BLOG: It's Not the Age, It's the Miles

Much has been said about Morgan Shepherd and his effect on the outcome of the race at New Hampshire last week. Some of it has been downright mean, and some has been sour grapes.

Morgan Shepherd can still drive a race car. For that matter, he can still roller-skate, but that's neither here nor there.

The question I would ask is, can he drive the Gen-6? The answer is yes: all it takes is an ability to put the car in gear and get it rolling. In competition, however, it's a little different.

The new cars are so far beyond what Shepherd spent the bulk of his career driving. It's got more aero for one, and it is infinitely more adjustable.

Shepherd was so wicked loose all day that I wonder how he lasted as long as he did. When it all came apart, he was along for the ride. Joey Logano happened to be passing him when it did.

Stuff. Happens.

As long as he can see and somebody allows him to drive a car, he should be able to drive whenever he qualifies. Why shouldn't he? There are generally only 43 cars at the track these days, so why not?

If he had spun and hit the wall by himself, would it have made the same waves? No.

And that's all you need to know.