Hey McCrank, you're absolutely correct. The Austrian GP is a classic example of a "fixed" result, which no self-respecting race series would entertain. I mean, hell, that would be like Richard Petty winning his 200th race on the 4th of July long after he was washed up (ooops), or Dale Jr. winning at the track where his dad was killed, at the next race held there (ooops).
NASCAR would never entertain such race-fixing. It would be like giving the slow makes an aero advantage for the next race, in order to appease a manufacturer who was sinking big bucks in the series (oops). I mean, jeez, it would be like allowing a manufacturer to race a body style that didn't even exist, just to get them to participate (oops).
I'm a NASCAR fan, I really am. I am a Formula One fan, as well. Can't help it, I've been for 25 years and I'm too old to kick the habit now. Besides, when I hear one of those hyperactive mosquitoes circulating a track (like the several late-model F1 cars that invariably turn up for the vintage races at Elkhart), it makes my blood boil just as much as a well-tuned small-block Ford.
I am also a Ferrari F1 fan, have been since I was a kid and first got to see Gilles Villenueve (dead 20 years last week, BTW) sliding his 312T4 sideways.
That being said, I cannot escape the bad taste that last weekend's race left in my mouth. There is no rule against it that I am aware of, and I know they invest megabucks to win championships, but jeez, M. Schumacher and the F2002 have no competition this year, none, and it's not like the four points are going to make a difference this season. I think Ferrari should voluntarily reverse the first two finishing positions and give Rubens Barrichello his well-deserved win.
Oh yeah, and I have an
oil painting of that happening, if anyone is interested in trading it for a late-model NASCAR stocker...
Bob
p.s. Cranky, sorry if my facts are off regarding King Richard or Little E--I was recounting them from memory...
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