NASCAR- Laying Down The Law Or Censoring Free Speech?

It came out earlier this week that NASCAR had penalized two drivers for allegedly making disparaging remarks about NASCAR. Their names were not known until sources revealed the drivers were Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman.

Hamlin was fined for commenting about a caution during a race. Newman was fined for allegedly making derogatory remarks about NASCAR after the spring Talladega race. I thought we had something called the First Amendment to the Constitution that gives all Americans the right to freedom of speech. NASCAR drivers (and everybody else) should be able to speak their minds without intimidation or fear of reprisals. This is political correctness run amok.

I know there is one school of thought that says NASCAR was just doing what any company would do if their employees openly criticized it. That sounds good on the surface but it should be noted that Hamlin and Newman are not NASCAR employees. Hamlin is employed by Joe Gibbs Racing, Newman by Stewart/Haas Racing. It is true that NASCAR is a sanctioning body and there are some things NASCAR should be allowed to regulate,such as a code of conduct,on-track behavior,etc,but whether or not drivers should be penalized for simply stating opinions is ridiculous. If drivers were employees of NASCAR itself,I would understand,as employee loyalty is important with any company but drivers are team employees,they do not work for NASCAR directly.

Some argue that Major League Baseball,the NBA,and the NFL do the same with their athletes. In the spirit of consistency,it should be said they are just as guilty as NASCAR.

Certainly NASCAR is big enough to take some criticism. It would not hurt NASCAR to listen to the fans and the drivers once in a while. I have no idea how it hurts NASCAR. NASCAR has been suffering from declining race attendance and sagging TV ratings. Those things started happening before the recession. NASCAR is clearly at fault for its own troubles, not fans or drivers. The economy is likely a factor but to a lesser extent because these problems plagued NASCAR before the recession began. The recession has added to NASCAR's difficulties but is not the cause of them.

Earlier this year, NASCAR announced they were going to let drivers police themselves, yet NASCAR wants to regulate what drivers say. NASCAR cannot have it both ways. If drivers are allowed to police themselves on the track, they should be allowed to speak their minds as well. There is such a thing as constructive criticism. NASCAR would do well listening.

NASCAR dishes it out so they should take it as well.

Congratulations,Jamie McMurray

Jamie McMurray is one of my favorite NASCAR drivers. I was so happy for Jamie when he won the Allstate 400 At The Brickyard,one of NASCAR's most prestigious races along with the Daytona 500. McMurray is only the third driver to win the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard in the same year. Congratulations,Jamie,on a win well-deserved.

Again,congratulations to Jamie on winning the race. Also,congratulations to Jamie and his wife Christy,who are expecting their first child in December. Driver Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie are expecting also,along with Sam Hornish Jr and his wife Crystal. Congratulations to all new and expectant parents.

Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski

Last Saturday,at Gateway International Raceway,in the closing laps of the NASCAR Nationwide series race, Carl Edwards punted Brad Keselowski off the track for the win. Defenders of the move by Edwards say it was just a racing deal or something Dale Earnhardt Sr might have done.

Edwards admitted wrecking Keselowski for the win. He admitted wrecking Keselowski in the Atlanta Cup race as well. Edwards intended to wreck Keselowski for the win and admitted it. That was just plain dirty driving on Edwards' part. When Dale Sr raced anybody,he would give them a tap just to "rattle their cage" and meant no harm to anybody and if they wrecked,it was purely an accident. It seems Edwards has every intention of wrecking his rivals if they do not let him by. Never mind that the driver in front of him wants to win also and is not obligated to move aside for Carl Edwards or any other racer. Unlike Edwards, Earnhardt Sr earned and deserved the respect of other drivers and millions of fans. Edwards' good-guy,always smiling image is questionable in my opinion. Why he acts like he does on the track sometimes,I have no idea.

The "penalty" dealt by NASCAR is a joke. Edwards was given a 60-point deduction,a $25,000 fine,and placed on probation the rest of the year. Keselowski was also placed on probation the rest of the year. Why should Keselowski be penalized? Keselowski did nothing wrong. Keselowski was the victim. At the very least, Edwards should have been suspended the rest of the season.

Something tragic could happen on the track before NASCAR actually does something about Edwards. I cannot speak for other NASCAR fans,but I would not be surprised if the numbers are growing. I am fed up with NASCAR and their slap on the wrist "penalties" and blatant favoritism. NASCAR has again contributed to its own demise.

Remembering A Special Man

On July 12, 2010, I lost a very special person in my life. My father passed away. For nine months, since he had a stroke in October, 2009, he had been bedridden and suffered much pain. I am thankful now that his suffering is over. He was a deeply dedicated Christian and knew Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Lord.

He was born a son of textile workers and grew up in Kannapolis, North Carolina. He wanted to join the Army in World War II but was turned down because of a punctured eardrum. He attended college,where he met my mother. They married soon after graduation. They raised five children,of whom I am number four. My dad was a hard worker and taught us all the value of a dollar. He instilled in us a love of nature,of flowers,trees,birds,and all of God's creation. My dad had a zest for life and had a great sense of humor. He loved his wife,children,and grandchildren. He was very attached with his dog Beau and the feeling was mutual. He was very passionate about such things as gardening and eating.

My father was a very friendly man with a great personality. He never met a stranger. He was everybody's friend and could talk about anything with anybody he met.

I will never forget the lessons he taught me and the times he helped me out. I will always be grateful for those things. His advice was sound and has helped me immensely. One of his favorite sayings is something I live by,that a person who won't be beat can't be beat. Thank you,Daddy. I love you. I miss you very much but at least knowing someday we will be together again.