Kudos For Bones, Darland

I just wanted to say how right on Bone Bourcier’s column was on the regular guy legend Dave Darland.
Two-years ago at the non-winged event in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Darland’s car suffered a mechanical failure midway through on of the best paying events of the year. As a result, Dave pulled his car into the fan-lined infield, jumped into the back of our truck, opened a cold drink and watched with the rest of us.
He immediately became larger than life to my 13-year old son. Not so ironically, this was the same night my boy was literally brushed off by Tony Stewart because he was in a hurry to get to his plane and somewhere far more important.

Congrats To Darland

Congratulations to Dave Darland on his recent Turkey Night Grand Prix Victory. Bone Bourcier’s column perfectly captured why Dave is so well liked and respected.
Those of us who have followed Dave’s career have been proud of him for many years. You’re not likely to see him shopping in a fancy Paris boutique or dancing on TV like today’s IndyCar stars. We like him anyway.
If Tony George only knew what it would mean to the short track fans to see Dave in the field of the 500 Mile Race. I will always remember watching Jack Hewitt in the 1998 race. To me, that was IRL’s finest hour.

10 Reasons To Stay Home

Ten Reasons why there will be no more NASCAR Cup races for me:
1. Tickets are too expensive.
2. $50-$100 to park car.
3. Having to pay for tickets a year in advance.
4. Service charge for mailing tickets.
5. Food is too expensive.
6. Motels are $200-$300 a night.
7. Inconsiderate people standing on their seats.
8. Helton and Hunter changing the rules.
9. Boring races.
10. Tired of making the promoters richer.

Wade Adds Class

In 2008, I would like  NSSN to put Susan Wade’s column “The Straight Line” on NHRA in the front section of the newspaper. Her article adds a very professional class to  NSSN.

Chase Is Unfair

I most certainly have nothing against Jimmie Johnson, in fact I love the guy and he is only playing by the rules. But does it seem fair that a driver who is leading by more than 300 points going into The Chase, gets cut to a 10 or 15 point lead? You explain the logic behind this to me. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

NASCAR’s Luster Is Gone

NASCAR has basically lost its “magic.” I can say I am not as interested anymore as I used to be. I watch maybe the beginning and the end, if that much. I’ve taped races to watch later and then never have watched them. The “spark” is gone from what was a great sport to follow and attend.
Years ago, you could go to a race for a reasonable amount of money. If you spent the night, you didn’t get charged for two or three nights when you only stayed one. Traffic was managed and it didn’t take you eight hours to travel what should have been a three-hour trip. There was competition from many teams, not basically one big team. NASCAR has gotten away from its roots of real racing and become a “Jerry Springer” side show. (Now I like to watch Jerry occasionally, but not every day). Ticket prices are soaring and the price of gas is getting to be unbelievable. The new COT is interesting, but NOT good old fashioned stock car racing. The Chase basically is NASCAR’s answer to playoffs. When I want playoffs I will watch the NBA, NFL, etc. Heck, maybe NASCAR should have a “Bowl Championship Series” and vote on the Chase contenders. Just joking!
I read in NSSN that the attendance for the NASCAR Atlanta race was down and they blamed it on Dale Earnhardt, Jr., not making the Chase. Come on, Atlanta! Are you really going to blame that on Jr.? Actually, NASCAR hasn’t been the same since Dale, Sr. died. Are you going to blame him too?
How about the buying up of tracks? Take a look at the great North East and see that now New Hampshire will probably lose a date to Las Vegas. I feel bad for those folks up there that have had great traditions. (Simply look at two of the best local tracks, Thompson and Stafford Springs. I’ve been to both of them and they are well run. The Cup Series could learn from them!) It is good to see that Rockingham will come to life again with an ARCA race. There was some great Cup racing there years ago. Anyone remember North Wilkesboro? Always a great race!! I know times have changed, but don’t forget the folks that got you where you are today.
The bottom line is that the loyalty of the fans that made NASCAR what it is, is not even remotely considered anymore. With lower ratings, falling attendance figures, disgruntled fans, the same old race each week, an hour of hype before each race, and the lack of consideration for the fans, it will be interesting to see what the future brings.

Toyota Wins, Fans Go

Wake up NASCAR, when Toyota starts winning you are going to lose your fans.
Restrict Toyota to 200 C.I. just like the NHRA does to the foreign bikes, they can only run 2,000cc to Harley’s 3,400cc. In the AMA a 1,400cc Harley Buell runs in the 600cc class.
At Springfield Mile last summer, the winning Harley was underweight. Instead of disqualification, the AMA took the first three bikes to their home office and instantly the winning bike was over the limit. Sometimes you have to bend the rules in order to get the right winner.
Up until the mid-60s, if you ran a foreign bike it had to be 500cc. The Harley’s were 750cc and then they changed to rules to all 750cc. Then Honda came with an unbeatable 750cc so the AMA added weight and carb-restrictions on the Honda, so Honda quit. Soon Honda will be in NASCAR.