The last two races have included dust-ups on the cool-down lap.  We've asked Miss Manners to answer a few drivers' letters regarding cool-down lap etiquette. 

 

From Last Week's Race at Talladega

Dear Miss Manners,

I accidentally ran into the back of a colleague, spoiling his victory lap. What is the proper way to explain this to him?  Some people think it was intentional because I've accidentally rammed Carl Edwards on his victory lap (Bristol), accidentally spun out Jr. while he was leading the second-to-last lap (Richmond) and accidentally retaliated by wrecking Lazzaro on the cool-down lap (Watkins Glen). I could list hundreds of examples of when I unintentionally drove my car into another car. 

Sincerely,

A Guy Who Gave Himself the nickname 'Rowdy'

 

Dear 'Rowdy,'

Sometimes flowers say "I'm sorry" better than words.

 

Sincerely, 

Miss Manners

 

 

 

From Phoenix

Dear Miss Manners,

With 11 laps to go, I was in position for a top-ten finish when I was rudely spun out by Casey Mears.  My top-ten finish turned into 31st.  So, on the cool down lap, I caught up to Casey and spun him out.  I thought I was right. NASCAR thought different. Was I in the wrong?

Sincerely,

Dale in Dega

 

Dear Dale in Dega,

 

Rather than air your grievances on the track, talk things out after the race.  A good face-to-face chat over tea will work wonders. I might suggest sending this invitation.

 

Sincerely,

Miss Manners

 

From A Certain Speed Channel Personality

Dear Miss Manners,

As a TV personality on the Speed Channel, I look back on some of my past transgressions and want to apologize.  Kurt Busch and I mixed it up. I then tracked him down after the cool-down and gave him a bloody nose.  What's the best way to say "I'm sorry"?

Sincerely,

Jimmy Spencer, certainly a TV personality

 

Dear Jimmy,

 

Don't apologize. He deserved it.

 

Miss Manners

 

From A Past Talladega

Dear Miss Manners,

During a recent cool-down lap, we showered racer Jeff Gordon with beer cans and middle fingers.  Some people called it rude and disrespectful, but we don't see the problem.  What do you think?

Sincerely, 

The State of Alabama

 

Dear Alabama,

 

Most times it's best to forgive and forget.  Take Jeff out to the bar, buy him a beer... then throw it at him.  Because when Gordon does a burnout in turn four to celebrate at Talladega, he's asking for it.    

 

Miss Manners