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StumblePublished Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 | 8 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 | 10:16 a.m.
As I impatiently await the start of the 2009 Sprint Cup season, I can’t help but think back to how I used to look forward to the beginning of the racing season, largely because I was anxious to watch Dale Earnhardt negotiate the tracks on the circuit. His bull-in-a-china shop racing style made watching races fun and he always left me waiting for the next race to see what he would have in store. I still believe one reason that core fans have lost some interest in the sport is because Dale Earnhardt is no longer here to provide the excitement we all crave.
Thinking about Dale made me realize something else. I’m anxiously waiting to see what kind of energy Kyle Busch provides this season. Now, before you start criticizing me for trying to compare Kyle to Dale, let me assure you I have no intention of comparing a Sprint Cup career that is still in its infant stages to the career of a seven-time champion. But you have to admit, love him or hate him, Kyle does add a level of excitement to the action on the tracks.
I didn’t think Kyle would win a championship in 2008 because I thought his immaturity would get in the way of his ability to stay focused on winning the Sprint Cup. That wasn’t the case since it was largely mechanical issues that sunk his championship bid. But given how he drove in 2008, there’s every reason to believe that he will be steering with his rear wheels even more in 2009.
Tony Stewart also has the proven capability to put me on the edge of my seat, but I’m not expecting much from him with his team that’s basically being rebuilt from the ground up.
If Jimmie Johnson takes the crown for a fourth consecutive time it will be good for Hendrick Motorsports and the record books, but it won’t be good for Sprint Cup racing. A rerun of the last three seasons is the last thing this sport needs as television viewership and race attendance decline. We need a season that can overcome the dull racing that the COT, cookie-cutter tracks and repeat championships would provide. Kyle’s just the driver to remove the restrictor plate from what could be a lackluster season.
The only thing that could create more excitement would be a serious championship bid by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
I'd like to see someone do an expose on how the Las Vegas hotels are gouging the race fans (nothing new, I know, but in these tough economic times, you think they would back off a bit to encourage travel.)
I checked online for rooms rates during the NASCAR weekend at LVMS and one prominent hotel that has $89 rates next week and $139 rates on Saturday is charging $239 mid-week for the race and $249 on Saturday.
Boy, are these hotels goign to be surprised when the crowd for this year's race is WAY down and nobody is spending money in their casinos. I know several of my friends who usually go to the Vegas race are not going this year because the rooms are so expensive.
Give us race fans a break, Vegas!
Exciting drivers sets Na$car apart from other series. I'd add Cousin Carl Edwards, Mark Martin, Robbie Gordon (sometimes Jeff), Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin to the list.
I think the 'cookie-cutter' argument is overblown; likewise, judging today's car as boring is just whinning. Even when one team finds a winning combination, there are always variables (failed parts, blown tires, bad pit stops, having Robbie Gordon or others crash into you, etc.) that can equalize the playing field in a heartbeat.
I've come to the conclusion that the real culprit is the computer. No, not onboard telemetry or traction control (although these are manifestations of the computer revolution in motorsports), its the use of computers in aerodynamic, dynometer and heat load testing (to name a few), in parts design and manufacturing (think shocks and cnc machining). There's no putting the genie back in the bottle, so finding ways to keep the sport fair, fun, affordable, competitive and safe for drivers, crew and fans is part of the challenge that will always face Na$car going forward.
If Carl can capitalize on his momentum from last year he will be this year's champ. I'd even vote for Kyle to win, just as long as Johnson doesn't.
If the hotels offered something of value for the $100 or more per night they jack up the rate, then maybe it would be easier to swallow. For example, they could bring a driver in for a meet-and-greet, open beer bar, autograph session for guests only. Throw in a raffle for some high end Cup swag and everyone feels like there was some value in staying at that property for Na$car weekend. As it is, they view Na$car weekend like a convention that is located at another hotel; poach the overflow crowd and charge like everyone has an expense account. Looking around at a few online sites there are plenty of rooms available. If this continues, we may see a price drop in the coming weeks to try and fill the rooms.