Just Like Starting Over

            So, now that the debacle at Daytona is over, I have decided to wipe the slate clean. Well, after I carry on for a bit. This years Daytona 500 was so plagued by bad news, that a lot of good things were forgotten. So much emphasis was put on Michael Waltrip making the race, that some real feel-good stories were treated as bylines. I was more upset with the time being wasted saying the same things over and over, than I was with the actual cheating. To be fair to Michael, if cheating really was the big story (and not just a Toyota team cheating) they should've spent some more time on other teams. As much as I like Kasey Kahne what Kenny Francis is accused of doing is no less blatant than what David Hyder is accused of, as well as the Kenseth team. I stand by what I believed was right in the beginning; these three drivers should have been disqualified from the race. This would have made a point. Still, these drivers were in, they felt the rush, the sponsors got their name out, and they were in the Daytona 500. Meanwhile, James Hylton sat on the side lines.

            (I am in no way trying to imply that any of these drivers were knowledgeable or culpable in any of the infractions, I am only saying that to hurt a team and stop the cheating by any one person, the driver is the way, because missing a race hurts more than a few pocketbooks.)

            During the Duels the saga of Mikey continued. We had the cameras going to Buffy, the announcers singing his praises. They made it into an epic drama, like he was a hero out to conquer the beast. Meanwhile, another Mike's family, who really needed this, were treated as another byline. Mike Wallace would race in the Daytona 500! This was the good story, but nobody cheated, so pat him on the back and go find Waltrip. By the way, thanks Marlin, despite the image, you're okay with me. Let's not forget that Robert Yates Racing should've been the story of the week. They put a rookie and a veteran on the front row and for some reason discussing the caterer's sterno was more interesting.

            I am ashamed as I look back at Daytona, and it really looks bad on NASCAR, because it makes it look like it really is about the money to them. That kind of ruins the hopes for more small teams and venues. I try to focus on the good, yet a dark cloud floats above. As I try to walk away with the good, I realize that the good will not be what is spoken of, but we will hear about the bad forever. As I leave Daytona behind, I can only hope that California will be brighter.

            I would like to toast a few good men, before I go. A toast to James Hylton, for proving that passion and ability do not fade with age. To Robert Yates Racing, for proving that teas can rebuild and make an impact. To Mike Wallace, his family, and his team, for reminding us what it really means to be in the Daytona 500. And a toast to the "King of Boo's", Kurt Busch, for being man enough to say ,"I'm sorry", even though it really wasn't his fault. I am a die hard Tony Stewart fan, but Tony got loose and (-25pts.) happened. Kurt thought it was his fault and he was not happy with himself, which shows a maturity that had previously been absent. I think Kurt deserves a little respect.

            In closing, I would like to say that Michael Waltrip's daughter penalized him worse than NASCAR ever could. NASCAR gave Michael Waltrip Racing a good spanking, but Macy brought Michael to his knees. She made him realize that no matter whose fault it was, he would be held accountable. NASCAR fines and fan opinions can be overcome with time, but Michael may find his private penalties last a lot longer. I say Michael has paid enough and so have we. Off to the land of sun, surf, and unleaded race fuel!