280 replies to this topic

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Sorry but I'm not buying this. If he's old enough to get in a car and race at over 100mph with me and 20+ other people, he's man enough to deal with the issues that may arise from doing so. Whether it's crashing, cheating, lying, insulting, he has to be held at least partly accountable for his actions. "Kids" having an immunity shield to remove their accountability is part of what's wrong with this country's youth. His dad has claimed many times that he works on his own car, you're telling me he doesn't know what's going on? Come on.

I cant say as I disagree with Alex here on this one... those very same thoughts have crossed my mind, I just have chosen not to post on those thoughts. I do not beleive Jr. is the instigator of these mods, but he can read what we have all been posting for a month now, he supposedly works on the car, maybe he is blind to it, but maybe not. I am but a middle age man now, but when I was 14 I had no idea there was even racing for kids other than bmx, Kids now adays have alot more access to info, and alot more wordly knowledge than I did back when I was 14. Now a days a kid can even divorce his parents, or build a software company, hows that for a world improvment...

[Jim Drago]

Sorry but I'm not buying this. If he's old enough to get in a car and race at over 100mph with me and 20+ other people, he's man enough to deal with the issues that may arise from doing so.

I don't think driving a race car or cart etc makes you anymore or less a man?

"Kids" having an immunity shield to remove their accountability is part of what's wrong with this country's youth. His dad has claimed many times that he works on his own car, you're telling me he doesn't know what's going on? Come on.

I think accountability is fine. I wasn't aware he worked on the car. I still think a different level of decorum is appropriate when dealing with a 15 year compared to a 25+ year old. I don't think you give him a pass either.

[MPR22]

Sorry but I'm not buying this. If he's old enough to get in a car and race at over 100mph with me and 20+ other people, he's man enough to deal with the issues that may arise from doing so. Whether it's crashing, cheating, lying, insulting, he has to be held at least partly accountable for his actions. "Kids" having an immunity shield to remove their accountability is part of what's wrong with this country's youth. His dad has claimed many times that he works on his own car, you're telling me he doesn't know what's going on? Come on.

I agree with Mr. Bolanos 100%. My kids 18, 11, and 9 (ages not their names Andrew) all see me working on the car with my dad. They ask many questions about what we are doing and why. When we put the new heads on they get Whistled. Why because I don't want my first win to be DQ'd for a silly mistake or miscalculation. How could I explain to my children that the last 2.5 years of learning the craft of racing was a waste of everyones time, especially theirs and my wives.

My youngest has done exactly 1 gokart race and he damn well knows what tech is and what it means. He knew if I didn't have to kart legal he was going to suffer, so don't tell me Jr. is innocent.

That being said, he has a real class act showing him the way. Gettind DQ'd is probably the best thing that could happen to him at this point, he will likely tell his dad, "don't let that happen to me again" (I pray).

[Glenn]

I That being said, he has a real class act showing him the way. Gettind DQ'd is probably the best thing that could happen to him at this point, he will likely tell his dad, "don't let that happen to me again" (I pray).

NOT convinced as it was the KID that started the original "other" post where he will be interviewed on TV. Did he say anything about the DQ of his car in teh interview? I doubt it!!!! But I will watch with anticipation!

[Alex Bolanos]

NOT convinced as it was the KID that started the original "other" post where he will be interviewed on TV. Did he say anything about the DQ of his car in teh interview? I doubt it!!!! But I will watch with anticipation!

Exactly, the kid is the one posting press releases and bragging about winning in his cheated up car. How is the dad the only one accountable?

[High Chair]

+ 1 Very well stated Alex.

Im with Alex on this one! We tried to handle it with SR and gave JR a pass the first time and we know how that ended. As before they could do no wrong so here we are again. However this time there is proof that the car was non-compliant but as of yet there is no indication that they will even man up and admit they did something wrong. Thats where the problem lies. Of course the fact that both of them make a big deal about his accomplishments while telling others they have no idea what they are talking about only adds fuel to the fire. Sorry! They both made their beds and now they can sleep in them.

[Nsparks]

I don't think driving a race car or cart etc makes you anymore or less a man?



I think accountability is fine. I wasn't aware he worked on the car. I still think a different level of decorum is appropriate when dealing with a 15 year compared to a 25+ year old. I don't think you give him a pass either.

Sweet, I can still play the "I'm to young to know the difference card".
I agree with you Jim, I don't think I could treat someone as young as Jr the same way as an adult. It just wouldn't feel right actually arguing with some one with less experience than myself. It would more or less turn into a teaching/life lesson seminar.

[High Chair]

Sweet, I can still play the "I'm to young to know the difference card".
I agree with you Jim, I don't think I could treat someone as young as Jr the same way as an adult. It just wouldn't feel right actually arguing with some one with less experience than myself. It would more or less turn into a teaching/life lesson seminar.

We tried that route already! Private emails, phone call, etc; all of which fell on def ears. And no you can't play the "Im to young to know either" card.

[john mueller]

As a father of a 15 year boy, I feel for JR. Post what you will, but remember we are dealing with a kid here, despite your opinions of senior and what was or wasn't illegal. He is still a kid.

I think this is the most important point made so far... Regardless how that header got on that car and if it was known or not by E.Jr, he still is a kid and those of us who are adults should conduct ourselves accordingly when addressing E.Jr. This is why I support Andrews first post, even with it's sharp edges... He never accused E.Jr of anything and was asking and prodding and poking his Dad to step-up and do what most of us would consider the right thing to do.

From a previous thread started by E.Jr many in our community said: (paraphrasing) "Kid, if the car is legit you rock nice going! But If the car is not clean, get your dad/builder to make it right and go prove yourself. Don't get a bad rep, it will follow you. Even if SM (the class which produces more pro WC & GransAm drivers than most) is just a stepping stone.

Sorry but I'm not buying this. If he's old enough to get in a car and race at over 100mph with me and 20+ other people, he's man enough to deal with the issues that may arise from doing so. Whether it's crashing, cheating, lying, insulting, he has to be held at least partly accountable for his actions. "Kids" having an immunity shield to remove their accountability is part of what's wrong with this country's youth. His dad has claimed many times that he works on his own car, you're telling me he doesn't know what's going on? Come on.

I somewhat agree with what you are saying here from a cultural point not as a blanket statement for all minors or situations. When it comes to kids, especially boys, maturity level is all over the place with no two kids being the same, then add in family dynamics and everything will change again.

IMO for this situation E.Jr had the responsibility to ask/tell/demand that his Dad be sure that the equipment that he is driving be 100% legal to the rules. Only they know if a conversation like that happened... If it did, then I'd say the boy is in the clear.

[Jim Drago]

I think this is the most important point made so far... Regardless how that header got on that car and if it was known or not by E.Jr, he still is a kid and those of us who are adults should conduct ourselves accordingly when addressing E.Jr. This is why I support Andrews first post, even with it's sharp edges... He never accused E.Jr of anything and was asking and prodding and poking his Dad to step-up and do what most of us would consider the right thing to do.

From a previous thread started by E.Jr many in our community said: (paraphrasing) "Kid, if the car is legit you rock nice going! But If the car is not clean, get your dad/builder to make it right and go prove yourself. Don't get a bad rep, it will follow you. Even if SM (the class which produces more pro WC & GransAm drivers than most) is just a stepping stone.




I somewhat agree with what you are saying here from a cultural point not as a blanket statement for all minors or situations. When it comes to kids, especially boys, maturity level is all over the place with no two kids being the same, then add in family dynamics and everything will change again.

IMO for this situation E.Jr had the responsibility to ask/tell/demand that his Dad be sure that the equipment that he is driving be 100% legal to the rules. Only they know if a conversation like that happened... If it did, then I'd say the boy is in the clear.

+1

[Scott McKay]

+1

We're getting far outside a discussion of racing a Mazda, but not sure I agree with this. A dad has to be a role model for a son, not the reverse. E Jr. should trust that his dad gives him a legal car, so as to not make him look bad, but I think its a lot to ask that a 15 year old kid "demand" of his dad that this happen.

Carroll Smith has a great series of books that should be read by every driver. Drive to win, engineer to win, etc. I remember in one he said that when he is out of motorsports, he might print "cheat to win". I'm not sure why that just came to mind, but it made me laugh.

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I for one am just glad that Charby is being so damn agreeable today... That might be a first right there...

OUT OF EVERY BAD THING, GOOD THINGS SPRING TO LIFE!

[FTodaro]

I would be willing to give Jr. the benefit of the doubt. Its hard to say who knows what and who is posting what, is it Jr, or Sr. I met and raced against both of them at Atlanta last December, I was new to the track and they we not a factor for me, and I was slow.

One thing is for sure, not a good way to have your kid cut his teeth in racing. I was surprised, Not surprised on the post above about bringing prior issues to the table and having it ignored, lets see how this gets dealt with.

With all the Smack talk and self promotion that has gone on recently, its not unexpected that this community is reacting harshly to the news.

[LarryKing]

Have we forgotten that this young man's mother is battling a life-threatening illness.

Shame on a bunch of you!

[Danny Steyn]

I’ve stayed out of this so far and watched from the sidelines as this unfortunate mess has played itself out all so predictably.

IMO, what’s happening here, a transparent process and swift action, is good for the sport.

However, something to be remembered is that motor racing is a very unique sport where middle aged men can compete straight up with young school kids. This generally does not happen in many other sporting endeavors. And so this type of thread will generally not happen in many other sporting pursuits.

Because of this I do feel for Ernie Jr. While he may well have been aware that his car was cheated up, what Ernie does not have at the age of 14 is wisdom. Wisdom comes with age and experience.

A kid may accept that his car is cheated up and if found out, stay out of the limelight and accept the repercussions.

The wise adult knows that his NEVER goes away, staying silent never makes it better and that the cheater brush will possibly unfortunately tarnish his entire career and possibly effectively negate any real talent he might have had.
In the same way that a young naïve 18 year old girl does a single porno gig to make a quick $1000 to get herself out of debt, never fully appreciating that this seemingly small insignificant lapse in judgment can potentially follow her her entire life and ultimately ruin all aspects of her life, Ernie Jr. just does not have this wisdom to see how this possible lapse of judgment will affect his accomplishments and his future endeavors.

As I say I feel for Ernie Jr.

Ernie Jr. I hope that you can take this a GREAT TEACHING EXPERIENCE, and I sincerely hope you come out of this a better man.

On a separate note, as a young engineer climbing the corporate ladder back in the day, I was given some great advice by a mentor.

“Danny, what you need to do to succeed in life is a perfect balance of exposure and credibility” said my mentor to me.

“What do you mean” I responded?

“Basically Danny, it doesn’t help if you are the best in the world at something and no-one knows about it. You will go nowhere, so when you do something well you need to let them know. But make sure you have the credibility first. There is nothing worse than telling everyone how good you are when there is no credibility. We all know about the preachers getting caught with the hookers. That will kill you. Get the credibility first and then make sure you get the exposure….”


With age, opportunity, mentors, parents, and forum threads, there are going to be many lessons out there, some to be acted on, and some to be ignored.

OH, to have had the wisdom to have made only perfect choices in my life, how different it would be now.......

[MPR22]

Have we forgotten that this young man's mother is battling a life-threatening illness.

Shame on a bunch of you!

Nobody accused her of cheating. Nor does she have anything to do with this thread.

Cancer is a horrible disease, I wish her the best and hopefully a full recovery.

The father is a arrogant A$$ and bragged he had a 100% compliant car and didn't pass the first tech item checked on NA 1.6s.

[Andrew Charbonneau]

Have we forgotten that this young man's mother is battling a life-threatening illness.

Shame on a bunch of you!

YES MOOSE AS I STATED THIS WOULD HAVE NOT GONE THIS FAR JUST SAY IT WAS YOUR FAULT ERNIE GAVE HIM A CHANCE AND FIRST POST DINT WORK FOR ME

[Alex Bolanos]

With all the Smack talk and self promotion that has gone on recently, its not unexpected that this community is reacting harshly to the news.

Not only this forum community, but the 10-15 NASA FL SMers that don't post here that have been getting annihilated by these cars for the past 8 months. All of them have been realigning their cars before every event and swapping hub grease after every session.

[Alex Bolanos]

Nobody accused her of cheating. Nor does she have anything to do with this thread.

Cancer is a horrible disease, I wish her the best and hopefully a full recovery.

The father is a arrogant A$$ and bragged he had a 100% compliant car and didn't pass the first tech item checked on NA 1.6s.

Exactly, I'm pretty sure she already had cancer during all of the FARA, NASA, and Grand AM events where they ran illegal or questionable cars and proceeded to lie, cheat, and insult everyone involved.

[Andrew Charbonneau]

YES DANNY NELSON MANDELLA WAS A GREAT MAN OR IS HE STILL ALIVE I COUNDT RESIST LOL PS agree with you that hurt me a little to say that just joking