A DIfferent Take On Cheating
If I were Mike Helton for a day, the first thing I’d change is how “infractions” (cheating) are dealt with come race day. Currently, the driver is absolved (unless he’s the owner and crew chief) from all penalties and fines if the team gets busted with an infraction. The drivers like to play the “I had no idea that part was even there…!” game, in spite of the fact that certain components that are added illegally have to have the drivers knowledge, or they could end up in the wall due to unexpected handling. My approach would be to include the driver in any and all fines that the crew chief gets hit with, because if you hit a driver with points, he’ll start paying more attention.
Plus the whole mind set of how crew chiefs approach cheating is mind-boggling to begin with. They all, knowingly, and willingly, try their best week in and week out, to beat the system, and in the process, hope to not get caught. And obviously, NASCAR has a hard time either finding those that cheat, and/or holding them accountable for their actions. A prime example of this is the 48 of Jimmie Johnson. There’s something about that car that is, well, let’s just say, curious and interesting. More often than not, Johnson’s been mired mid-pack this year, and then all of a sudden with about 30 laps to go, he “finds the handling” on his car and passes the other cars like they’re standing still and heads to victory lane. Does it mean he has something illegal installed on the car, like traction control? Probably not, because I have to believe NASCAR would find it. More than likely, he’s probably using something that boosts the horsepower. Bbut he sandbags for 90% of the race, and then opens the throttle all the way when he needs it. This is a harsh statement to make, but if you analyze his races this year, it would be hard to explain. And Chad Knaus has already been busted twice for cheating, so make your own assumptions.
Tags: chad knauss, jimmie johnson, mike helton, NASCAR, nextel cup seriesRelated Stories
POSTED IN: NASCAR
0 opinions for A DIfferent Take On Cheating
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: