Both Gordon and his team
owner Rick Hendrick have called for softer walls at Las Vegas, and the track quickly indicated that it will comply.
The HANS device, the
2008 Car, and the SAFER barriers have all made a huge difference to our sport and the longevity of our heroes; it is now time
to take it to the next level.
It is easy enough and
inexpensive enough to cover all surfaces that MIGHT be contacted in a crash with SAFER barriers. Every inch of every track
should be analyzed and corrected as necessary including track entrances including covered ones (ask Michael Waltrip), the
entry onto pit road, the end of pit road, etc.
The tracks are simply
not that big and the undertaking is simply not that expensive. The technology is in place, it just needs to be made consistent.
If at all possible this
weekend Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon will at least start the race, hurting or not.
Right now they are not
thinking about their latest investment, or the latest trick that may or may not make it by tech support, and they certainly
are not squandering time being upset with an on-track rival.
It is difficult to imagine,
but for a moment consider just how life would be if that had been your accident, and just what would be important, and what
would not…
Tony Stewart and Jeff
Gordon were protected not only by the safety devices in their cars, but watched over—as I was with only a lap belt and
no roll cage—from Above.
That would be something
else to ponder, nothing is “sure thing”, and everything is a Gift. It is up to us to make the most of that gift.
When Jeff and Tony climb
into their cars this weekend, in between all the hype, remember that they are hurting. The very least that we can do to cheer
them back to health is remember things that are important, things that Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart must currently be considering,
and be thankful for the gift to live and race another day.
From all of us at SCR and the
world of NASCAR: Tony and Jeff get well soon.
Questions, Comments:
Email Jay
The views and opinions in this article are that of the writer(s) and not necessarily that of SCR
2006 StockCar Review.
