A racing car in the Indy Five Hundred with a Purdue Football logo hits the wall and is totaled. Upon post crash analysis the findings were: (1) the driver was inexperienced and this was his first time in a big race as the chief driver; ((2) the engine was sputtering when accelerating as a result of a faulty fuel injector; (3) the steering was loose and the driver lost control in the turns; (4) the traction was lacking because the differential was slipping particularly when getting out of the turns; (4) when in the turns the brakes were giving out and the driver was losing control; (5) the electronics were not working properly as there was little coordination between the steering, braking, engine acceleration, and guidance in the turns. It was apparent that pit crew was not providing proper maintenance and the inventory of parts available were lacking.
The pit boss has to make a decision to make a recommendation to the owner as to whether to keep the driver as he had great potential, completely replace all operating systems, straighten out the frame, hire a new pit crew or pay-up to buy an existing race car with a proven driver with a successful track record and his pit crew that was working well with the driver. The owner, on the other hand, was wondering what the attendance will be and whether some of the more well healed customers will spring for suites and desired seating locations.
We will know what the pit boss recommends in a couple of days. The future of Purdue football will be decided in the next week. I know what decision I would make, how about you? Norm
