April 4, 2011
By Matthew Pizzolato
Matthew Pizzolato
|
A debate that has raged back and forth in NASCAR over the past several years is what is commonly referred to as start-and-parks.
Teams that start a race only to run a few laps and then withdraw from the race to collect the prize money that goes with whatever position they are listed in when the race is over.
It is a very hotly debated topic. Some liken it to stealing while others consider it a necessary evil in order to have a full field to start the race in the Nationwide or Truck Series.
There are no rules currently in place to prevent it and everyone and their uncle has a theory about how to keep it from happening. Quite frankly, as long as teams are struggling to find sponsorship in today's trying economic times, officials will likely allow the practice to continue -- if it means starting races with a full 43 entries.
There are several reasons that teams start-and-park, the biggest of which is to avoid damage to their race cars. Yet, what is the point of entering a race with no intention of even competing for the win?
While the prize money awarded by NASCAR for entering a race is quite substantial compared to what the average American earns, when viewed in light of the amount of money required to run a race team it is hardly a drop in the bucket. The teams that
start-and-park generally have very little if any sponsorship. So it is certainly understandable why team owners would fear wrecking their car. They would be unable to fund a replacement.
However the side of the story that no one discusses is the drivers that have to start a race and then pull off the track. What if they are running well? For a competitor that is striving to make a name for themselves in NASCAR, the very act of starting-and-parking has to rankle.
The flames of the debate were recently fanned last week in the Nationwide Series at Bristol when driver Jennifer Jo Cobb refused to start-and-park her car as her team owner wished her to do. She stepped out of the car before the race started and didn't compete.
With some drivers, starting-and-parking is an integrity issue, while for others it is simply the means to an end.
Start-and-park teams have developed into a new form of racing all unto itself. In a way, drivers who are forced to start-and-park have developed into the minor league of stockcar racing.
Just as the Nationwide and Truck Series are viewed a proving grounds for a driver to move up to the Cup level, start-and-park teams are a way for drivers to move up to a fully funded, fully sponsored ride and compete for a Championship.
It is a way for drivers to garner exposure for themselves while earning a paycheck doing what they love. They are still able to chase their dreams and it only takes one chance to make it big. The start-and-park drivers of today are the future stars of NASCAR.
If you would like to learn more about Matthew, please check out his web site at matthew-pizzolato.com.
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.
You can contact Matthew Pizzolato at ..