Isn't it unfortunate the modern NASCAR driver appears to be a scripted talking head. They sound like they're talking from some kind of NASCAR/owner/sponsor interview manual, you know, like a Ms. America contestant full of standard answers like "lets help the children" "lets end world hunger" you know the script .
One of the main reasons I got hooked by NASCAR was because in contrast to Formula 1 where the guys are drinking Perrier water, eating fancy cheeses or like Mr. Lewis Hamilton having his girlfriend stick her tongue down his throat during practice. The guys in NASCAR (for the most part) are tough guys, serious about what they do and say what they mean and mean what they say.
NASCAR is trying their damndest to take that away. I clearly remember when they spanked and bridled Mr. Stewart for calling out Goodyear on the lousy job they did during the 2008 season.
Tony Stewart was not he same guy after that NASCAR spanking, he was not as much fun, at least that was my perception as a fan.
NASCAR needs to understand why they are in business and stand back a little, let the FANS ENJOY THE PERSONALITIES OF THE DRIVERS, that's what makes this sport fun, that's how a new fan like me got hooked in 2007 when Montoya came over from Formula one.
Pink Floyd's quote in one of their signature songs comes to mind:
HEY! TEACHERS! LEAVE THOSE KIDS ALONE! I'm sending that mp3 to Mr. France, good song for NASCAR.
I hope Denny Hamlin keeps on being Denny Hamlin, when I hear him on an interview I know I'm getting the straight story , I don't get the same feeling from Gordon, JJ or Edwards, again just my opinion.
As always this is a fans opinion and from what I understand everybody has one and I thankful for that.
Enough said.
Alana Blanchard
Cintia Dicker
Cheerleader of the Week
SI's Best Preakness Photos
Comments (14) Add A Comment
Don't worry NASCAR will remove his emotion chip shortly.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2064)
lol...lol....how true...
asifyouknow
Total Comments (1921)
How can Lewis Hamilton's girlfriend stick her tongue down his throat during "practice?" Isn't he in the car doing 'sissy' laps as you might say? Oh. Wait. You don't actually mean during "practice" - you mean during practice when they aren't actually practicing. I get it now.
I believe in most all sports the leagues have a limit on "speaking ones mind" or making what is determined to be damaging remarks about the sport. Regarding Tony Stewart - what happened to him is he grew up - which is something Denny "The Whiner" Hamlin has yet to do. Crap, he's not even man enough to marry his girlfriend and make their baby legitimate.
If Hamlin has some kind of problem with NASCAR, how they do things, the racing or the cars themselves, maybe he should go talk to his mommy first. Oh, and Al, don't worry a bit about Hamlin remaining Hamlin - he'll always be the guy that fades when the chips are down - you can count on it.
Unbelievable. Now there is something unacceptable about a driver eating fancy cheese and drinking Perrier - it somehow makes them less of a man or not "tough" enough? If you believe F1 drivers aren't serious about what they do, or NASCAR drivers are more serious, it would leave me to understand your head is in a strange, dark place.
Just a fans opinion... Love your posts. Gives me something to flap my lip about. Thanks.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (90)
A rumor I heard is NASCAR summoned Denny Hamlin to the emergency 'check-out' facility and gave him a full body scan. There was no 'emotion' chip found - in fact there was little if anything found. Just a rumor. I don't know it for a fact.
UncleHubie
Perris , CA
Total Comments (90)
Now remember I am a Formula 1 fan, I still watch it.. ..I came to NASCAR when Juan came in...I seen this on a practice when SPEED channel was broadcasting practice...Hamilton came in , was still in his car and his girlfriend gave him one of those open mouth smooches..so there...lol...I see Hamlin as a guy with a chip in his shoulder and does complain a bit but he is a good guy and good driver....NASCAR was wrong and they know it...
asifyouknow
Total Comments (1921)
LOL....that confirms what I've always thought of him......nothing inside of him......empty.....he can drive well sometimes but I would never bet on him......he does as you say, wimps out at the end.
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4211)
The biggest issue I have with this Hamlin fine situation, is that Nascar has not fined everyone who has made stronger derogatory comments.....Much as I detest Hamlin, I actually defended him on this one, because his remarks were mild by comparison and I thought the fine was wrong.
But then Hamlin wimped out on this too....he huffed and puffed that he was not going to pay it and did not care if he risked suspension.....then he does not appeal it....he ended up looking like a fool.
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4211)
He should just paid it and let it be...NASCAR looked like a fool on this one, he should of just let them hung themselves...lol
asifyouknow
Total Comments (1921)
Agree
LittleE~BigMT fan
Total Comments (4211)
Actually I had heard that since Hamlin refuses to pay the fin gets rolled over to Joe Gibbs Racing, who then did pay the fine, or intends to. There was an article I read last week saying the Hamlin incident is also dragging up memories of Carl Long and his fine.
Long was fined in 2009 for an illegal oversized engine during the All-Star Showdown (the last chance race for the All-Star Race). He dropped out of the race because of engine problems about 3 laps after the start. For his effort he won $5,000. But because of the illegal engine NASCAR fined the team $200,000. That fine when to the car owner, Long's wife. Since she was unable to pay the fine, they were a Start & Park team, the fine rolled over to Carl. And Long has been suspended as a result of not paying the fine.
NASCAR has stated any fine levied against any participating member of the sport, from the driver to owner to crew member, can be rolled over to someone else if the primary individual cannot or will not pay said fine. In short one way or another NASCAR will get their money. I figure that rule is in effect for a situation just like this, a driver refuses to pay and since Hamlin is a top driver NASCAR can't suspend him over something as silly as this the sponsor would revolt. So NASCAR has to go elsewhere to get their money.
And for the record Long's suspension is only from driving in Cup he has been a crew member, mechanic, and Nationwide driver since his suspension.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2064)
Thanks for this info.Long's offense was way worse than Hamlin's and Gibbs will just dock his pay. They both can afford it.Bugs me that Nascar takes such a strong stance on a few silly comments.
Luvdatracin
Total Comments (419)
Thanks for the info...Something wont change my dear friend...NASCAR WAS WRONG!!...lol...lol
asifyouknow
Total Comments (1921)
I'm not saying NASCAR was right, just why/how the bill will be payed.
And for the record NASCAR is and always will be right! At least in NASCAR's eyes.
Raistwalker
Total Comments (2064)
Verry true...
asifyouknow
Total Comments (1921)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.