Instant Reaction: Menard Victory Further Diminishes Brickyard Value
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Once upon a time, the Brickyard was the hallowed hall of champions.
Entering Sunday, seven of Indianapolis’ 10 winners were all former Sprint Cup Series titlists. Gordon, Earnhardt, Stewart and Johnson are a brief template of the talent required to win at Indy.
The reverence ended in 2008 and gradually died culminating with Paul Menard’s victory in the 2011 Brickyard 400.
Four years ago saw the Car of Tomorrow debut at Indy with an ill-equipped tire package, requiring teams to pit often or risk shredding their tires. Goodyear responded by swinging tire-wear problems in the exact opposite direction.
They don’t fall off at all now, transforming races into fuel-mileage affairs.
The championship trend buckled last year with Jamie McMurray’s win and completely died with Menard’s victory.
It’s been a struggle for Menard at NASCAR’s highest level and he’s led just 117 laps in a career spanning 166 starts. His previous-best Brickyard finish was just 14th.
I don’t care that he’s a good boy.
I don’t care that he’s humble.
Paul Menard is a fluke.
And while the surprise winner thing might fly for the Indianapolis 500 (and for the Daytona 500) - it just doesn’t fit the Brickyard’s model.
The PPG Trophy once had a reputation and now it’s vanishing. Menard’s victory instantly devalued victories that preceded his own.
With today’s win, Menard moves to 14th in the championship standings ahead of David Ragan for the final Chase for the Championship wild card slot. Menard had better make the playoffs and win this championship.
Otherwise he’s done irreparable damage to the race he loves the most.
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