Many of the media members present chose, or were told not, to enter the speedway grounds Thursday, including Skip Wood of USA Today, reportedly in a dispute over a staff photographer's access rights. Other reporters accepted single-event paper cards, with certain sections in their language noted, scratched out or amended, while awaiting word from home on whether to accept the hard cards. Still others wondered whether they should turn in their hard cards until all issues are sorted out.
Photographers particularly have great doubts about what they have been asked to sign.
Independent broadcasters, such as Mark Garrow of Winston Cup Today, are concerned that the new restrictions could affect their livelihoods, even put them out of business. This could continue to be the most troublesome distraction of Speedweeks.