The Daytona 500 marks the beginning of the competitive year not just for NASCAR, but for North America automobile racing in general. It has become one of the Big Four rac es in international motorsports along with LeMans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Monaco Gran Prix. It’s a chance for the hard drivin’ good ole boys to show off the best in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 2020 version had the benefit of being held in a presidential election year so the current President and the First Lady made a personal appearance there to be the Grand Marshals of the race. The weather held off just enough for the first couple to arrive and lead the pack around the track on the pace lap. As they pulled off the track skies opened up and the race had to be halted on lap 20. As the afternoon progressed it became obvious that the rain was not going to let up and so it was decided to get things going again on Monday.
Since 2017, Cup races have been run in three stages; four in the case of the Coca-Cola 600. It is too complicated to explain how the stage system works and I don’t totally get it myself. Now I watch the 50 laps of a Cup race then watch the last 30 or so. This is what I did on Monday. However I miss-timed the ending of the race and when I got back it was 197. A 20 car crash on lap 185 had caused the race to be halted. On the restart Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney fought for the lead. A yellow caution light came on caused by a two car spin on lap 198. Because a Cup race can’t end under a yellow light the race was extended to extra laps. On the last lap, Lap 209, Ryan Newman made a run for lead, but banged another car and became involved in a blood curdling crash. Hamlin took the checkered flag, even as Newman was flipping and sliding upside down in the pit entrance. Hamlin’s win was dimmed by the tragedy as Newman was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
The word is that Ryan Newman is in serious condition, but his injuries are not life threatening. Newman is a Hoosier from South Bend, Indiana. He has a highway in St. Joseph County named after him. His crash is a sobering reminder of the dangers of automobile racing and that a split-second decision gone wrong can wreak incredible havoc.
NFL Scouting Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium begins this Sunday, the 23rd, so if you see some very big young men heading in and out of the various restaurants and hotels downtown don’t be surprised. It goes on through Monday, March 2. Unfortunately it’s closed to the general public but you can watch it on television this year. You’ll get a chance to see the top 337 college football prospects strut their stuff in front of scouts, team reps, and the media. The young athletes will show their speed, strength, and maturity in various exercises both physical and mental. The Colts will be there and will examine candidates at several positions they are looking to strengthen. Check your TV schedule for the times and dates of broadcast on NFL Network.
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