There are certain things that just hit me wrong and last night as I was watching Inside Nextel Cup Racing one of these occurrences happened. I watch this show most every Monday or if I don't catch it on Monday I just Tivo it and watch it later in the week. Most of the time it just gives me a chance to see some of the things I might have missed or see what some of the expert's opinions are on certain situations during the race.
This week I wanted to pay extra close attention, for obvious reasons. We were involved in an accident that, in my opinion, happened way too early in the race. So, the experts are reviewing the race and as they get to the point of discussing this wreck I was really discouraged at the way the show was edited at that point. Of course they show the wreck and as I saw it neither DJ or Kenseth gave too much space to one another, but what do I know. This was one of those wrecks that Kenseth fans think he was right and DJ fans thinks he was right. That wasn't even the part that bothered me. The part that got to me was when the show immediately went to Kenseth's in car communications. It was the same chatter every driver would have. Kenseth questioned if DJ had a spotter and Kenseth's spotter replied that DJ probably didn't know someone was under him. Come on Kenseth and Bob, you both have been around this sport for a long time. You know I told him Kenseth was there. From the roof that is all I can do. If I could drive as good as those guys I wouldn't be on the roof. My point is that all I can do is tell him what I see and I told him that a car was inside. Now, it is up to them as the drivers to decide who they want to work with or work against. For some reason, those two do not like to give and take with one another.
It just hit me the wrong way. I am sure I was more responsive to the situation since they only played audio from one side of the crash. Let me just put it this way. The two driving the cars are ultimately responsible for what happens out on the track. I am sure Kenseth thought he was faster but I am also sure that DJ was faster than the car in front of him. We all know the end result. I am just glad dad was not injured.
The start of the race had a different feel this week anyway. I think it was because there was a little extra talk on our radio. With Bristol you need the least amount of people on the radio as anywhere. There is such little time to tell the driver what I am seeing that more voices on the radio make it more confusing. DJ always lets me know if he needs to hear more or less information. We also talked on Saturday and clarified some possible issues. He knows what is going on around him so if he has something to tell me he will let me know. That is one of the best things about spotting for a champion. I don't think his issues had anything to do with a spotter.
There are a lot of races left this year. Drivers don't forget who gives them a break.
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5 comments:
It's great to read your thoughts Jason and it's also great to know that you are guiding your dad around the track every week. I can't wait to hear you tell your dad over the radio that he just took the checkered flag! It will happen!
This DJ fan definitely doesn't blame the spotter. Kenseth wasn't "up to his door" like he said on the INC playback.
Keep the faith,
Go Dale Go! Go Jason Go!
Jeff in Richmond, VA
Don't listen to the "experts" Jason
- at Bristol there is always someone on your tail. Your Dad knows what he is doing. So does Kenseth. So if he hit your Dad, it
was from impatience. Not the first time either. And it's never his fault. You are doing a great job in a frustrating position. DJ
deserves better equipment. And if he had it, he would be running uo front where he belongs. Hang in there. Checkers are in your
future. Sara
PS - I totally agree that there was at least one too many voices on the radio last week. Maybe he will be "on track" next week.
What a breath of fresh air it is to hear your side of the incident, Jason. The way I see it, there were two drivers after the same piece of real estate; DJ had it, Kenseth wanted it and both were still on the lead lap. Indeed it was way too early in the race for Kenseth to take such drastic measures. Surely he could have just intricated a "bump and run" rather than a "bump to take out"!
Best wishes to you and the entire #44 team for the remainder of the season.
I was listening to you on the In-Car Audio. You were doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Drivers don't forget who gives them a break.
Oh, the irony of that statement!
Flashback to what will certainly be DJ's last Cup win, at Talladega 2 years ago. Who pushed him to that win? Matt Kenseth. DJ's first words when he got out of the car was to thank Matt.
Flashback to last year Bristol spring race. Matt has the dominating car, running right behind DJ who is last car on lead lap. Matt is clearly faster than DJ, but DJ won't give Matt a break and blocks him until Busch catches Matt and dumps him to win.
Yes, drivers don't forget who do and don't give them a break.
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