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StumblePublished Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 | 12:16 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 | 2:14 p.m.
NASCAR is considering making 21 the minimum age to drive in Sprint Cup. This is a good idea. The pressure of performing and conducting oneself in a professional manner on a national sports stage is a lot to ask of a teenager. Come to think of it, I don’t think I know anyone who is 19 who could handle these pressures with grace and maturity. Heck, it’s hard enough for some of the drivers who are well past 21 to act like mature adults in the NASCAR environment.
My guess is there are corporate considerations that NASCAR is thinking about, too. Corporate money is the lifeblood of NASCAR and you know that most sponsors want a spokesman who acts like a grownup in front of the cameras in victory lane.
My guess... it ain't gonna happen. Someone within the "hallowed halls" of NASCAR opened his/her mouth way too soon.
The words of Mike Helton are instructive:
“But we’re continuing to look at the new drivers that are coming along and we’re also looking at how they mature and how they can handle the pressures of racing in our top division,” Helton said. NASCAR is not close to making a decision about raising the minimum age requirements for the Sprint Cup Series, but it is something that is continually discussed.
“It’s not something that’s been decided on, but it’s just one of a lot of things that we talk about all the time,” Helton said. “That’s just something that’s out there right now that people are eating it up.”
Who really cares except the redneck dirt farmers. They should do away with the age requirements and replace all the cars with donkeys. Then Gordon would absolutely win because his would be the only team with two asses.
I am more worried about local short tracks that allow KIDS (15, 16) to race in the top division. Just because you know how to operate the equipment does not mean you are emotionally equipped to handle the equipment. By the way, I miss Heath.
Yeah, I miss Heath too. RIP, Joker!
Is there a difference between 'mhenle, and 'ILoveMikeHenle'? Are you two different people?
I think Mike (as in Smith) is wrong that it is a good idea to raise the min. age to 21. Let's get serious, you can get drafted at 17 (I think?) and be expected to be mature enough to kill, yet you can't drive a stock car (or have drink, for that matter) till you are 21. Something weird there!
If the sponsors don't like you, they don't like you. Where is the problem, it is their choice, and they have the hammer to make things work their way. Good drivers, capable of driving Cup, come along because they are good drivers,period!!
If they don't last, which has happened many times, it's because of a whole bunch of possible reasons, hey, it's capitalism. If I can't make money off of you, then you're gone, that's how it works and that's how we all live!
Pumped full of adrenaline of your own making is way different from being full of 'roids. Why does any driver have to handle this on a continuous basis, filled with 'grace and maturity'? Screw that, let's rock! Let's race!!