In March of this year, some of you voiced that the protest procedure had some areas for improvement. We made some changes to both policies and the way in which the policies are enforced due to this feedback. The number of protests and penalties have increased since then and some drivers are showing great improvements while others are struggling with accountability.

I hope that everyone understands that our protest procedure and any penalties have a dual purpose, and neither is revenge. The primary purpose is to educate the offenders so they become better and safer racers. The secondary purpose is to ask them to go elsewhere if they continue to disregard our policies. Recently, some members are choosing the later route instead of becoming a better racer. While this is not ideal it is preferred if you refuse to follow the rules.

As the person that has the "pleasure" of handing out the penalties, I also get the pleasure of hearing all the excuses as to why that individual should not receive a penalty. I'd like to share some of these excuses and how they translate to me. My hope is that everyone will see the humor in these excuses. And to those that have used these excuses in the past, maybe you will see why they are not valid excuses.

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"Sorry, I didn't know" = I participated in an event and put everyone else on track at risk because I was too lazy to read the rules and regulations, which excuses me from all wrong-doing.

"He wasn't affected by it" = Even though I broke the rule I should not be penalized because the other driver was skilled/lucky enough to squeeze past without wrecking.

"You are unfairly targeting me" = I break enough rules that I am at the top of the Steward's list of people to watch... that just is not fair.

"But so-n-so did this to me" = Here is a shiny object to distract you from the fact that I did violate a policy... you are getting sleepy... so sleepy.

"You are inconsistent with your penalties" = So please be even more inconsistent by releasing me from all accountability... that will teach them!

"He slowed dramatically" = Since he did not use my brake marker and apex speeds, it is his fault, not mine.

"He turned in on me" = Even though the normal racing line would dictate he turn in to a normal apex, I stuck my car in his blind spot hoping to get beside him so it would be considered a racing incident instead of being my fault.

Lets hear your excuses and I will add my translation :-)