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StumblePublished Thursday, March 11, 2010 | 8:42 p.m.
Updated Friday, March 12, 2010 | 8:39 a.m.
Brad Keselowski’s airborne acrobatics have landed him in the glare of the national media spotlight. Thanks to Carl Edwards, Keselowski has been busy being interview by media members who aren’t part of the nation’s sports pages. Earlier this week he was asked a few questions on the TV show “Inside Edition” and references to his flight at Atlanta have made it onto the front page of USA Today.
As a result of all of this attention, fans, critics and pundits who follow the sport are flooding the Internet with their opinions about the altercation between Edwards and Keselowski. And one point that is commonly made is that Keselowski got what he deserved.
I don’t buy that. Being booted into the air at 190 mph, barely missing the catch fence and having the A pillar on the driver’s side of the windshield crushed by the retaining wall is harsh payback for being an aggressive driver with a cocky attitude. If the No. 12 car had hit the fence and the cars part flew into the stands, would people still think Keselowski got what he deserved?
I know what you’re thinking. Keselowski sent Edwards flying last year at Talladega, so what happened to him is justifiable payback. But the crash at Talladega came during a fierce struggle on the last lap as the drivers battled for the win. Keselowski wasn’t giving an inch, as he shouldn’t have, and he wasn’t acting out of some childish desire for retaliation.
Fans say they want the drivers to be more colorful. But the minute a colorful character like Keselowski comes along some fans say he should be knocked down a few pegs because he needs to be taught a lesson.
And what about Edwards? Does the punishment—probation for the next three races--fit the crime or did NASCAR give the driver the equivalent of a limp slap on the wrist?
NASCAR started the season by saying that the drivers will have more freedom to race the way they want to race. The sanctioning body trusts that the drivers know how far they can push the envelope of aggression. They are professionals and they are conscious of where the line that shouldn’t be crossed is. Edwards crossed that line and he knows it. NASCAR had to dole out a punishment that sent a message to all of the drivers, but at the same time didn’t make the sanctioning body look like it was going back on its word to let the drivers “have at it.” NASCAR's decision was the right one.
Honestly, I think this wreck would have happened even if NASCAR hadn’t loosened up the reigns this year.
And remember, NASCAR parked Edwards after the wreck. That is also a punishment.
At least there’s one thing everyone who follows this sport can agree on. The attention generated by this wreck is giving NASCAR a lot of free publicity. I bet the TV ratings for Bristol next week will be higher than expected.
I think Carl Edwards deserved a more severe punishment. He already drives with a sense of entitlement(diving into low lines trying to make holes that aren't there). He acts surprised that another driver doesn't just pull over and let him in. Nascar protects him because he's one of their golden boys. Now Every driver who wants revenge wont think twice because probation don't mean squat!
I do not think that Keselowski deserved any part of that. The Talladega incident on the last lap (which Edwards in post race interviews clearly conceded the fact that Keselowski was doing what he had to do) was a racing deal, nothing more. The incident early in this race between the two was another racing deal. Edwards came down, Keselowski had no where to go and couldnt slow down fast enough. Edwards got wrecked because he was being overly aggressive at the time. To come back at the very end of the race and purposely make a move like that (not only confirmed on video but acknowledged by Edwards himself in post race interviews) was childish, Dangerous, and not something that should be allowed at all. The punishment leveraged on Edwards does not equal the action he took on the track. The reprucussions could have been so much more severe.
Fans wanted NASCAR to "loosen the reins". They did and now the fans are upset by the punishment. Can't have it both ways fans!! GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON!
Keselowski is a bum. He got what he deserved, but needs more. He just better be careful who he decides to takeout in future races cause there are a few drivers that won't take his crap. Go Carl!!
Keselowski was due,and Nascars slap on the wrist probabtion for Carl confirms that even they knew that.
We found out this week that Keselowski has a persecution complex that goes back to his school years,he was picked on,and now he perceives every on track incident as a slight.
He's a bright and talented kid who also happens to be a head case and doesn't really have a friend in the garage.
Memo to post #1: No fans were hurt in the wreck at Atlanta,Big Air Brad never hit the catchfence.Dont make stuff up to make your case against Carl.
Edwards was clearly at fault in the earlier incident when he ran down on Keselowski putting himself temporarily out of the race. He also clearly intentionally wrecked Keselowski later in the race. Edwards should have been fined $100,000 and suspended for a least three races. Regardless of how likeable or unlikeable each of the drivers, Edwards was the bad guy here. He has definitely changed my opinion of him.
If we only base our opinions without looking back in past races, we will all be on Keselowski's side. But in any society, you can not come in and bully the well established guys and not expect to be counterbullied. You have to earn your stripes and if there was a payback to your past crimes, then be a man and stop crying.
Thank you Ionfield, Im glad I wasnt the only one who saw that.
Unclegig, I agree with you on a certain level, but where is the line that we wont cross to make a point? Dale Earnhardt, and Tony Stewart made no apologies when they first entered the sport and ruffled feathers, whats the difference now?
And this is one of the main reasons why I choose Formula One over NASCAR. I enjoy racing more than I enjoy bumper cars. Rubbin' ain't racin', RACIN' is racin'!