Debbi Willis 8-22-07

Actions, Aggression and Accountability

August 22, 2007

Debbi Willis - SCR

According to the dictionary, accountability is defined in the noun form as a “responsibility to someone or for some activity. “ Without a race at Michigan on Sunday or Monday for that matter, Shell-Pennzoil and Havoline-Texaco are most likely delighted that Watkins Glen is very fresh in everyone’s minds, as the confrontation between Harvick and Montoya has played repeatedly throughout the week. From the TV and internet, to NASCAR’s Countdown to the Green and the interim rain coverage (which was Watkins Glen all over again), it was still a hot topic. NASCAR even feigned concern about the incident on the following Friday and called both driver’s to the NASCAR hauler for a little chat to be sure all was good between them now.

Why do I say “feigned?” Because, make no mistake about it, NASCAR loves this stuff! This stuff sells tickets, causes media and fans alike to talk about the race all week and fan-bases to take sides. Stuff like this stirs up strong emotions that root back to the infamous first television broadcast of Daytona in 1979 when the Allison’s and Cale Yarborough ended up in a fistfight on the back stretch in defense of their feelings about an on track altercation. Just as when Dale Earnhardt bumped the popular “Iceman” Terry Labonte out of a victory at Bristol in ’99, Earnhardt greeted NASCAR with a big smile in the pressroom the following week, commenting to the effect that he’d sold out another week for them (referring to the Bristol actions). Despite the polished, prim and proper makeover of NASCAR over the years, the sport always comes back to its roots when it comes to the heat of the moment. Somehow, I actually find that reassuring.

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However, the sport requires responsibility and accountability. Every athlete in the sports in our country are “heroes” to someone somewhere and quite often, those “someone’s” are children who will emulate the examples athletes set. With that status comes the responsibility to be accountable for their actions. There are athletes in other sports that I’d like never to be reminded of for some of their horrible actions! Athletes aren’t accountable enough in my opinion, but in our sport, thankfully, it naturally holds the drivers accountable and to a higher standard. Tracks are unforgiving which can mean life or death. When a driver makes a poor choice while being witnessed by millions, it can be a humbling experience, thus creating personal accountability. Driver’s hold each other accountable by expecting each to drive each other with a measure of respect. When that doesn’t progress through the season, feuds fester, tempers flare and moments will provide lessons. NASCAR expects drivers to obey the rules or suffer their wrath and those consequences, i.e. the language issue recently with Tony Stewart or disobedience by Robby Gordon. Obviously blatant infractions incur immediate consequences that hold the driver immediately accountable.

Then there are the Rookies. The yellow stripe across their rear bumper warns the rest of the field to beware: they may be prone to poor decisions or inexperience around the circuit in their first year. Few rookies come into the field and roll through it without drawing the wrath of a veteran at some point. With the multi-teams, most Rookies have a built-in mentor within their organization. Unfortunately this is not the case for Juan Pablo Montoya, a champion in other divisions but nonetheless a rookie in NASCAR. As was eluded to by both Montoya’s team owners, Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates, he’s benefited from assistance by Kevin Harvick and they are friends. So, what’s the big deal between the two?

It’s about accountability. Montoya laid the blame for an incident he helped cause on Martin Truex Jr. When all is said and done, the responsibility lies with Montoya for blocking Truex into the frustration that caused Truex to punt Montoya, an uncharacteristic move by Truex. Granted the driver in front has the right to be there but the driver also knows if they aren’t faster, they’re going to most likely get run over, run through or moved out of the way. Therefore, in the light of accountability, Montoya IS at fault for positioning himself in front of Truex, especially when he knew he couldn’t get the “long first gear” moving fast enough. The question to Ganassi by ESPN’s reporter about the “long first gear” was superbly subtle as the answer was that it was the driver’s choice of comfort. In this case, this choice hindered Montoya for which he should have compensated by getting out of the way instead of holding up traffic. And in the end, that puts him at fault for causing the situation that caused the mess.

And therein lies the frustration on Harvick’s behalf (and his fans). Jeff Burton said Harvick was “completely under control.” Fighting wasn’t even a consideration as the two men didn’t undress their safety equipment to face-off. What was very clear was Harvick’s complete infuriation as one more “racing deal” took him out of major contention because someone else wasn’t thinking, namely Montoya. Looking at it from Harvick’s standpoint, it’s easy to see how he might be thinking: “what is up with this guy!?” Nearly every week there’s an incident involving Montoya and another driver (just ask Jimmie Johnson about earlier at Watkins Glen) and to date, it’s been a couple of incidences that have cost Harvick and his team personally while so precariously close to the Chase deadline. Who wouldn’t be infuriated?

When your name becomes a term for being wrecked, i.e. “Montoya-ed,” (even if spoken jokingly) and your rookie season may be remembered as a “wreckfest,” perhaps there’s a wake-up call in order. Taking action and getting the job done with aggression is all well and great for the sport but when it goes awry, be accountable. No one can ask for more than that.

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