So we finally got the chance to witness the new-old-NASCAR. The 52nd running of the Great American race was ever the event but did more to raise questions and skepticism than produce the solutions that the race was meant for. I firmly believe that NASCAR is on the right path but the sanctioning body absolutely can not get complacent now.
Things I Think I know - “52nd Daytona 500”
Here me out following the jump!
Green, White, Charades
The new Overdrive rules have it's big ole heart in the right place but its utility just isn't long for restrictor plate racing. NASCAR should count their lucky stars that they only had to use the overtime finish twice. How many cars need to be lost? How many drivers injured? And most importantly, how many fans will have to be hurt before this becomes a bad idea just as fast as it became a good one.
By all means, use the rule at non-plate tracks. The rule has the potential to create VERY exciting racing. Just, for the love of all things safe, keep it away from Talladega and Daytona.
Reaction over proaction
Clearly, the mantra of North America's most lucrative stock car racing league is that of waiting for a problem, then scrambling to fix it. The latest end result was a six-hour plus Daytona 500 that was largely uninteresting and without pace to the masses. To be fair to Daytona X, track officials were planning to resurface the track in 2011. But again, how much of that is responsive to prior knowledge that their prized cathedral was already falling apart much akin to the San Adreas?
It's now been two years since we've had a memorable Daytona 500 and three since our last classic. Meanwhile, fan support is dwindling and lethargy is at an all-time high. NASCAR set out to turn the tables and start the 2010 season on a high. Instead, two seasons counting, it received a cluster-youknowwhat due to outside conditions that really have me just craving baseball.
That's what you're facing NASCAR. Fix it.
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