After listening to the events that occurred in last night’s Midnight Madness race, I think there needs to be some discussion on respect.
Imagine this happening in a NASCAR race: Kyle Larson gets loose under Mark Martin, doesn’t lift and runs into him; Martin loses a couple seconds, but catches back up to Larson. Martin passes Larson again, choosing to take the high road and pass him clean. Larson attempts to pass Martin again, and gets loose under him and (again) doors Martin, putting Martin back a few seconds again. This finally gets under Martin’s skin and he puts Larson in the wall, ensuring that Larson finishes behind him. Not a genius move on Martin’s part, but understandable from an experienced racer’s point of view. After the race, Martin goes over to Larson’s trailer and confronts him about his driving. Rather than apologize for his obvious moronic behavior, Larson starts yelling at Martin, calling him an old man, saying he doesn’t know how to drive, and telling him to settle down so he doesn’t have a heart attack.
This wouldn’t really happen in real life, I know. We’re using this as an example. Kyle Larson is an up-and-coming, awesome driver in NASCAR. Mark Martin is a well respected, long standing member of the NASCAR family. What would your opinion of Larson be had this really happened? For those of us that have watched Martin race for years, we’d think what a punk kid Larson is. Who the heck does he think he is? What is wrong with his family and the people around him that he thinks it’s OK to act like that? Now what do you think NASCAR would do to Larson? Maybe nothing, but at the very least, they’d bring him to the NASCAR trailer and have a talk about respect.
Racing is racing. Accidents happen. Morons are out there every race. That’s part of life. When it happens time and time again by the same person, and that same person shows absolutely no respect for the game or the people that helped make the game what it is today, something needs to be done.
IF YOU RUN INTO SOMEONE, SLOW DOWN, LET THEM BACK PAST, OR AT LEAST RECOVER. IT’S REALLY NOT THAT COMPLICATED! THIS IS A GENTLEMAN’S WAY OF DRIVING.
As far as respect after the driving is done, that shouldn’t be something that needs to be discussed. Apparently it does. All these kids (under age 18) have pretty much invaded the game. That’s great, as long as they show respect for the older, more experienced drivers. League “owners” need to make sure these kids (and a few young adults) are behaving if they’re going to let them race in their league. If these children are going to behave and talk like what I heard last night, they should be banned from racing with the adults. I have a 13 year old son. I know what he is doing on his computer at all times. If I ever caught him speaking to an adult like what I heard last night, he would be re-introduced to my hand or closest solid object. League “owners” can’t be parents and shouldn’t have to be parents. However, you are putting yourself up as a leader in the DTR2 community and should ensure that these kids learn how to drive (and act) respectfully in your league, before, during, and after the race. If this isn’t something a league “owner” wants to do, I can guarantee when the adult drivers experience what happened last night, they won’t show up to your races anymore. You’ll be stuck with disrespectful, snot-nosed kids to race with. Boy, that sounds like a lot of fun, huh?
Now, if there are any children still reading this post, this is directed to you. If you try to drive respectfully and act like a gentleman after the race, good job! You are well on your way to becoming a great DTR2 driver that everyone wants to race with and looks forward to seeing at league races. If you think it’s funny to wreck people during the races and then speak to adults disrespectfully afterwards, I feel sorry for you. I’m sorry there isn’t someone in your life that can direct you in a more positive way. I’m sorry your parents have let you down. There are some good role models in this game that I’m sure would be happy to guide you into becoming a well-respected driver. All you have to do is settle down with the reckless driving, chill out with the disrespectful talk after the race, and let someone know you could use a mentor.
I’m sure there will be some smart aleck comments in response to this post. If that’s your way of doing things, that’s an issue you need to deal with yourself. Step up and take responsibility; don’t take a step back and respond with immaturity.
All this being said, I hope most of all that the league “owners” take more responsibility for their races. Otherwise, the game is going to go downhill at a much faster pace than it is already. DTR2 is a great game and it would be a shame to see all the favorite drivers leave (like some have done already) because of a few immature children.
Much love,
Chrissy (McGee’s wife, Cyclone’s mom, AKA Mama Tiger)