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Crackdown On Criticism

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 18, 2008

It wasn't quite a gag order, but in a closed-door meeting last weekend at Michigan, NASCAR president Mike Helton asked drivers to quit criticizing the Car of Tomorrow in the media.

Several drivers have been ripping the new car for everything from its boxy look to its balky handling characteristics since before its debut last season. The latest complaint is that the car is hot inside.

NASCAR wants drivers to air their concerns internally.

"Basically, NASCAR said if you have a grievance with anything going on - whether it's the car, how you get in and out of the racetrack - quit airing it in the press and come talk to us," Kyle Petty said. "This is affecting our fans. We want to be positive, this is our sport."

Kevin Harvick, for one, backs NASCAR's position that the new car is supposed to be more difficult to drive. He says drivers who want a lot of downforce in their cars should go race Indy cars.

"So there are a bunch of them that disrespect the sport week in and out and they act like a bunch of 18-year-old punks, which most of them probably are, and they just need to grow up," Harvick said.

Actually, champions Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon are among the many drivers who have had critical comments about the new car.

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