By Jimmy Dearing (May 13th, 2014) There have been several instances of fighting, arguing and even intentional wrecking of others at racetracks this season. There has been occurrences that may seem minor all the way up to people having to go the hospital and others going to jail.
In reality, most everyone racing does it because it is something they love to do. For the vast majority it is just a hobby, albeit an expensive hobby. But in the end, we all enjoy racing because it is supposed to be a fun and exciting sport. Although you may get upset when someone spins you out or gets into a crash with you, remember that everyone is watching including our young, impressionable fans.
Sam Driggers with UMP DIRTcar probably summed it up best in this email blast that he sent out to all DIRTcar Members..
To all teams, Due to the fighting that occurred at certain events this past weekend I think it’s time for everyone to reflect on how we conduct ourselves when we are at the track. I am not going to single out any one person or team and I need to let you know that it was not just one problem this weekend, there was others as well. We all need to understand a few things when we conduct ourselves in such a brutal way. #1-Understand when you or your crew is hitting on someone, you have to understand you are hitting somebody’s Dad, Brother, Friend or Husband. How do you think you would feel if it was you or someone in your family. # 2-When these things happen, They can go in the wrong direction in a hurry, You can wind up in jail with costly legal bills, you can wind up in prison, or worse yet you could end up dead. And to think you have these problems because of decision you made in a heated moment over something that at the end of the day does not matter in the real world. Then look at the person that got abused, He may be damaged for life. Do you want to have to live with the thought that this happened and it’s because of something you did in the heat of the moment. I know it’s a tough time for everyone and we are trying to hold on and keep doing what we all love. I know that we all get mad a certain things that happen to us. But please keep in mind that nothing is worse losing your freedom or life over it. If you get mad, stay in your area and keep yourself under control. If you feel like you have been treated unfairly by someone, go tell a official, don’t take matters it to your own hands. In closing I wish all the best, Let’s have fun and respect each other. Sam Driggers DIRTcar Director.
In closing, I hope everyone that reads this will at least think twice before deciding to do anything irrational when something doesn’t go their way.