A New Frame Of Mind Toward NASCAR

March 10, 2008
By Andrew Brookman

Andrew Brookman

Well a fresh season of racing is now well under way, yet still new enough to remind us that before this one ends there’s a long way to go before another trophy is given out. For some of us the clock has sprung ahead and will fall behind before the celebration in New York closes out our NASCAR entertainment, an entire new set of holidays will come and new competition will again begin. Sometimes I think having this sport to enjoy so many months out of the year really spoils us and makes those couple months away feel like a year. It’s begun though and much will we have to talk about since Daytona set us on our way, I for one plan to enjoy it as much as possible.

This for me is the most enjoyable time of the entire NASCAR season and it always sets the standard on how much I will truly enjoy the season to come. If I were to take a poll right now I’d bet at least half of NASCAR’s truest pedal to the metal fans still have at least some part of the Daytona 500 on their DVR to enjoy again. Ok, maybe I’m the only one? I have no shame telling you that I am one of those folks that relies on the sport to set aside turmoil, stress and even the winter blues. Sundays around these parts come with an almost holiday like anticipation, whether it was watching Ryan Newman hoist his most prestigious trophy or the pride in his Father's words – I was left wanting two more hours of Victory Lane.

From here a fairly large fraction of all I do will in some way include the weekend race and all the banter that melds together the coarse web known as the 2008 season. With at least some connection to my favorite drivers or teams, even spring rain delay coverage keeps me in that “at the races” frame of mind. How can it be that I can sit for 2 hours of prime time delay and still not feel jipped when the race finally does get under way, even if it’s the next day?

I’m certain that while I love football, I could never feel as satisfied or even joyous over two plus hours of weather delay, maybe that’s the difference between NASCAR, the NFL, MLB and all other sports – I can be happy and patient because it’s just good to see these folks once again.

Speaking of patience and a couple months off feeling like a year, what’s with Tony Stewart's new look? I have to admit I do look forward to his first win of the season for many reasons, I just didn’t think it would be in part because of a hair cut. Could it be Toyota infiltrating with its new manufacturer voodoo? Because honestly the first time I saw Tony’s mug come across the screen, I thought I was watching something French.

Maybe it’s all the changes over at JGR that have Tony sportin’ long locks of that angry Tony Stewart hair, but somehow I have to wonder if it’s the infusion of new celebrity youth they brought onboard? Reminded of some of the mid length hair farmers that have risen to the top of their series throughout different era’s of racing, I do indeed have to wonder if like Samson, Stewarts strength too comes from his hair? While Stewarts run at Daytona is always impressive despite the lack of a spring win, there was most certainly something extra pushing that Toyota around the track like no other before it. What a great run, and one can only imagine the manufacturer perks had they taken first.

In final, something in me is lead to believe this could be an even more exciting season than they have been in a few years. Again this NASCAR fan is enjoying what thus far feels like a season that could belong to anybody, and that’s a great way to begin. Forced by the Hendrick Motorsports domination of last year, not so old favorites and new seekers alike are lining up this season with their “A-Game.” Proof that there is always a new challenger in any pack and perfection is only as good as the next advancement. While hope has indeed fueled the many wishes fans have for their teams, perhaps this is all it will take -- is a little more faith in the race.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.

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