NASCAR Wrong According to Dale Jr
October 11th, 2008 | by RacingWin |
Dale Jr. Says NASCAR Was Wrong
You know what opinions are like. Everyone’s got one - including Dale Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took NASCAR Officials to task for their call on Regan Smith’s last lap pass at Talladega.
The driver of the No. 88 Chevy said that he felt Regan Smith was forced below the yellow line by Tony Stewart.
Junior asked for a more definitive answer as to what being forced below the yellow line meant. “When are you forced? Show me some video, I want to know what’s forced and what’s not,” Earnhardt said.
In 2003 Earnhardt was racing Matt Kenseth for the win at Talladega when he was forced below the yellow line. That time no call was made by NASCAR, and Earnhardt went on to win the race.
Junior sees no difference in that situation and what happened Sunday between Smith and Stewart.
The worst part of the whole situation is that Regan Smith is a rookie driver who may or may not have a job next year. His team is looking for sponsors for more than one race car. A win would have certainly helped that situation.
What if the situation was the same - but the drivers were different.
If Dale Jr. had been passing Jeff Gordon and the circumstances were exactly the same would NASCAR have disallowed Junior’s pass and given the win to Jeff Gordon?
Now that would put NASCAR in a really hard position. Mike Helton and John Darby had better be on board their jet and taxiing for takeoff before the announcement is made that Junior didn’t really win at Talladega.
What do you think the fan reaction would be then?
Photo courtesy Hendrick Motorsports
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52 Responses to “NASCAR Wrong According to Dale Jr”
By Jrfan on Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
I hope NASCAR does not make life hard on Junior over this.
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By Jrfan on Oct 11, 2008 | Reply
It could become harder for Junior to get his car through inspection with comments like that.
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Lisa Reply:
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:59 am
What is that comment suppose to mean? Are you sayin’ Jr. should just keep quite? Are you sayin’ Jr. will pay for opening his mouth. I admire Jr’s honesty. Alot, more drivers should be as honest, plus alot less whiney. Ya’ll call yourself Jr. fans with comment like this. I seriously doubt it. You got a comment for me, you want to challege me, bring it on!!!
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By beau pustiak on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
JR IS TOTALLY CORRECT.. NASCAR IF REALLY SCREWING UP AGAIN AGAIN GET ON BORAD OR YOU”LL LOOSE EVEN MORE FANS.. AND IT AINT THE ECONOMY GUYS WAKE UP
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By kent on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I AGREE WITH JR. IF HE HAD BEEN RACING SOME1 AGAIN BELOW THE YELLOW LINE AND WAS FORCED OR NOT HE WOULD HAVE WON AT “DALEADEGA”. OR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN A FIGHT. BIG TIME. I BELIEVE TONY FORCED HIM DOWN EVEN THOUGH HE WAS BLOCKING, HE FORCED HIM THERE. YOU GO DALE FROM YOU TALLADEGA HOME TOWN FANS YOU ARE RITE
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rita Reply:
October 12th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I have been to all kinds of racing I started 1953-54 watched mario a. start with USAC Jim Hurtabies and many more. Nascar has ruined good racing. They should go back to the old way of racing starting the big boys in the back of the field and make them work there way up to the front.Let them go to the pits when they can not when nascar tells them to do it. Just maybe there wouldn’t be so many cars down so many laps and there might be so different drivers in the winners circle.
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By kent on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
AS FAR AS NASCAR GOES ALL MY NASCAR STUFF IS FOR SALE. RACING IS NOT RACING NO MORE ITS NASCAR. ILL WATCH THIS YR BUT IM DONE FOR IT. BUT MY BIG BLACK 3 WILL STAY HAND PAINTED ON MY WALL
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By darterdad on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
The new cars and nascar isn’t good anymore.
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By Marilyn on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I think JR is correct, Nascar screwed up again. I DON’T KNOW WHY THEY HAVE SUCH A STUPID RULE ANYWAY. SOME TRACK HAVE IT SOME DON’T, I AM WITH JR I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT NASCAR MEANS WHEN SOMEONE FORCES ANOTHER DRIVER BELOW THE LINE. IF NASCAR GET UGLY WITH JR THEY WILL LOSE LOTS MORE FAN. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO RACES SINCE 1958 AND HAVE WATCHED IT GO DOWN HILL FOR YEARS. GO JR.
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By James on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I agree with kent. I have been a Nascar fan for about 30 years now, and it is just not the same! I am losing interest fast! But Nascar doesnt care, they have all the new corporate logo fans! I’m out as of now, the chase sucks!
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By Lakeman on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
There was contact made by Tony moving down on Smith. It caused Smith to go below the line. Nascar was wrong. Smith won the race.
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By Daniel on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Big pat on the back for Jr
All nascar taught Regan Smith ,or anyone as for as that goes , is ,IT will be a bump and run on the blocking cars drivers side back fender at 200 plus miles an hour, and then Nascar will have the BIG one.
When Nascar figures out how to put the racing back on the track and not in the pits or the judges stand or to bring out the yellow for a comercial caution, the fan base might quit falling.
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By John G Nauman on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Dale JR is right ! Smith won the race !!
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By Donna on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Jr and I think it really shows what kind of man Jr has become. He goes for what is right, not what NASCAR says he should think is right.I like Tony and was glad to see him win but you can’t have one rule for one driver and a different rule for someone who is not quite as popular. I am a new fan to NASCAR as of last year but I am not liking what I see. I would like to see all the drivers make their own race and forget NASCAR. That would be fun again.
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By Mark Vallely on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Yes I agree with Jr. that Nascar was saving Tony’s future sponsors and made a bad call. The point is that Nascar can’t show video to prove their ruling was correct! Jr. a commend you for standing up for what is right and for being a good rep of the sport and lastly standing up for new racing teams and the future of the sport. Go Jr go!
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By Eddie Stair on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
You hit the proverbial nail right on the head my friend! NASCAR is a business and money minded organization now and not anywhere as fan or driver friendly as it was back in the 60’s and 70’s when I followed it so much.You can argue both ways but us old timers remember the REAL NASCAR days!
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By Donna on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I have also been going to the races for years and this is going to be my last race in November. Things are not the same anymore. It is who you are and your car owner that determines the outcome of a race. What ever happened to the good ole fair racing.
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By deb on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
QUOTE OF DANIEL
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By deb on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
You are so right Donna
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By woodrow delozier on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
jr was right i watch every race and nascar is going in the wrong direction. racing is just not the same the mite as well call it WWF were every thing is dictated. i know they cant control everything but come on guys. get it together. tony didnt win that race. im a jr fan forever.love you man wish i could meet you,im out bye
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By Rose on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Dale Jr. is the man and always will be, he’ll win again soon.
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sam Reply:
October 14th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
i think dale jr is right for standing up for regan
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By Kasey's Ga Nana on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
IF FORCED BELOW YELLOW LINE, YOU LET OFF THE GAS AND STAY IN YOUR 2ND POSITION. PASSING IS NOT ALLOWED BELOW THAT YELLOW LINE WHETHER YOU WERE FORCED OR NOT. TELL REGAN THAT 2ND WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN 18TH!!!!!!!!
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By JUNSGRAM on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I AGREE WITH EDDIE…YOU GO JR…ALWAYS SPEAK
OUT FOR THE RIGHT SIDE..!
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By Ed on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I totally agree with Dale Jr. NASCAR has been going down hill for some time. It seems like it is their way or the highway. I would love to see them out on the track in the same situation and see just how much complaining they would do.
The bottom line is, that NASCAR is going to do more harm to themselves and ruin not only the attendance side but the home viewers also. They are flat out ruining racing. My wife and I have been very staunch racing fans for 45+ years but the way it is going, it is about to come to an end.
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By Bill on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Get the officals now out of nascar and hire some new.Leave the racing to the drivers and the fans. Race what you bring to the tracks,if it wrecks or blows,load it up and carry it back to the shop. It seems the nascar officals are for the big name drivers. We know Smith won by the replay, but remember he is not one of the BIG NAME DRIVERS,yet. Nascar officals need to let the drivers settle there dispute, fist to cuff if necessary, (keep the crews out of it) and then go racing the next Sunday or Saturday, which ever and don’t bring grudge to the track.
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By Karren on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
Below the yellow line is below the yellow line. Tony got penalized for doing it before; Jr. didn’t get penalized because Jr. is D.E. Jr.–he has the name that does no wrong. Sorry folks, facts are facts. Rewind back and just maybe, Jr. wouldn’t have won his race that way either. No wonder he sides with Regan. NASCAR can make things rough on anyone they choose-Jr. might take heed-it takes more than a name now in the business.
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By Norma on Oct 12, 2008 | Reply
I commend JR for speaking up. That took guts knowing he is a friend off Tony Stewart. Good Job JR.
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By dyno don on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
Well Junior,I totally agree with you. I believ that Regan was forced down by Tony(look at the video,you all will see how Tony just dropped down to block Regan and Regan had nowhere to go) so in my book that is FORCED below yellow and i do agree with you that if it had been contenders for the chase then the pass would have been allowed. Fair???! NO it is bull SH&^t and Nascar is getting more and more political with the money they are bringing in. then to top it off why, would someone finish second be put in 18th??? pentality?? not fair again Mike get on out of Nascar you are influanced by money sponsers
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By Pauline Fickes on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Jr., but we all know Nascar isn’t going to change, it hasn’t been go racing since Dale Sr. was killed.
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By Melva on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
We have gone to Chicago Speedway, Daytona, Bristel, Texas for Nascar Races. I am done spending hard earned money for these races. The price of tickets and paying 5 times the regular price for a hotel. It isn’t that we can’t aford it I am tired of being screwed with the high prices. I am sick of Nascar not being fare. Their rules should be the same. I am a Tony fan but he should not have won. I agree with Jr. Nascar is out of control on rules. I wish it was like the old days when the drivers could win races by their talent not by how much money the team has. NASCAR is putting a very bad taste in my month about racing. I am done with it.
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By Barbara Hutchins on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Dale Jr. and everyone else who likes Jr. I am 66 yrs old and I love Jr. I also wish I could meet him in person. He is the best out on the track as far as I am concerned. I believe Jr., Jimmy, and Carl are the greatest racers on the track.
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By Joe on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Dale Jr. I watched the final lap and have seen it replayed over and over and Regan Smith was definately forced down below the yellow line. If this had been reversed and that was Tony down low then NASCAR would have given it to Tony. But it was very obvious that Tony forced him down there. There again NASCAR makes another bad call.
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By terry akerley on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
comment make by dyno thats bull,do u remember when jr said [profanity] on tv, and they took points away,and gave him a fine…and i heard others swear and get nothing,so jr what u are saying about smith,WTG bud way to stand up for whats right.smith did win that race..its about time nascar woke up,and stop recking a great sport.
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By Louise James on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I’m so sad to know Dale Jr thinks NASCAR was wrong about Tony not forcing MR Smith below the yellow line I was there in the the PADLOCK section and ha d a great view and the TV/Head phones. I love that Tony won. Dale is one of my drivers I pull for when Tony is not winning and really is Sad to know he was not happy for Tony’s win.
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By Bill Bolek on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I can just picture the founding fathers of NASCAR rolling in their graves as to what has happened to the sport. National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing. Just how the hell can these COT’s be considered as “STOCK CARS”??? I think the car designers have watched The Fast and The Furious one time to many. Whats next, nitrous??? Get a grip and bring back the REAL NASCAR….
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By Deb on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
If i understand the rule it states to advance or improve yoour position. Reagan never completely fully passed Stewart at any time. So in my OPINION He Never advanced his position. Should have atleast gotten 2ND! Yes I feel he was forced
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By Deb on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
If i understand the rule it states to advance or improve yoour position. Reagan never completely fully passed Stewart at any time. So in my OPINION He Never advanced his position. Should have atleast gotten 2ND! Yes I feel he was forced below the yellow!
NASCAR is going to the Grave! I too have given up seats at Daytona! Atleast if you watch the TV- you can turn it OFF!
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Curtis Newman Reply:
October 13th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I THINK THAT IF YOU WILL LOOK AT THE REPLAY OR WATCH THE THE RACE IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT TAPED IT THAT YOU WILL SEE HE WAS AHEAD OF HIM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE. THE WAY I LOOK AT IT TONY MAY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PROTECT HIS LINE BUT HE CHANGED HIS LINE A LITTLE TOO LATE AND SMITH ALSO WAS IN THE LINE WHEN TONY CAME BACK DOWN AND IF HE HAD NOT WENT BELOW THE YELLOW LINE SOME OF STEWARTS FANS WOULD NOT LIKED WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO THE LEFT REAR OF THE #20 CAR. IF STEWART OR KYLE BUSH HAD BEEN BEHIND THE LEAD CAR REGARDLES OF WHO THE LEAD CAR WAS THERE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A SLIGHT BUMP TO THE REAR OF THE LEAD CAR. I DO LIKE STEWART AND HAVE ALOT OF HIS DIECAST, BUT RIGHT IS RIGHT AND SORRY IF YOU DON’T AGREE.
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DEB Reply:
October 13th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
So- Who do you think Won? I think Reagan did because he came back up above the yellow and had his car a few inches across the line before Tony. Is NASCAR calling that advancing his position? I thought to advance your position you had to completly pass the car. and since you have Tony the winer(wa Wa)- NASCAR is always going to pick who they want to Win! Remember — NASCAR gives the shocks, tires, and restrictor plates to the teams. Don’t you think there is a little Black Balling going on? All of a sudden SOME CARS have TIRE ISSUES. They blame it on Debris but I was there and the track looked CLEAN to me!
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By gary on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
I AGREE WITH JR SMITH WAS FORCED BELOW THE YELLOW NASCAR WAS WRONG. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO RACES FOR MANY YEARS BUT I WILL NOT GO TO ANOTHER ONE TILL NASCAR MAKES SONE CHANGES.
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By Marie Council on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
To Barbara Hutchins, age 66, and the others who wish they could meet Dale Jr, I truly hope that you have an opportunity to meet him. I am almost 73, Barbara, and my dream was realized when I did meet Dale Jr. this summer. He is a fine, upstanding, young man. I wish him only the best of everything because he certainly is deserving of the best. I commend him for speaking up about the Regan Smith/Tony Stewart fiasco. Stewart most certainly did force Smith below the line, for which he (Stewart) should have been penalized. Regan Smith should at least have been awarded second if not the win. His pit guys were ectastatic when they thought they had won; what a letdown they had. Dale Jr. stands up for what is right; I will always stand up for Dale Jr.
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By Traveler 42 on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
NASCAR has gone (tv & Big money ) They are money oriented they have to look at who the sponsor is before they can make a decision. There is no rule set in stone anymore. I have started to watch more football,and less racing. If it wasn’t for JR. I wouldn’t even watch racing anymore,except at our local tracks.ENOUGH COMPLAINING,BYE.
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By John Koziol on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
nascar rushed to make the decision…if they would have taken the time to review all the footage from the race i think the 01 would have been awarded the win..
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By Ray Sloan on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
NASCAR WORKS ON THE BUDDY SYSTEM, THEY JUST PROVED IT BY GIVING TONY THE WIN, REGAN HASN”T BEEN IN THE SYSTEM LONG ENOUGH TO BE A BUDDY.
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RacingWin Reply:
October 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Ray, I thought that decision came pretty quick, too.
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By marcel on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
Good for Jr. to speak out, most of us fans know who won the race,but that is not going to change things. Reverse the situation and the winner still would have been (tony who)the overall racing is good. Nascar has not got it together and cant afford to loose good fans, we are paying for this in one way or the other.
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By jim ponegalek on Oct 13, 2008 | Reply
BEING A X RACECAR DRIVER TONY YOU DEAD WRONG I WOULD TOOK THE FLAG WALK OVER AND HAND IT TO SMITH ROOKIE OR NOT. COME ON TONY LIVE UP TO YOURSELF YOUR GETTING FATER AND SLOWER I THINK ITS TIME TO GO ON YOUR OWN TONY YOUR TAKING SOMETHING YOU CAN,T HANDLE JUST LOK AT MIKE WALTRIP I ALWAYS LIKE YOU BUT FORGET IT . THE ONLY MAN I MEAN MAN WAS DALE SR REMENBER PASS IN THE GRASS I DO NASCAR IS WALKING WITH BLIND EYES FOR SOME DRIVERS LETS GO BACK TO OLD SCHOOL DRIVE WHAT YOU CAME WITH THATS RACEING ASK JEFF GORDONNO MORE NASCAR FOR ME GO JR BIG JIM DALE SR LOOK A LIKE
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By Maureen on Oct 14, 2008 | Reply
This past weekend I had tickets to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in North Carolina, as well as reservations at the Omni Hotel in Charlotte next to Dale Jr’s Whiskey River. Even though they cleared a table for us we cancelled EVERYTHING. Why? BECAUSE OF THE NASTY, UNFAIR CALL AGAIN REGAN SMITH AT TALLADEGAH! NASCAR IS CROOKED AND NO LONGER ENJOYABLE. It hurt not to go this past weekend because of all the fun planned but my heart was too sad for poor little Regan Smith. NO ONE APPROVED OF WHAT NASCAR DID…………..NO ONE!!! Oh, to top it off; my friend is a big Tony Stewart fan and couldn’t get over NASCAR’s unfairness and how dishonest and crooked the sport is. Looks like our NASCAR days are over. No longer enjoyable.
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By trisha jordan on Oct 14, 2008 | Reply
i totally agree that had reagan smith have been a name in this sport and not a rookie he would have gotten the win
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By Smokie on Oct 15, 2008 | Reply
I agree with Dale Jr. Smith won that race hands down. Nascar made a big mistake on that call and if they were men they would own up to it. What they need to look at is all the empty seats that was in Dega. I was there and in the Allison Bonnet section it was not even half full. If they do not wake up they are going to find alot more empty seats.JUST LET THE BOYS RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By Donna on Oct 15, 2008 | Reply
NASCAR even God lets his people question him, JR was right…. dont mess with him for his honesty and integrity. GO JR
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