Helton lays down law prior to race
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
April 22, 2001
11:50 AM EDT (1550 GMT)
TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway is going to be filled with enough drama with three and four-wide racing.
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Mike Helton
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Mike Helton, president of NASCAR, doesn't want anyone to add another chapter to the race story.
During the pre-race drivers meeting, he sternly made his point to the 43 competitors and crew chiefs assembled in the room. He let them know where the sanctioning body stood on reckless driving during the 500-mile event.
"If we (NASCAR) feel a move below, or move coming from below the yellow line was unnecessary -- you can look for a black flag," he said authoritatively. "Be prepared, and we'll see you at the trailer after the race and let you know how much of your argument we'll listen to."
Helton was referring to the yellow line on the low side of the racing surface that separates it from the apron. In prior races on this 2.66-mile high-banked oval, drivers have been known to make aggressive moves in that area to gain positions.
Retired driver Darrell Waltrip traditionally made a pre-race speech to his fellow competitors regarding safety at superspeedways. With the threat of "the big one," as a multi-car wreck here is referred to, looming over the drivers, his brother, Michael Waltrip, stepped up to speak.
"My brother used to make this speech and since he's not here, I guess I'm going to step up and do it in his place," said the Daytona 500 champion. "Let's work together out there today and take care of each other. There's no reason why we can't have synchronized and safe racing.
"I'll take care of you, if you take care of me."
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