via Imago
NASCAR drivers pose for a group photograph
via Imago
NASCAR drivers pose for a group photograph
NASCAR is currently going through a crisis, a safety crisis to be more precise. Over the last few months, the fact that the Next Gen car isn’t necessarily safer than the Gen 6 car has come more and more to the surface.
To the point where drivers are now openly asking for immediate measures to be taken, calling out the ones in power, and making their frustration, displeasure as clear as they can.
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Perhaps because of the nature of the current situation, journalist, Alanis King, tweeted out an interesting idea, a possibility for the future of NASCAR – “Should NASCAR drivers ……… unionize?”
This question led to, as you would expect for just about anything in NASCAR, a flurry of mixed reactions with opinions on either side of the spectrum from drivers like Parker Kligerman, Tommy Joe Martins as well as the fans.
Where can I sign
— Tommy Joe Martins (@TommyJoeMartins) October 5, 2022
There essentially is…The key is speaking through the proper channels and with one voice. No matter what label you put on it if you don't do that. It's not going to make a difference
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) October 6, 2022
i wouldnt be opposed to the idea. thwy put thier lives on the line every week and the money isn’t anywhere near where it was in the heyday of Gordon, Jr, Stewart etc in the late 90’s and early to mid 00’s. historically it hasnt worked out well for them. but who knows how itd go
— Brandon Magrowsky (@BMagrowsky) October 5, 2022
Sure does seem like it's a real possibility for the first time
— Brian Obiedzenski (@TheRealObie29) October 5, 2022
So drivers unionize, and then it will be impossible for an owner to fire a driver. Unions are a formula that creates mediocrity.
— pacificcoast (@pacificcoast2) October 5, 2022
This…. Shouldn't be a question
— HamiltonX44 (@ChaseG829) October 6, 2022
They tried this years ago with Richard Petty at the helm and it resulted in a meeting that ended with a gun pointed at Richard
— Evan Thorpe (@awesomeevan24) October 5, 2022
NASCAR wants the same thing as the drivers, Steve Phelps insists
Ahead of the race at Talladega, the veteran driver, Denny Hamlin, blamed the leadership, past and present, for the current state of safety in the sport. This prompted NASCAR President, Steve Phelps, to reinforce their stance when it comes to this subject.
“We need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make our drivers feel safe in the vehicles and have them understand that we certainly care about their safety because we do,” Phelps said.
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“We’re working on things with our own people internally, our race teams, (manufacturers) and drivers to make sure that we have a plan in place moving forward so that — I don’t know that it’s gaining the trust — but doing better.”
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 2, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (8) leads the field during the Yellawood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Phelps added that their goal is to become “the safest motorsports” on planet Earth.
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Whether they’re able to achieve this goal, which some could consider, a utopian dream considering the current situation, only time will tell.
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