The Carl Edwards frequent-flier program

Monday, March 8, 2010 | 2:56 p.m.

Maybe we should start referring to some of the NASCAR tracks as airports. Now that another car has taken flight during a race, it seems more obvious that NASCAR’s decision to do away with the rear wing can’t come soon enough. Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond were correct when they each mentioned during the race broadcast that the wing is contributing to the cars becoming airborne.

But if the cars become less likely to take flight without the wings, that won’t mean that drivers should feel free to take the kind of action that Carl Edwards took at Atlanta. When NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton told the drivers to “Have at it,” that didn’t mean that the sanctioning body was giving a green light to acts of retaliation. NASCAR’s intent was to signal that tough, physical competition was acceptable. Fender banging was now back in style. But the “Have at it” comment didn’t suggest that a driver could use his car as a weapon at 190 mph to settle a score. Wrecking while battling for position on the last lap is one thing, but intentionally wrecking another car when you’re several laps down is an act that mandates disciplinary action.

I’m sure there are fans who think Keselowski got what he deserved after he sent Edwards airborne last year at Talladega. But that was a last-lap confrontation as the drivers where racing for the win, not an act of retaliation by an angry and frustrated driver.

Besides, if a driver is really intent on sending a message to a driver he believes has been unfair, then at least retaliate in a way that makes it look like the wreck is the other driver’s fault. Attack with some finesse. Don’t drive your bumper into the truck of the car in front of you with your foot firmly planted on the gas and expect that no one will notice what you are doing. Don’t drive your car like a bulldozer and then act surprised when the car you hit takes off like a plane on a runway.

Here’s some advice for Keselowski. Before the next race, call up Edwards’ sponsor and purchase some of that Aflac insurance.

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