This year's Nextel Cup season was filled with every thing imaginable.  There was unprecedented drama with the Chase for the Nextel Cup.  There was unprecedented tragedy with the Hendrick plane crash.  There was unprecedented support for Mark Martin not only to get into the Chase but to win his first title in what might be his last chance.  There was unprecedented support for rookie Kasey Kahne to get his first win in what was his first chance but certainly not his last.

Pick a headline.  Either could define the season or, at least, a portion of it.

There's a gnawing thought, though, especially with the mind numbing tragedy in Colorado where a corporate jet crashed killing people and injuring others.  It's not important who was on the plane.  People died and, from what we're hearing after the early investigation, it may have been unnecessary.  Early network television reports said the pilot of the plane refused de-icing procedures before the plane's takeoff into a snow storm. 

Federal Aviation Administration regulations published online are clear: Pilots may not take off if an aircraft has snow or ice on one or both wings.  The Challenger was not de-iced during its one-hour layover, according to witnesses.  That may prove untrue but it points to a key issue:  getting there is more important than being there on time.

The schedule in NASCAR's top series is too full.  The Hendrick crash may be a tip of the iceberg.  It's clear We need more stringent rules governing safety in charter or private air travel.  And as long as charter or private air travel is needed to compete at the top of the Nextel Series, someone needs to stand up in the motorsports world and shout:  DO SOMETHING! NOW!!

It's too late for another NASCAR delay where it's hoped someone else will do something. Take a stand.  DO SOMETHING! NOW!!

Fred Chris