Topic: Judge eye view of Infinion
Like a lot of Lemons races, Infinion was equal parts horror and joy, although magnified on a much grander scale.
First of all, the now infamous crash was fucking horrifying. I heard the initial hit, turned and was able to watch the Cavalier slide (while spinning) 150 feet down the track. The driver unbuckled and the second Tyler hit the roof, flames lept out from the engine.
It was crazy, but Tyler got to his feet with his back to the fire and didn't seem to notice it for three or four seconds. Everyone in the garages watching was yelling FIRE!!! I'm sure he didn't hear it. Then, he sees the fire and runs about 20 feet away, only he collapses onto his knees.
Not only is he on his knees pretty close to the flames, but the red flags hadn't been thrown yet so cars (stupidly if you ask me) were still passing between the wall and the burning Chevy.
Why stupid? Because I've seen cars blow up. In fact, I turned to look at everyone in the garage and noticed that besides me, the only other person with fingers in their ears was a Big Sausage guy. I asked him later -- he too had witnessed a car blow up on a track.
So, there were a few seconds there where I was convinced that the Cav was going to explode and kill not only Tyler but the driver's of the three cars that stopped just a couple of yards away.
Thankfully, things ended not blowing the hell up. Humongous props to the Infinion fire crew for getting the fire out so quickly. And here's to Tyler making a full recovery.
As for the Maxima. I asked Jay about his decision to kick the team out of the race. Before we get to exactly why, let me just say that Jay didn't make his decision until after he spoke with the Maxima driver.
Here's why the Maxima got the boot:
1) The driver (and I was standing right there) didn't take responsibility for what happened. Like most Lemons drivers, the first thing out of his mouth was, "He hit me!"
2) The people that drive the Maxima have a history of smashing into people on the race track. After a crash like that, how would you explain to Judge that you thought it was reasonable to let the Maxima back on the racing surface? Please keep in mind that six of the Maxima's seven black flags (two races) have been because of contact.
Luckily for Lemons, the joy far outweighed the bad. For starters, I got to holler at you miscreants all weekend.
"In Lemons you have the right to tell me what I want to hear. You have the right to take your penalty like a man. Since you've given up those rights, get out of the car and bring your entire team back to see me."
and if you missed the Citroen getting the Index, you missed out on one of the greatest car-moments I've ever been a part of.
It really was a special moment and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.