Open Letter To NASCAR From a Dad and Soldier

This is an editorial in regards to the 2009 Daytona 350.

Dear NASCAR,

I'm a family-oriented person, a soldier, and a concerned racing fan.  I really don't know whether or not this letter will ever reach anyone in your organization. However, for the sake of me being able to sleep at night, I'm going to write it.  So here goes!

There is a scene in the fictional movie “Days of Thunder” where the fictional character of NASCAR CEO (played by Fred Thompson), is taking “Cole Trickle” and “Rowdy Burns” to the woodshed.  In the scene you know who is in charge - the grownups!  No bones about it!  The CEO tells the two “monkeys” that he is going to park their butts if they don't fall in line.  This man is not concerned about ratings, ticket sales, or last names.  He is concerned about the reputation and credibility of his sport, and he is the boss! 

Unfortunately, your organization is beholden to the “Most Popular Driver” who routinely takes you to task publicly and is clearly calling the shots.  Your leadership more resembles jellyfish than they do professionals with backbones when it comes to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

I have always been a little suspicious that you favored Dale Earnhardt Jr. over all other drivers.   After watching the race on Sunday, I'm totally convinced that is what you do. I know there was the official who held Dale Jr. up in his pit stall, and that was a good call.  (I would actually like to know if this man still has a job.) 

The fact that you saw no need to penalize Junior for intentionally running into Brian Vickers is shameful!  I watched the Nationwide race and saw you dole out a penalty to Jason Leffler for the same infraction.  I was hoping that the era of YouTube would somehow steer your organization more to the center as it provides instant video evidence of your selective application of rules and penalties.

In this case you would have been easily justified in taking the high road and punishing Junior for wrecking the best of the field.  Instead he gets back on the lead lap and was in contention for a win until the rain started.  The only plausible rationale for making such a terrible call is that you fear the wrath of Junior and or his nation.

For gosh sake, hold Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the same rules as everyone else and let the chips fall where they will.  You may have to deal with an angry Junior Nation.  You may have to deal with ticket sales falling off.  You may have to deal with television ratings dropping.  You may have to deal with Junior blasting you in an interview for that "damm rule." Furthermore, you may have to deal with an all-out revolt.  But at least you will have some credibility and reputation.

Dale Jr. has the absolute best equipment and personnel money can buy.  It is not your responsibility to ensure he gets championships.  It is your responsibility to run a safe, fair, and equitable sanction. 

In the longer term your organization will be better off.  You will have regained credibility for ALL the fans.  You have to know that sooner or later the marketing phenomenon of Dale Jr. will come to an end. 

I’m just a crusty 'ole soldier who has old school values and principles, I’m also a father and don’t want to have to explain that the world is different if you have a certain last name.

If anyone wants to reach me they can find me in the hills of Afghanistan...

DD