The Valenti Modified Racing Series has taken steps to ensure that drivers who have lost the privilege to drive on the road won’t be allowed in competition.
The series announced an addition to their rule book this week that adds a code of conduct restriction on drivers who have their licenses revoked.
The series will not allow competitors to participate if they have had their state issued license revoked or suspended.
The rule, under Section 2.31 Member Code of Conduct, reads: “Any Driver who has a state issued Driver’s License that is under revocation or suspension will not be allowed to compete in any VMRS Sanctioned Event.”
“It was something that we needed to address,” Valenti Modified Racing Series director Warren Alston said. “Take away the [Tommy Barrett Jr.] issue, we just needed to make sure our competitors, we’re just looking to make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license from the state they’re from.”
Nineteen year old Tommy Barrett Jr., a former regular on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and a part-time driver the last two years with the Valenti Modified Racing Series, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on April 17 in Willimantic. Before joining the Whelen Modified Tour full-time with Our Motorsports in 2014, Barrett raced full-time on the Valenti Modified Racing Series in 2012 and 2013. He was released by Our Motorsports on May 2.
The current status of Barrett’s license is unknown. Underage drivers in Connecticut are typically served an automatic minimum six-month suspension of a driver’s license after an operating under the influence charge. Barrett lives in Millis, Mass. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles guide on standards for operating under the influence charges includes a one-year mandatory license suspension for an out of state operating under the influence charge.
The Valenti Modified Racing Series rule is one rarely seen in place in New England Racing circles.
NASCAR currently does not have any rules in its weekly or regional touring series rule books stating that a driver must have an eligible state driver’s license to compete.
None of the three state NASCAR Whelen All-American Series sanctioned short tracks has a rule that bars drivers from competing after revocation or suspension of a driver’s license.
“The way it is, if something happens and we’re aware of it, we’ll make NASCAR aware of that,” Stafford Motor Speedway chief operating officer and general manager Mark Arute said. “The NASCAR member is supposed to contact NASCAR if there’s an issue. If we’re aware of it we’re supposed to contact NASCAR and then we’re out of the loop so to speak.”
New London-Waterford Speedbowl general manager Shawn Monahan said the topic is something he would like to review with his race department in the near future.
Said Thompson Speedway general manager Josh Vanada: “Obviously there was an infraction and it merited folks taking a closer look. That’s something we would certainly do if a similar situation came across our desk also.”
So this mean there going check everyone’s lic before the next race?
Every NASCAR Sanctioned Track should also DRUG TEST and they should also Drug Test in the NWSMT, K & N Series and NWMT..
You got a NASCAR License you should be drug tested.. NO MATTER WHAT!!!
Good move. Just can’t take the risk that someone is operating under the influence while racing. Any other flags that are available to show that there has been some sort of history should be used.
Jason Thompson, Shawn may be able to correct me if I am wrong here, but I am pretty sure all NASCAR Regional and Touring Series such as K&N, WMT etc have a random drug testing policy in place.
Dingus,
I am not totally certain of that. Last I knew the policy at the regional level was testing on suspicion.
i couldnt disagree more with this decision. this will only cause controversy down the road. youre a local/regional sanctioned auto racing series. youre not the a nazi dictator. and let nascar be whatever empire they want to be. youre a local entertainment provider and an organization for auto racing enthusiasts to fulfill enjoyment in their lives. i understand these drivers are local heroes that people look up to but come on… is this really the direction you want to take? interfering with people’s personal lives? taking their #1 escape in life and removing it because they have a suspended license? are all tracks and series going to eliminate tommy barrett’s (or anybody else’s for that matter) chance to recover and get his life back on track and keep his mind sane after losing what he did? racing is the only thing some of these racers have… racing is what likely keeps some drivers AWAY from illicit substances. do these people not understand what the sport means to racers and team members? for christ’s sake, you have an opportunity to take a young and incredibly talented racer and create a storyline for the comeback of a 19 year old kid trying to redeem himself in the world of auto racing. why would you pass that up. this is going way too far. i really hope this doesnt become a trend with series and tracks.
NASCAR Regional Series (K&N Pro Series East/West, Whelen Modified/Southern Modified Tour) rule book, page 55, Section 19-5 reads:
19-5 Testing for Prohibited Substances
Under this Policy, all Competitors, Officials and NASCAR Members will be tested
on the following basis:
A. Reasonable Suspicion – NASCAR may also require a NASCAR Member to
submit to a test or tests if a NASCAR Official has reasonable suspicion that the
NASCAR Member has violated any part of this Policy or has a competitive
advantage or diminished ability to perform as a result of using any substance in
violation with this Policy. Some of the conditions, observations and/or reports that
may cause a NASCAR Official to have such a reasonable suspicion are, without
limitation, as follows:
(1) When a NASCAR Member is found or observed in possession of illegal
substances or illegal drug paraphernalia at any time.
(2) Observation of signs, symptoms, and/or behaviors generally understood
to accompany the use of prohibited substances or alcohol use or
intoxication including, without limitation:
a. Physical signs of red or droopy eyes, dilated or constricted pupils;
b. Slurred speech, stumbling, or hyperactivity;
c. Needle marks;
d. Repeated unexplained disappearances from an Event;
e. Constantly running nose, red appearance in the face, or persistent
sniffing;
f. Time distortion, including repeated tardiness and missed
appointments;
g. Chronic forgetfulness or broken promises;
h. Accidents during Events;
i. Inability to concentrate or remember, or to maintain attention;
j. Mental confusion, paranoia, or presence of abnormal thoughts or
ideas;
k. Violent tendencies, loss of temper, or irritability;
l. Extreme personality change or mood swings; or
m. Deteriorating personal hygiene or appearance.
(3) An arrest or conviction for driving while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs, or an alcohol or drug related conviction.
(4) Receipt of a report from a reliable source that a NASCAR Member is
under the influence of substances prohibited under this Policy on the day
of a NASCAR Event, or, at any time, is using, possessing or selling illegal
drugs or substance.
(5) The results of an examination or test, as provided by the NASCAR Rules,
which shows evidence of use of a prohibited substance or alcohol abuse
or of adulteration or manipulation of the specimen.
(6) The odor or aroma of an alcoholic beverage on or about the breath or
body of a Competitor, Official or NASCAR Member consistent with use of
such a substance or alcoholic beverage on the day of a NASCAR Event.
(7) Violation of NASCAR safety precautions or careless acts during a
NASCAR Event.
This new rule for the VMRS does not appear to solely talk to licenses suspended for drugs and/or alcohol, but rather for any suspension of a driver’s license. Although we all enjoy drivers doing their best on the track, they should be held to the same rules as the rest of us on the street.
There’s this funny little thing in the law that states you’re innocent until proven guilty in the court of law. Right now Tommy made an appearance but there has been no disposition in the case, so I believe he still has a license. So right now MRS has no case to keep him from competing. So if they tried they could be in violation of the 14th amendment which states you can’t deny privileges without due process. OOPPPPPS.
Knuckles,
I don’t know whether his license remains in good standing with the Registry of Motor Vehicles in the State of Massachusetts or not. In most states a license suspension is automatic or takes place not long after an arrest for operating under the influence. Then the parameters of that suspension can be changed based on the outcome of the case.
I’m in agreement with Anonymous post above allowing drivers without a license to compete as having a drivers license does not necessarily make someone fit to drive a racecar. A drivers license can be and has for some people been suspended for failure to pay a simple traffic ticket. If I was another driver, track safety worker, or official I would be more concerned about drugs or alcohol in the drivers system when they are racing.
I would much more favor a mandatory drug test (at his cost) before allowing Mr. Barrett to return to competition on any racetrack. That being said I also would like to see a policy where every driver to submit to a MANDATORY drug test prior to the start of the season and also at an unspecified date sometime during the season the same way school bus drivers, pilots, and other occupations mandate. Should a driver fail the test he is done for the season plus the next season, no questions asked. The only recourse would be if the driver to be retested (at his cost) immediately after the first failed test to reconfirm the findings. In the event the second test fail to bring up ANY drugs in the drivers system he will be allowed to continue competing but will be tested again later in the year unannounced.
It has to do with actions detrimental to the sport and by driving while under the influence of alcohol and being under the influence of drugs, there you go !! A very poor role model indeed and he committed career suicide on his own.
Oh anonymous, such courage to stand up for what you believe in …..
Let’s see, where to start. “going to eliminate tommy barrett’s (or anybody else’s for that matter) chance to recover and get his life back on track and keep his mind sane after losing what he did” – So, if I understand you correctly, preventing him from racing is going to keep him from recovering from alcohol addiction when it didn’t prevent the problem in the first case?
” you have an opportunity to take a young and incredibly talented racer and create a storyline for the comeback of a 19 year old kid trying to redeem himself in the world of auto racing” – The only thing that will prevent that storyline is Barrett’s actions themselves. If he regains his license and gets reinstated by VMRS, story is there.
And for all those who think VMRS or NASCAR is being unfair, they are NOT the only racing organization to require a valid drivers license, SCCA does as well.
“So right now MRS has no case to keep him from competing. So if they tried they could be in violation of the 14th amendment which states you can’t deny privileges without due process. OOPPPPPS.”
Except the MRS is a business, one that conducts business on private property.
A business has the right to refuse service to anyone who’s presence would somehow be distracting to the wellbeing, to the safety, or to the welfare of the other people in the business and/or the business itself. A property owner has the right to decide who and what is allowed on the property for the same reasons.
Nobody is being banned due to race, religion, sex, a handicap, or other legally protected condition.
The organizer sets the rules for competiton, and if you can’t meet them, you don’t get to participate.
If Nascar were to implement this ,would this mean that anybody under 16 yrs. old can not race at a Nascar track? That would hit them in the wallet, and Nascar is only in it for the money.
Does Valenti allow drivers under the age of 16 to race?
Well, anonymous, preventing Tommy Barrett Jr. from participating in racing will not only protect himself, but the rest of the racers, owners and pit crews, and that is far more important that any therapeutic value the racing may have for TB Jr. TB Jr. can still hang out at the track for the “therapeutic” value, but no driving until he can be trusted with the responsibility of his life and those around him.
And let’s not forget the Kevin Ward Jr. incident, where Ward was found to be operating under the influence, and he was killed. That does not look good for racing at all, and must be cleaned up.
And knuckles mahoney, I hope you aren’t a lawyer… we aren’t talking about civil or criminal due process, this is private property matter, and NASCAR, a track or other sanctioning body can do what it needs to do to protect itself. If I don’t want you in my house, I can prohibit you from entering and being in my house. Fourteenth Amendment does not apply. And there are other rules, set by the sanctioning bodies, that do not require the rigors of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Larry, do you really agree with Anonymous?
Rich,
My biggest point is not having tracks and series try to invade drivers personal lives. These organizations don’t have the time or money to thoroughly investigate these situations like NASCAR or NFL, so controversy is guaranteed to ensue. You use the word “addiction”… You don’t know the truth or background, neither do I. Not to get off topic but history will show that the vmrs administrators have questionable judgement skills as it is. So why complicate things?
Lose his ride, respect of many people around the track, and possibly his opportunity of a very desirable career? …A harsh, yet fitting punishment for sure. But if tracks and series’ decide they want to play dictator and use the broad situation of a non suspended license (which somebody mentioned can be as little as failure to pay a ticket) as a requirement then the punishments will not be consistently fitting.
You guys are so messed up you think he was driving a race car under the influence… Any person that goes out to dinner and had two alcohol beverage and drives home is as guilty as TB. Tommy drives for a hobby just like the guy who plays softball after work. Maybe nascar should suspend race driver who tips back a few in the parking lot after a race. Maybe nascar should look at certain local track owners for drug use also..
Lauren, can you confirm that TB NEVER operated a race car under the influence?
This isn’t about all those that are not caught, just this one.
So do yo think TB exercises respect for racing by not operating under the influence when racing, just on public roads with you and I?
Barry: MRS set the rule to which a driver needs a valid drivers license. So if he still has his license, their own rule dictates he can compete. Yes, they can make their own rules, but in this instance their own rule could be the very thing that allows him to race. I thought that would have been pretty clear to see, but I guess not.
Give me a break !!!! This is getting old real fast.We are all human and screw up from time to time.I cant understand why their are so many haters out there. Tommy Strong
Lauren,
When you say nascar should take a look at certain local track owners for drug use who are you referring to?
Don Hoenig?
Jackie Arute?
Bruce Bemer?
Francis Venditti?
Skip Barber?
Which one of these men is it?
I applaud the VMRS for being pro active instead of waiting for a tragedy on the racetrack. All racing organizations should also have drug testing policies as well. This is a proffesional sport where an impaired driver can kill someone. Don’t wait until after it happens. This isn’t softball or a hobby. If someone is willing to drink and drive on the highway, how can you be sure that person won’t drink and drive on the racetrack? And by the way, Barrett hasn’t accomplshed anything on the racetrack that others haven’t done before him. He is in this position because of what HE did to himself. If it turns out he did NOTHING wrong, well then his phone will be ringing off the hook with offers to drive racecars. But I wouldn’t trust him, remember, he did not inform his race team when he was arrested. Why would someone do that to their friends and teamates? Especially if he were not guilty? Character and integrity are just as important as ability and it appears T. B. lacks 2 out of 3…Someone like that probably won’t go very far in today’s racing world. Hopefully he has something to fall back on careerwise.
I guess no one actually looked at the rule.. no where does it say you have to have a drivers license. It simply says if your license is revoked or suspended then you can’t compete!
Those of us who are critical of TB and his current situation do not necessarily hate the young man. I just feel that it is a very serious offense, his age is not a good excuse, and the results stemming from this arrest are not too harsh. Am I a TB fan? No, I am not, but I would expect nothing less if it were any other driver. There is no “hate” involved with my feeling on the matter. Perhaps TB will run a mod at Lee Sunday, he did last year.
Having been down south in the racing business for many years I have seen a lot and lived through a lot, there is a lot more bad people down there then u know. The kid screwed up he knows it however not for nothing but if his license was suspended before this rule came into effect then I would try and play the grandfather clause with them because the rule wasn’t there when his was suspended therefore it didn’t exist and he would have been allowed to race at the series discretion. Just sayin
I think this is all being blown all out of proportion, but probably the easiest way to CYA by the MRS.
Remember this is America & you are supposedly innocent until proven guilty. Would like to know all the facts.
I just wish everyone would sit back and think of all the consequences for everybody involved in racing.
We all make mistakes & I’ve made a few but I’m still here.
Just hoping the kid gets to learn from his mistakes and survives for a long time.
With appropriate testing & checks, he should be allowed to race if his actions are acceptable.
I have a few questions, what if you never had a drivers license, underage or just didnt get one. Isnt the series holding certain people licensed drivers to a higher standard then other nonlicensed people. What if a driver forgets to renew their license, technically they do not have a valid drivers license but it is just a clerical issue. Maybe you didnt pay parking tickets and your license is suspended until you pay the fines. How is the series going to monitor this policy, do they have the ability to run the drivers state licenses in multiple states (CT, MA ,PA, NY, NH) to ensure it is valid? Are they relying on the drivers reporting infractions to the series? Too many questions which need clarification.
It seems like the series is trying to ensure a certain driver which the series has had on track conduct issues with in the past doesnt race with them. I think any half way descent lawyer would be able to pick it apart in a court of law if it ever got that far.
I’m surprised NASCAR currently has no policy regarding a driver attempting to race with a suspended license because back in the 80’s it did. In fact what was then known as the NASCAR North Series refused to allow a driver to compete after it was determind he registered with a suspended Utah drivers license (he was a locally well known race driver based in N.E.). It was also discovered this driver had lost 3 other licenses for the same offense.
He never raced competitively again.
At that time (early 80’s), NASCAR required a valid driver’s license for every registered competitor. I’m not sure in that case if flags were raise because a well known in-state driver attempted to use an out of state licence.
The rule, under Section 2.31 Member Code of Conduct, reads: “Any Driver who has a state issued Driver’s License that is under revocation or suspension will not be allowed to compete in any VMRS Sanctioned Event.”
“It was something that we needed to address,” Valenti Modified Racing Series director Warren Alston said. “Take away the [Tommy Barrett Jr.] issue, we just needed to make sure our competitors, we’re just looking to make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license from the state they’re from.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Well which is it then? Is a drivers license needed to compete or not? This is a joke. Of course they
don’t want TB on they’re series. A question was posed ( an academic one since Tommy had not filed
an entry to any VMRS race) but poof…out of the blue come this new rule. It’s not about Tommy??
yeah OK… Just like soaking gate wasn’t about a certain NE race shop and it’s cars. The No passing
heat race at Lee or Tommy laying back for half a race then slicing thru the field hasn’t endeared himself to those running the series. I supposed the no left side swapping rule wasn’t about Barrett but a pure coincidence . Mario’s pissing contests in public haven’t helped either.
It’s pay back time and unfortunately Tommy himself provided the club. Damn shame is all I know the kid is a talent. I hope he gets his Shi.. together and can muster a comeback.
If the VMRS and /or NASCAR implements mandatory random drug testing ( on whose dime is that going to be btw? )Tommy will have a lot of company looking in from the outside. One DUI isn’t the end of the world but I suppose we could make it one.
Darealgoodfella, no I can not confirm TB never drove under the influence nor can I confirm any other driver did not. I could name a few that have (seen drivers drink in the stands before their feature) but I won’t. i will say one of them was a track champ at stafford. I can also say that at least 50% of all Americans have driven under the influence at least once in their lives
Can anyone confirm he was actually doing something wrong??? Or just a misunderstanding??? My question is how can u all sit here and talk about how it was tommys choice to do so if he has not actually been proven guilty??? If it’s tommy Barrett its automatically guilty until proven innocent (but still in this racing world no matter what GUILTY) just because
“Barry: MRS set the rule to which a driver needs a valid drivers license. So if he still has his license, their own rule dictates he can compete. Yes, they can make their own rules, but in this instance their own rule could be the very thing that allows him to race. I thought that would have been pretty clear to see, but I guess not.”
Agreed. It has nothing to do with the 14th amendment, though. There are circumstances where MV violations can cause a driver to lose a license on the spot.
Well there it is everyone, TB should be reinstated by NASCAR, VMRS, and Our Motorsports. Why? No, charges weren’t dropped, no, the arresting officer didn’t get the wrong guy… Because Lauren sees drivers drinking in the stands before their features, including a Stafford track champ. So, here is what all tracks and touring series SHOULD DO. Have a REAL pre race pit PARTY!!! ALL drivers, crews and owners MUST drink before the feature. No one likes time trials, right? Have a shot contest to determine who gets the pole and the starting line up. If a driver or crew member is late or misses the Pre Race Pit Party, THAT DRIVER must start at the rear of the field. For extra distance races, 150 laps or more, a mandatory caution at halfway so everyone can drink some more. If a driver is found to have not drunk the required amount of alcohol he or she should be disqualified. What if the driver is underage like Tommy Barrett you ask? No problem, just have their mommy or daddy sign a waiver of consent. By the way, the mandatory alcohol rule is only for local short track racing. For big time CUP or Indy car racing, heroin, cocaine, or meth would be used instead of alcohol. This will be great, I’m having a snort and a shot just thinking about it! By the way Lauren, I could be wrong, but I think if a driver was seen drinking in the stands before a race in today’s world, he or she would probably NOT be allowed to race… but who knows? MAYBE I’M WRONG.
NASCAR Licenses and Drugs should also be treated seriously at Local Saturday Night NASCAR Tracks as well! There should be NO TOLERANCE, PERIOD
Unless your last name is Burton, then you can be 14 and race NASCAR without a drivers license
And once again Lauren, what 50% of all people have done has nothing to do with this, doesn’t make it right, wrong, fair, or unfair. Your boy TB got caught, simple as that. Yes, many more get away with it… you want to pay the taxes to get police on every mile of road, to be stationed at every watering hole, to catch every possible offender? Lauren, police do not go after every minor transgression, only the major transgressions. If the speed limit is 55 MPH, the police do not look for people going 56 MPH, they look when the speed gets far above the threshold, say 67 MPH, then pull people over. If TB was nabbed at 1:48 am for OUI and excessive speed, then he was most definitely operating as such. The more of these people that are caught and remediated the better for the rest of us. This isn’t exclusively about TB, this is about the rest of us that use the roads.
Do you really think this is a conspiracy involving the police and government, along with the tracks and sanctioning bodies?
I almost certainly remember that most tracks used have a rule of having valid drivers license to be able to race which then acted as an age limit too. Of course when the realized they could have youth oriented divisions to pad the back gate that rule went out the window almost everwhere.
darealgoodfella, I was just agreeing with what anonymous said that having a drivers license should not be a requirement to race. Especially since kids under the age required to get a license are allowed to race in some states and sanctioning bodies. I just wanted to make the point that yes TB made a mistake, and I do believe he will be found guilty but I do not think it should be the end of his world. Just make he provide a clean drug test and let him race. IMO all motorsports venues/sanctioning bodies should institute a drug/alcohol testing policy. It is really no longer cost prohibitive, just check online for the kits. The cost could easily be shouldered by either the racetracks, sanctioning bodies, or the racers. Very simple, no clean test results, no racing. Refusal to take a test, same a guilty and immediate suspension. I have a feeling if testing was mandated it may found that there is more drug use amongst drivers and teams that anyone wants brought to light.
Their sandbox, their rules. Find another sandbox if you don’t like it.
In NJ (where the State Police have jurisdiction over racing), you must have a valid drivers license to drive a race car. Back in the early 90’s, a driver at Wall had a suspended license for multiple DWIs and was using another persons license and racing under a different name to skirt the rule and was involved in an accident that killed the flagger. People forget that driving is a privilege, not a right. If your state drivers license is suspended, you should not be allowed on a racetrack IMO.
I have a feeling if testing was mandated it may found that there is more drug use amongst drivers and teams that anyone wants brought to light.”
That could be probably be extrapolated to the American population in general…
I think Lauren officially wins the award for most “out of touch with reality” on RaceDayCT.com, can we get her a prize shawn?
There are two sides to this argument if only regarding Tommy B. He got a DUI while driving his own street car but, would you want a drunk on the race track with you? There is nothing saying he was using or abusing at the track or anytime before a race. It was not outlandish for the 22 team to pull him. They did it for PR reasons, not because of any NASCAR rule.
Tommy was put on indefinite probation by NASCAR which is the right move. NASCAR is image hungry and a DUI punches a big hole in that. on the other hand, you start with a clean slate and it’s your responsibility to keep it clean. If you lost your license, you screwed up pretty good and it was your choice to do so. Now you must live with the consequences no matter what they are. Your NASCAR (driver’s) license should be under the same microscope as your regular drivers license, after all, both of them can kill just as fast.
Has everyone forgot about Jeremy Mayfield, AJ Allendinger, Tyler Walker, Brian Rose, Aaron Fike, Kevin Grubb and Shane Sieg? Most of the issues were from drugs but not all. shouldn’t matter if it’s off the track or not, it’s your responsibility.
I never said it is ok to operate a motor vehicle under the influence nor a race car. He will pay his debt to society but because of some jealous people it has been plastered all over social media like he is the only one that ever got pinched for a DUI and everyone wants him to pay more than others. What if ur son or daughter got caught and everyone plastered it on social media and brought it to the attention of their college and was kicked out of school? I don’t have a problem w nascar putting him on probation either but I do have a problem w everyone wanting to nail him to a cross. I don’t have all the facts of his case but if this is his first offense then please leave him alone. If this is his second or more then he does need to be suspended for the remainder of the year. Not sure why everyone wants to be the judge in this case? Let’s talk about good things like this weekends tri track series all positive of course. Oh here is some trivia- who used to light a cigarette and crack open a Miller beer as soon as he got out of his Winston cup car after the race? This was in the pits also – bet u can’t do that anymore
darealgoodfella, do you live in a glass house? The kid screwed up….and he is only a kid. Did you ever screw up? Probably. Have you ever seen him at the track drinking or drunk? Or are you just wishing?
ChrisD, poor taste in humor. And yes, I have seen a particular driver have a beer on a Friday night before getting into his SK. Am I going to say who? No, because he no longer drives and doesn’t need the BS 99% of the people on this website are spewing.
Lauren, I think 50% is a bit high….I would probably bet about 40%.
One question, was it alcohol or drugs? I’ve yet to hear a real answer.
The kid screwed up, but that is life. Learn from you mistakes. To crucify him publicly is in poor taste, especially when everyone on this website has screwed up at least three times in their life.
Grey Matter, let’s not over look Kevin Ward Jr.
Lauren, first time doesn’t matter. First time can kill just as a subsequent time. First time is just as selfish, irresponsible and careless. If you don’t wan’t your name plastered all over the news for a transgression, don’t do something wrong or illegal. If you get all the wrong attention and visibility, it’s your own fault.
Why does everyone want to be the judge? Pretty obvious…. he’s driving on the same roads as the rest of us. I don’t want that danger on the roads with me.
Where is Mario in all of this? Sure has been very quiet.
sackett… drugs or alcohol? Does it matter?
I’m REAL proud of you sackett. You and Lauren watched a driver or drivers drink beer and then get in a race car and go out on the track. And you both said nothing. How would either of you felt if this driver caused an accident that injured or killed himself or some one else? I don’t know who is more sick, YOU, or the driver who drank before he raced! And for the record I never have nor will ever be jealous of Tommy Barrett.
The only Spewing anyone is doing is if you don’t use your real name on here and hid behind a keyboard..
darealgoodfella, drugs or booze, it does matter. What if he was someplace where other people were smoking weed (not TB)? If there is enough smoke around, that can influence your blood level. Heck, the last Skynyrd concert I went to (early 1990’s) was weed heaven, even if you don’t smoke the stuff, there was enough in the air to effect you. And being under the age of 21, the BAC is .02, where as over 21 is .08. So, TB could have had one shot, 3 swigs of beer or a glass of wine and been over the “legal” limit. Not sure about yourself, but I had my first beer at 16.
Chris d….one beer isn’t going to impair you when you’re weighing over 200 pounds.
Jason, how do I know that is your real name? Maybe Sackett is my last name?
sackett, if just being around it affects you, then you are still responsible. You can’t use the excuse. “that others were doing it, not me.”
For you and many others, being around this drug and alcohol environment is normal. For others it isn’t. I happen to know kids that know better and stay away from environments where they can get into trouble by association. They take responsibility seriously.
If drug & alcohol testing does come to short tracks, then the owners, promoters & officials should be tested as well. It is an outright crime that the highest in the NASCAR hierarchy (hello Brian France) are not drug tested, but those below them are.
Andy is right.. Everyone who holds a NASCAR License should be tested, Even Brian France!!
SACKETT, HOW DO YOU KNOW THE DRIVER HAD JUST 1 BEER!!!! STOP MAKING EXCUSES FOR PEOPLE WHO DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU LOOK LIKE A FOOL!
Because my real name is Jason Thompson and I am from Maine, im sure anyone can vouch for me on here…
Chris D, I watched the driver drink one beer. If he had more before or after I saw him, I don’t know. I just said what I saw at that time.
Am I making excuses for TB, NO. But, let’s wait for the due process of law. It seems most everyone has already tried, convicted and executed him. Did he screw up, yes; but so hasn’t everyone else at some point in their lives. If TB has never touch any liquor at the track, then why the need to suspend him from driving on any track, when he screwed up away from the track, on his own personal time? If he has had booze at any track in the past, why didn’t the track take action then?
Sackett must be Mario, there isn;t too many comments on here sticking up for Tommy Barrett!!
Theoretically, If you were the owner of a Tour Mod (the pinnacle od Mod racing) team, would you want someone with a DUI driving your car? Most likely not. If you were an operator of a racing league or organization, would you allow a person that had his license revoked, operate a race car at your events? Most likely not. And what about track sponsors, series sponsors and car sponsors? Would they be supportive of that behavior? I doubt it. NASCAR as a whole has zero tolerance for poor decision making involving drugs or alcohol. All of the divisions have made their ruling, it’s on paper and paper doesn’t lie so this is the standard. Let’s all move on like how there were 3 tour teams at Waterford on Wednesday doing some testing. Why can’t we hear about that?
sackett said, “Chris d….one beer isn’t going to impair you when you’re weighing over 200 pounds.”
What’s the point of that? What relevance does it have with respect to TB? TB is a little guy, ain’t near 200#. I’m 250#, and TB is a little kid next to me.
sackett, rose, lauren, et al., when you can not argue the message and resort to attempting to attack the messengers, you are implicitly admitting guilt and defeat. Do yourselves a great benefit and leave the issue alone. The more you yap and try to get people to drop the issue, the more exposure and attention you bring to the issue. And the fact that you want these issues to go away and be out of sight and out of mind, is also very damning. Ignoring these issues, and bullying others into making believe these issues do not exist simply doesn’t work. It only makes you look pathetic, and incapable of being a responsible parent and adult.
dareealgoodfella, I wasn’t referring to TB with regards to weighing 200 pounds. I was referring to an SK driver driver I saw having a beer before getting into his car several years ago.
And no, I’m not Mario. Sorry…….
Shawn,
Good reporting. Keep it up. It’s how we can get our sport clean and keep it clean.