March 17, 2010
By Chuck Abrams
Now that the furor over the Edwards-Keselowski feud has quieted down, the Cup boys move on to Bristol, site of traditionally aggressive short track racing –- except for the last several races that have been rather ho-hum there.
But as the date approaches, the media jackals will be all over the not-so-fresh road kill of last week’s fracas, regurgitating it up over and over to remind us about payback in Thunder Valley.
And while I think 95% of us are through hearing about said fracas, it may help with fan interest in the race.
After watching races in the early part of the season with significantly empty stands, I doubt we will see that at Bristol –- unless Mother Nature steps in. But TV viewership should be up. The Olympics are over, MLB has not started and the NBA is, well, the NBA.
We have had a lot to talk about in NASCAR this year, not all of it positive. But from a fan perspective, this week was not a discussion of a pothole, but another kind of hole. And isn’t that what everyone says they want to watch in racing? Guys going at it and not liking each other very much? It’s Madhouse on asphalt!
Supposedly, we want guys to call each other out instead of toeing the sponsor line. We want to see rubbin’ -– it’s racin’ after all, right? We want someone other than the Johnson-Knaus team to win a race -- Johnson is winless at Bristol. We want all the things we get with local, short track racing, right?
This week we have the story line that the SAFER barrier has been extended, actually making the track more narrow at the exit of Turns 2 and 4. We know the Cup guys like to use every inch of the track and sometimes a bit more. We will more than likely see a few drivers get into the wall as they slide around and vie for position at Bristol. And smacking the wall may lead to more than a few cautions, which means double file restarts and side-by-side racing.
Sounds like a recipe for a good race to me.
The top 15 is chock full of drivers capable of winning at Bristol. Heck, the top 20 is that way. With drivers like Hamlin, Montoya and Edwards deep in the points, they have a lot to prove this week. Remaining deep in the points is not an option for them much longer if they have Chase aspirations. And while the early part of the season is so much fun because of the point swings, these guys gotta get on the move. That means they have to get aggressive and win -– and soon.
By the time the Cup teams get to Texas and Carl’s probation is over, the top 12 will look a bit different than it does now and probably be close to being set for the top teams as we head into the Chase. We will see some fluctuation in spots 9-15, but historically speaking, the Chase will be just about set.
But that is a few weeks away and this week it is Bristol, baby! So relax and enjoy the racing.
Let me know your thoughts.
Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.
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