"Insidious influence of NASCAR" seriously?
Yes; monkey see, monkey do. The fact is that too many drivers in the closed-wheel classes are perfectly willing to cause crashes, and the brand of motorsports most often seen on TV is NASCAR, where such crashes are at least tolerated, and probably encouraged.
When I have an issue with another driver, I try to cool off and then have a private discussion about my concerns directly with that driver. Almost every time, I have a part in whatever circumstance that causes the desire for a discussion, and I have to own that. Sometimes people are defensive and unreceptive, sometimes they're like a split personality, sometimes they're completely clueless, but most of the time they are interested in constructive conversation if approached like a fellow competitor. Most of the time, issues can be resolved, sometimes you just agree to disagree. I have been on both ends of this equation, having done some boneheaded things in my time.
I agree with this, but what I saw on that video with the #70 RX-7 isn't something that mere talking between drivers is sufficient. And I did talk with the guy who punted me; he insisted that it was my fault. Fortunately, I had video, and the course workers filed a report.
The privilege we enjoy as drivers in Conference to set the rules, a unique and special thing, comes with a responsibility to collectively enforce those rules through modelling the behavior we expect, and policing ourselves as a first option. It is unrealistic to expect the Stewards to solve all of our problems.
Agreed again. But there are times when only the stewards can solve problems, and a lot of them came up on Sunday. And do keep in mind that, whether or not we file protests (I didn't), the stewards have to deal with written reports from turn workers, who wore out a few pens this weekend with all the bone-headed driving.
It's important to remember that auto racing is most definitely not a benign activity, and when you put your helmet on and go out on a hot track, whatever happens is at least half your fault.
I absolutely cannot agree with this assertion.
Before we go slandering someone by name on a public forum
It's only "slander" if it's untrue. If you're referring to some of us calling for the head on #70, I make no apology. That video is utterly conclusive that he doesn't belong on a race track.
using only our biased perspective as a framework
No bias at all; I have no idea who that guy is, and I had no opinion of him one way or the other before seeing that video. Conclusive evidence that someone needs to be severely whacked isn't "bias."
we would be well served to remember that we too could very easily make a mistake that costs somebody dearly.
Sure, and I would hope that if I do that, I would own up to it and take my just lumps. The mere fact that we all make mistakes doesn't mean that depraved driving like #70 exhibited out there should be ignored, or merely wrist-slapped. I don't want to be on the track with people like that. If he's out there, I'm not.