One-Lap Shootouts, 1998 Version

M.L. Morgan

Well, race fans, the new and improved(?) Bud Shootout has come and gone. Rusty Wallace found the winner’s circle for his first time. I have no problem with that - I like Rusty Wallace. He’s come a long way from his former brash persona. I’m sure his P.R. people are happy. But this piece isn’t about Rusty - it’s about Nascar’s absurd rule which allows races to be restarted with one lap to go.

This rule is second only to Nascar’s restrictor plate rule for Daytona and Talladega for sheer stupidity. All it does is encourage wrecks. These drivers don’t compete for second-place. They race to win. And rightfully so. Many fans know Earnhardt has run second in the Daytona 500 a few times but almost all fans can remember who beat him. Winston Cup Racing isn’t about running second - it’s about winning. It’s about time Nascar let the drivers race for the win.

Admittedly the Bud Shootout isn’t a real race - there are no points involved and the money isn’t that great by today’s standards, but the drivers race for all they are worth to win. That’s the reason they are they are competing in Winston Cup - these drivers are the best. You won’t see any drivers wearing sequined suits and skating backwards - this isn’t the Olympics - this is racing at its best.

Nascar has the audacity to mandate these one-lap shootouts. I guess they are waiting for someone to get killed before they change this preposterous rule. I’m not waiting to speak out. I’ve done columns in the past addressing this same subject and I won’t be quiet until Nascar does something about this rule.

I had the chance recently to write a column applauding some new rule changes made by Nascar to slow the cars by reducing the aerodynamics of the race cars. Fine idea. I give Nascar their just due whenever they deserve it. Now I think it’s time for Nascar to hold it. As long as the one-lap shootout rule is in effect we will see more needless wrecks. I don’t care Rusty jumped the green flag in the Bud Shootout - it should never have been allowed to occur.

Unless it’s pouring down rain I don’t think any race should be allowed to end without the last 5 laps being run under green flag. Anything else is stealing from the drivers and the fans. The cars can’t race in the rain. Ask DW - that’s how he got his last victory.

The new 1998 season is upon us and I don’t expect to have any more clout with Nascar than I’ve had in the past. King William II never forgets it’s his football and he can make whatever rules he chooses. Such is life.

Nice, fairly new site all race fans should visit: That's Racin'. It’s sponsored by the Charlotte Observer and it’s very good. Check it out. Another one you should be aware of is "A Lighter Side of NASCAR". They have a great newsletter which is up-dated daily. Written by a real Nascar fan. They do a fine job. No, I don’t get paid to give plugs. These are really nice sites. Check them out !

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