Silly NASCAR – Daytona 500 Rules are Dumb.

February 16, 2011

Let me start by asking you not to rush over to my Bungalow with your pickup truck and hound dog to confront me over my headline to this post.

Next, understand that I play the banjo and am Randy Travis’ biggest fan.

Now, let’s examine the ruling that got me up in arms over NASCAR and the Daytona 500 today. After a crash during a practice race today, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have to start the race this coming Sunday at the BACK of the field. Even though he won the pole position with his qualifying time the other day. Even though the race in which he crashed today was a practice run. Even though the crash today wasn’t his fault.

So, what’s the deal? According to NASCAR rules, the car you use to qualify for a position must be the same car you use if you plan to start in that position. It means that it IS all about the car and not about the driver. It means that Earnhardt, Jr. will still be classified as the pole sitter, but will be in a different car and will start at the back of the bus.

Who’s running this sport anyhow? Is it being run by lawyers? Seems like their kind of common sense.

What do you think of this situation – if anything? I think if the athlete (loosely) qualifies for a position, he or she should start there no matter what happens to their equipment. Your take?