IndyCar Texas race panned

UPDATE #2 Another reader writes, I raced in an IRL feeder series race, and the IRL sent a "chaplain" who was part of what I found out was something called IRL ministries. The chaplain was in the driver's meeting, and was given time to offer a prayer which ended in "we ask this in Jesus' name" or however they do this. Later, at the series trailer, I noticed that the flyers for the ministry which clearly existed to use racing to proselytize. I, among others, was struck by how brazen and inappropriate this was. Many of us thought that if they were to allow someone into the driver's meeting, that a base requirement would be that any prayer or whatever is non-denominational and respects the basic fact that not everyone is a Christian. If they want to "do their thing", they are free to do so for those who choose to attend, which is pretty standard. I suppose the boneheads at the IRL never thought to consider this point. It is, however, incredible that this is officially sanctioned by a professional sporting series and Jesus would be crammed down our throats in the drivers meeting and on the grid. Its pretty shameful, but typical for the IRL. It was very offensive for many people. I respect that everyone has their beliefs, but there are, naturally, a variety of faiths. Guess the IRL hasn’t figured this out.

http://www.irlministry.com/ Note that they encourage you to "remember the IRL ministries in your will or trust" Name Withheld by Request

06/06/10 Another reader adds, The HOLMATRO Safety Crew should turn in their gear as they were a MAJOR disgrace last night in Texas. NEVER in my long years of going and watching all forms of racing did I ever witness any safety crew act like they did just not knowing what to do. Thank God she is alive and well for the most part. Bring back the best crew in the business, the Champ Car safety Crew. Joe Steber, Albrightsville, PA

06/06/10 A reader writes, Dear AR1.com, I have never seen such an amateurish Indy Car event in my time. Another single file start. Drivers that have no idea how to use, or what a mirror is. Spotters should be banned and drivers need to learn how to drive on their own. Ridicules pit work and stops. Keystone Cops for a fire / safety crew……… Disgusting. Were we ever told what the first "Nascar Mystery Yellow" was for? Drivers should not be allowed to put the car in gear until it is on the ground. If Indy Car had capable pit stewards one should be assigned to each car and they alone tell the driver when to leave, it is obvious the team members can't handle that job. Name Withheld – Former IndyCar and Indy 500 driver