Temper, Temper, Tony!
Dateline: 03/29/01
The actions of Tony Stewart last Sunday at Bristol were inexcusable in this reporter's opinion. It's been a long time since I've seen such an obvious attempt to get revenge against another driver for a racing accident than I witnessed that day. After reviewing the tapes of the final few laps and the events that followed, I have some impressions of that day that I'd like to share with my readers.
First of all, the incident that spun Stewart and cost him a top five finish was caused when Stewart turned down into Jeff Gordon's car. To me that is clear. Slow motion replays show that Gordon held his low line and that Stewart was the one who caused his own loss of position.
Secondly, to seek revenge for an incident of this nature is not only inappropriate, but it is childish. Stewart behaved like a nine year old who couldn't accept the consequences of his actions and blindly struck out at his "enemy," Jeff Gordon. NASCAR is a sport for drivers who are adults. With Stewart's behavior, it seems to me that perhaps he should enter a local Junior Drag Racing event at his local drag strip. He definitely should not be at the wheel of a Winston Cup car until he matures. On second thought, scratch the Junior Drag Racing statement. He would give that fine group of youngsters a bad name.
Finally, NASCAR's punitive actions against Stewart were appropriate, but moderated by an effort to pacify his ego. Had he made his move on Gordon on the track, the punishment might have been enough, but when it happened on pit road, it became a far more serious matter. After a race, pit road is clogged with both people and cars and his actions endangered the safety of several hundred people. Fortunately, no one was injured, but that is really beside the point. This was not a spontaneous reaction to a situation. He had the time to think his actions through, he simply chose not to take that course of action. Instead he chose to throw a temper tantrum and lash out.
Had this happened in the Wal Mart parking lot, the police would have arrested Stewart for assault. Think about it. It's called "Road Rage". On the track, an arrest is not possible, but certainly a suspension of his driving privileges is an option. Perhaps a "time out", like a child would get in school when he gets into a fight with another student, might benefit Stewart more than a fine. Let him sit out a race or two. Certainly there are other drivers that could take over for him during that time, and let him watch the race from a seat in the stands or on his television at home, like the rest of us.
Robby Gordon paid the price for his "attitude problem" and is now seeking other employment. Perhaps Tony Stewart should consider joining him. I can't imagine that Joe Gibbs Racing would be unable to find a replacement. I can think of several drivers who could fill that seat rather well. In fact, my wife suggests that a certain attorney from Washington State currently is looking for work.
Stewart should consider the possible outcomes, both from a personal and a safety standpoint before Texas this Sunday, and make the "attitude adjustment" himself, before the choice is taken from his hands. As they say in tennis, the ball is in his court now.
