NASCAR: Getting Thrown “Into” the Bus
The NASCAR Nation has its share of people that get “thrown under the bus,” to use a well worn phrase. The latest example, if your a Dale Jr. fan, are Theresa’s comments about NASCAR’s most favored driver.
The list is long. Robert Yates Racing got tossed by both its drivers and a major sponsor. That trip under the bus nearly cost NEXTEL Cup one of its most revered race teams. In some cases entire teams feel they were tossed under the bus by the sanctioning body in the way they apply the mythical rule book.
As I said, the list is long, too long to detail here. However lets reword the time worn phrase.
When was the last time you heard of NASCAR getting “thrown into the bus?” (excepting fans herded into shuttle buses en route a race venue)
It’s happened, in Portland, Ore. The City’s transit system, Trimet, is converting three buses with technology gleaned from the NASCAR circuit.
A Michigan based company, EMP Inc, produces electrical components that replace the original hydraulic and belt-driven cooling systems found on the cities buses. The conversion is said to not only increase power but also boost fuel economy by up to ten percent. The additional three converted buses adds to the single experimental one that has plied the streets of Portland for the last eight months.
Presumably bus drivers won’t transfer the “bump drafting” technique to the Portland’s streets.
Snark aside, this is an example, small as it is of how racing technology can and does provide benefits to society as a whole. I doubt if used, this example wouldn’t score many points in a debate with a hard-core “greeny-weenie” dead set on relegating racing in all forms to the dustbin of history.
Not much would
You could tweak their minds a little by pointing out NASCAR tech has also been used in the U.S. Military’s latest concept combat vehicle or how NASCAR windshield laminates are gaining interest from the Army’s helicopter pilots.
All of which should send the strongest of “greeny-weenie” to shudder and head for the nearest forest or park to hug a tree.
NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Portland, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle
Re the greenies & alternative fuels in motor sport, I would have no real objection the a green fuel in say F1. A grain based or sugar cane derived alternative would only see technology & money poured into development & performance.