Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing

NASCAR Rule 12-4A Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing is one I've heard way too many times over the years. I understand why it is there, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I realize by having such a dubious rule, it allows NASCAR the luxury to be the dictators that have made them successful. I truly do believe the dictatorship is the only way NASCAR has survived for decades. But, what would be wrong with realizing the need for a specific rule and putting it into the book that has already erased most of the gray area from which the sport was spawned?

I'm not really complaining or trying to be negative...just venting a little. So tired of Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing...especially when it is used for things previously allowed.

Read my recent article about Actions Detrimental to Stock Car Racing HERE

Brian Z. Franceis the "Action Detrimental to Stock Car Racing".

We did it on dirt--- Why in the heck cant they do it on that hard stuff-------------- Im referring to letting the flagman start the race .. That way everybody is on the same page,you aint trying to sike out the driver next to you hoping he will get a penalty on the start. Heck even Tim and Myself didnt mess that up ---and thats saying something

I agree Jeff, Actions Detirmental to Stock Car Racing has always been a CYA rule for NASCAR. They used to leave the last few pages of the rule book blank so they could just add on whatever they wanted at the time but rule 12-4A has worked for several years now. And your right about them being a dictatorship but I think they are getting more and more like the government. Creating problems with their own actions and then saying we are the solution. It appears to me that they are now governed more by public opinion than rules. (Again more like the government.) There reaction to the Richmond race seemed to be driven by social media comments. The problem is most of those comments were made by folks who have no clue about racing or it's history, just a desire to see their comments on the computer screen. Unfortunate but NASCAR's focus is now on how they can leverage social media to marketers.

Good point Johnny, I stopped by at the dirt track in Ocala, Fla. Sat. night on the way back from North Georgia and sat in on the drivers meeting. They hammered the point that in case of ANY problem with the start that Both the 1 car and the 2 car would imed. go to the back of the pack. That way no accidently spinning tires to get the other guy sent to the back. All evening there were perfect starts all controlled by the flag man....

You are Dead ON, Dennis!! I try to know when to listen, and when to speak. But, I am telling you...there ARE those that know, just enough to make them look stupid! And when they put it out there on the Social Media, newcomers are now reading that...and so the cycle continues. Always somebody looking for drama, or coat-tails to ride on. I can think of no one, and I mean no one..whose opinions I value more than the Drivers. Therefore, when you guys speak .... I listen to you....In my years here at RR, there has never been anything, I didn't learn from.

Great read, Jeff. I read your earlier article as well. Awesome comments! I joined Stock Car Racers Reunion so that I could learn from all of your knowledge and experience. Stock Car Racing has always fascinated me and I have the greatest respect for the people who are involved in the sport. Having grown up in a drag racing environment, I have found from coming here that the Stock Car Racing side of American Motorsports has a multitude of issues and serious controversy, and every one of them I've learned about is totally valid. On our side of the park (drag racing), we have disparity and discontent in dealing with all of the sanctioning bodies, similar but not identical to what y'all have with NASCAR. What I admire is that nobody here has any reservations at all about clearly voicing their concerns and making their point. This latest incident has me baffled that they can get away with doing what they do, but like I say, we have seen some of this kind of BS. If we don't like it, there's the exit. Thanks for having a forum where the truth can be told without fear of reprisal! Best to all, JB