January 9, 2003

If reports are correct, in 2003 there will be new rules governing access to the garage area at NASCAR events. “Reliable sources” report that the Daytona Gang is going to limit the number of passes issued and will further restrict access to this area when cars are on the track. NASCAR is being lauded for their quick response to this problem. Listen up people, this is not a new issue nor are the reported rule changes going to be adequate. Should the system be abused, NASCAR could easily manipulate the press by restricting access to their critics.

There is a misconception that this is a recent issue. My friend and colleague Hal Wainwright reports, “At the Brickyard 400 in 1995 I saw some drivers make the walk from the their garage to pit road with body guards.” Good heavens, if they needed guards in ’95 I’m surprised they aren’t using “popemobiles” these days. And in his book, “Driver #8”, Dale Earnhardt Jr. writes about the chaos of the garage area. Walking through the crowds made him feel like “a slow-moving ship with raging seas around me.” Remember, this book documents Junior’s rookie year, the 2000 season. The only thing quick about NASCAR’s policy change is the speed with which it was leaked to the press. The official announcement is said to be coming during Speedweeks. And I’m sure it will be made with great fanfare, in the name of safety and security. For safety’s sake, let’s hope no one in Daytona gets hurt patting himself on the back.

The “high-ranking NASCAR source” further reports NASCAR’s goal is to reduce the number of garage passes by 20%. This number is laughably low. Once again, NASCAR is putting a Band-Aid on a severed limb. As the new system was described in The Tennessean each team and track would have a limited number of passes to distribute. However, “NASCAR will reserve an undetermined number of passes for distribution.” Undetermined number, huh? Now, is anyone else wondering if this loophole will completely undermine the new regulations? At International Speedway Corporation owned facilities this, in essence, gives the tracks an unlimited number of passes. Of course, it remains to be seen if ISC will take advantage of this policy. But I can’t recall a time when International Speedway Corporation, a.k.a. NASCAR, didn’t take an extra slice of the pie if they could get away with the gluttony.

The lone ray of sunshine here may be the plan to clear the pits and garage when cars are on the track. Thirty minutes prior to practice, qualifying or the race visitors will be required to leave the area. This is definitely a step in the right direction, if enforced properly. However, the inconsistent manner in which the new cooler rules were applied makes this suspect.

Once again, there will be exceptions to the new guidelines. NASCAR will, at its discretion, distribute “hot” passes that will allow the holders to remain when the area is cleared. These gems will be given to team members, officials and “certain members of the media.” The highly placed, unnamed, reliable source says a group of freelance photographers are concerned they may not be granted sufficient access.

Whatever would give them the idea that NASCAR would do such a thing? Repeat after me children, “ESPN.” Do you remember the good old days before the Daytona Gang sold their souls to the devil for the current broadcast package? Can you recall the clean, crisp, reporting of Dr. Jerry Punch? Or seeing the race on an uncluttered screen with legible graphics? Oh how I long for an entire race without Cheryl Crow or any mention of that dead movie star! For their years of loyal, faithful service ESPN was literally locked out. When FOX and NBC/TNT took control ESPN was not allowed to film on track property and were denied access to the race tapes. They soldiered on valiantly, at one point resorting to using diecast cars to illustrate an on track incident. True, when NASCAR left ESPN they threw the bastard network a bone, the Craftsman Truck Series. Beginning in 2003 Craftsman Truck Series races will be shown on Speed Channel, thus ending NASCAR’s relationship with ESPN completely. With a history of tactics like this the freelancers have a right to be concerned.

I know I’m cynical. I admit to being so. However, in their fifty plus years NASCAR has done very little be earn the benefit of the doubt. If they are implemented as reported these rules are at best a start. They are not a good start but a start nonetheless. At worse they are a gross attempt to control information coming out of the garage. Does this sound harsh? This is NASCAR we’re discussing I don’t think so.

TO THE WOODSHED:
FOX earned a trip to the shed of dread for resurrecting the term “young guns” in their commercials for the upcoming season. I would have been thrilled if I never heard these two words together again.

You can contact Orlena at: Insider Racing News