Top Row Seat - Michigan
Dateline: 06/17/97Guide's Note: This week's article includes some direct quotes taken from the scanner during the event. I have removed all offensive language from these quotes. However, I would like to point out that these quotes are taken from what is essentially a private conversation between a driver and his crew. These drivers are under a significant amount of pressure attempting to race for the win while literally risking their lives at nearly 200mph. Please do not judge the men by the things they say in the heat of competition.
This week the scanner provided a number of quotable moments as tempers ran high during the tight racing of the Miller 400.
"The Iceman" Has A Meltdown
The first memorable moment from the scanner came shortly after Terry Labonte hit the wall in turn one. Terry, understandably frustrated, said "I hope that the [explicative deleted] who wanted that [explicative deleted] in-car camera are happy!"
I related this story to another race fan who told me that Terry is usually good for a stream of obscenities within the first 30 laps of every race. I'm not condemning him for this, just pointing this out so you'll know that if you're taking your kids to the race track with you you might not want them listening to Terry on the scanner.
Unbelievable Arrogance From Gordon
Let me preface this section by saying that I was not listening in on Ray Everham and his prodigy myself but rather this was relayed to me by someone sitting near me at the race. (and later corroborated on rec.autos.sport.nascar) When Dale Earnhardt and #24 were having that exciting battle for position apparently Gordon angrily came on the scanner and said "Who does that [unchristian word deleted] think he's racing?" To which Ray responded "...you're a better race car driver and a better man than he is."
Now I've heard some arrogant things at the race track before, and I'm the last person to ever stand up for Dale Earnhardt (not that he needs me to) but this was a battle for position towards the end of the race. If this was not an appropriate time to battle for position then there never has been one in the history of motorsports. And where does that little brat get off complaining about a seven time Winston Cup Champion (and currently 6th in the points this year) racing with him? I'm sorry Jeff but the whole idea of this little sport we all love is to actually attempt to pass the guy in front of you. You're going to spend most of you're career with very high blood pressure if you're going to get upset when someone has a car that's as fast as yours.
Grow up, Shut up, and Race!
Congratulations To Ernie
And finally, let me congratulate Ernie Irvan for returning to the scene of the lowest moment in his career and bringing home the win. I've been critical of Ernie in the past but he scored points with me this weekend for the simple act of acknowledging his fans. On his victory lap Ernie said "I'd like to thank the fans for sticking with me."
Ernie has had it pretty tough this season. Showing some overly aggressive driving at times (Busch Clash, Sears Point, etc....) but also being the victim of ugly circumstances too (Daytona, Richmond, Texas, etc....) But I thought that it showed some real class to remember his loyal fans during the victory lap.
Next Week
This week it's back out west to California for the inaugural event at Roger Penske's newest track. This facility is patterned after Michigan Speedway and those who have tested there believe it will provide the same type of three and four wide racing that we've come to expect from Michigan.
It should be another hype-filled weekend as NASCAR welcomes southern California back into the family.
