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July 25, 2006
The 'Voice of God'
By Shirley Buttacavoli
I’m sure everyone has seen and/or read about the “incident” between Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards that occurred during lap 32 at the Pocono 500 Sunday afternoon. And I’m sure everyone has their opinion. I won’t get into that subject. However, Tony made a statement Monday stating he took “100% responsibility.” I applaud him for doing so.
But what got me thinking about the “Voice of God” was the statement Tony made Sunday that things would be different if the #3 was “policing the garage area.”
Should a driver – even Dale Earnhardt – be the individual to police the garage?
For those that watched Inside Nextel Cup last night, you probably heard the conversation between Carl Edwards and his crew chief after he spun Tony on pit road and received his one lap penalty. I’m paraphrasing, but basically Carl was adamant that what he did was no worse than what Tony did. That all changed when Jack Roush got on the radio and told Carl to settle down. I think Carl’s last words were: “yes sir.”
But back to my question: if a driver should police the garage area. . .
Not too long ago, I believe it was Darrell Waltrip who made the statement that maybe the “Voice of God” needs to call drivers to calm them down and bring them back to reason. The “Voice of God” DW was referring to was Mr. Bill France, Jr. – NOT Brian – Bill. Do you not think that even a seasoned veteran would not stop and THINK about who was talking directly to them? He’d certainly get my attention.
I also remember a story about a conversation Mr. France and Dale had off the track. I’m sure Mr. Higgins or David Green could enlighten even further. But Dale wasn’t happy about something, and Mr. France reminded him of his yacht, his jet, his ranch, etc., and that it was because Dale was involved in NASCAR that he had these luxuries. Once again, Mr. France got his point across.
I believe if the “Voice of God” could have one-on-one conversations with drivers getting “out of control” on the track, that you might see a different demeanor from most, if not all of the drivers.
I wonder if Tony received a call from Mr. France if he would have ended his conversation with: “yes sir.”
And now is the time for everyone to correct any errors I may have made, and I thank you for doing so. The “Voice of God” doesn’t have my phone number, so I’m safe - until next week anyway - when I’m standing on the sacred ground of Daytona International Speedway!
Enjoy the weekend off!
July 25, 2006 in Racing | Permalink
Comments
Good points to think about. I wonder if any of these younger drivers have ever had much dealings with Bill. I know that Mike Helton is the man in charge but something needs to get these guys attention. I like Tony but what happened Sunday was uncalled for.
Posted by: Michelle | Jul 25, 2006 11:30:22 AM
I should add a note:
This isn't about the France "family" or their control of NASCAR.
This is about who I think the drivers RESPECT enough to listen to what is said and take it seriously.
I used Carl Edwards "conversation" with Jack Roush as an example, because it was obvious Carl took him seriously and changed his attitude. Pretty quickly, I might add.
Or maybe he was just scared to death.
Mr. BILL France can do that just as well as anyone. And someone has to get these rookies, young guns. . .whatever. . .to start respecting the sport and OTHERS!
Respecting a person's opinion and/or being scared to death of their reaction - either works for me!
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 11:35:37 AM
I'm sure Dale played a role in policing drivers during his veteran years as have all the veteran drivers along the way. I have to believe though that the voice of Big Bill was truly the law when he reigned. Maybe that's what Nascar needs is another intimitading guardian. Helton seems to be getting a little soft.
As far as Tony deciding he needs to be the new regulator in the sport, he needs some originality in his approach. Richard had the finger in the chest, Dale had the rub. Apparently Tony wants to copy Dale by just wrecking people.
Posted by: Michael | Jul 25, 2006 11:45:10 AM
For TS to regulator and teach the rookies he needs to practice what he preaches.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 25, 2006 11:58:05 AM
Before there was Dale Sr. it was King Richard who policed the pits, Yes a drive should do it or would we rather NASCAR did the policing? ANSWER: HECK NO
Posted by: atljohn | Jul 25, 2006 11:59:28 AM
Michelle, I didn't know how to really work in the fact that some drivers might not even know Mr. France if the ran into at the driver's meeting. But if they don't - they should.
I like Tony as well, and I wasn't too happy with him either. But Mikey sure stood up for him last night on INC. I was wondering if Mikey was trying to recruit Tony for the third MWR ride!
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 12:02:54 PM
Before there was Dale Sr. it was King Richard who policed the pits, Yes a drive should do it or would we rather NASCAR did the policing? ANSWER: HECK NO
Posted by: atljohn | Jul 25, 2006 12:03:20 PM
Michael, I agree. I think Mike Helton might be getting a "little soft" as well. Once again, Brian France comes to mind, and not necessarily in a positive manner.
atljohn, I'm not suggesting "NASCAR" (or Brian) do any more than they already do. I'm just trying to figure out who the drivers will LISTEN to. Might as well include the crew chiefs and owners as well.
Substantial amounts of cash and taking away points doesn't seem to "police" anything. Probation? Yeah right.
Along with the repeat offenders that are sitting in the driver's seat, I wonder what kind of reception Mr. France would receive if he made a phone call to a crew chief and/or owner of an illegal ride.
For some, I think that might get their attention quicker than sitting home a week, or more.
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 12:16:32 PM
Diane, as much as I love Tony, I think you are correct! My mother always said: "Practice what you preach!"
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 12:18:32 PM
Tony is in many ways a lot like Dale was. Hard as nails on the track, sometimes makes stupid moves, and is quite vocal about issues. But he is a lot like Dale was in many other ways. Remember his efforts for the Petty's and the VJG Camp and other charities he contributes to.......
Helton is Pope Brian's puppet and Brian doesn't have the balls to try and enforce policy. The days of Big Bill dropping the hammer are gone.....
Posted by: Mark | Jul 25, 2006 12:35:47 PM
Mark, Tony's generosity is amazing. And to present a $1-million check to Kyle AND Pattie at Loudon was just as amazing.
But Sunday, I was waiting for Tony to say:
"I didn't mean to wreck him, I just meant to rattle his cage."
Although not exactly the same circumstances, whenever Tony does something like that, I think of Dale taking out Terry Labonte, and his statement right after the race.
It just took Tony a little longer with Clint and Carl. Wonder if he got a phone call from the OTHER "Voice of God" - Coach Gibbs!
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 12:49:32 PM
The answer to your question about how Tony would react if Mr France called him is no, he wouldn't end his call with yes sir. Tony would still be the same arrogant SOB that he has always been.
As for the voice of God calling, I think that they need to get it together first.They have admitted that there are some flaws in the Nascar rules and regulations and that they are working on them.As it is right now, I'm not so sure that they would know who to call for what!
I am almost as sick of hearing Earnhardt did this and that as I am of hearing people say Jeff Gordon is whining. Did anyone hear Kennesth last week(ALL WEEK)or Tony everytime something is not his way? First he flips them off like a teenager,then wrecks them like a dumbass and then whines about how it was all their fault cause they are not as good as him.Give me a freaking break! Yes Dale was a good driver and now he is not!He was not the Nascar police and neither is Tony(although he may disagree).The comment Tony made about the #3 having a way of telling drivers where to go and how to drive, well...apparently not! Don't you think that if he had that kind of power he might have let Sterling know where he was and how he should be driving in order to avoid that fatal crash? My God people, Earnhardt was good/great, but life goes on. He's probably watching from the other side wishing that Tony would just go home and hoping that the other drivers learn to take responsibility for their actions and let him freaking rest!
Finally, why is everybody on the rookies cases?They are not the only causes of wrecks, they probably they case the least.They may be aggresive and eager but hell most drivers are.Gordon(my favorite), Kennesth,Newman and Stewart have all made recent headlines.Hell, poor old Mikey wreck on a caution lap. Tony hasn't been here that long and you better believe that he came in with an attitude from hell as well as no patience and look where it's got him. His do as I say not as I do attitude sucks. I guess what I'm saying is that if the 'voice of God' is calling someone,make it Tony and tell him that this IS NOT Tony's World.If you get on a track with 42 other cars doing 180mph or more, you may get hit by another car and if that just doesn't fit into Tony's plans then he should pack up and go home cause his career is going up in 'smoke.'
Posted by: Deanna | Jul 25, 2006 12:58:08 PM
Deanna, your opinion is very well stated. As I was reading it, I kept thinking about something Kenny Schrader says on a regular basis when something happens to him on the track. I can't remember the exact words, but something like:
It's HIS fault because he "agreed to go on the track with the other 42 maniacs."
Maybe it's everyone's fault! ;-)
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 1:10:09 PM
I don't know who, exactly, might qualify as the "voice of God" in Nascar today. But I do know that no driver -- NO DRIVER -- has any right to act as the track police.
If a driver is out of line and needs to be disciplined that's the job of his owner, his sponsor, and the Nascar officials.
If a driver is permitted to act as track police and decide whose conduct should be punished it would upset the balance of the racing because it would become impossible to race the track police driver in the same way they race other drivers. And that's plain WRONG.
Posted by: M. B. Voelker | Jul 25, 2006 1:17:58 PM
If you pull a stunt like Tony did Sunday call him in, load him up, and send him home all in front of TV and all the fans.
Posted by: ROY | Jul 25, 2006 1:29:35 PM
M. B. - I understand your point, and it's a very very good point.
And I'm not saying Dale was the Sheriff of NASCAR or the "track police driver," but. . .
You don't think drivers raced "The Intimidator" just a little bit differently than they raced others?
I sure as hell do.
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 1:31:48 PM
ROY - OUCH!
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 1:33:23 PM
Tony Stewart's statement reads as follows:
“I'm taking 100 percent responsibility for the final incident that occurred on lap 32 between myself, the 07 [Bowyer] and the 99 [Edwards]. It was totally my fault.
"At the same time, there were circumstances that led up to that wreck, and after talking with Clint [on Monday] morning, we both have a better understanding as to what happened. He was trying to get out of my way and didn't realize that I had gone to the outside. He thought I was to his inside, and when he tried to give me some room, he slid into us and it put us into the outside wall. I reacted, causing the wreck that I take responsibility for and regret."
I was wondering why he didn't apologize to Bowyer and Edwards????
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 25, 2006 2:18:20 PM
Hmmmm Mr.Stewart I have met Dale Earnhardt, and you sir are no Dale Earnhardt!
Everyone raced "the Intimidator" differently, But Dale would let you KNOW when you screwed up...the big Earnhardt headock! The same goes with Richard Petty! He and Dale had a lil "pow wow" when Dale first started out. My fondest memory was when Jr was messing with "Mr Excitement" and Sr got on his radio and told him "There are 2 guys you DON'T screw around with...Jimmy Spencer...and I don't need to remind you who the other is"
I miss Dale.
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 25, 2006 2:30:55 PM
Diane, good question.
#5, thanks for sharing your memory. I miss Dale, too.
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 25, 2006 3:02:52 PM
I miss Dale too. It's just not the same without him. There was a time when I wouldn't miss a race for anything. Now days if I miss one it's no big deal.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 25, 2006 3:05:04 PM
Maybe, Tony did apologize, because he's not sorry he did it ;-)??????????
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 25, 2006 3:06:53 PM
I posted this in "The Chat Room," but they're too busy arguing among themselves as usual.
Tony and the monkey get more alike as time goes on...One throws shite the other talks shite! His comparison of himself to the #3 was ridiculous...If I remember right the #3 made mental notes and contemplated a time and place for rebuttal...for the life of me, I can't remember an instant finger out the window and a crash from #3. It reminded me of the Bentson(R) / Quayle(D) debate. Quayle had compared himself to Kennedy(JFK) and Bentson replied(I believe), "Senator, I have met John Kennedy, and you, Senator, are no John Kennedy."
You, Tony Stewart, are NOT Dale Earnhardt.
Now, if we vote on scraggly beards, I'm sorry Trucker you still win but #20 ain't lookin' too handsome...Come on Tony, even Gordon and Kurt got women...Ya ain't scar't is ya? LOL
Posted by: Keith | Jul 25, 2006 3:29:37 PM
You are right Shirley. Mr. France just had that power (probably not the best word there but I hope you get what I am trying to say). I would not have wanted to go to the big red truck to meet with him after a race. I don't think the big red truck is as intimidating as it used to be.
Monday night is poker night so I never get to watch INC. But the thought of Tony driving for Mikey cracks me up. I can just picture all of the commercials now. LOL
Posted by: Michelle | Jul 25, 2006 3:31:33 PM
Sorry, I have to say Keith is right. In the post race interview Tony did look a lot like MoJo.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 25, 2006 3:33:48 PM
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