Here's what Tom Mayberry doesn't understand -- having the Nextel Cup star barge in and win one of your biggest shows of the season lends the PASS North Series zero credibility, particularly when that win is clouded by controversy.Kyle Busch's win in the All-Star 200 Saturday night, by several accounts, should not stand -- and it probably won't. He changed his right side tires after his crew, according to two different sources, purposely punctured the tires to make them appear flat. Busch then charged up through the field, rallying back to win in the No. 51 supplied by PASS marketing director and former team owner Steve Perry.
One flat tire? Maybe. Two at the same time for a car running up front? Not on your life.
Changing tires that are anything but flat is a big-time no-no in the PASS series, even in a $5,000-to-win, 200-lap feature like the one at All-Star Speedway. Intentionally flattening your tire is cheating. Plain and simple. This isn't some NASCAR Nextel Cup Series "gray area." It's like stopping on the frontstretch to intentionally bring out the caution flag -- times 10 -- and then punting the leader into the turn 4 fence to get your lap back.
As of 1 a.m. Sunday, word was that Busch would be penalized 2 laps for changing right side tires and Mike Rowe would be declared the winner.
Busch, of course, didn't stick around to discuss his race strategy -- though he did talk freely in victory lane about changing two tires just shy of halfway, saying that his car came to life after. He was escorted to his car by police and long gone toward Loudon during post-race inspection.
But, it doesn't really matter, anyway. Everything Kyle Busch does for a regional touring series happens before the green flag -- generating interest, selling tickets, drawing attention to the PASS brand. Having him go out and whip the pants off your stars, your Rowes and Clarks and Benjamins and Dearborns, only makes your series look weaker -- like your drivers can't hold a candle to the sport's best.
But don't you want your stars to shine brightest?
In my book, Mike Rowe won that race Saturday night, fair and square. Come Monday, it should be that way in Mayberry's book, too.
2 comments:
Well said. & I hope the PASS execs see it the same way.
Let's NOT, just like any other race Kyle did run over something on the race track! I know what your thinking, and Nascar better lighten up Hendrick cars, and remember who sponsors all these races
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