This has weighed on my heart and mind since the postponement at Terre Haute.

I want to personally apologize to the drivers for my lack of growing a "pair" yesterday and doing the right thing by not waiving the green flag. I could have, and should have, gone with my gut versus what was said about going green. Once you take to the track you are each my responsibilty and each my favorite. And yesterday I let each of you down.

That's definitely a stand-up thing to do, and I'm sure that if you wouldn't have thrown the green, you would have gotten the same backlash no matter what.

You've got to respect that. That took a "pair", right there.

Jerry

Tom, Every time i've seen you flag, you've done a great job. Im sure your intentions yesterday were no different. Everyone got lucky and all that was lost is some equipment and pride.

Stand up thing to do.

Nice post Tom. It is now the past and we can only learn from the past. Lets hope USAC learned something from yesterday. I am just glad that only one car got damaged (or trashed) and no one got hurt as things could have been far worse.

Way to man up, But no need to be the scape goat for USAC,USAC has radio's and should have been in everyone's ear and said throw the RED before it even started.

I want to u for coming on here and doing this. But in reality one maybe three of those drivers could see what color of flag you were waving. If u did indeed wave yellow instead of green as they crossed the line the guys in front would have saw yellow and backed off. Therefore the guys in back who were blind but were afraid of stopping or going slow would have piled onto them. Then causing a bigger pileup than what we had. In my mind you should have never been put in the position that you were in just like the drivers! Hold your head high you did no wrong.


Bob

Tom,

I have known you for a while now, and I certainly appreciate your comments. I was there and in no way can this be placed at your feet. Who ever is in charge on race day at USAC had to see this coming. Knowing you, I realize that you do feel bad but hang in there, there will be better days. Your are an asset to open wheel racing and your professionalism is always on display. I always look forward to seeing you in the flagstand as I am sure the drivers are as well.

It did take of professionalism to come on here and make the apology. However no flagman should ever have been put in this unsafe position in the first place. USAC should have just called the race before it even started. USAC not only put the drivers safety in jeopardy but they put the officials and fans life in a dangerous position. I learned something very important in life on my first day in the Army. Its safety first and to this day even though I am now retired from the military safety is always number 1.

Tom, as always, you are a class act.

Joe