Mindbogglingly Stupid and Tone Deaf

Controversy sells. So does conflict. I don't make a judgment on that. I'm just stating a fact. IndyCar has had its share of both in recent weeks: the former in the debate over safety and pack racing at Fontana, and the latter in the Ed Carpenter/Sage Karam feud Saturday night at Iowa. Both have gotten IndyCar more publicity than they would normally get this time for year. Ratings have also been on the uptick, and while there are many possible reasons for that, I doubt this is hurting them because, again, this stuff sells.

IndyCar's formal response to all this? Bad drivers! Bad! Stop that!

The immediately infamous rule is 9.3.8, and it reads as follows:

Competitors must be respectful, professional, fair and courteous to others. At all times, Competitors must not, attempt to, or engage in conduct or statements that in the judgment of INDYCAR:
a) Threatens or denigrates any Official, fellow Competitor or the INDYCAR brand;
b) Calls into question the integrity or legitimacy of the Rules or their application, construction or interpretation;
c) Denigrates the IndyCar Series racing schedule or Event(s);
d) Threatens or denigrates any INDYCAR business relationship, including those with sponsors or broadcasters;
e) Otherwise threatens the integrity, reputation or public confidence of the sport, INDYCAR, or IndyCar Series.

The most obvious question is what constitutes a violation? It could be just about anything IndyCar decides hurt their wounded fee fees. This includes a driver complaining about safety. Remember, the backlash to Fontana was the impetus for this. Mark Miles talked about adding a rule, and that's exactly what he has done. The Internet commentariat is already ablaze with claims of censorship, and it's hard to argue, because that's exactly what it looks like. Also not mentioned is what the penalty would actually be.

Hours later, realizing damage control was necessary, IndyCar released a "clarification." It's pretty much nothing but corporate weaseling wording, as Miles tries to say "See, it's not a gag order. Really." So, there's a vague policy that appears to stifle conflict and emotion with no one knowing what the alleged consequences are, released at an absolutely terrible time? As Gabbo from the Simpsons would say: Ay yai yai.

As we've established, controversy and conflict sell. Naturally, IndyCar has decided to try and rid themselves of that. It's a complete misread of the situation from a leadership that seems to thrive on complete misreads. Just when things may have been looking up for the sport, those in charge of running it find a way to shoot themselves in the foot and take a step back. It would be laughable if it weren't so sadly predictable.