Change the names and it's still the same

EDITOR'S NOTE: Shirley Buttacavoli is back, and like a lot of us is still scratching her head over some of last weekend's activities at Michigan and the resultant response out of the big offices in Daytona Beach, Fla.

By Shirley Buttacavoli

I have to say, I am very surprised no one has posted anything regarding the "penalty" NASCAR gave Carl Edwards after Saturday's incident with Dale Jr. And I'm sure someone is already saying: But she's a Dale Jr. fan. Then you also know how I feel about Kurt Busch.

So let's substitute Kurt for Jr. and say it was Kurt Busch who spun Carl Edwards for the win. And then Carl Edwards slammed Kurt Busch on the cool down lap. I would still feel the same. What Carl did was totally uncalled for, no matter who was involved.

When I read that Carl Edwards was given a $20,000 fine and placed on probation until the end of the year, I thought to myself: "That's it?"

I don't have time to do the research and give you exact dates, track location, fines, penalties, etc. (Ron, that's what we have you for), but this is what I remember happening over the past few years.

Kevin Harvick did a cat-like leap over the rear of a Busch car, grabbed Greg Biffle's driver's suit and the two had a very "close" discussion, with Kevin doing most of the talking.

Can't remember if Kevin was warned or fined by NASCAR, but not long after he then had another "altercation" on the track during a truck race. NASCAR sat him out for a Cup race.

More recently, Jeff Gordon pushed Matt Kenseth on pit road after a race when Kenseth seemed to be walking toward Jeff to apologize. (I don't even remember what happen on the track. I just loved seeing Jeff finally having some human emotion.) I believe Jeff received a fine, but I do remember he was put on probation for a short period of time.

And who can forget Jr's post-race interview in Victory Lane when asked how he felt about winning his fifth race at Talladega, and Jr. - in his most ecstatic and thrilling tone of voice said: "that ain't sh*t – daddy did it 10 times."

Jr's use of the dreaded "s-word" cost him dearly. Not only monetarily, but with the loss of valuable points needed to be part of The Chase. Everyone knew what to expect – except Jr. – as soon as he said it. Thanks to two Busch drivers using the same word previously, although in a negative fashion, NASCAR deemed it necessary to take the same "action" against Jr.

Back to Jeff and Matt. . .there were no vehicles involved and I don't believe anyone's life was a stake, However, there WAS a vehicle involved on Sat. at MIS, and Carl basically received the same "penalty" as Jeff.

And back to Kevin Harvick sitting out a Cup race. . . I'm not saying Carl should sit out a race in any series However, the events that occurred are more closely related to those by Kevin than that of Jr. and/or Mat and Jeff.

Jr’s “incident” in Victory Lane did not involve a vehicle, another individual, or any intent on inflicting pain on anyone. He was happier than shi*t!

If you look at the fines and penalties that have been given out, it seems Jr. received the most severe of all, for being happy, not mad. So when I said: “that’s it?” I was thinking of people using words, and physical actions - anything but a vehicle - and received fines and penalties MUCH worse than Carl Edwards received.

Plus I thought Carl was already on probation for spinning Tony Stewart on pit road, when Tony inadvertently wrecked Carl. Once again a vehicle was used, and a number of individuals could have been injured.

I guess this all comes down to NASCAR and their lack of consistency throughout the sport. I understand that not all rules are suited for all individuals. But someone needs to explain to NASCAR what “detrimental to the sport” really means. (David????)

BTW, if Mark Martin hasn’t already had a talk with Carl, I hope he does, and he does it soon. I also think Kenny Schrader needs to sit Cousin Carl down and explain the facts of life –and racing – to him. Just like Tony Stewart – the kid has talent, now he needs to use it wisely.

OK, that’s my opinion. . .let me have it!