"Too Much Hype"
We join you from the infield at Daytona...where we are just steps away from the "Room of Doom"...and in sight of race control where some wags insist that the "call"** is about to be made.
Who'd benefit from a call**:
Juan Pablo Montoya--Hispanic connection, starts 36th, he'd be the big story with winning both ends of Speedweeks
Tony Stewart--a win would complete his quest and perhaps make up for missing the "Chase" in 2006
Mark Martin--part timer...likely the best of the 43 drivers never to have won a 500, would give the Army brass here a reason for a "HOOAH"
David Gilliland--Butch's son would sure enjoy the notoriety for the win; he missed the usual Daytona 500 polewinner buzz. A rookie winning the 500....
Michael Waltrip--his "scandal" got more notice for NASCAR than what might normally happen. The actions belie the words spoken about integrity...so all the "drama" could be the linch pin for a nice little Machievellian scheme.
**--For the record: The vaunted "call" is supposedly made by NASCAR to the "race winner" before the race, letting them know it is their turn to win. In practice, it would be difficult, since EVERY team member would have to be "gagged" so as not to leak the information.
I do not believe NASCAR pre-ordains a winner. I do believe that the entertainment aspect does lend credence to the theory that the sanctioning body can influence events in general to promote said entertainment.
Paul Kaminski
2/18/2007
