Written by Michael Vass

Lewis Hamilton did not win the Formula One championship. Or will he? The final race in Brazil ended with Hamilton in 7th place, much to the dismay of many fans. But as in most auto races there was a controversy.

In this case it seems that the 4th, 5th, and 6th place cars all had issues related to their fuel temperature violating the rules. Initially there was no penalty given to these cars (representing Nico Rosberg, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld). Now there is a FIA hearing to determine if they should be pulled and Hamilton moved up and awarded 4th. If that were to happen he would then get the championship.

My big question is should he get the championship, and would he want to get it like this? There is no doubt that winning would be a feather in the cap. But I can’t imagine that this is the way any driver would like to get a win. It just seems empty to me.

Obviously the rules need to be followed, and penalties need to be enforced. But when a driver fails to perform well in a race, I don’t think they should be retroactively rewarded because of those penalties being enforced. Penalties and their eventual reactions should be resolved during the race they occur in. In cases where they are determined afterwards, those penalties should apply forward to those drivers next race, or against the team that they drove for.

To give Hamilton the win makes it a hollow victory. It takes away the better performance of the cars that took the checkered flag well ahead of him.

I’m not the only one to hold this view. Michael Schumacher stated,

“But I think there’s plenty of options after this year - if you start to change again the classification, I think it would be bad for formula one because it had been finished fair and square on the track and there’s no need to carry on looking at it.”

Even Martin Whitmarsh, the McLaren chief executive, said

“Victory for us would be a clarification of the rationale behind the FIA stewards’ decision at the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix - a clarification, indeed, that we regard as essential not only for us but for all our competitors, to enable all teams to race in compliance with the regulation regarding fuel temperatures throughout the 2008 formula one season.”

So this is what the drivers and teams thing. What FIA thinks is as yet unknown. But what to you fans think? Would a retroactive win be good for Formula One? Would you feel as elated for Lewis Hamilton if he wins on a technicality, rather than taking the flag on the track?

I for one have to say no, and I think FIA will agree.

Submitted by NASCAR Ranting and Raving Blog

This weekend’s race will be last one for Dale Earnhardt Jr and DEI together.

“It’s hard to imagine it was 1999 when we made our first Cup start with this team and with Budweiser,” he said. “I’m excited about the off-season and jumping right into my new deal, but it’s very, very important for me to end my time with Dale Earnhardt Inc. with integrity and with my head held high”.

As DEI and Dale Jr fast approach their white flag lap one pauses and wonders, “what if”?

What if, Dale Senior didn’t die?

What if, Dale Jr had a better relationship with Teresa?

What if, DEI kept pace with the other big teams and didn’t fall behind technology wise?

What if, Dale Jr did win a Championship?

What if, Dale Jr made The Chase more?

What if, … . What if, … . What if, … .

What if, Dale Jr and DEI never, ever get back together?

I can’t answer these questions, no one can, not even those who are involved. One thing for certain is, that no matter what happens, Dale Jr will do it with integrity and no matter what he accomplishes, and with who he accomplishes it with, he will do it on his own terms:

“When your career is over and you look back, I think that’s critical: A measure of your character is more important than the number of wins you have. That kind of thing will last longer than any driving career. ” No matter who you are driving for.

Photo Credit: notablebiographies.com

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Submitted by NASCAR Eclectic

Another project near completion. The exterior is finished. It took longer than expected due to weather. I have some loose ends on the interior, but it will remain a shell until the home owner gets together another 25 or 30k to finish it off inside. It’s always a good feeling to walk away with a satisfied customer.

“Chase”

That’s the homeowner on the left getting his hands dirty.

This is ONE funny video
When the Fuel Runs Out

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