By Brian Hilderbrand

Published Sunday, May 18, 2008 | 9:34 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 | 2:14 p.m.

I'm now convinced that the only way to watch the NASCAR Sprint All-Star race and Sprint Showdown is to TiVo/DVR/tape the marathon Speed Channel broadcast and watch it later in the evening. I took colleague Mike Smith's advice and taped the races and later watched the four-hour broadcast in less than two hours -- and didn't miss a thing except for the voluminous commercials and hokey driver/crew introductions. …

Don't be surprised if Dale Earnhardt Jr. snaps his 73-race winless streak Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600. Although he faded at the end of the All-Star race, Earnhardt's car looked strong Saturday night and Rick Hendrick-owned cars know their way around Lowe's Motor Speedway when points are at stake. …

I know a lot of people don't like that the All-Star race has morphed way beyond a race exclusively for Cup winners, but I like the no-holds-barred format of the Sprint Showdown and the fans' ability to vote a driver into the All-Star race field. I can, however, do without the burnout contest. …

I'm also glad they no longer invert the field after one of the segments of the All-Star race. Inverting the field may have its place at the local short track, but it doesn't belong in the All-Star race.

Is there a better day for race fans than the Sunday before Memorial Day? The "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," the Indianapolis 500, makes a great appetizer for the main course -- the longest race on the NASCAR schedule.