On Getting a Black Flag

By Deane Mercier

July 26 , Norwalk, CT. --- Mark Mockovak was abruptly relieved of his duties as the Media Coordinator of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series on Tuesday, July 24. NASCAR has made a big mistake, a very big mistake. Why is NASCAR trying to fix something that isn’t broke? I wish I had the answer. On occasion NASCAR does something that has no rhyme or reason. Sadly, this is one of those times.

From what I’ve been able to piece together NASCAR decided it was time the series had a full time media coordinator. The series started in 1985. It took NASCAR 22 years to figure this out? And why would NASCAR do this in the middle of the season? They couldn’t wait another nine races?

Shawn Courchesne, the highly regarded auto racing writer for the Hartford Currant, was first to break the news on his racing blog Tuesday evening. Word quickly spread through the media crew that covers the series. None of us are happy about this. To see how unhappy and angry we are check out Courchesne’s blog at Courant.com. Broadcasters, writers and photographers have posted comments.

You may be wondering why all the uproar about Mockovak’s firing. First of all he had been doing the job for 14 years as a part-timer and over those years he made countless friends in and out of the media. He did a great deal of behind the scenes work that nobody outside of the media was aware of; hell, some media members weren’t aware of a lot of what he did.

I first met him about 10 years ago when I was doing my weekly radio show. Not once over the years did he ever fail to return a phone call, reply to an email or answer any of my questions in the press box. For me going to a Modified Series race meant that I would see Mark--- the racing was almost secondary. He informed us. He joked with us. He would give us a straight answer; his answer, not the NASCAR party line.

I spent the better part of yesterday and this morning talking to media members that know and have worked with him over the years. Their comments should give you a clear picture as to what he has meant to the Modified Tour and to us.

Mike Fields, the Editor/Publisher of this web site e-mailed me the following: "The firing of Mark Mockovak by NASCAR is ludicrous. Nobody is more competent, more dedicated, or more professional at their position than Mockovak. It’s terrible to toss a dedicated employee away after 14 years in the middle of the season.

Dale Wolbrink works for Thompson International Speedway. She also has a very successful public relations firm that handles race teams, race tracks and race promotion: "Mark is one of the smartest, wittiest people I know. He is fun to be around. I’m glad I know him. This is a tremendous blow to the Modified Tour. He did so much behind the scenes. He is driven by his love of the sport and modified racing."

Charlie Mitchell, the Dean of New England motor sports writers and former Sports Editor of the Hour newspaper: "He is just the nicest guy. Fun to be around, a people-person who loved his job. It’s a shame NASCAR is taking another route."

Ron Mentus, columnist for the Area Auto Racing News: "An easy going guy. He was always willing to help, very reliable, very cooperative. I have a great deal of respect for him."

Ben Dodge, special assistant to Don Hoenig at Thompson International Speedway and one of the best race announcers in the business: "Mark did an incredible job. He was dedicated to the Modified Tour. He loved the series."

Scott Running, Senior Director, Media and Information, Stafford Motor Speedway: "Mark is a great guy, dedicated to the Modified Tour. He is a friend and he will be missed."

Again, I suggest to you that you visit the Hartford Courant web page and read Courchesne’s blog and see what others have had to say about Mark Mockovak. If you do, you will get a very clear understanding on what Mark means to us and what he meant to the Whelen Modified Tour.

To be fair, I was told Mark was offered the full time position by NASCAR; but in order to take it, he would have had to give up his Monday through Friday job and also absorb a rather substantial pay cut.

We all understand the economics involved here, but it does not make Mark’s departure any easier.

Deane Mercier worked in radio for 35 years as a DJ and talk show host. He is currently the Host Broadcaster for Stafford Motor Speedway and is a Motorsports correspondent for the Hour Newspaper (CT).  Deane may be contacted at DeaneMercier@aol.com.

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