Fantastic show aside, plate racing still has its critics (cont'd)

The Jimmie bashers are still out there in force. It's just that they might be out-numbered by the KB haters. And that's a shame, but it's also a different story.

Perspectives are everything. I was watching the race on Sunday, and maybe I was in the bathroom or getting something out of the kitchen, but Busch's pass neither really got my attention -- or maybe I've managed to put such minor details as passing beneath the line out of my mind and I'm just enjoying the show.

At any rate, the polarized reaction was such that you couldn't ignore it.

The way it is at 'Dega

It doesn't matter how clean the drivers race in the first 80 percent of a race at Talladega, Joe Menzer says the "big one" is always right around the corner.

• Complete story, click here
• Menzer: Did they say 'fun'?

But if you were patient, you waited for the tape.

And after you watched the video, which I did a few times on Monday night; it was obvious that JJ moved over and tried to nerf Busch out of his way, at best; and at least, into a blocked position behind him (watch again).

Young Busch, displaying what's one of the most refreshing aspects of his character, refused to give way, refused to lift and made the pass. The NASCAR officials, quite correctly, apparently judged that Johnson had forced -- no, knocked -- Busch below the line therefore no infraction was called.

Saturday's Nationwide race called the same emotions into play, both for the viewers and the participants -- namely Kevin Lepage and the 10 or 12 innocent bystanders he sucked into a raging cauldron of destruction between Talladega's Turns 1 and 2 (watch video).

I can't remember when I first saw the video of the veteran Lepage pulling up on the racetrack after he exited pit road in front of the lead pack, but I do remember being flabbergasted at what had happened -- at what this solid pro, who was a winner back home in New England, a winner a couple times in the Nationwide Series and a solid journeyman in his brief stint with Roush Racing in the 1990s.

You didn't want to see the crinkled look that was on my face when, I guess it was Sunday night, I saw Kevin's reaction that was solicited immediately after he exited the infield care center Saturday.

I was pretty incredulous that he couldn't see how the accident had occurred, and what his role in it had seemed to be.

But the good news was, after letting the dust and fur and fender and tire shreds settle; and after he got to review the video, Kevin issued an apology to everyone who was involved in the melee.

It takes a big man to do that, and it was no surprise that such a statement came from him.

And so, coming off the latest restrictor plate spectacle, it's only fitting the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series head to Richmond International Raceway -- a short track that's certainly not short on speed, and action; this weekend.

What will everyone find to get on polar opposites of, there?

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer