Sunday was a NASCAR kind of day.  My Friend Pat Johnson, of Rugged Ridge, had a spare ticket (provided by one of his customers, Jack Lancaster, owner of Tellico 4×4) for the race at Talladega Super Speedway.  We did a fairly fast road trip/race day…  On the way about 7:00 in the morning and back home by 10:00 that evening.

But all of that is only to set a stage…

Pat at the Track

During the race, we were listening to the race communications between some drivers and crews.  It is really fun to hear what is going on behind the scenes.  It is also traditional for fans at NASCAR events to be able to listen to everything from the teams to race control… even the back channels of the TV and radio broadcasts are publically accessible.

While we were listening to one of my favorite teams (Kurt Busch – #2 Miller Lite Dodge), Kurt let out a dirty word… in frustration.  It was kind of pointy…  And it isn’t the first time that a driver has said something that they probably wish they hadn’t said…  In fact, it isn’t Kurt’s first time at that dance.  Last week there was a heated exchange on the radio with his boss.  Some inside NASCAR thought that perhaps the communications should be made private.

Fans didn’t like it.

The fans like to hear what the drivers have to say… even when it isn’t family friendly…  Perhaps with a little more discretion.  But THEY want to make the decision as to whether or not the communications are suitable.  For them… for their children.

Frankly, I think this comment was superfluous.  But there have been a few other times when comments using some of the same words were NOT superfluous.  They were hilarious.  They were insightful.

They help to humanize the experience…

From drivers joking with their crews as the travel 190+mph around the track to broadcasters talking about where to go to dinner after the race, while on a commercial break.  From drivers apologizing to their crew for mistakes on the track to NASCAR officials joking about running out on the track during a caution to pick up debris.

Aside from providing entertainment for the fans, the drivers, crews, broadcasters and officials have families and lives.  They make mistakes and they have little triumphs along the way.

Isn’t that kind of like us when we interact on social networks? Just thinking…

BTW, Thank you Pat and Jack.  I had a great time.