by Sharon Fancher
I know people are probably getting pretty tired by now with all the circulating talk about rough driving. But the rough driving continues and isn't being dealt with in an efficient enough way to get the point across. People are speaking up more often than ever now about the safety of others due to someone else's actions. While the careless drivers continue to defend themselves and make justifications for doing it.

But I really think someone should take a good long look at what is happening and has been for many years. Track Officials and Owners need to take these driving tactics into consideration and start handing out stiffer penalties. Racing is in fact a dangerous sport to be involved in and everyone understands this. But sometimes people do and are going to get carried away.

Racing is supposed to be a fun and adventurous sport for all involved. Intentional careless driving has begun to take that away from racing and is replacing it with anger, retaliation and destruction. I have listened to numerous people over the last several years discussing different things good and bad that have taken place at the race tracks. People are becoming more aware of the dangers that possibly can happen in racing. We all know that we can't prevent all accidents from occurring, but with that in mind we also know that some accidents are preventable.

If people take the time to look back at racing and remember what it once was, they can say without a doubt that it has taken a big leap. More and more people are starting to get involved with racing, and more situations that can be controlled but sometimes aren't, continue to be allowed on and off the track.

The "Battle Tank Racing" as one lady put it, is so true and really getting out of hand. All of this is occurring for one reason, to be in the winners circle. I ask myself is it worth it? To destroy another mans car and sometimes yours as well and possibly end up hurting someone, just for a checkered flag? The adrenaline rush is great, but winning sometimes doesn't even cover damages sustained while racing. A trophy is nice to have and show off. But by demonstrating good values and standards will by far win you more respect with people than anything. Why would anyone want to win a race the dirty way, to only have no one cheering when they take their spot in the winners circle? People often look at how a person won a race and not the fact that he/she won.

So with all this in mind, I think people would benefit from talking to one another. To discuss the possibilities of severer penalties for such an action taken at a track. Setting rules, regulations and penalties and standing behind them will bring the most fans and drivers. They will appreciate this above all else.

Sharon Fancher
Aka : CRANKitUP

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