I’ll preface this by saying I am not nor have I ever been a driver at the level of the participants. Nor was I at Williams Grove last night. The video certainly seems to show Windom moving Swanson out of the way and punting Buckwalter in to a spin entering turn 1. I read what Windom said post race and the fact is only Windom knows the facts and what his intentions were in both incidents. I think the primary thing these events showed is that there is no longer any respect among some of the racers. The sport (at least at this level) for some has become a “win at any cost” situation. The days of “race hard, race clean” appear to be behind us, and I find that sad.
I rarely give my opinion on this board but just in case USAC is looking. USAC please stay with what has got this sport to where it is. I love that you leave it in the racers hands to handle ON TRACK issues. I feel confident in saying most don’t want to start seeing judgement calls in this sport. Many of our legends are who they are for not only their racing accolades but how they handled themselves on and off (think Hewitt and Bob Kinser). In the 35 years I have been going to the track I happen to think the product and smoothness of the events has never been better. Thank you and stay the course.
The thing that concerns me more than anything isn't humorous at all. If you have intentional bumping at the front of the field, you have no control over what it could turn into. Someone getting upside down running upfront in a feature could be severe on many levels. Not managing the action is asking for trouble.
The Swanson incident:
The track was rubbered down and single file, Swanson jumped out of the rubber and was being freight trained and tried to squeeze Chris out and force him to lift so Kody could get back in the rubber. Good for Chris for staying in it and holding his ground.
The Buckwalter incident:
That was absolutely ridiculous and terrible mistake that just should not have happened. Just drove completely over top of Steve. He should have been sent to the tail for the incident for rough driving, no 2 ways about it.
But I don't support giving a guy his spot back for being dumped. Even if it was a wrong done unto the guy I dont like undoing what happened on track. Let the drivers work all that out moving forward.
Atleast karma came to visit with Windom losing the race in the corner that he stole it from Buckwalter.
