What is NASCAR Doing?

By: Andy Kondratick
August 14, 2002 - I am not one to speak out of turn but with the recent rule change for Chevy and Pontiac last week and now this week the resizing of the fuel cell for Talladega, I am really confused about this whole sport right now. NASCAR in all its wisdom decides to end races under yellow or stop them under red when they feel like it. Then a motor change rule, followed by more changes to the Dodge bodies as well as Ford's. Most of the changes have come about during the season rather than before it started. What's up with that? You are probably asking yourself, who is this guy to question what NASCAR does? I am just one of several million fans who is irate over all of these changes during the season and I am just like you, the person who faithfully watches NASCAR every weekend at home on the couch or in the stands spending my hard earned money to keep this sport alive. After all isn't that what this whole sport of auto racing is about? The fans putting their meat in the seat every week and going to their local store and buying the products from the sponsors that they see whiz by them at 200 miles an hour. No fans in the stands equals no prize money or sponsorship so the cars can even run. I know there is more to it than that but I am really concerned.

NASCAR has always been popular in the south from its very inception and spread all up and down the east coast in the early years. At present day, NASCAR has seen growth nationwide and has beat out every other sport for the title of America's Sport. Families get involved in watching auto racing and become huge fans because it is all something they can enjoy together and it is considered wholesome. NASCAR has always prided itself on the fact it was a family sport and they show that week after week by having brother race against brother or fathers racing against sons. We now even have Moms racing with the addition of Shawna Robinson. The problem I am having is, how can I tell my 8 year old son, who is a die hard fan and fancys himself to be the next Dale Earnhardt, that it is ok to start a game and half way through change the rules? You can't. That is not how any sport of a competitive nature is played. So I am left to wonder about this while my son sits on the floor trying to imitate his favorite driver and search for the answer to the question, what is NASCAR doing?

The one thing that really stands out to me the most, being a long time race fan since the early 80's, is that I cannot remember a time when NASCAR made so many rule changes during one season and seamed to be so stressed and worried about everything. I said I don't remember, not that it never has happened. When it did happen in the past it was for safety reasons or to help all the cars be equal and it was rare. That is explainable and I feel necessary but all the fines this year and now we even have sponsors fining the drivers? What is THAT?! I believe that ever since Dale Earnhardt passed away the head honcho's at NASCAR have been in frenzy. I think that Bill France Jr. and Mike Helton looked to Dale for his opinion on certain matters pertaining to the sport and may very well have followed his advice in certain situations. I picture Bill France sitting in his chair watching the Busch race at Bristol last time out and choking on his Coke after he witnessed Harvick flying over the car at Greg Biffle. Just wishing Dale Earnhardt was still around to consult with and ask the question, What am I going to do with this kid Dale? Funny when you think about it but look at the history. I saw Biffle punch his way through a window net of a car he was just in a wreck with at the September Busch race last year in Richmond and he was just talked to. You know what happened to Harvick, so why all the confusion Mr. Helton? What are you doing up there in your little office in the sky?

Preservation of this sport is what it is all about. The fans love their drivers and cheer them on every week like a bunch of rabid dogs. We all go out and buy the shirts, hats, buttons and what not and then jam as many people into the stands as they will possibly allow only to leave hundreds more with no tickets outside the gates listening to cars go roaring by and the MRN broadcast. It is like the Superbowl every weekend. So I can understand why all the fuss about keeping everything in this sport on the up and up but you can't afford to sacrifice the fans opinion or you will have less than what you started with. For the most part I think NASCAR and all of the power's that be within its realm are doing a great job and I like where they are trying to take this sport. Let me know what you think. Yes, you the race fan. Send me an e-mail with your opinion and any questions or concerns you have and I will do my best to get answers. That is why they call me the Rogue. This has been just one man's opinion.