Rumors are circulating that a couple months ago, Pulitzer-bestowed LA Times automotive reviewer Dan Neil ran a $450,000 Mercedes SLR race car off the track during a press junket at the Virginia International Raceway. Reportedly, he tuned out during the pre-drive safety meeting and was impatient to get on the track despite the rain. He proceeded to miss a braking point on the first lap and spin out onto the grass. Real race car driver Brian Redman chided him for his performance.

Reached for comment, Neil first blamed the car, claiming that it was "snaky as all hell." He then called back to confess he may have been at fault. "I probably was over-anxious," he said.