It is funny how some things bother a person. I have touched on the subject of start and park entries recently, I have even managed to understand why a Joe Nemechek does it in order to help fund his Nationwide operation. I think it bush league, but I do not condemn the man for taking advantage of the rules in order to better do what he loves to do. However, after the Sprint Unlimited, I am finding that I am becoming less understanding.
Even a few days after the event, it still bothers me. 19 cars entered the exhibition contest, six got taken out in a single wreck early, while a dozen others continued running a second apart late into the affair. One entry, the #32 of Terry Labonte, parked after just two laps. The reason was due to a vibration, which for years has been code for the car being parked before it got marked up, to save on tires, to quit. While the others raced, it appears Labonte merely did a couple of parade laps then hit the garage. If indeed they simply quit, with no intention of actually racing, then I am starting to understand why a racer like Ken Schrader was replaced by Labonte just a couple of days ahead of time. Why go through the charade?
In 1997, hockey legend Gordie Howe made a one game comeback at the age of 69 to allow him to claim he played professional hockey in six straight decades. He played one shift. Still, the play continued on as in any game, Howe got in the action, even laid the lumber on an opposing player. No, he did not play well, but at least he did not just do a parade lap and leave.
Maybe I am wrong. Maybe after two laps the car just shook, rattled, and rolled. Maybe. To be honest, I don’t knowif anyone noticed if Texas Terry was behind the wheel, his brother Bobby, Schrader, a Mrs. Labonte, or Rex the Wonder Dog. Does anyone remember their primary sponsor? Does anyone even care? Terry Labonte was too great a driver to merely provide chauffer service to parade a car around the track for a couple of laps in the middle of a race. You might as well sent out Ricky Bobby. Somebody should be ashamed.
Meanwhile, is it such a big deal that Danica Patrick won the pole for the Daytona 500? Yes and no. Yes, it is a validation of sorts to have this female driver be the first of her gender to manage the feat. No, in that Tony Stewart put her in one of his cars because she can drive, he is convinced of her talent, and that she belongs out on the track. Danica Patrick should be out on the track not because she is a female novelty but because she is a driver. She wants to race. I’m pretty sure that when they drop the green flag on Sunday she will do more than parade around for a couple of laps then park.
That is something I guess they leave to former two time Cup champions. Enjoy the race.
Team has limited funds. Terry is basically playing a couple of rounds of golf a year, while at the same time helping out one of the small teams. Remember NASCAR before it was dominated by 4 Walmart sized teams? Probably not.
Danica? Really?
Danica is not even the 2nd most talented female driver in the NASCAR ranks, but she was in maxim and will sell a whole lot of shirts. She may actually pull off a victory here, joining the ranks of other talents like Loy Allen , Michael waltrip, Trevor baynes, because luckily for her(and them), it takes luck and a strong engine to win this one. I for one hope the honor is saved for a woman with talent.
NASCAR is blessed to have Terry Labonte anywhere near the track. The man is and always has been a class act.