October 14, 2007
By Kim Roberson

Kim Roberson

It is very rare that my real job and NASCAR have reason to intermesh. Domestic Preparedness and racing aren’t usually along the same lines of thought. Now, that isn’t to say I don’t think about my job when I am at a race…it is hard for me to look at a crowded room and not envision what would happen in the event of an explosion or chemical or biological event. It’s the nature of my job as a contractor for the Department of Homeland Security.

I work with all-hazards preparedness every day. I got to go to my first Talladega race one year ago because of work. Tracks across the country run preparedness drills to make sure the people who come and watch a race at their venue are as safe as possible.

However, with all of my training and experience, I have never considered getting my shots before going to a race.

“I have never heard of immunizations for domestic travel, and as the Representative for Concord, NC, I feel compelled to ask why the heck the committee feels that immunizations are needed to travel to my hometown?" North Carolina Representative Robin Hayes wrote to committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson after Thompson suggested his staffers get their shots before heading to Talladega and North Carolina to visit, among other locations, two of NASCAR’s largest tracks.

Michigan Representative Tim Walberg added: "To suggest that vaccines are needed to attend NASCAR races is insulting to millions of hard working Americans who love their country and the smell of burnt rubber.”

On Friday’s edition of “The Morning Drive” on Sirius radio, hosts Marty Snyder and David Poole happily handed out the phone numbers of both Rep. Thompson’s DC and Mississippi offices. Within minutes, the voice mail at the DC office was full, and not long after, it was reported that the staffers in Mississippi had taken the phone off the hook.

I think the only thing contagious about NASCAR fans is their support of their favorite sport.

As Friday went on, Rep. Thompson tried to explain the suggestion about the shots, saying "It's not about whether the people have shots. ... Our staffs as they go forward will be going into sterile areas, they will be working in public health facilities, they will be talking to many holding facilities where criminals are being held....The NASCAR event is just one date, but after that they will be doing a number of things.” He added that the team would also be going to the World Series and the Super Bowl.

As a race-goer, it is nice to know that DHS is taking an interest in protecting fans from potential dangers. Several tracks have run preparedness exercises to make sure their safety plans are prepared to deal with a worst-case scenario on race day.

"If something bad happens at an event like that it's bad for the industry, so it's in their best interest to work cooperatively with us, and I'm happy to report that our first tour in Talladega did just that. Everyone was satisfied (that) those systems were not only redundant in terms of being able to communicate and coordinate with each other ... the training that's involved was really, really first class," explained Thompson.

I am pretty sure if the folks at DHS had wanted to make a good impression on the fans THAT is what they should have been talking about, not the shots. Most folks I know would be more than happy to hear about the measures their track is taking to ensure they are safe when they go to the race. I know for a fact that the first responders at many tracks are prepared to deal with just about anything that could happen either inside or outside the track on a race weekend. No mater what your background, they will be ready to keep you safe as you enjoy the excitement of race day.

However, a poor choice of words has created quite the uproar, detracting from the purpose of the visits. NASCAR is at the center of attention, and sadly, the choice of words has only perpetuated a stereotype that fans and the sport have been working to change.

"This is not some third -- or-- fourth-world country. As a matter of fact, never in the 50-plus years of NASCAR has there been an outbreak of any kind at an event other than a few headaches because somebody's favorite driver ran out of gas or maybe a morning hangover," said Lowe's Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler.

"We thought it was silly that you needed to get a vaccination to come to Concord to go to the NASCAR races. This is the greatest sport on Earth today and you sure don't need a shot to come down here.” added Rep. Hayes.

So, for anyone looking to come to a NASCAR race, don’t worry about getting your shots, unless, of course, they are shots of your favorite beverage. We may be loud and crazy and a little rabid about our favorite driver, but we promise, the only thing contagious about us is our enthusiasm.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.