The Associated Press is reporting that at least two star drivers have been fined by NASCAR for making disparaging remarks about the sport. The moves have occurred in secret, with one driver reportedly fined as much as $50,000.
One of the drivers is rumored to be Denny Hamlin, who has been vocally critical of NASCAR over debris cautions at Pocono and Michigan in June, both of which nearly cost him race victories.
After reading Twitter and the opinions expressed there by various well-known motorsports writers and commentators, the consensus seems to be that NASCAR has a right to protect the intellectual property of their business, and that other major league sports (MLB,NBA,NFL) have been doing this already for years.
What do you think? Should NASCAR fine a driver when they express their opinion, even when it’s perhaps in the heat of the moment and does not flatter NASCAR?
NASCAR will do anything they want. Fans will make them sorry they’ve done it.
No i think it is wrong nascar should stay out of that but why would they fine them for telling the truth this is a (QUOTE) from brain france that was made this last week from indy, the way we decide the ending of events, so on, so forth. that came straight from the mans mouth just in my humble opinion Brain france and his politly correct crap is one of the things that is causeing nascar to go down hill FAST. I have been a fan for over thirty years and the raceing for the last 8 or 9 years the hole thing is going down hill
Fining someone for telling the truth is wrong. I agree the fans will Brian France sorry for doing it. Maybe it is time for Congress to start investigating NASCAR for possible anti-trust violations. The last time I heard a monopoly was only legal as a board game.
NASCAR, Pull your head out of your butt!!!!!! Your losing your fan base faster than you know what goes through a goose. Please wake up and see the light!! First thing the board of directors of NASCAR should do is send Brian France packing!!!
This man has ruined a great American past time. A few more years under his regin, and the grand stands will be completely empty.
He will change up the schedule and the points strucure AGAIN, just what the fans want!! The only thing he sees is $$$$$!!! Doesn’t care he is destroying what his Grand dad and father spent their life times building!! R.I.P. NASCAR!!
Heck no, I don’t agree with NASCAR at all.
Hey France, do you really expect these drivers to race for hours and not have feelings or opinions after all that effort? These guys do not get ‘half-time’ or sit on the bench waiting for their turn…this is non stop, 100% of the time, full body effort and adrenaline!!
Totally disagree with NASCAR’s approach to this. I was mad after the “shut up and drive” meeting at Michigan a couple of years ago and this just adds to reasons why the sport is fading away.
The fans were already saying things about the fake debris cautions to close up the field, NASCAR itself made the rule to get multiple green white wreckers finishes — to “manufacture” excitement.
How about spending time getting the products (racing), right instead of relying on gimmicks?
Wonder why people are tuning out? Because its become too fake.
I am personally upset at the “Jimmie Johnson” cautions. The drivers should be furious. I like the way the cameras just breifly show the ball of rubber on the track and pan away. Then the commentators ignore the poorly called caution. If not they get in trouble. I’ve been a fan for 30 years, this “manufactured” racing is sad. It’s more like wrestling.
Balance is the key. When drivers can’t be honest about problems or issues that need to be addressed for fear that big daddy NASCAR will come down, then there is a problem. On the other hand, drivers in essence work for NASCAR. (I know, they aren’t on NASCAR’s payroll, but the only reason they have a job is because NASCAR allows them to drive in that series.) When drivers go public dissing the character and credibility of NASCAR and its various officers and leaders, they are biting the hand that feeds them. When you think of the “leaders” among the drivers in the past, like Earnhardt and others, they didn’t make personal attacks on the leaders of the sanctioning body. They may have spoken up about safety issues, etc. but that is different. Younger drivers need to take note and emulate the greats of the past.
I believe the drivers have the right to voice their own opinions. NASCAR should not be so quick to punish them for it.
Fining drivers for expressing a truth?! Good lord, it’s bad enough our government ignores the will of the people, must NASCAR do the same to fans that love and support this sport.
Mike Helton, Robin Pemberton, and John Darby; we the fans find you guilty of “actions and comments that materially damage the sport”.
First generation conceives and makes it work.
Second generation expands it.
Third generation runs it into the ground.
Which generation are we in NASCAR?
Reelman, best comment I’ve seen in ages… Only the truly agile and well planned sports can avoid the 3rd generation. Unfortunately, it appears NA$CAR has removed the restrictor plates in their race to ‘the light’.