Helicopter parent: a colloquial, early 21st-century term for a parent who pays extremely close attention to his or her child’s or children’s experiences and problems
Bill France Sr. founded NASCAR some 60+ years ago with the outlaws and good ole boys of Southern stock car racing. It was a rough and tumble time – France Sr. was even known to carry around a sidearm to keep order. Who was in charge was never in question. And while that remains true today, some things have changed. For instance, something tells me Big Bill never had to deal with a driver’s parent. Take Tom Logano.
To his credit the elder Logano is a man who is truly devoted to both his children and their dreams. In spite of his unwavering support for his children, Tom Logano is becoming a headache for Joe Gibbs Racing and for NASCAR. In his second trip to the NASCAR hauler in eight months, Logano is proving he is not able to handle his situation.
In his latest outburst, Logano, obviously upset, appeared to encourage his son’s confrontation with Kevin Harvick, and then stormed after him, making contact with TNT pit reporter Ralph Sheheen (that interview should be uncomfortable next week). Logano, for his part, says the incident was overblown.
Whatever happened, Logano needs to be evaluating the necessity of his hovering. It’s difficult for every parent to see their children caught up in bad situations. I can’t imagine what it’s like to see your kid involved in high speed hijinks with someone nearly twice his age. That said, you don’t see Nancy Sterling (Carl Edwards’ mom) getting into it with Kevin Harvick, or Nelson Stewart (Tony Stewart’s dad) going toe-to-toe with Robby Gordon. They manage to maintain a professional at-track presence, and let their boys handle their own business (which is what Joey was trying to do).
And lets be honest, NASCAR should never call a wife, girlfriend, father, mother, brother etc. to the hauler to have a discussion with them (or to pull their hard card). When loved ones are at the track they are spectators. I would hope they would have enough respect for those they were there to support to keep their mouths shut and actions in check.
It’s a shame for Joey Logano, on a night when he was working to prove he was just one of the guys (and wasn’t afraid to express himself off the track), that his daddy again overshadowed his moment.
I respect Tom Logano for everything he has done for his children, but it’s time he step back and let Joey fight his own fights and learn his own lessons. The elder Logano’s behavior has been not only an embarrassment to himself, but an embarrassment to his son. Cut the cord and let him go Tom – for the sake of Joey.
TheNASCARInsiders.com
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