Whenever I used to complain about something, a friend of mine would always say, "You get what you get". I used to wonder what he meant until one day I realized exactly what he was trying to say - most of the problems in our life are the result of our own doing.

I see now that several drivers such as Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon are complaining about the new caution rules. Well, to quote my friend - "You get what you get".

Just a few months ago, NASCAR made it clear that they had no intention of meddling with the drivers' affairs. They figured why rule with a heavy hand - surely they can rely on the judgment of the most talented drivers in the world. After all, the gentlemen's (key word here) agreement had worked for decades.

As we all know, saw, and read, the drivers decided that instead of slowing down for a fellow driver or racing to the line against teammate, they wanted to play games. Since the hands-off statement, several drivers have decided to pass during the yellow flag. Instead of slowing down for a wrecked driver, several drivers decided to race hard.

NASCAR either due to safety, fan, or liability concerns (I will let you choose which dictated their choice) had enough and issued last week's ruling. And now all the people who were either directly or indirectly involved in the actions that created NASCAR's reaction are crying and moaning. Waah, I won't get my lap back (oops, I won the race - doh!). Waah, too many people are getting their laps back. Waah, now my teammates (or me) will have to get back on the lead lap by their own merits instead of receiving the benefit of team orders (actually no one said this last one but you know that they are all thinking it).

Well, too bad. You had your chance but wasted it. In fact, you almost dared NASCAR to make a rule.

Guess what - You got what you got.

Kevin S.
Pittsburgh, PA

KevinSPitt@hotmail.com