Originally Posted by
1forthe$
I've never been a fan of Bobby in the past, for many reasons involving the way he drove others (not dirty, just with very little respect for their equipment) and also because of the actions of his crew/family. However, I have always enjoyed the fact that he will put on a show and give you your moneys worth if he was out there. You can never count him out if there is a line up on the highside.
I was proud that something had seemed to click this year for him. I cant say I've watched every lap he has ran this year, but its been noticeable that he seems more patient, picks and chooses better of when to go, has learned to keep the rear deck on it, and not drive over others.
However I was let down by him last night. Even when he had the fastest car with plenty of time left, he chose to take that line and make that move. Yes, technically they didn't touch.. but IMO he flat out ran him to the wall with a line that would never be taken unless that was the actual intent. Squeezing someone low to take away the bottom or changing your line to take away theirs is one thing.. diving in and running them to the wall is another.
You haven't heard guys like Mcdowell, Owens, Bloomquist, EPJ, etc.. have to stand in victory lane and apologize for driving others 'kinda dirty'. I guess that's what separates the really good from the greats. I'm conflicted because while it gets old hearing NASCAR drivers complain and cry when others are even near them creating very boring racing.. but I def don't like moves like that one.
It is interesting to see how different a guy will drive one car vs. another though. I've said for years that for as great as JD is (and I'm kind of becoming a fan..) a lot of his 'wow' moments come due to others lifting, avoiding, and/ or choosing not to wreck. For instance his start last night in the heat race. Then as he drove through the field it was with little regard to those around him.. until he got to McDowell. He chose to slow down, get technical and race him very respectfully. I noticed several guys do that with McDowell actually. While he has earned that 'extra' respect, the point is he has earned it by racing EVERYONE that way.
I actually made a joke last night that I wonder if the 17m crew even brings body work tools with them to the track anymore.. or if they are just dusty on the shelf at home. I was told yes they do.. in case a crew guy scratches anything when unloading the car LOL.