Hit Me Harvick Ad

This is a "political" cartoon of sorts, having to do with NASCAR's treatment of Kevin Harvick. Harvick is in a lot of trouble right now.

It started in Bristol, when he felt that he'd been intentionally spun by Greg Biffle. Harvick waited for the #60 driver until the race was over, then leapt over Biffle's car like a flying squirrel to "confront" him. He was put on probation, and fined a bit higher than other drivers have been charged for similiar violations.

It didn't end there. In the Craftsman Truck Series in Texas, Harvick bumped into Coy Gibbs, and NASCAR deemed the act as deliberate. They claimed that Harvick had made a comment over the radio like "I'm going after him", which Harvick denies having said. NASCAR pulled him from that race, and made him come to the officials' hauler to receive his punishment. Speculation is that transactions in the hauler got hostile, because Harvick's probation was extended, he was fined $35,000, and he was "parked" from that Sunday's Winston Cup race.

Many fans, including myself, feel that NASCAR was particularly harsh toward Harvick, probably trying to make an example of him. Other drivers, Tony Stewart in particular, have engaged in similiar acts but have been let off with far less punishment. NASCAR's apparent inconsistency in doling out punishments is disgraceful.

Though Harvick can drive in future races this season, he's walking around with a "hit me" sign on the back of his car. If, during the remainder of the season, he makes another move that NASCAR doesn't like, they say he's out. Harvick is now a walking target for other drivers; if they start something with him, he can't do anything about it.

Hence this "ad".

-dj
[19 April 2002]