Boring road courses - NOT

Well, I used to hate watching road courses.

However, the last several times NASCAR has been either at Watkins Glen (like today) or Infenion Raceways... there has been something interesting that has kept us all tuned to the tv to see what will happen next. Last year during a red flag, a fan jumped the fence, went right to the car of Matt Kenseth, stuck his hat through the window of the car, wanting Matt to autograph it.... while Matt was STILL IN THE CAR!!  (Uh... duh! He's a bit busy!! Besides he doesn't have a Sharpie with him!) LOL  (In an interview today, the race reporter hands him a Sharpie... "Just in case." Matt said they felt bad for the guy, not only because he couldn't sign anything but also because the guy got in trouble with security... & so they (the Kenseth team) sent him a bunch of autographed stuff!)

Anyway, today, just as a pit reporter was making comments on the race she said, "Wreck on the track" & the camera cuts to it. The above picture (from Nascar.com) is just a part the "BIG ONE" at The Glen today. A road course is not a type of track you talk about or even expect a big crash.

Someone didn't tell that to the drivers today! With 9 laps to go 9 cars end up in a skirmish at the beginning of pit road off of turn 11.

Even though all the drivers "walked away" they did send Bobby Labonte (#43) to the hospital for observation. He may have a concussion or something because he was actually one, they showed on tv, walking away from his wrecked car. He was limping at 1st... but it didn't last long. The announcers have not said as to why he was taken to the hospital. (He complained of rib soreness, but didn't think it was serious. But they still took him in for observation.) All the other drivers, from what I heard, were treated & release at the infield care center.

Well, after 40 minutes of a red flag they are finally back under way! (Ok, now the race is over... I won't say who the winner is in case anyone is still watching... or needs to watch it!! :o)


This photo (also from Nascar.com) is just after the 77 car hit them barrels there... it was on the driver side, but the safety foam they have in the cars now really took a LOT of the impact!!

Oh... by the way... I do apologize for not doing much for this season as I had hoped. I am thinking of doing a race recap later on of each race & just put a thought or so about what I remember for each race.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!