During Saturday’s pre-race drivers meeting at Daytona, NASCAR President Mike Helton reiterated the need for drivers to adhere to the gentlemen’s agreement not to race back to the caution flag. “It was realized a long time ago the drivers really don’t want NASCAR into that part. We would be better off if NASCAR didn’t have to get into this issue,” Helton said. “Drivers came up with an agreement that if the caution came out, the leader would put out his hand signaling other drivers to (slow down). It’s been working pretty well up until recent years. We joked at Sears Point (now Infineon Raceway) about there really wasn’t much of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ anymore. The point is there should be.” Helton acknowledged the debate that has raged over the issue since the Sonoma race. He warned if drivers fail to adhere to a gentlemen’s agreement, NASCAR would be forced to implement a rule. “You are the only ones that can make this happen. There should be a ‘gentleman’s agreement,’ ” Helton said. “If there’s not going to be one, and it gets out of hand, then NASCAR will step in. We don’t want to do that and I don’t think you want us to do that.”( ThatsRacin.com )(7-5-2003)
