Lisa Fowler - SCR

We Are Better Than This

August 19, 2008

Lisa Fowler - SCR

I love racing, I am as passionate about the sport and the people involved as anyone out there. I have great respect for the drivers, crew chiefs, teams, owners and sponsors. I believe that NASCAR is not only a shining example of how a family owned business can become a world-wide success but that everyone involved is thought to be held to a high standard.

When I speak to others about my why I chose this sport, I always start by saying that the moral character and the values of those involved are what keep me loyal. I take great pride in all the good things that are done by the NASCAR community. I support each fundraising effort, each NASCAR Day, and as many of the drivers and owners personal causes as I possibly can.

I love what the Petty's have done with Victory Junction Gang Camp(s). It touches my heart to see the drivers work tirelessly for Autism Awareness, Breast Cancer Research, The Humane Society, Children's Miracle Network, Make a Wish Foundation and the list goes on-and-on.

They all truly enjoy giving back. There has never been a time of need, in our country or around the world that the NASCAR family has not stepped up to the plate and answered the call. I have never questioned the ethics and morals of our leadership or our participants.

Recently, I was wondering how Kyle Busch has been able to achieve such unexpected and amazing success in only his first year at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). I answered my own inquiry stating that it had to have a great deal to do with the fact that the Gibbs organization has always held itself to a higher standard due to their faith and belief in Christian values. Although we may question Kyle's attitude at times, there has to be something special going on that allows him to seemingly pull off wins when it appeared to be impossible.

I know that it has always been an accepted fact that in racing, you have to push the envelope. You may step into the "gray areas" of the rules; at least until someone decides to more clearly define the boundaries in black and white. With the COT, we have learned that there are fewer and fewer gray areas. One reason for the development of the car was to try to make a more level playing field. This has lead to some harsh penalties and some huge fines being levied against some of the top teams.

When Michael Waltrip Racing was found to have an illegal substance in their fuel at Daytona in 2007, the racing world came down hard on them. When Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Eury Jr. were found to be using an unapproved bracket on the rear wing, again, huge fines and point penalties.

When Roush-Fenway Racing and Carl Edwards were caught without an oil tank cover, there were fines, penalties and accusations. It has certainly been proven to everyone that NASCAR is not playing around. With so much at stake, money, sponsorships, and the reputation of the sport, even if there is no intent, these types of infractions will not be overlooked. Everyone should know this by now.

When so many teams came forward to question the difference in horsepower between the Toyotas and everyone else (particularly in the Nationwide Series) NASCAR stepped up and did the right thing by testing the engines of several cars. Once it was determined that the Toyotas did indeed have an advantage, they made a change to assure a level playing field. The Toyota teams did not like it, but it appeared that they did what they were asked to do and everyone was expecting the other manufacturers to be back on equal ground.

Then we are told that the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas were caught manipulating the results of the engine dyno tests (inspectors found magnets under the gas pedals of the No. 18 and 20 Nationwide Series cars after Michigan). This came as one of the most shocking announcements of the season. The one organization that everyone thought of as being above reproach has been caught blatantly cheating. It may turn out that there were only one or two people in the organization responsible. I don't know if that will matter in the end. To be prepared to do something like this in between the race and inspection implies planning. If there was pre-planning, that implies more people being aware and involved.

This will certainly not change my love of the sport. I will continue to be devoted and passionate. It will however, make me more aware of the fact that even those that we look up to, admire and respect can fall prey to temptation. The desire to succeed can drive the most honorable to taking risks. To Joe, J.D. and the Gibbs organization, I will only say that I hope you will bring forth the truth and hand down harsh punishment to all those that played a part in this attempt to deceive. I know that his hurt all of you deeply. Please know that it has hurt all of us. We know that you will be forgiving but we hope that you will clean house. Don't let one or two bad apples spoil the whole bunch.

The views and opinions in this article are that of the writer(s) and not necessarily that of SCR