..Mr ED, to me peaked in 08, the guy is brutal with team mates & other drivers plus he is also so phoney or over the top. 150 plus laps down and a move like that is just BS.....who needs that shit, its funny listening to them trying to be PC
Sammy Peewee looks like more Kyle...Brad is more like a pencil neck geek with acne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKsd8z6scw
Posted by: aggie | Mar 9, 2010 6:48:53 PM
Brad K had it coming. For the last two years in both Bush and Cup his driving style has led to many wrecks. Its time someone taught him a lesson. Dale E wouldn't have taken so long to show him the same thing. The Sunday wreck was just another example. Carl did come down on him a little but damn, it was the 6th lap of the race. Back off and quit being an ass Brad. Get a clue before you end upside down again.
Posted by: jdfast | Mar 10, 2010 10:11:33 AM
I just didn't get it. When they interviewed Carl after he left the ICC, he said that he thought Brad hit him, but he sees that it appears he went up into him. Then 156 laps down he wrecks the hell out of him. And had been trying to pop him for several laps. Now, I do not think that CE intended for the dang car to go flying, but the short history we have with the COT proves, that when turned backwards, it will take off. And the front strecth at ATL is wicked fast. Not a place you wanna wreck someone, IMHO.
That said, I think BK is cocky little thing that may need to be taken behind the woodshed. But not flipped in the air.
Posted by: Gretchen | Mar 10, 2010 10:15:35 AM
Carl threatened a while back to duke it out with teammate MK. Guy's got anger issues. BK is a snot but not deserving to be punished in that fashion. Surprised Carl didn't get docked some points for that aggressive move.
Deep in the Heart of Dixie/NASCAR territory and lots and lots of empty seats at AMS.
Man I miss KPS and all my friends who used to hang out over there and tell me how wonderful I was.
Posted by: Jon2 | Mar 10, 2010 10:48:56 AM
Geez....some of you people must be letting only what your thoughts about the 12 overrule the facts.I agree that the 12 has been an aggressive racer.There have been quite a few that have been the same early in their careers and ended up doing pretty good.Yep,they got the their peers and fans mad.Let's see.....DW,the 3,Richmond,Ervin,RW,the 18,and certainly the 11,and the list is large.How long has Brad been in Cup?Let's see all total not even a year?Again,it's called racing and if your a true fan,you can appreciate his moderate brashness and will to win and not take crap from certain "untouchables" like the 11,18,and 42.
Stump,as I was reading your opinion I was thinking boy this sure sounds like a fan of the 11 or 18?Yep.All this BS of he had it coming or chip on his shoulder is just that,bs.Did I miss something or did the 99 not come down on the 12?The 12 let up,but it was not enough time.Where the heck was the 99's spotter?Having a hot dog with the 20's spotter?Thing is the 99 wouldn't have hit the wall had the 20 slowed up after making contact with the wall,IMO.Seems to me Brad gets blamed for alot,when some of it is just a racing deal.And who are the biggest haters of the 12?2 of the biggest whinners out there,the 11 and 18.Hello,Denny...how many wrecks have you caused early(or later,Daytona practice)for agressive driving?Need I even ask about the 18?Come on people,don't let your distain for the 12 out weigh comman sense.The 2 big issues that the 99 has with the 12 were deals that Brad held his line.You want him to ease up to let him in risking carnage behind him?
IMO,Nascar should have been monitoring the 99 when he came out laps down and after several attempts to take him out and parked his tail then.I mean HELLO!!!Dude,could have been killed had his car hit the rail a few feet more.Aw Shucks?My tail....
Bottom-line,all this is good for Nascar and it gives us something to yap about.But,it could have been much worse.The 12 doesn't deserve anymore than these prima donna divas like the 11 and 18.The real Carl comes out.I used to be a fan of his.
Brad needs to pull an Ernie Irvan and maybe have a meeting with his peers and address a few things,IMO.Wouldn't hurt.Brad is aggressive,but I bet plenty of the Cup drivers may not feel the same as some of you haters out there about the 12.Dude will be fine.
Carl was dead wrong for choosing the fastest track,down a the front stretch,to blantantly spin a guy.Why wouldn't he have flipped???I am all for settling it outside the car.Carl,being such the cover boy for fitness,should maybe use that skill instead of a car.....
Posted by: DJ4 | Mar 10, 2010 10:58:29 AM
Just have to wonder if it were Michael McDowell or some other backmarker that did the same thing what the penalty would have been.
Posted by: Peter | Mar 10, 2010 12:12:42 PM
Okay-My opinion(not to rehash)but-Mayfield-Nascar called the biggest conference in recent history and went to court screaming about the SAFETY of the competitors,crews,offficials and the American public at large being in danger.Carl comes within a few inches of pieces going through the catch fence and their defence is he didn't intend to get him airborne,so this is not a SAFETY issue.
Carl has a history-coming off pit road,door slamming Jr. and almost taking his left hand off,threating Matt with a punch that would have(in my opinion)resulted in a probable concussion considering his rage at the time.
Aggressive drivers? Depends on who you pull for-You're driver is a racer, someone elses driver is a jerk.
Not allowed to race people,run one lap,throw the red flag and call the race.
Matt Crafton-RIP
Bye Bye Boris you damaged Kyles fender
Mikey's running Dega-Robby better be off-roading that weekend.
Have at it boys.
Posted by: Steve | Mar 10, 2010 1:31:47 PM
Peter, they wouldn't be seen for a while on any NASCAR track. Can't do that to Carl, gotta sell some T-Shirts and Miracle Grow and Scott's turf, Hey! Wonder of BK has AFLAC and can get some $$$$ for his wreck?
Posted by: Gretchen | Mar 10, 2010 2:17:24 PM
dj4 is that you blondie gringo??
Posted by: aggie | Mar 11, 2010 12:05:46 PM
Yes,Agg.....Had to throw in my 2 cents.To me Brad is no different than any of these drivers with an agressive nature on the track when they first got started.The talent is there,just needs more patience and gain respect.To side with the 99 and what he did,when he did it,and how,is ridiculous.Thing is the 12 didn't do anything wrong in the first place.I'm sure the 99 will have his aw shucks demeanor at the track,especially after get his hand slapped for such a stupid move.To his credit the 12 is handling it well and saying the right things.
Dang,just when I start to find someone to pull for they act like a Richard Noggin.Tough when your guy is the 7 and he can hardly qualify much less contend.
Guess,I'll just pull for guys like the 11,18,48,42 to have issues.Jr needs a hug.I'd put the 77 in that catogory but he seems to find the wall or spin without me pulling for it!
Posted by: DJ4 | Mar 11, 2010 12:30:13 PM
I see the motley crew is finding there way to this site
DJ its one the interesting things read about on SR, was he liked hunting cause it thought him patience
so many cliches, like u have to finish to win or no race was ever won the first lap
like em or hate them....we as fans need these WWE type rivalries to make things interesting
DJ too bad your not into hockey
How is the fiesta??
Posted by: aggie | Mar 11, 2010 1:58:07 PM
dj
is that MW gong show on speed the worst POS tv show?? its so bad it will last !!
Posted by: aggie | Mar 11, 2010 2:00:40 PM
aggie!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Gretchen | Mar 12, 2010 1:58:43 PM
no really
i can't stand to watch one of the promos let alone watch the entire show.
the show probably is the perfect fit for mikey considering what the "personally" he has been carefully crafted into while wrecking his suv and people on bikes etc.
ol' roid boy loves to act like a tough guy around the track to get some of that tv time...
like what he did to matt on national tv.
like what he did to Jr in victory lane on national tv.
like what he did to skinny lil kevin harvick in harvick's garage stall...
no wait a sec, little harvick owned edwards punk a** and threw carl onto the hood of his car.
lol
it's all fun carl.
Posted by: exile | Mar 15, 2010 6:51:49 PM
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