Top Row Seat - Darlington
Dateline: 09/02/97
RING... "911 what is your emergency?"
"I'd like to report a theft."
"Ok, what was stolen?"
"A Million Dollars."
Ok, so legally he didn't steal it. But when PosterBoy rammed Jeff Burton down onto the apron as they came down to take the white flag he displayed a complete disregard for human life that I find simply inexcusable. Bill Elliott won the Winston Million, Jeff Gordon stole it.
In victory lane Gordon said "I'm sure Jeff (Burton) is probably a little mad at me but, come on, it's a million dollars!" This shows that Jeff is aware that his fellow drivers would not agree with his decision to run Burton off the track, yet in his mind it's ok because he got a lot of money. I find this leap of logic simply unbelievable.
Jeff Burton took it pretty well. According to the Associated Press Burton said, "Now we know how to race. We know how he's going to race, so we know how to race him." This sounds pretty ominous but Burton is a smart guy and when he calms down I know he'll rise above it and race hard and clean. He may not be the first to jump in line to draft with Gordon, but I don't believe he'll take any dangerous action against him.
After watching the struggle that Ray Evernham (The best crew chief in motorsports) and his team went through battling the race car and the changing weather conditions, I was prepared to congratulate Gordon for sticking with it all day long and really earning a solid finish. But because he again showed the poor judgement that has haunted him all year, I believe this weekend's race now tops the list of reasons that I do not like Jeff Gordon.
Scary Weekend For Race Fans
One of the scariest moments of this season (second only to Steve Grissom's horrendous wreck at Atlanta) has got to be seeing Dale Earnhardt being carried from his car and rushed to the infield care center. Apparently he passed out twice in the seat before the race, and then became disoriented on the race track. All of the tests came back negative and he claims to be fine and ready to race again, but NASCAR is holding him back until they are convinced that he can safely return to the track.
An unknown illness that is threatening your career, your passion and possibly your life has got to be the most terrifying thing one man can face. Keep Dale Earnhardt in your prayers as he races this unknown challenger.
Go Fast, Turn Left, Stay Safe!
Send your tips, rumors and comments to me at nascar.guide@miningco.com.
