A different view – and there were plenty – on 'warnings'

My two cents

Sometimes it's good to get a fresh perspective.

I was off last week and watched and read from afar about the collection of Hendrick Motorsports' Nos. 48 and 5 cars following the race at Dover, Del., and the subsequent “warning” NASCAR gave those teams about pushing the limit on tolerances in the construction of the cars.

Watching the issue unfold has been confusing and entertaining.

First, it was hard to grasp. None of the discussion in stories, on TV or in officials' answers made it clear what exactly the issue was with the Hendrick cars. In fact, it wasn't until Tuesday that I discovered it's how the bodies are married (for lack of a better term) to the chassis.

This is an area that cannot be easily detected by visual inspection but can be isolated by NASCAR's 3-dimensional scanning techniques at its research and development center in Concord.

It was also clear that everyone has an opinion about it was a “big deal” or not.

I think the only reason anyone knew about it at all was due to a query posed by Claire B. Lang, a reporter for Sirius Satellite Radio. And even then, it was only because NASCAR officials provided a candid response.

Since the cars passed inspection, NASCAR could have easily waved off the question and avoided the issue altogether. In retrospect, that would probably have caused much less hassle for NASCAR.

However, since officials acknowledged that they had warned the teams about heading in a direction that could warrant penalties, the issue took on a life of its own in the media and among fans.

There were those who thought it was no issue at all since, technically, the Hendrick teams had done nothing wrong. That is true, but anything that is given a once-over on a team in the thick of a tight championship battle is newsworthy. Had they been double-checking Mark Martin's safety belts, nobody would have made note of it.

Then there were those who thought NASCAR acted unfairly by giving advance warning to the Hendrick teams, preventing them from “getting caught.”

NASCAR has randomly hauled in the new cars for a closer inspection since they were first implemented in Sprint Cup competition. And numerous crew chiefs have told me they have had issues pointed out to them after such inspections.

The only thing “new” here was the fact it became public.

There were also some who thought the issue was raised by NASCAR officials to detract from (fill in your favorite NASCAR criticism here). I can tell you that on the list of topics NASCAR officials would prefer to not discuss, this issue doesn't rank any better than sagging TV ratings.

And then there was the final group. The people who wondered, “Why wasn't Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team let in on this secret?”

I may have been on vacation, but even I saw that one coming.

Notes

Dodge says it's still committed

Despite a shake-up this week in its management structure, Dodge officials maintain the manufacturer intends to remain involved in NASCAR.

“Our brand-focused strategy for development and marketing of Dodge vehicles through the sport remains a good fit for the company,” said Ralph Gilles, president and CEO of the Dodge car brand.

“Dodge customers and NASCAR fans share the enthusiasm for performance on and off the track. We're looking forward to strong performances for the remainder of 2009 and the foreseeable future.”

Some of the upcoming fan events

Roush Fenway Racing will host its fall Fan Day event on Oct. 15 at its headquarters in Concord. Fans are invited to participate in activities that include an autograph session from 10 to 11 a.m.

Jack Roush, Jamie McMurray, David Ragan, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Colin Braun and Erik Darnell will all sign autographs with a limited number of tickets being handed out at 8 a.m.

Michael Waltrip Racing hosts its third Fan Appreciation Day on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its headquarters, 20310 Chartwell Center Drive, Cornelius.

Next race

Pepsi 500

Where: Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, Calif.

When: 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

TV: ABC.

Radio: Motor Racing Network.

Last year's winner: Jimmie Johnson.

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