One-Lap Shootouts, 1998 Version

M.L. Morgan

Well, race fans, the new and improved(?) Bud Shootout has come and gone. Rusty Wallace found the winner�s circle for his first time. I have no problem with that - I like Rusty Wallace. He�s come a long way from his former brash persona. I�m sure his P.R. people are happy. But this piece isn�t about Rusty - it�s about Nascar�s absurd rule which allows races to be restarted with one lap to go.

This rule is second only to Nascar�s restrictor plate rule for Daytona and Talladega for sheer stupidity. All it does is encourage wrecks. These drivers don�t compete for second-place. They race to win. And rightfully so. Many fans know Earnhardt has run second in the Daytona 500 a few times but almost all fans can remember who beat him. Winston Cup Racing isn�t about running second - it�s about winning. It�s about time Nascar let the drivers race for the win.

Admittedly the Bud Shootout isn�t a real race - there are no points involved and the money isn�t that great by today�s standards, but the drivers race for all they are worth to win. That�s the reason they are they are competing in Winston Cup - these drivers are the best. You won�t see any drivers wearing sequined suits and skating backwards - this isn�t the Olympics - this is racing at its best.

Nascar has the audacity to mandate these one-lap shootouts. I guess they are waiting for someone to get killed before they change this preposterous rule. I�m not waiting to speak out. I�ve done columns in the past addressing this same subject and I won�t be quiet until Nascar does something about this rule.

I had the chance recently to write a column applauding some new rule changes made by Nascar to slow the cars by reducing the aerodynamics of the race cars. Fine idea. I give Nascar their just due whenever they deserve it. Now I think it�s time for Nascar to hold it. As long as the one-lap shootout rule is in effect we will see more needless wrecks. I don�t care Rusty jumped the green flag in the Bud Shootout - it should never have been allowed to occur.

Unless it�s pouring down rain I don�t think any race should be allowed to end without the last 5 laps being run under green flag. Anything else is stealing from the drivers and the fans. The cars can�t race in the rain. Ask DW - that�s how he got his last victory.

The new 1998 season is upon us and I don�t expect to have any more clout with Nascar than I�ve had in the past. King William II never forgets it�s his football and he can make whatever rules he chooses. Such is life.

Nice, fairly new site all race fans should visit: That's Racin'. It�s sponsored by the Charlotte Observer and it�s very good. Check it out. Another one you should be aware of is "A Lighter Side of NASCAR". They have a great newsletter which is up-dated daily. Written by a real Nascar fan. They do a fine job. No, I don�t get paid to give plugs. These are really nice sites. Check them out !

Have comments or questions? E-mail: M.L. Morgan

Home | Past Editorials | Racing Links | M.L.'s NASCAR Flags | Ask Uncle Mike