Black Flags

Before I start, I'm not making any statement about current management, racers, the situation at hand regarding disgruntled drivers, etc.

Modified drivers Lucas Robinson (95r) and father Jesse Robinson (75r) are leaving Eagle. They've made it clear on the Dirtdrivers.com message board. It was another tough night in the modified division, with cars getting torn up and only nine of the 20 starters finishing the A feature.

Lucas spells the reasons out in his thread on dirtdrivers.com, entitled "Please return Cormack" (see user 'mod95r'). Angry about his treatment throughout the night, he's taking his team and heading out. I can respect that. He's putting his money where his mouth is. Where I've always loved the logic behind the saying, "that's why trailers have wheels and racetracks don't," it should never have to come to that.

I think communication between the officials and racers is important. It's also important to make sure you have the story straight and thought out. If a racer is being denied the opportunity to race they have a right to know why.

They may have some legitimate complaints.

But there is one thing I think should never go without penalty - ignoring the black flag. I was down in the Eagle Raceway infield and listening to the radio. Robinson made it clear that he saw and would not honor the flag more than once and didn't stop on the track until Roger Hadan came down there personally.

Who knows, it could have been a safety issue. Most drivers would head up to the work area to see what was going on and if it could be fixed so they can return.

If he were worried about going to the work area and being left out, he could have stopped on the track when prompted.

Ignoring the black flag so one can make a statement isn't fair to the other racers, who are burning fuel and it isn't fair to the fans who aren't interested in your issues. Take your beef with the promoter to the pits.

Again, I'm sorry to see them both go and adding to the list of drivers leaving out of anger. They've been steady fixtures at Eagle for several years. But if you got a problem with the promoter, don't try settling it on the track. It's only going to make things worse.

I'm not saying they don't have legitimate issues, but in light of last week's tragic accident showing emotion while behind the wheel of a car isn't the answer.

Sometimes you say more by NOT going on the track.

-Jason