[Racer Duck]

In the Craftsman Truck Series, Johnny Benson appears to be the recipient of unwaranted penalties by NA$CAR. Story: NASCAR.COM - Benson, crew chief receive penalties for test violations - May 15, 2007

The way I understand the story, Benson was not at the track because of some other obligations. The "substitute" crashed the truck during a test run at Lowes last week. It was only when verifying the driver was OK, after the crash, that the "substitute" was discovered ("substitutes" are not illegal" .. but they HAVE to have a valid NASCAR driver's license!!!)

Unless Benson was involved with the approval allowing the unlicensed substitute to drive in his absence (I've heard nothing that says he was), then why is he being penalized?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

In the Craftsman Truck Series, Johnny Benson appears to be the recipient of unwaranted penalties by NA$CAR. Story: NASCAR.COM - Benson, crew chief receive penalties for test violations - May 15, 2007

The way I understand the story, Benson was not at the track because of some other obligations. The "substitute" crashed the truck during a test run at Lowes last week. It was only when verifying the driver was OK, after the crash, that the "substitute" was discovered ("substitutes" are not illegal" .. but they HAVE to have a valid NASCAR driver's license!!!)

Unless Benson was involved with the approval allowing the unlicensed substitute to drive in his absence (I've heard nothing that says he was), then why is he being penalized?

I heard Benson interviewed on this one, Duck. I don't remember the conversation verbatim but Johnny actually invited the kid (I believe that he is 17 but has a slug of late model wins at his home track in Michigan (I think it's in).Benson said his first ride in a NASCAR racer was in a similar circumstance and he offered the ride, thinking nothing about it.

Johnny took responsibility for the mistake and seemed to have no trouble with the ruling.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I heard Benson interviewed on this one, Duck. I don't remember the conversation verbatim but Johnny actually invited the kid (I believe that he is 17 but has a slug of late model wins at his home track in Michigan (I think it's in).Benson said his first ride in a NASCAR racer was in a similar circumstance and he offered the ride, thinking nothing about it.

Johnny took responsibility for the mistake and seemed to have no trouble with the ruling.

That makes all the difference. I guess my source for the rumor was wrong (unusual, 'cause he usually has lots of behind the scenes info .. guess he slipped up on this one...) I know the article says Davis didn't have any problem with the penalties, though it doesn't mention Benson's reaction.

Case Closed!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

That makes all the difference. I guess my source for the rumor was wrong (unusual, 'cause he usually has lots of behind the scenes info .. guess he slipped up on this one...) I know the article says Davis didn't have any problem with the penalties, though it doesn't mention Benson's reaction.

Case Closed!

Most of my "connections" are no longer involved and the couple I do have I communicate with very seldom. I pick up a lot of good info from SIRIUS radio. The NASCAR channel does some excellent in-depth interviews on a regular basis. It's light years ahead of what Clair B. Lang did with NASCAR on XM radio.

I recommend SIRUS to any NASCAR fan who has the ability to go beyond the "My Driver" mindset.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Most of my "connections" are no longer involved and the couple I do have I communicate with very seldom. I pick up a lot of good info from SIRIUS radio. The NASCAR channel does some excellent in-depth interviews on a regular basis. It's light years ahead of what Clair B. Lang did with NASCAR on XM radio.

I recommend SIRUS to any NASCAR fan who has the ability to go beyond the "My Driver" mindset.

I dropped my subscription to XM a couple years ago .. still have the receiver, but....