Blocking and Tackling in Racing

This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

Racing has a problem that must be addressed sooner than later. The idea of blocking another competitor on the track is filled with danger for all concerned.

Very early Sunday morning there was about three hours left in the Le Mans 24 Hour race when Sebastian Bourdais and Frank Makowiecki were nose to bumper battling for second place in the GTE Pro class.

Their fight had everyone’s attention worldwide with multiple passes each lap. More than once Makowiecki swerved back and forth blocking, once nearly forcing Bourdais from the roadway. It was ugly.

After his driver change, Bourdais was furious. Justifiably in my mind. The Porsche team leader made some excuses about tight competition. There weren’t any penalties. Makowiecki, in fact, went on to finish second in class in his Porsche and Bourdais’ Ford finished third.

Blocking’s not rare. IndyCar officials fight it when they can. One move is allowed. The second move can be penalized. NASCAR largely ignores blocking.

Something’s got to be done. It’s getting out of control.

Peace.