Another race--another Hendrick win. So much for the CoT evening the playing field and for all us "experts" saying "The CoT gives Toyota a real chance at winning a race quickly." So far we haven't even gotten a sniff of that theory.
But, the real question is; is anyone (other than the Hendrick group) having any fun doing this Nextel Cup thing? I don't really think its a stupid question. Mark Martin has gone to running a partial schedule. Kyle Petty will be stepping out of his car for a TV gig on TNT later in the year. Tony Stewart said he'd consider retirement if he had enough money. Several teams have tried to lure Bill Elliott back to drive their cars, but there doesn't seem to be enough money in the world to make that happen.
Other than the prerequisite burnout after a race win and the "say all the right things in the victory lane interview" there doesn't seem to be much fun being had. The hours and hours of work at the shop to build two fleets of cars for the 2007 season, coupled with the small minority of winning cars is taking its toll on the NASCAR community. Ask Matt Borland. Ask Michael Waltrip, Jeremy Mayfield, Kasey Kahne or a myriad of others. The pressure to win for your team owner, sponsor and fans is sucking the fun out of this sport. Maybe we need to find a "Miss Nextel" Because we certainly miss the "Miss Winstons".
Carl Edwards' back flips and Tony Stewart's fence climbing aside do you see anyone other than Kenny Wallace that looks like they are enjoying what they are doing? NASCAR has done a great job over the years of promoting and growing this sport we loved so much to watch and talk about, but they need to find a way to take the pressure off or they are going to be blowing through talent like there is no tomorrow. And there may not be.
You may no longer be looking at drivers who have 15 or 20 year careers. They may burn out in 10 or less and that would put a serious hurt on the property known as NASCAR. NASCAR racing, especially Nextel Cup racing, is reliant on its driver's personalities to keep the fans interested. When people complain about the major stick and ball sports, one of their biggest complaints revolves around the personnel door that never stays shut.
All sports need to keep their stars happy and connected with their fans. That cannot happen without longevity of its stars. Be careful NASCAR, you may be becoming too much like the competition.
photo credits: Edwards--racehippie.com Stewart--monkeyouttanowhere.com DeJongh--nascar.com
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