What a Sunday at the races! NASCAR was filled with its usual thrills and yellow flags but, this week, there was one black flag that tainted the whole race. With seven laps to go, the No. 99 car (Carl Edwards) intentionally “bumped” the No. 12 car (Brad Keselowski) that was running in sixth place at the time.
Now, we all know that “bumping” occurs in racing, but this was clearly retaliation—at 180 mph. This “small bump,” as Edwards described it, sent the No. 12 car airborne and it ended up crashing, roof-first, into the outside wall. Edwards then cited an earlier collision that sent his team to the garage to make extensive repairs to his vehicle as reason for his retaliation. (Coincidentally, Edwards and Keselowski were involved in a very similar crash last year as they battled for the checkered flag. Keselowski went on to win that race while Edwards was forced to finish Ricky Bobby style and cross the finish line on foot ... which does not count.)
The big difference is that accident was just that—an accident. Sunday’s incident was no accident, as the replays clearly show Edwards turning right and into the No. 12 car (and racing requires all left turns, folks).
I always liked Edwards, with his signature back-flip whenever he wins and his charismatic smile. But after Sunday’s incident ... I don’t know. Someone could have been seriously hurt or killed; the No. 12 car hit the catch fence in front of thousands of fans. In the very least, I hope that NASCAR dishes out a hefty suspension.
Moving on. In case you have forgotten, I’m still writing this little column called “On Flanders Bay” each week, and it is extremely difficult to do that when you are all too busy to e-mail me! I opened up my e-mail this week to find my inbox completely empty. Readers, you are the lifeblood of a community column, and I need you to share what’s happening with me so I can share it with your neighbors.
Tina Robinson, a good friend of mine, just celebrated a birthday on Monday, March 8. Those of us in Flanders who know her want to send her some belated birthday wishes. We all hope you had a great day!
Angela Drexel also celebrated a birthday on Saturday, March 6. Happy birthday, Angela, and best wishes for many, many more. Your mother, Tina, and father, Wayne, along with Nicole, Wayne, Mike and Brittany all love you and hope you had a great day.
Flanders Little League players should start oiling up those gloves as practice will begin this week for those between the ages of 9 and 12. You should be receiving a call from your coaches soon. If you forgot to register, or know a youngster who changed his or her mind, please call my husband, Coach Rocco, at 591-0444. There are still a few openings on the four Little League teams this season.
Players on the Minor League (ages 7-8) and Tee Ball (ages 5-6) teams will begin practicing in a few more weeks. There is still time to register. If you are interested, just give Coach Rocco a buzz.
Please remember that Flanders Little League is always looking for volunteers to work the scoreboard, concession stands, coach, etc. It’s feels good to help and, at the end of the season, the volunteers will get to play with the coaches in the Coaches Game. It’s always a blast and the kids really enjoying watching it!
Finally, don’t forget that the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead is hosting a karaoke fund-raiser this Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m., that will benefit East End Hospice. Appetizers will be served by local restaurants and caterers for those of you who decide to just have a seat in the audience.
Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door, and they can be picked up ahead of time at CK’s Deli or Farm Country Kitchen in Riverhead. Tickets are also available online at vail-leavitt.org. If you would like more information, please call 664-0983 or send an e-mail to eehevents@optonline.net.
on Mar 8, 2010