When I think of some of the things that have taken place in the world of automobile racing, sometimes I just have to really wonder what goes through the minds of some people at times. I have been involved in racing since the 1950s and I have seen some of the weirdest things take place and I often wondered what makes some people act the way they do. I decided to make a little list of some of my pet peeves in our great sport. This column doesnt necessarily pertain to the big Nascar races but also the Saturday night tracks.Totaled before anything goes on.I have no problem with someone if they want to drink. But have you ever noticed that there is always one who has to drink at least a keg before they ever get to the stands? I understand that someone drinking and getting drunk while the race is going on is one thing. Dont get me wrong. Im not goody-two-shoes since Ive got drunk during a race and I drank enough in my day. But when you have already drank so much that you need help to get to your seat before the pre-race ceremonies even start, I think that is a little too much. But, as I stated, thats their choice and more power to them.Standing.How come every time a car spins or there is an accident, everyone stands up? Do people realize that you can usually see more if you stayed seated? I say that because there are a lot of people that are mid 5 feet tall or a little more and it never fails that the person who stands up in front of you is 6 feet 5 inches tall. And since he is one of the guys who have drank one of those kegs before the race, you sure as heck are not going to tell him hes rude because of the fact that you might be the next caution when he launches you out of the stands onto the track.Equipment.Back when we raced, we would struggle every week to try to get qualified. The usual big shots never had to worry about that because they had the financial backing and sponsors to make sure they did. How do you compete with teams and other drivers who have more money in their engine than you have in your entire car? And when you finally win a feature, they immediately protest you and, with a little persuasion, something will happen to fail the post race inspection? I personally saw this at a sprint car race. When the car was literally taken apart and nothing could be found illegal; they said the roll cage was of an inch too narrow in the cockpit. Again, the big money team prevailed.Booing.This is something that I never did much although I had just as much right to voice my opinion as everyone else did. If you boo someone, you are showing your feelings towards that driver and you paid just as much for your ticket as the person who cheers for the same driver. BUT, whether its during introductions or during the race, why do people, at the top of their lings of course, have to call this driver names that would make a sailor stand up and salute? What about the kids in the stands who have to hear these people not only teach them a few words they never knew existed, but then have a chance to learn that another expression of booing is giving this driver the middle finger.No time for the fans.This is something that may seem like a trivial thing to some people but to a kid, it could be the world. Pertaining to your weekly track, why is there always a driver or two who doesnt have the time for the fans? I know when I was a kid, before the feature was ever complete, we were down at the pit gate waiting for the cars to finish the race and get to their trailers so we would be the first ones to rush through the pit gate and get to our favorite driver. It seems that a few of them (not all) always want to be the first ones out while the fans are coming in? A lot of these fans really want an autograph and to have a chance to meet their favorite driver and since one of these drivers might be the one the fan is looking for, they wont get that chance. The late great Al Tasnady was an example of being a fan favorite. If one person came up to Tas, he would find the time to talk and sign an autograph. If there were people lined up throughout the speedway and it took him until the sun came up, Tas would still be at his trailer signing autographs at dawn. And what Northeast race fan of the 1950s and 60s could ever forget the time Tas took a crippled boy for a lap around the Reading, PA Fairgrounds? The late New England driver Ed Flemke was another example. Ed was usually the last one to leave the pits and he went as far as having a light installed inside the cockpit of his car so when the kids climbed in it following the races, they could see what it was like inside a racecar.Racetrack food and outlandish prices.These words should speak for themselves. I am a firm believer that if you are going to put money out to get a little in return, you deserve to do just that. But when you buy some cheap hot dogs that are made with God only knows what and charge somebody more for one that you paid for a dozen of them, thats outlandish. Cheeseburgers are another favorite. Somebody will buy some meat that is so greasy that when you eat one, it is like biting into an oil change. That is not right. And how about a $5.00 or $6.00 racetrack draft beer. (Do they still have draft beer at any tracks?) I can remember a cup that looked like a shot glass and of it would be foam. Now theres a real moneymaker. That is why I have always said that the best food, for the most part, is found at your local Friday and Saturday night track. Not trying to speak for all tracks but the Volunteer speedway in Bulls Gap, TN is the most reasonable all around. The best admission price for your hard-earned dollar and the food has always been great. The now defunct East Windsor speedway in New Jersey was another one for good prices and great food.The National Anthem.If there is any one song that stands for what our great country is about, it is the National Anthem. How come when the National Anthem is played at the races, there is always some guy who wont remove his hat? I think its pretty sad that before the invocation is given and the National Anthem is played at a major Nascar race, the announcer has to tell the gentlemen to remove their hats. And of course there will always be someone who wont. And for the people who sing our National Anthem. I think it is horrifying the way some of these so-called singers literally destroy our countrys song. If you cant sing it the way it was composed to be sung, dont! I think every track should have the singer perform the song beforehand and let it be judged by a group of Veterans. If they approve, let them sing it. If they dont, get someone who can. If you hear it sung thirty-six times in a season, you will hear thirty-six different versions. Unless Ive been missing something, the song was never re-written and I can remember how it is supposed to go.Well, I guess Ill get off of my soapbox. These are just some of my pet peeves. If you have any of your own, add them here.
updated by @jon-clifton: 12/03/16 05:47:57PM
