[Russell Sobie]

After the first couple of laps, I'll defend against anyone for a couple of corners (if I'm not blue flagged to them, of course) since it is just good to practice. Just because someone is good at qualifying doesn't mean they are good at racing... so it's good practice for them as well.

I don't think I have ever just lifted to let someone by during a race. I'm not going to do a bunch of risky defense lines to keep someone behind me that will eventually get by through sheer speed, however. If they get a run on me, they get space. You don't learn race craft lifting to let faster people go by you. Getting passed safely is a skill way more people need to learn.

I get that it may be a strategic move to quickly let someone pass in the hopes that they tie up someone in front. But if you are a midpack racer like me, you take the fun where you can, and to me that is trying to have battles throughout the race.