December 19, 2002

One of the delights of my childhood was compiling and endlessly revising the "Christmas wish list". This document was started the day the Sears Wish Book appeared in the mailbox. Oh, the joy of viewing those shiny goodies! Pouring over the pages for hours and hoping Santa had plenty of room on the sleigh. These days I spend my wishes on NASCAR. I mean, why not? I have about as much chance of these whims being granted as I did finding a pony on Christmas morning.

A constant on the list for many years has been for a solution to the problems of restrictor plate racing. NASCAR has played with this one so long that in the process they have created a new Frankenstein monster, the aero push. This creature is ruining racing at quite a few racetracks. Why can’t the Daytona Gang just "dirty up" the cars? They don’t need engineers; or expensive, worthless test sessions, or wind tunnels. All that is needed is a trip to a museum for a close study of a winning car from the early ‘80’s. They can’t miss it; it’s the one that looks like a cracker box with wheels. This is a machine that can punch a hole in the air. It requires a driver not a pilot. In other words, this is a racecar.

Hopefully, the next item is slowly coming to pass. Every team should follow the excellent example of Richard Childress and require baseline neurological tests prior to the new season. With such tests the lingering effects of injury could be more easily recognized. We already know racecar drivers cannot be relied upon to own up to injuries. Not every innovation has to be mandated from on high. Owners and sponsors need to step up on this issue. And while we are wishing, team doctors aren’t a bad idea either.

Traditional Christmas colors are red and green. Wouldn’t definitive guidelines for red flagging races after late cautions be a wonderful stocking stuffer? Understandably fans want finishes under green, whenever possible. Would it be so difficult for the moguls to determine the number of laps required for a restart at each track and write the policies accordingly?

Speaking of restarts, why are race leaders forced to contend with lapped cars at such a crucial point in the race? We are forever hearing "cautions breed cautions." Sure they do, if inferior cars and drivers are lined up inside the leaders and then race like idiots. NASCAR please, put lapped cars on the outside of the leaders. Or better still, in the back where they belong.

Last September I went on record as being in favor of closing the garage to outsiders. This dangerous area should at least be off limits when cars are on the racetrack. Whether it’s during practice, qualifying or a race, cars are entering and exiting constantly. Of course, they are always in a rush. The garage becomes an obstacle course of cars, equipment and crewmembers. This is no place for tourist. The teams have enough to do without keeping watch for fans wandering around. Drivers and teams should be allowed to focus on racing and safety exclusively.

Every wish list has a "pony." The pony is that one desire so farfetched that there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell you will ever receive it. But you must try, you never know.

The pony on my list this year is a short cooling off period for drivers when they get out of their cars. How many times have we watched a breathless, frustrated driver struggle to answer inane questions immediately after climbing from the car? These poor guys should be allowed a few minutes to collect themselves. Is it too much to ask that they be allowed to rehydrate without worrying about the team’s "official" sports drink? Can’t we please give them a little space and time?

Like the childhood Christmas list this one could go on for pages. However, I want to pass along some wishes from fans for their heroes, the drivers.

For Ricky Rudd: May his much too public mid-life crisis be over.

For Ricky and Elliott Sadler: May they find peace in their new rides after a tumultuous 2002 season.

For Jeremy Mayfield: May he find the rewards he was looking for when he made the switch from Penske’s No. 12 to Evernham’s No. 19.

Also, it is hoped for Jeremy that he be spared ever hearing "Heeeey, Jeeremee" again.

For Casey Atwood: May he find it in his heart to forgive Ray Evernham for bringing him up to Winston Cup then dumping him.

For Jimmy Spencer: May he find a ride that is tailor-made for his no holds barred style of driving. Jimmy could be a superstar in the Craftsman Truck Series.

In closing, allow me to wish everyone a safe holiday season. Please don’t drink and drive. Your designated driver may not be Dale Jr., but he is certainly a hero in your life.

You can contact Orlena at: Insider Racing News

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