they already have 4 push trucks that will not do anything.

The "Tony haters" who are so jealous of his driving success, his $$, his blonde honeys, etc. have used this much-publicized event to do so more bashing. I recall a driver punching another driver at IRP two years ago. In fact, Dean Mills has very good video of the event. Did that East Coast driver get fined $10K for his actions? Did his entire family get placed on probation for the rest of the 2006 season?
I think this is yet another case of USAC discipline being based upon WHO did it.

From a non Tony hater: Assualting a driver and assualting an official are two different things. Officials are like umpires or referees in other sports and should be protected from abuse by competitors.

He's lucky he's not in jail.

This was a huge mistake by Tony and a reasonable reaction by USAC, IMO. I suppose they could have also suspended him for a while, but he's not at most races, anyway. So that would have been mainly a symbolic move, had they done that.

Although most of us are entertained when Tony is having one of those Tony moments. Like ripping Pepsi after winning the Pepsi 400. Or taking shots at Goodyear. Or giving his opinion of Brian France. But, like somebody else said, this is an official. It's a different category of outburst. Those guys are supposed to be "hands off". Most of the people I am around are Tony fans and most of them are thinking down the lines of "That wasn't good and I hope he doesn't do anything like that, again." So, from a PR standpoint, this cost Tony a lot more than $10,000 and I'd be willing to bet, if he could take this one back, he would.

Jerry

I agree that the officials are out of bounds. You should not be assaulting competitors (or fans) either but when the officials lose the out of bounds distinction anarchy will occur in the pits (or paddock for those not familiar with the term pits).

In my youth I had a very verbal disagreement with a USAC official that escalated into a chest bump (similar to Major League Baseball). This earned me an immediate 30 day suspension from Gary Sokola. Gary then offered to place me on probation for the rest of the year if I would publicly apologize to the official.

I learned my lesson and although I have had many heated discussions with various USAC officials since (including Kokomo and Kamp this year) I have always kept my physical distance.

Rob Hoffman

I agree with your post, as usual, Jerry. My comments were aimed at the anonymous ones who crawl out from under a rock to blast the one man who gives USAC fans two full teams in midgets, sprints, and dirt champs.

This is my biotch about "USUCK" here they go again with thier thumb up there ass when a car is trying to be pushed off!! Have seen the same type of things happen at Gas City and Kokomo. Wish Tony would start his own series and tell "USUCK" to kiss it! Maybe this will be a wake up call to "USUCK" to get therer head in the ball game!:thumb

Rob,

A great post. As a 30+ year College and High School official I can tell you that chaos would reign in the pits and on the race track if they allowed physical contact between officials and car owners, crew members or drivers. In the heat of the battle the official has to maintain a level of calm and still be able to penalize according to the rules. Competitors should likewise be expected to act within a frame of decency.

Which brings me to another point. If car owners, crew members and drivers want to argue with an official they need to be prepared. First off, I would recommend that they know and understand the rules. I have encountered many coaches and players that simply don't have a clue when it comes to the rules or penalties. I have always admired you because when a question concerning a ruling has been asked on this board you have given the answer with the knowledge of the rule in question.

The second part of it is maintain your composure and don't get caught up in the heat of the moment. Most of the time you will regret it later on if you don't. State your case and move on. Nothing will be accomplished by continuing to argue once a decision has been made. You don't have to like it, but you will have to live with it.

I might also point out to officials as well. You are the one in control and are suppose to know the rules. The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth so I would suggest that you LISTEN to the complaint and then render a ruling. Penalize accordingly. Afterwards if the argument continues it is advisable to walk away as you don't have to have the last word. Learn to defuse the situation as much as possible.

who are the 2 officials he got into it with know one has ever said,it's been hush hush