Steve Arpin Future Plans for 2012

Steve Arpin (Credit: NASCAR Images)

In the O'Reilly Auto Parts 300, Steve Arpin picked up his second Top 10 finish in his Nationwide Series career by finishing 10th in the #30 Mike's On The Rocks Chevrolet for Turner Motorsports.

I asked the Ontario native what are his plans for the rest of the 2012 season. He replied back saying that as of right now, only the Aaron's 312 at Talladega is left on the schedule for him. However he added that he is working hard to find more. (Source: Twitter)

(UPDATE (4/30/12)): It appears as though that James Buescher is driving the 30 Car for Turner Motorsports at Talladega)

(UPDATE #2 (5/16/12)): Steve Arpin ended up driving the 30 for the spring Iowa race

Views On David Reutimann at Martinsville

David Reutimann
(Photo Credit: Getty Images / NASCAR Media)

A lot of talk right now is what David Reutimann did in the final laps of the Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville.

David Reutimann, driving the #10 Accell Contruction Chevrolet for Tommy Baldwin Racing, was having issues with the car all day. According to TBR, the 10 car was mainly having brake issues, they were in and out of the garage area a handful of times. And it wasn't until the final laps of the day his engine gave up and he ended up stopping on the frontstretch. This moment played a huge outcome of the finish.

Some fans, however, are outraged at what David Reutimann did. Do they have every right to be angry? I say no, and some fans are just overreacting over the whole incident.

The main reason I can't blame him is the Top 35 rule. Coming into Martinsville, the 10 team was 34th in Owner Points. They were tied with the #33 Richard Childress Racing team for that spot, and just 5 points ahead of the #83 BK Racing team (who was 36th in Owner Points). So, every point had to count for this team, which is why they were in and out of the garage so they can make up laps, and just in case the #83 or the #33 teams had some sort of issue with the car or got caught up in an accident at some point of the race. The 10 team, likely, would've dropped out of the Top 35 in Owner Points, even if the final laps incident didn't happen.

The next thing people bring up is why didn't he pit when he knew something was going to break in the car. Here's the thing, he's more focused on keeping that car in the Top 35 in Owner Points. Another thing is the engine could've just gave up when he entered Turn 4, making it impossible to make it back to the pits. Yes, he had several opportunities to make it to pit road, but can't blame a guy for trying to finish the race with how much power his car can handle. Especially if the driver is fighting for a spot in the Top 35 in Owner Points.

What David Reutimann took was a risk. It may of not of been the best risk too take, but you can't blame drivers who have to take a risk that completely changes the outcome of a race. Its part of racing: You win some, and you lose some.