Full Throttle

Up Front.

I don’t agree with the penalties handed down to the Hendricks #48 and HoF Racing’s #96. Both teams were caught red-handed with illegal parts and or configurations. Both teams should have received similar penalties, either no points deducted, or both getting docked the 25 points. To add insult to injury NASCAR, or at least writer Ryan Smithson, is trying to pass off Chad Knaus’ penalty as “among most severe in history.” In terms of Lazy-Boy time Knaus received that’s true, but it sure doesn’t take into account the points differential in this case.

But ya know… that’s NASCAR, so what else is new? Move along now, nothing to see here should be the mantra. With 35 events left and a possible 185 points up for grabs in each - not to mention a potential 5 “free passes” given by a teammate for leading a lap - the 25 points only serves the purpose of poking a stick in the ribs of the partisans.

And there are a ton of “hurting ribs” around the net today! Which is the reason for this little diatribe. Can’t say I didn’t expect it, but the amount of venom and hate spread around is astounding.

I don’t and never will understand it. What amount of “passion” does it take for someone to claim the Johnson victory should forever have an asterisk beside it in the record books?

When do you cease being a fan and become someone bordering on dementia? Is it when they feel “their driver” is at such a severe disadvantage because of the #48 violation (never mind it ran in legal trim) you feel compelled to trot this out: “NASCAR’S “golden boys” and their ‘Clinton pardoned criminal owner’ have again been exposed by “driver” Ryan Newman and most fans.”

Damn, I feel lefted out, I’m not part of the in crowd that “exposed” anyone! Where can I get my “golden boys” T-shirt and sign up to be a “most fan?”

Again, what amount of “passion” does it take for someone to write this crapola? It’s way beyond my comprehension.

The top image is my “poke in the ribs.” Say what you will about Chad Knaus but he is an “E-vil Genius” around the garage. If it can be massaged, twisted, and on occasion broken, it will get done to gain an advantage in the best traditions of Smokey Yunick and Junior Johnson, who produced Fred Lorenzen’s #26 above. Lovingly (or derisivly by some) called the Yellow Banana. It stands as one of the most radical and controversial cars in NASCAR history. Yet due to lagging attendence at the time it sailed through tech inspection.

Bottom line is Chad Knaus has some catching up to do if he aspires to reach Junior Johnson’s level of ingenuity and audacity. And NASCAR has to deduct points, or not, on an equal basis.

Oh… and the Yellow Banana was leading the 1966 Rebel 400 when the right front tire blew sending Fred into the guard rail and ending his day.

UPDATE: This is just funny, via one of the newest NASCAR blogs on the block Pit Road Post:

Because of this [Chad Knaus] probation, the Pit Road Post has set up the Chad Knaus Probation watch. Each week our team of on the ground Pit Reporters will watch Knaus and team 48 for any infractions or bending of the rules. This includes acknowledging Jeff Gordon’s presence every time he is the room. If we see an infraction, we won’t report it - we will Publish it!

I recommend a visit to Pit Road Post, authors Keith & Chuck offer much more of the same.