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For reasons that differ greatly, several races of the IndyCar series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup end in a most disappointing way.
I get the feeling that every time the scene is set for an exciting finish, something goes wrong, usually due to a crash. Here I am, sitting on the edge of my seat, getting ready to witness the closest finish in history of motorsport and, “Bang!” That's it; no more racing.
When the most prestigious race of the IndyCar season, the famed Indy 500, ends under the yellows, I must honestly admit that it is inacceptable.
The ultimate laps of the Indy 500 are regularly ruined by a crash, usually with less than two laps to run. The image of the winner crossing the finish line at a walking pace behind the Pace Car is everything but exhilarating.
The finish of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races are also quite frustrating, but not for the same reasons.
NASCAR races must end by a sequence of green/white/checkered flags. Race officials have three attempts to finish the race under such conditions.
That procedure evidently puts a lot of pressure on the drivers -- a bit too much, it seems. Crashes and collisions of all kinds are common sights at the end of Sprint Cup races.
The most recent chaos happened at the conclusion of last Sunday's race at Daytona. Behind the leaders, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, it was turmoil. In just 2.5 miles, two major pile-ups ruined the races of several competitors who patiently drove steady races.
To see a race end with a dozen race cars smashing into each other in a shower of sparks, flames, and smoke does not send the right message about motor racing.
It seems like there are no longer rules during the final laps of a race.
I look forward to the day when drivers will be disciplined and responsible enough -- although still fully competitive -- to end a hotly disputed race in a correct manner.
I get the feeling that every time the scene is set for an exciting finish, something goes wrong, usually due to a crash. Here I am, sitting on the edge of my seat, getting ready to witness the closest finish in history of motorsport and, “Bang!” That's it; no more racing.
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| Getty Images for Nascar |
When the most prestigious race of the IndyCar season, the famed Indy 500, ends under the yellows, I must honestly admit that it is inacceptable.
The ultimate laps of the Indy 500 are regularly ruined by a crash, usually with less than two laps to run. The image of the winner crossing the finish line at a walking pace behind the Pace Car is everything but exhilarating.
The finish of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races are also quite frustrating, but not for the same reasons.
NASCAR races must end by a sequence of green/white/checkered flags. Race officials have three attempts to finish the race under such conditions.
That procedure evidently puts a lot of pressure on the drivers -- a bit too much, it seems. Crashes and collisions of all kinds are common sights at the end of Sprint Cup races.
The most recent chaos happened at the conclusion of last Sunday's race at Daytona. Behind the leaders, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, it was turmoil. In just 2.5 miles, two major pile-ups ruined the races of several competitors who patiently drove steady races.
To see a race end with a dozen race cars smashing into each other in a shower of sparks, flames, and smoke does not send the right message about motor racing.
It seems like there are no longer rules during the final laps of a race.
I look forward to the day when drivers will be disciplined and responsible enough -- although still fully competitive -- to end a hotly disputed race in a correct manner.