December 29, 2010
By Chuck Abrams
After last week's commentary wondering if fans are tired of the Chase or just plain ol' tired, it sounds as if it may be a bit of both. Let me just say that I respect the fact that people take the time to read what I write about and then take the time to let me know their thoughts -- some in a lot of detail. And I respect their opinions, frustrations and passion for the sport.
That passion is what fuels NASCAR. Thanks for reading and keep on writing!
As expected, I heard from a lot of folks who are just fed up with the Chase. From fans who want nothing but the classic old point system to those who think it is all rigged in favor of Jimmie Johnson, the Chase has very few fans who think it has improved the racing or the excitement level.
Then there are the ones who are just tired of NASCAR it seems. Nothing is being done correctly and they are going to tune out if they haven't tuned out for the most part already.
This last point is where part of our discussion on racetalkradio.com went last Wednesday night with hosts Lori Munro and Dennis Michelsen.
Lori contends that in general, NASCAR fans like to complain. They will complain about whatever they can and as often as they can. Dennis agrees with her and to a certain extent, so do I. Where we depart is where I believe that the NASCAR fan's winter of discontent is very real and in much larger numbers than she believes.
I have been providing commentary on NASCAR for over 10 years and fans have been griping that entire time. It's a fans right to complain about any sport they follow. But only in NASCAR do I see a withering of the fan base to such an extent that the NASCAR brain trust is looking at making even more changes to the sport in order to shore up and solidify its base.
Die hard fans have seen Cup racing deteriorate for several reasons over the years and it is now to the point where NASCAR will have to settle for a smaller fan base as the norm.
Changes in the points system will help make winning more important and that is key to keeping fans. It also makes winning far more important, but only if they change the seeding in the Chase. Many fans do not like the Chase points reset as it currently exists.
Lori Munro contends that the economic cycle of the past decade has been a decided culprit for the falling attendance. That is true in part but what about those fans that are staying home and NOT watching their beloved NASCAR? I also believe that NASCAR's move to mostly cable TV is a big economic issue as well. Moreover, I think fans are just tired of the constant change that NASCAR Cup racing has been going through.
That needs to change.
Probably more important, NASCAR needs to have more drivers win and battle for wins that it does drivers who point race their way into the Chase. Seeing one or two drivers dominate the season is no longer a good marketing tool. That may have worked back in the day, but not any more.
Let's face it, a lot of things have been done that are exciting.
Double file restarts -- Have at it boys -- The spoiler replacing the wing -- More manufacturer branding -- No braced front splitter -- A couple of shorter races.
More can and will be done, but it may not be enough to return NASCAR to headier days of the past decade. Casual fans have either left or turned into regular fans. Older fans have seen their sometimes-not-quite-as-good-as-they-remember-it (also known as perception vs. reality) racing turn into what they perceive as glorified IROC racing. And they are ticked off and they are vocal. And, in my opinion, they are larger in number than some believe.
But with that said, it is just weeks until Speed Week, the Rolex 24-hour race and the spectacle of Daytona. And if you are ANY kind of NASCAR fan, you have to be stoked for that.
If not, then you probably are just plain ol' tired of NASCAR. If that is the case, then you probably should stay home and start planning your next fantasy football league roster.
Happy 2011.
Let me know your thoughts.
Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.
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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