Veterans wondering where respect has gone

CBS SportsLine ^ | April 9, 2005 | CBS SportsLine.com wire reports

[jolie560]

The confrontation between Dale Jarrett and Shane Hmiel during a Busch Series race has left some veteran drivers wondering: Does Hmiel's disrespect toward the former series champion during and after the race reflect a trend?

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Hmiel had caused an accident that knocked Jarrett out of the short-track race at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend. An angry Jarrett confronted him, and Hmiel replied with an obscene gesture. He later intimated that Jarrett's opportunities to exact revenge were growing shorter.

The 24-year-old Hmiel apologized Friday and said he has the utmost respect for the veterans like Jarrett who have helped turn NASCAR into a booming sport.

[jolie560]

In sports and businessess, this phenomena used to be called the "rise of the young Turks".

When you have rapid growth in an industry, you will have new hires, who eventually stick around long enough to be, in 20 years, to become the old goats, themselves.

Calm heads are required.

[Constitution Day]

Yeah, that NEVER happened in the good old days:

Donnie and Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough at the conclusion of the 1979 Daytona 500. As Donnie led the race in the waning laps, Yarborough attempted to pass him on the inside. Donnie blocked him and the two spun into the infield. Bobby came around to defend his younger brother, and those watching the first televised 500 were treated to a good, old-fashioned tussle.
(Photo: The News-Journal)

[KateatRFM]

I was about to remark that even befor NASCAR became NA$CAR, young men were ramming each other off the track and then beating each other up to determine whose fault it had been.

Dale Jarret is known to be a goon, too. Funny he should be doing the pot/kettle thing.

[Constitution Day]

I'm not by any means a NASCAR fan now, but I remember quite vividly watching that race with my dad.
I'm sure that, racing being a sport that attracts certain personality types, there's bound to be some friction.

I just took a look at your FR profile page before I posted this.
I am in serious envy of your job and have wanted to go to Le Mans since I was a kid. Maybe one day. :)

[clintonh8r]

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