An apology and a criticism...
 

Having just endured a wild and crazy night at Bloomington, I must make an apology and voice my opinion about a matter that should not have to be brought up. After the Darland accident, and I am a huge fan of Dave, there was a bit of an altercation where another person at the race was cheering and applauding the fact that Dave had just barrel rolled down the back chute several times. This person was being very distasteful and obviously had no regard for Dave's safety or well being. Now I have no problem whatsoever with people liking, or disliking, certain drivers...but to cheer the fact that they just had a severe accident is completely uncalled for and disgraceful. Not only does it lack etiquette, but it shows no respect for the men laying their lives on the line for our entertainment. I only hope this person, and those like her, do not teach their children or friends that this is the proper way to behave at any race, or any other sporting event for that matter.

This being said, I must make an apology for my behavior in handling the situation. I was sitting about six or seven rows behind this display and voiced my opinion quite loudly...and I must mention that I was supported by several other true race fans that were concerned about what they had just seen. Anyway, after being given a less than appropriate hand gesture, this person and I, along with a few people I was with, had a lengthy exchange of words that itself is not appropriate in a public venue. I can only apologize for myself...after realizing there were still children and other upstanding fans present, I just wanted to say I was sorry if anyone in attendance was offended in any way by my remarks. It should say something, however, when my mother...who is just about as docile and kind-hearted as they come...jumps your case. She doesn't raise her voice unless it is completely called for...and in this case it was. To the person that was applauding Mr. Darland's accident...I can only hope you change your ways because that is in no way appropriate behavior at a race track. People like that I do not consider "fans," but simply instigators who, as my mother put it, need some way to draw attention to themselves.

I also would like to send out my thoughts and wishes to the drivers that were sent to the hospital tonight...a couple of very rough rides...get well soon guys.

Thanks for reading this little rant...and enjoy the racing.:22:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Jim,
I wasn't there but it sounds like if there should be an apology it is to come from the lady giving the one finger salute.
Jim Morrison

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by Jim Halpert:
Having just endured a wild and crazy night at Bloomington, I must make an apology and voice my opinion about a matter that should not have to be brought up. After the Darland accident, and I am a huge fan of Dave, there was a bit of an altercation where another person at the race was cheering and applauding the fact that Dave had just barrel rolled down the back chute several times. This person was being very distasteful and obviously had no regard for Dave's safety or well being. Now I have no problem whatsoever with people liking, or disliking, certain drivers...but to cheer the fact that they just had a severe accident is completely uncalled for and disgraceful. Not only does it lack etiquette, but it shows no respect for the men laying their lives on the line for our entertainment. I only hope this person, and those like her, do not teach their children or friends that this is the proper way to behave at any race, or any other sporting event for that matter.

This being said, I must make an apology for my behavior in handling the situation. I was sitting about six or seven rows behind this display and voiced my opinion quite loudly...and I must mention that I was supported by several other true race fans that were concerned about what they had just seen. Anyway, after being given a less than appropriate hand gesture, this person and I, along with a few people I was with, had a lengthy exchange of words that itself is not appropriate in a public venue. I can only apologize for myself...after realizing there were still children and other upstanding fans present, I just wanted to say I was sorry if anyone in attendance was offended in any way by my remarks. It should say something, however, when my mother...who is just about as docile and kind-hearted as they come...jumps your case. She doesn't raise her voice unless it is completely called for...and in this case it was. To the person that was applauding Mr. Darland's accident...I can only hope you change your ways because that is in no way appropriate behavior at a race track. People like that I do not consider "fans," but simply instigators who, as my mother put it, need some way to draw attention to themselves.

I also would like to send out my thoughts and wishes to the drivers that were sent to the hospital tonight...a couple of very rough rides...get well soon guys.

Thanks for reading this little rant...and enjoy the racing.:22:

i seen and heard most of this being about 10 chairs away from me....yeah that was very disrespectful....DRINK ANOTHER 1:32:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

We were sitting close enough to hear the person (moron) that you refer to. At first I thought it was a distasteful joke, then we realized this person (moron) wasn't joking, but in fact, was seriously cheering a violent looking accident.

We had no idea who had taken this person (moron) to task for their callous and disrespectful actions, we were just thankful that somebody sitting closer than us, made it clear that this behavior was unacceptable.

I can't speak for others, but for our part, NO apology from you is necessary!

A thank you from us, true race fans, is more in order as I see it! :8:


PS, Thought's prayers go out for ALL the drivers that took hard rides last night, some of those were VERY ugly!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by Jim Halpert:
Having just endured a wild and crazy night at Bloomington, I must make an apology and voice my opinion about a matter that should not have to be brought up. After the Darland accident, and I am a huge fan of Dave, there was a bit of an altercation where another person at the race was cheering and applauding the fact that Dave had just barrel rolled down the back chute several times. This person was being very distasteful and obviously had no regard for Dave's safety or well being. Now I have no problem whatsoever with people liking, or disliking, certain drivers...but to cheer the fact that they just had a severe accident is completely uncalled for and disgraceful. Not only does it lack etiquette, but it shows no respect for the men laying their lives on the line for our entertainment. I only hope this person, and those like her, do not teach their children or friends that this is the proper way to behave at any race, or any other sporting event for that matter.

This being said, I must make an apology for my behavior in handling the situation. I was sitting about six or seven rows behind this display and voiced my opinion quite loudly...and I must mention that I was supported by several other true race fans that were concerned about what they had just seen. Anyway, after being given a less than appropriate hand gesture, this person and I, along with a few people I was with, had a lengthy exchange of words that itself is not appropriate in a public venue. I can only apologize for myself...after realizing there were still children and other upstanding fans present, I just wanted to say I was sorry if anyone in attendance was offended in any way by my remarks. It should say something, however, when my mother...who is just about as docile and kind-hearted as they come...jumps your case. She doesn't raise her voice unless it is completely called for...and in this case it was. To the person that was applauding Mr. Darland's accident...I can only hope you change your ways because that is in no way appropriate behavior at a race track. People like that I do not consider "fans," but simply instigators who, as my mother put it, need some way to draw attention to themselves.

I also would like to send out my thoughts and wishes to the drivers that were sent to the hospital tonight...a couple of very rough rides...get well soon guys.

Thanks for reading this little rant...and enjoy the racing.:22:

Well said Troy!

The sad part of our sport is the people that go to the races simply to see the accidents or crashes; it sounds like you may have
encountered one of them yesterday. Usually they do not know the drivers personally, they have no concern for the drivers life, they have no idea the sacrifices a racer and his family make for him to compete in the sport we all love. They have no idea what it cost a car owner to have his car at the track on a weekly basis. I personally do not consider these thrill seekers race fans and have no respect for them. I have even less respect for someone from another team that acts the way you described this woman did when another driver/competitor is involved in a crash.

Luckily I learned at an early age in my love for auto racing that the only time you clap during a crash is when the driver climbs out of the car under his own power. You are applauding the fact the driver is uninjured not that he crashed.

Patti

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Never wish for ANY driver to have an accident (especially applaud an accident). Never wish for a rainout even if you can't be there. Never say one race event is better than another if you were not at both. Just be nice and enjoy the racing!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

It's completely classless to cheer and carry on when a car flips. I wonder sometimes if some people realize that is someones dad, husband or brother out there in that car. We were sitting behind Kyle Cummins grandma (at least that is who someone said she was) last night and anyone who cheers when a driver flips should be made to watch her reaction when Kyle went over. Fortunately Kyle was ok, but she was pretty shaken.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

I was at the Knoxville Nationals a few years back, there was a very hard impact into the wall in turn 3, right in front of us 3 guys were cheering and laughing, I tried to explain to them instead of cheering they should say a prayer for the man inside that car, they said a few choice words and went back to cheering. Steve King lost his life in that accident. They were sick, left and never came back the rest of the weekend.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Heres where the sport gets cloudy......Me personally; I agree with what everyone is saying about respecting the driver and family and such. I grew up in an open wheel family so I see the sport from that perspective.

However; it's the lack of the type of fan that takes joy in seeing a crash that keeps the purses small. This is where the stock cars have an advantage on the open wheel cars. In the stock car deal......fans are able to live out their aggression and cheer crashes and damaged equipment because on the surface it looks fairly safe.(No crashes are safe.)

I don't blame you and the others being upset at her, but she probably felt that she paid her $15 and if some fool in one of those cars wants to destroy it; she is going to cheer it. As someone just pointed out to me......look at the Monster Truck Shows. Standing room only.....Pure destruction.

At Springfield one year during a Silver Crown/Midget Double Header; I overheard a drivers wife(Very Good Driver) making fun of one of the midget guys. Talking about how he was going to crash. He did end up crashing and she and her friends were laughing about it. Unfortunately for her; Karma showed up and her husband took a very nasty tumble shortly after. She went from laughing to absolutely being hysterical with fear.

While I wasn't happy the driver crashed(He was shaken pretty good, but unhurt), I was happy to see Karma didn't miss a golden opportunity.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by Panama:
We were sitting close enough to hear the person (moron) that you refer to. At first I thought it was a distasteful joke, then we realized this person (moron) wasn't joking, but in fact, was seriously cheering a violent looking accident.

We had no idea who had taken this person (moron) to task for their callous and disrespectful actions, we were just thankful that somebody sitting closer than us, made it clear that this behavior was unacceptable.

I can't speak for others, but for our part, NO apology from you is necessary!

A thank you from us, true race fans, is more in order as I see it! :8:


PS, Thought's prayers go out for ALL the drivers that took hard rides last night, some of those were VERY ugly!

Panama,
You should apology to the people that every saw you drive a go-cart or a sprint car.
:9: Rusty

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Nobody should be happy to see someone crash or "flip" I don't care if you like the driver or not.

But we all know its gonna happen with non wingers more than any other form of racing. I would rather have a wing over my head, after all nobody would go run an Indy Car without any ground effects to keep them glued to the track.

What I am wondering is if everyone "stopped" on the :24: or did some select driver get to drive their car on over to the pits to work on it???

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by RBL56:
Panama,
You should apology to the people that every saw you drive a go-cart or a sprint car.
:9: Rusty

I apologize to all those I outran in the go-kart, (including and especially you:2:) and the sprint car, I apologize for not being able to get enough seat time to ever finish better than 6th in a 40 lapper at Paragon.
But I sure had fun in my all to short carer.

Good to hear from you Rusty, I'm pretty sure you owe me a beer or two for some reason or another. :32:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Quote: But we all know its gonna happen with non wingers more than any other form of racing.

We do? :(

Quote: However; it's the lack of the type of fan that takes joy in seeing a crash that keeps the purses small. This is where the stock cars have an advantage on the open wheel cars. In the stock car deal......fans are able to live out their aggression and cheer crashes and damaged equipment because on the surface it looks fairly safe.(No crashes are safe.)

I think this guy has it right. :6:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

I was about 15 feet away from where this all went down. I agree that some of the comments and language used in the argument was not good with kids around. With that said, I can't understand how anybody could cheer when somebody flips....no matter who they are. There are drivers I like and ones that I don't. I might be happy if one I don't like spins in the lead or something, but NEVER if they flip. The comment of, "I didn't cheer until they said he was OK" is ********. Doesn't matter IMO. Classless act.

I did hope the two ladies were going to throw down. They would have been interesting.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by :
I did hope the two ladies were going to throw down. They would have been interesting.

I'm not a big guy by any means, but there is no way that piece of trash was getting near my mom...she would have had a much bigger problem before that.

When asked who her favorite driver was, the instigator replied, "Anybody but Darland!" Now I can accept that...I don't understand it, but I can accept it...so this wasn't just a case of her wanting to see an accident, this was a case of her wanting to see a Dave Darland accident...perfectly unacceptable. I might mention there was no cheering, that I noticed, after the other three flips of the evening...thank goodness. So this was an isolated incident, if isolated counts as whenever the 2B was on the racetrack.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

How in the heck could anybody not like Dave Darland?????

Talent, class, personality and wonderful attitude.... I thought those were typically qualities that people LOVED in a racer.

No wonder our country is so screwed up!!!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by darnall:
How in the heck could anybody not like Dave Darland?????

Talent, class, personality and wonderful attitude.... I thought those were typically qualities that people LOVED in a racer.

No wonder our country is so screwed up!!!

Just a thought but probably because he has been so successful. It seems many fans dislike successful people in general and aren't bashful about expressing their opinions. Either that, or maybe her favorite driver isn't quite the same caliber of a Dave Darland.:31:

As many have said before me, this is no race fan.:34; This is a person who doesn't have the intelligence God gave little apples or knowledge of racing to see greatness. I am a race fan who enjoys all types of racing. I also can see driving talent and recognize outstanding achievement. I hope that some day she gains some common sense and realizes what these drivers do to entertain us.:16 Doubtful, but I guess I can always hope.:15:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

I do not normally criticise people, but I was nearby and that was disrespectful.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

I wasn't sitting in my usual area, so I didn't hear this incident. Bob Pfender and I did notice a commotion to our right at one point, and that was probably the incident you are speaking of.
I can't understand anyone ever cheering when a driver crashes. My wife and I are huge fans of Dave Darland and we believe he epitomizes the way a driver should conduct himself/herself on and off the track.
It seems that I have witnessed more altercations at race tracks this year than I have in many years. I don't have any explanation for this obnoxious behavior, but it seems I witness more of it in society in general each day.
As I was leaving my parking space last night, a very rude driver in a new bright red Chevy pickup with a #36 sticker on the back window just plain cut me off. If I had not applied my brakes he would have hit me. This type of driving when leaving the parking lot is not only rude, it endangers pedestrians. I will always allow a vehicle to enter a line if they signal their intentions in a courteous manner. It is dangerous to speed towards another vehicle on grass that is wet with dew. No doubt some of these rude drivers are under the influence of alcohol and that is a factor. If you have had too many adult beverages, then you should have a designated driver. The police are out in force with checkpoints on the weekends and I don't want to see any good race fans get in trouble because they imbibed too much at the races.
That's my $.02 worth on this matter.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by Mud Packer:
Just a thought but probably because he has been so successful. It seems many fans dislike successful people in general and aren't bashful about expressing their opinions. Either that, or maybe her favorite driver isn't quite the same caliber of a Dave Darland.:31:

As many have said before me, this is no race fan.:34; This is a person who doesn't have the intelligence God gave little apples or knowledge of racing to see greatness. I am a race fan who enjoys all types of racing. I also can see driving talent and recognize outstanding achievement. I hope that some day she gains some common sense and realizes what these drivers do to entertain us.:16 Doubtful, but I guess I can always hope.:15:

Very real explaination there. Probably why people hate Stewart the way they do. He is successful in everything he drives (well mostly everything). When a driver gets to be that good people want to see the do bad.

However, cheering for some to wreck or when they wreck is totally 100% unacceptable no matter what. Now, when they spin out and hit nothing or get spun out and hit nothing there are some drivers I do chuckle at because they have such an ego (Danica) that I can;t help but get a kick out of.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by SPRINTCAR:
Quote: But we all know its gonna happen with non wingers more than any other form of racing.

We do? :(

Quote: However; it's the lack of the type of fan that takes joy in seeing a crash that keeps the purses small. This is where the stock cars have an advantage on the open wheel cars. In the stock car deal......fans are able to live out their aggression and cheer crashes and damaged equipment because on the surface it looks fairly safe.(No crashes are safe.)

I think this guy has it right. :6:

IMHO, this is a reflection of the general condition of our whole society. We have become a much coarser group, all one needs to do is watch some of the reality tv shows, so-called political"discussions, etc. As a culture we are more and more able to remove ourselves from especially our words via the anonymity of the internet. Sadly, these attitudes spill over into all parts of ourlives; road rage, and yes so-called race fans who know nothing of the sport. I would point out the difference between a true open wheel fan and a stock car fan is easily summarized and I quote from a recent NASCAR commercial "What do I like best about NASCAR? I like the wrecks!"; this from the sanctioning body itself, Nuff said!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

:31:First I have to say thank God Dave is O.K.! Maybe next time, Just walk up and ask her for her name and address and I will be glad to send her the repair bill! No matter who is your favorite driver or team is it never right to cheer when someone crashes.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Troy, Thank you for speaking up!:9: Words can't describe how I feel about such people! As we all know too well, guys (and gals) can be seriously injured! It makes me absolutely sick to know people act and think like that! Obviously nobody they truely care about race!
Thank God all the drivers involved in accidents last night are alive today!
Anyway, thank you (and your Mom) again for speaking up!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

All I've seen about Bloomington last night is this thread so far...is Dave okay?

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

He is okay! Thank God! Thanks!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Susan, glad to hear Dave is all right.

Patti

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

It isn't only racing,it's most contact sports.(Todays racing is a contact sport)

Hockey fans cheer fights,soccer games have the hoodlums,some football fans throw batteries(or baggies of urine) and cheer when opposing players are hurt(Or boo if Santa is on the field) Some stadiums have jails in them to hold the idiots.

Some people at races cheer crashes.

As far as whats wrong with society today; it isn't only today. People have forgotten about the public hangings, the lions and the christians and an early form of wheeled racing: The Chariot Races. All where notoriously bloody and all where heavily attended.

It is what it is. The most basic spectator of anything isn't a fan(fanatic) of what they are watching, they just thought that is where they should be at that moment. They don't really care about the whos and whats, they just want some form of diversion.

Sort of like how it's funny when someone else bumps their head, falls down, or hurts themselves in some fashion. Without testicals, Americas funniest home videos wouldn't have been that funny.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by LEADERS EDGE:
Without testicals, Americas funniest home videos wouldn't have been that funny.

One of my favorite comedians is Heywood Banks and he has a song called "Trauma to the Groin"

http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/138120/detail/

Thanks Leaders Edge for the laugh today.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

This display of despicable behavior was not done by a casual race fan.....Anybody that frequents this board knows who it was and the offender should be ashamed of themselves...They and they alone should be the one offering a apology:19:

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Thank God she isn't suffereing the same guilt as the guys in post # 8.
Dalemo, that must have been terrible!

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by DbSr:
This display of despicable behavior was not done by a casual race fan.....Anybody that frequents this board knows who it was and the offender should be ashamed of themselves...They and they alone should be the one offering a apology:19:

They probably don't remember, too much wobbly pop.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Is it just me, or is rude or boorish behavior becoming more and more accepted in society?

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by Kevracer58:
Is it just me, or is rude or boorish behavior becoming more and more accepted in society?

You are absolutely right...we now live in the Youtube, Jackass, "Hey give me my 15 seconds of fame" generation. Ignorant and rude behavior are very prevalent everywhere you go...not that I'm innocent, but it isn't a habit like it is with some people.

DbSr, we were aware who this person was and have seen some uncalled for behavior before from her...but this was an outburst that had to be recognized. I would disagree with your description of her as a race "fan." There were a whole lot of "fans" there Friday night...and she was the farthest thing from one.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

I agree that people should not cheer when a driver gets in a wreck,,,,,unless it is Sammy Swindell.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Dave Darland is the best guy in the pits. If i had a race car i would want him in it. This guy has done more in an open wheel car than most, with no big head at all. He is the most humble person i have ever met. Crash or not he will take time for ANY fan that approches him. You may have met Dave at a race sometime, and even though he may not remember you, you will never know it. He tries to make everyone feel welcome. I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone. Even when they deserved it. I also used to root against dave,(never wished anyone to crash) just because he won all the time. Then i met the man. Then asked myself how could anyone not want this guy to win. He is a CLASS ACT. If the lady in question would come down after a race sometime and drink a beer with Dave i bet she would change her tune a little..........oh yea,he is a pretty good driver too.

Re: An apology and a criticism...
 

Originally Posted by ronmil:
I wasn't sitting in my usual area, so I didn't hear this incident. Bob Pfender and I did notice a commotion to our right at one point, and that was probably the incident you are speaking of.
I can't understand anyone ever cheering when a driver crashes. My wife and I are huge fans of Dave Darland and we believe he epitomizes the way a driver should conduct himself/herself on and off the track.
It seems that I have witnessed more altercations at race tracks this year than I have in many years. I don't have any explanation for this obnoxious behavior, but it seems I witness more of it in society in general each day.
As I was leaving my parking space last night, a very rude driver in a new bright red Chevy pickup with a #36 sticker on the back window just plain cut me off. If I had not applied my brakes he would have hit me. This type of driving when leaving the parking lot is not only rude, it endangers pedestrians. I will always allow a vehicle to enter a line if they signal their intentions in a courteous manner. It is dangerous to speed towards another vehicle on grass that is wet with dew. No doubt some of these rude drivers are under the influence of alcohol and that is a factor. If you have had too many adult beverages, then you should have a designated driver. The police are out in force with checkpoints on the weekends and I don't want to see any good race fans get in trouble because they imbibed too much at the races.
That's my $.02 worth on this matter.

I wish you wouldn't go blaming alcohol for this guys rude behavior behind the wheel, I drove a truck for years and put up with this kind of driving all the time, day and night. I had to get off the road because of these kind of people and I still hate traveling very far to even go racing.

Frankly, I am sick of the "authorities" invading everybody's privacy for "suspicion" of whatever.:15: