Rogue Chats with NASCAR President Mike Helton

By: Andy Kondratick

Mike Helton and Andy Kondratick

September 10, 2002 - This weekend at Richmond I had the pleasure and honor of speaking with NASCAR President Mike Helton about some of the current issues going on in Winston Cup today. I was in the garage area before the start of the Chevy Monte Carlo 400 when I saw Mr. Helton walking toward me alone and at a casual pace, so I decided that was the time for me to interview him.

I waited until he approached me and ask if he would take a moment out of his busy schedule and pose for a picture. He said "Sure, what is your name?" I told him and we posed for the picture. I began to start talking to him about the current situation with Tony Stewart and that I noticed a lot of folks were in the garage area. He said, "I noticed that also. NASCAR has always prided itself on the fans access to the drivers and crews as well as to pit lane and the garage areas. Everyone always seems to enjoy this little perk especially at Richmond because we don't let just anyone in here."

I know from experience that you have to be associated with someone that has something to do with the current race event to even get a pit/garage access pass to get into the infield at Richmond. It is not easy folks. As for the Tony Stewart allegations Mike had this to say, "Right now I can't comment on that because there is an investigation into the matter and it wouldn't be right for me to say anything at this point because all of the facts haven't been presented to me yet. Also it is currently a police matter and they have to do their job as well. I will say that we are starting to realize that unfortunately we are going to have to start further limiting the access to these places and drivers due to the growth and popularity of our sport. It isn't fair to everyone involved to be subject to constant waves of people no matter who they are. Access is one thing but these people in here need the time to do their job without interruptions."

By this time Mr. Helton seemed to be a little apprehensive about continuing any further conversation with me and I knew I had to act fast. So, I decided to ask him how he was handling the pressure of the season and all of the criticisms that it brought upon him and NASCAR in general. This was a great question and one he smiled about and was happy to answer but not before asking me who I was associated with. I told him whom I was associated with and presented that person for a hardy handshake and asked the question again. Mike replied, "I think it is great. Yes, myself and the rest of the folks I work with are and always have been the subject of a lot of scrutiny but I can't think of any other job I would rather have. This year has been particularly difficult with the decisions we have had to make concerning drivers and their conduct as well as the teams and crew chiefs but with growth there is always growing pains. Right now that is where we are."

After thanking him for taking the time to speak with me he said, "That is what I am here for and I hope you folks enjoy the race."

I told him we would as always and wished him well for the rest of the season as he walked away and into the Winston Cup trailer. Mr. Helton was no different than you or me and I was pleasantly surprised about the conversation we had together. When you boil down all the hype, fame and popularity of the sport known as NASCAR racing, I find that it is no different than any other job, which makes this sport so unique. You get up in the morning you go and do your work all week long and when the weekend comes you go and play just like everyone else.

A side note that I did want to mention was that true to his word, Mike Helton had the garage area and hauler area closed once the race started and no one was allowed in unless you were part of a team. Media and all others were told that further access to this area would be prohibited. In a past rave of mine I criticized Mike Helton for not doing enough to protect the drivers after a race and something should be done about it so further incidents like the one with Tony Stewart at the Brickyard wouldn't happen again. I was glad to be there to witness the solution NASCAR has come up with and even though this will now limit my access along with everyone else. I applaud Mr. Helton and his cabinet for making this decision. I believe it is the proper thing to do. I did however get to see Ricky Rudd throw his water bottle at the crew member who punched him after the race through the hauler area fence. Rudd can sure take a punch. This has been just one race fans opinion with hard facts and quotes from NASCAR President Mike Helton.

Thank You Mr. Helton. You are a man among men.

Please write me with any questions or comments on this report. I love hearing from all of you whether it is good or bad. Shows me that you are reading this at the very least.