Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/44411
had hoped. A restart pile-up fin- ished the day and equipment for a passel of drivers, including the two men fighting for the series' championship. After the crunched cars and angry comments by drivers and teams, IRL race control declared the ill- fated restart never happened. Fin- ishing positions were awarded based on where cars were before the restart crash. And still the issue wasn't solved. The IRL heard an appeal two weeks later by drivers who lost posi- tions after the no-start call. Those drivers lost. So did the IRL. I know the IRL really wanted to hold its race without any television competition from NASCAR. And like the fendered series, IRL offi- cials always want to have an official green flag finish. But when it's rain- ing at the track, you rarely get what you want. At least the IRL immediately admitted its mistake, but the wet restart still was a terrible idea and a big racing turkey. TEXAS TWO-STEP MISSTEP Not to pick on open-wheelers, but the bifurcated June IRL race in Texas was a mess worthy of at least turkey side dish status. The sport was sac- rificed for a gimmick, running two races on the same night. Worse, it was a gimmick that didn't work. The decision to have the second race's starting order determined by a random draw was bad enough. The process took way too long and wasn't suspenseful. Worse, it made a mockery of the reason for racing. Yes, I know luck, good and bad, comes into play in racing, but that's on the track. Don't try to gin up false drama before the engines start. It just doesn't work. And worst of all, the gimmick race results could end up playing a big part in who wins the eventual IRL championship. That's not the role for any race league's governing body or individual racetrack. STOP START AND PARKERS NASCAR obviously doesn't care that a handful of drivers never makes it beyond a few laps each race, but I absolutely hate teams that start a race with no intention of finishing it. I realize the money for finishing in the last few spots will help pay a race team's bill. And by not stay- ing on the track, these teams avoid potential wrecks that could wipe out the last-place purse. But starting a race only to park your car after a few laps is not racing, and it's defi- nitely not sporting. If you can't compete, then get off the track and make room for drivers who can or who at least want to try. That wraps up the 2011 racing turkeys. Here's hoping you enjoy your holiday meal and the rest of the motorsports seasons. Kay Bell is an Austin, Texas-based writer. When she's not yelling at her television during NASCAR races, she blogs about taxes and other financial topics at www.dontmesswithtaxes. typepad.com. Circle 352 on Reader Service Card or visit truckersnews.hotims.com NOVEMBER 2011 TRUCKERS NEWS 37