Now, it was probably built to NASCAR standards in 1999 instead of 2009 - much like ARCA cars are usually hand-me-downs from the Cup series.

Thinking about wrecks that have looked at all even close to this bad, I think of Geoff Bodine at Daytona (trucks), Harmon at Bristol and Michael Waltrip at Bristol. In those three incidents, only Daytona is free from blame as Bodine was just involved in racing action that happened to result in his truck virtually shedding every part and piece as it thrashed its way down the front stretch.

The track was entirely responsible for Harmon and Waltrip's Bristol wrecks, leaving un-latched a concrete swing-gate that is used to allow vehicles in and out of the infield.

I know when the races were run in Mexico, they talked about how the decorative concrete wall would basically shred the sheet metal on the cars, leaving what would normally be a raceable car - had it made the same impact at a US track - instead a torn up wreck that had to go to the garage.

I'd guess this is at least 60% the track's responsibility. The other 25 - 40% is probably due to the construction/age of the vehicle.

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Condolences to his friends and family.

These kinds of things happen in racing, and I admire that he had chosen such a risky profession. I know that it is of little consolation, but he surely lived more in his tragically short career than 90% of the population will in their lifetimes.

Rest in Peace, Carlos Pardo.

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On a side-note, I hope this doesn't affect NASCAR Canada and our mandatory polar bear co-driver policy.

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