The Busch Series, a modest proposal

Do you think that the France family has real guts?

I was standing in the infield of historic Toledo Speedway Saturday night and during the 100 lap break in the ASA Late Model Challenge race, while looking at the nicely prepared, very NASCAR-like, Fusions, Monte Carlos and Dodges I thought about the Busch (soon to be something else for 30 million sponsor bucks) Grand National Series.

NASCAR tells us that the Busch (step right up, only 30 million dead presidents) Series is the second most popular racing series in North America. Hard to argue.  As the opening act for the second largest spectator sport in the U.S., the audience is attentive.

There may be - I said MAY BE - some cracking in the foundation however.  Reports of falling TV ratings.  Many events failing to sell out, when sellouts had been the norm.  Worries of overexposure and dilution of the product.  And the races are just too darn long.  So say some.

We spoke last night ON PIT ROW with David Poole, one of the best writers and observers of the NASCAR scene.  We started on race length and ended on the Busch Series. One of Poole's points was that the top two series in the France portfolio are too similar. Too often, the Busch is a dress rehearsal for the Cup race. We agreed that maybe shortening the Busch races - making them more sprint - like in nature, might be  a good thing.

I propose that NASCAR take a more radical step.  The ARCA RE/MAX Series, also for very NASCARish looking stockers runs races on two dirt tracks, as well as a full compliment of paved short, medium and super-speedway length venues.  This is the most diverse racing series that I can think of at the moment.

But I don't want NASCAR messing with the ARCA RE/MAX niche.

 

I want to try taking a page from the European touring car series.  For say, six Busch races per year - races on the front end of double-header weekends with the Cup Series, make the Busch race a Dual 125 format.  All cars run a 125 mile race, followed after a suitable break, by a second 125 miler.  Points could either be awarded equally for each race's results or cumulative finishes could determine placings for championship points. 

Nobody wants to mess up a good thing --especially billionaires.  I believe that tweaking the Busch Series in this way would enhance the interest for fans, promoters and the teams.

Of course there is also the new sponsorship opportunities for the Twin Buck and a Quarters.  Just think of the possibilities; The Tidy Bowl Twin 125s is my favorite, so far.

Comments

[robert bourne]

Interesting idea for the Busch series and one that I have bounced around in my head..I fashioned it after the Aussie V8 supercar series which thanks to speed I have become a fan of

[marc]

Emmm... lets see:

The Doublemint Twins 125's?

The Jenna & Barbara Bush Twin 125's?

The Ann Landers/Abigail Van Buren Twin 125's brought to you by Dr. Phil?

The Mario/Aldo Andretti Twin 125's?

I gotta million of'em!

Anyway, the introduction of the CoT will go a long way towards giving the Wal-Mart Grand National Series (my guess) a new ID.

I have nothing to base this on but I think the 2009/2010 season you will see the pony cars running in the series. The Mustang, Challenger and Camaro will all be on the street by then.

Another option is sched more stand alone events. However in an effort to "rope in" a younger crowd sched the event with the Formula D series.

Adding a Drifting event the day before would give track owners to couple ticket sales to both events.

And note Kasey Kahne has already made a Drifting appearance at one of their events.

[charlie]

I know I'm dating myself again Marc, but how about the Cynthia Myers Twin 125s. Has a nice tie in to your Formula D dual, also.

We have discussed the pony car idea and perhaps the Grand National Car of Tomorrow will be built with that body shape in mind. I like it. And another possible link to a touring car format.

[marc]

"Dating myself?"

You are a very lonely fella!

[racefan57]

Have you seen the movie "Drift Away"? It's on HBO this week...street drifting in Tokyo, some very wild stunts!! And "dating myself" .. for an older guy I found it quite entertaining and I would attend a live event. Put the Pony cars in the Drift event and the Grand National and call it the "Drifting Pony Dual Twin 125's"

[Vroom!]

Great stuff Charlie...I think all FranceCar races are too long. Your idea to reinvent the wheel, no pun, in the BGN series is brilliant!