Letter to the editor: Fixing the Sprint All-Star Race

I received an email while at Montgomery Motor Speedway from a reader who just read my updates and columns from the Sprint All-Star Race early last month. Like many other fans following the event, Andy wasn’t particularly pleased with the final 10-lap segment and offered his own idea for how to fix the event.

I thought it was cool to receive a ‘letter to the editor’ as it was and decided to publish it for your consideration. First, I thought he provided a novel suggestion. And second, a letter to the editor feels extremely old-school and reminds me of my recent days in newspapers.

So here is the unedited letter from Andy Carson, from Australia, on what changes he would make to the NASCAR All-Star Race. Send your own ‘letters to the editor’ to yours truly at ‘MattWeaverMedia(at)gmail.com.

Hi Matt,

Just read your article on the All Star races and the frustrations of drivers and fans. Has NASCAR thought of introducing a reverse grid following every segment? This would likely create a lot of excitement and passing.
I have only just started watching NASCAR, living here in Australia and have never seen the All Star races before so I may be way off here.
Kindest Regards
Andy

I know what many of you are already thinking.

It’s completely more gimmicky than my invert idea and the slower cars could very well hold off the faster cars over a 20-lap stretch based on the aerodynamic advantage of starting out front. But it is fair, with four preliminary segments, and combined with the average finish format could make for an interesting final 10 or 20-lap final segment.

While I don’t completely agree with Andy, I do think it is something to consider. The status quo isn’t working judging from fan reactions and new fans, like Andy, are not particularly entranced either.

So what do you think about his idea? Tell us in the comments section below.