What do you think about?

Question

I'm feeling really ambivalent about the "new" NASCAR. I rewound the incident in the Showdown a bunch of times last night and believe Logano did what he did intentionally. He picked up the throttle way early. He had to know he was gonna run up the track. Let's say for argument's sake that's true. I remember the good old days when, if a driver did that, the consequences were imposed by fellow competitors. Not the sanctioning body. I like the philosophy of natural consequences. But at the same time these guys could literally kill one another with those 3500 lb missiles. But they all know that going in. In the NFL they hand out penalties for personal fouls and I believe that's what Joey did last night. So isn't a penalty warranted? If so, why wasn't Hornaday penalized? His bonehead move didn't appear intentional to me. Just overly aggressive. Is that the line NASCAR has drawn? And, if I'm right, under NFL rules, wouldn't Hornaday have been penalized as well? But come on. This is racing. I'm all for fair play and keeping the drivers safe. But the sport is inherently dangerous. You know that going in and therefore accept the risk and the outcome. Should a driver be allowed to do anything he wants without fear of penalty by NASCAR? See my problem?

Update:

OK Maybe my question came out a bit convoluted. That's my problem with this whole issue. Should NASCAR be handing out penalties at all for rough driving or just let the boys be boys? I can see both sides and can't seem to make up my mind.

Winter Glory · Accepted Answer

Joey made the move on purpose, I just don't think his intentions were to wipe anyone out. That move looked like the one Edwards tried on Johnson, only Logano didn't wait until he got AROUND the car before going up.
NASCAR has gotten downright pathetic with their whole "we're going to tell this driver no-no" but this one's going to get fine/suspension for doing the exact same thing. And once upon a time what happened last night wouldn't have even so much as raised an eyebrow from the powers that be. 
I can see NASCAR intervening if it's a blatantly obvious act of aggression (think Kurt Busch trying to take out Smoke's pit crew) he deserved to be called to the hauler and he deserved to be penalized.

48 MOJO · Answer

If NASCAR were fair,Peyton Sellars and Kobyluck would have both been black-flagged for trying to wreck Joey a few laps before and those two wouldn't have even been there.However,NASCAR is full of you know what.

I agree with you about Hornaday-Joey causes one accident(intentionally or not) and he gets 40th place,but Hornaday can cause 3 or 4 wrecks and get no penalty?I hope the Cup officials have more sense than the idiots that called that race because if not,we are in for a sorry a$$ season.

Jeff C · Answer

There's no such thing as a new NASCAR. Hear me out....ever since the beginning the France family has always (and will always) play favorites. Even back in the 70's....Darrell Waltrip was the new kid on the block and he rubbed the established crowd (Petty, Pearson, Yarborough, etc) the wrong way including the Frances. So they went after DW every time they got the chance sitting him down, parking him a time or two, fines, etc. 80's were no different...one week they would penalize Senior for driving rough the next week they wouldn't. THEY HAVE ALWAYS been inconsistent and will always be. It's the price we pay for being fans of NASCAR. Hopefully Logano will get back on their good side.....time will tell. Just an opinion as always.

Nascarologist · Answer

I agree with the sport being dangerous

BUT

When you intentionally run your car up the track to slam into another car you are taking a chance on injuring that driver or yourself on purpose and for no other reason than to win the race that is overly aggressive driving and results in a penalty,  All racing series allow their drivers to be somewhat aggressive  but NASCAR draws the line at intentionally wrecking other cars.which is what Logano did, Hornaday didn't.

✞ Maggie Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ · Answer

Nope...just racin and Logano was given a short end of the stick. He should have had the win not sent to the back. 

Of course its a dangerous sport...and every driver understands that when they first make that decision to get into a car.  Thats what racing is all about...driving fast...taking chances and getting to the front.  

NASCAR is going to get to the point where watching the kiddie cars go around the track at the county fair will be equally exciting.

PJ ~88~ FAN · Answer

Rules are rules but Nascar seems to draw lines for certain incidents and that's not good. What is a penalty for 1 driver  should be good for all the drivers. In my opinion, any driver that intenionally drives into another driver should be black flagged. I think the penalty Logano got was deserved.

ofx_mole · Answer

ok you mention fair play. What about the 2-3 times Sellers tried to wreck Logano in the final 7 laps?

here the video in cause you didnt see it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o2P4keDITo

Dew · Answer

I see your point.I did Not get to see this incident so all I can give is my Opinion,He is a Great drive and will go far n Nascar.Safety should always be 1st in any sport.I guess we will just have to wait ands see what happens to him.I am a Tiny Stewart fan and am looking forward to see him race this year with his #14 car.

? · Answer

I didn't see it originally, (thanks for the link FX_mole...btw, luv the 14!) Joey was just makin' a last, ditch effort. He wouldn'ta' caught him any other way.

M. Pepper · Answer

alL i HAVE TO SAY IS HE DID A BONEHEAD MOVE, IT DIDNT WORK AND NOW HE IS GOING TO PAY FOR. IT. 
i DO THINK THOUGH  HAVING HIM FINISH IN 40TH SPOT IS PENALTY ENOUGH.

What do you think about?

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