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Hamlin is right to criticize new cars.
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By Anthony Sandoval, asando@qconline.com
By Anthony Sandoval, asando@qconline.com
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Freedom of speech sometimes doesn't go over well in the world of sports. Just ask one of NASCAR's brightest stars about that as he finds himself in hot water over a recent statement. Sprint Cup driver Denny Hamlin had some harsh words for the new Gen6 race cars after last weekend's race at Phoenix International Speedway. Those comments landed him a $25,000 fine on Thursday for violating a NASCAR rule which forbids actions detrimental to stock-car racing. "We got a lot of work to do to get these cars to pass each other,'' Hamlin said after finishing third in that race. "Aero tight is a huge, huge deal and these tires are so hard and the surface is new. It'll be interesting once we get to a track where there will be a little more tire wear. You can run an entire race on left side tires and it's not supposed to be that way. "We definitely over-achieved today, but that's what you got to do when your car isn't all that good." Hamlin said he will not pay the fine, even if that results inNASCAR suspending him. I'm on Hamlin's side for this one. What did he say that was so bad to get him into hot water with NASCAR? What he said wasn't asbad what Kyle Busch had to sayafter his win at Bristol in the spring of2007, the first Car of Tomorrow race. "I'm not a very big fan of these things. I can't stand to drive them," Busch said in that post-race interview. Those remarks never resulted in a fine or suspension. Honestly, I thinkHamlin was right with what hehad to say. The racing this season hasn't lived up to expectations through two races. I truly believe he was doing NASCAR a favor by showing that he cares about the product. The new cars were designed for moreside-by-side racing andwe've seen very little of that so far. Hamlin was clearly stating what everybody -- from fans to drivers -- was thinking. If NASCAR decides to suspend Hamlin, the competition level will definitely drop. And right now, that's the last thing the sport needs. Anthony Sandoval can be reached via twitter at @ASandoval_DA or by email at asando@qconline.com 
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Today is Monday, May 20, the 140th day of 2013. There are 225 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A petition is being circulated asking the city council to order awell bored in Market Square. It would be a great accommodation to the public.
1888 -- 125 years ago: At 1 p.m. on May 18 the Mississippi River flooded its banks atRock Island and destroyed the warehouse of the Rock Island Lumber Co. and damagedRock Island Arsenal power plant. Total loss is estimated at $100,000.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Residents of Sough Rock Island Township are circulating apetition favoring the annexation of that area to the City of Rock Island.
1938 -- 75 years ago: A group of state members of the National Grandmothers Clubmeeting in Rock Island are making plans to petition for the observance of a NationalGrandmothers Day.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Deere and Co. reported today that its U.S. and Canadian sales forthe first half of the 1963 fiscal year set an all time record of $323,716.628.
1988 -- 25 years ago: William G. Lawrence, first administrative director, has retired fromPECO Enterprises, Inc. Prior to his service at PECO, Mr. Lawrence was the civilianpersonnel officer at the Rock Island Arsenal.
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