NASCAR Does a Rethink on Impound
As the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season reaches the last stop in its annual 36 event odyssey the powers that be have looked at the, new for 2005 impound rule, and are considering more changes for ‘06. Actually it looks like that entire section of the mythical rulebook is headed for the circular file, but more on that in a moment.
Generally I supported the rule but took exception to some tracks not implementing it. Not that I blame them, for some it was a lost revenue source because of less on track time for the Cup cars. In addition it may have saved the teams money, the NASCAR spin put on it, but that can only be determined by each team’s bean counters a few weeks from now when the year’s bottom line is figured.
The largest problem I saw was just what constituted a violation of the rule. What were teams allowed to do if a car qualified, was placed into impound, then a problem arose that needed attention. The most egregious example occurred at Pocono in June. Kurt Busch’s #97, while in impound, was seen to be leaking brake fluid. As a result of the crew correcting an obvious safety issue for not only their driver, but for 42 others as well, he was sent to the rear of the field. Strange behaviour for an organization that prides itself on it’s safety record.
NASCAR president Mike Helton said Friday the impound rule, “just didn’t fit right for right now.”
Would you be surprised to know it’s incorrect “fit” is related to the ongoing negotiations on a new TV package? Well don’t be.
NASCAR officials had announced plans to use the current impound procedures for most of the 2006 Cup schedule.But the sudden impound changes are likely related to the ongoing negotiations between NASCAR and its television partners.
NASCAR’s current TV contracts expire at the end of the 2006 season, and it has been in negotiations with several networks on a new deal. The networks in negotiations, particularly ESPN, have indicated a desire for increased on-track activity that could be broadcast.
“In the overall scheme of things, it didn’t fit the way we thought it would right now,” [Mike] Helton said. “We just wanted to back off that and take a look at it from a different angle. We just haven’t found the right balance yet.”
“A different angle,” I like that. Well, maybe not like, more along the lines of expected that the angle is now pointed in the direction of [avatar:http://cranialcavity.net/files/money.gif]cold hard cash[/avatar]. Not that I’m complaining mind you. NASCAR is a multi-billion dollar industry and it must be run under those terms and if Pocono is an example that may be followed in the future, good riddence. Impound has more potential for harm than good.
NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Sports, Auto Racing
“The most aggregious example occurred “…….. that shoould be “egregious”.
Geesh Laura, you’re watching too close!
But again correct. Well almost what’s with that “shoould” thing I spy?
Opps!
Thanks again and it’s been corrected.
Personally I don’t read for your high grammatical style or your impeccable spelling abilities. It’s your unique view on the mundane as well as the popular (and not so popular) stories in motorsports that keep us coming back for more.
Damn the spelling gaffes, full speed ahead! Gee, is it gaffes or gaffs?
I’m too damn lazy to look it up.
Give Laura a break George, she’s been around here for quite a while she just likes to poke a stick in my ribs at times.
Thanks for the high praise though, deserved or not. BTW do me a favor next time you stop by stick an Email addy in the box. That way I won’t have to edit your comment and add a phoney one (none@gmail.com) so the correct icon displays.
I’ve been thinking, is it “gaffes, gaffs” or what I always thought, giraffes? Or maybe I’m watching too much Animal Planet.
Laura,
My comment was not intended as an assault on you. I, and I’m sure Marc, appreciate a reader who can tell the difference between “to”, “too” and Two!
Most of my spelling errors are due to my fat digits and tiny keys on the keyboard. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking “too” it!
Keep those comments coming!
And at the least Laura probably remembers her email address. My ADD is showing again!
My spelling arrors r form 20 years of Navy drinking in every too bit dive from Bahrain to Calcutta to Thailand to Manila and San Deigo. And BACK AGAIN.
An Im sticking two that story! :=)
George, I know that your comments were not directed as an assault. Marc is dead on with the comment about a poke in the ribs once in while regarding his spelling errors. I, too, come here for the unique viewpoint offered, as well as the posts regarding lesser-known racing series.