December 9, 2011
By Rebecca Gladden
Dear Santa,
I figure you must have read a lot of letters from NASCAR stakeholders and fans last Christmas, because 2011 turned out to be a pretty darn enjoyable Cup season after all, especially that thrilling championship battle between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart that came down to the wire at Homestead.
NASCAR says it was the most statistically-competitive season in the 63-year history of the Cup Series, with an average of 27.1 lead changes and 12.8 leaders per race, both highest-ever numbers.
Since it seems that you are feeling rather jolly toward our beloved sport, I am ho-ho-hoping (see what I did there?) that you will leave the following items under the Christmas tree for the drivers listed below. I know that they are probably all too busy hunting and fishing -- and island-hopping -- and watching football -- and sleeping -- and whatever else racecar drivers do during the off-season, so I am sending you this list on their behalf.
Oh, one more thing, Santa. If my readers email me with additional gift suggestions for these or other drivers this week, I might send you an addendum letter next week with their best gift ideas (readers: hint, hint).
For Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - A win: Earnhardt Jr. may be NASCAR’s most popular driver for nine years running, but it’s been three and a half years since he won a Cup race. Junior came close in 2011, finishing second at Martinsville and Kansas, and even made the Chase for the first time in a couple of years. But, Santa, it would really mean a lot to Dale and his fans and NASCAR if he could break that 129-race winless streak in 2012.
For Brad Keselowski - An edit button: The 27-year-old Cup driver and championship contender had a great season in 2011, competition-wise. He won three races and finished fifth in the standings, 20 places ahead of where he finished in 2010. Keselowski prides himself on outspokenness during interviews and on social media, but he was reportedly fined $25,000 by NASCAR recently for statements about the sport's move to electronic fuel injection that were deemed "highly critical" by the powers-that-be. Being candid is one thing, Santa, but Brad needs a reminder that discretion is the better part of valor.
For Matt Kenseth - A sponsor: Poor Matt must be wondering what a fellow has to do to have a steady Cup Series sponsorship. The former champion won three races in 2011, finished fourth in the standings, and drives for powerhouse team Roush-Fenway Racing, but he is currently without full-time sponsorship for 2012. Kenseth said Wednesday that if a driver can "perform well and not act like an idiot too much," he should be able to find a sponsor. Santa, Kenseth is one of the most non-idiot drivers I can think of, so I hope you and all the potential sponsors out there will keep that in mind.
For Kurt Busch - A ride: Well, this one goes without saying, Santa. Kurt was not a very good boy in 2012 and, as a result, is no longer employed by Penske Racing. Although the decision to part ways has been described as "mutual," a lot of fans probably think that Busch doesn't deserve anything but a big lump of coal in his stocking this year, especially after the way he treated poor Jerry Punch at Homestead. But maybe, just maybe, this experience will be the one that finally brings about a real change in Busch's insufferable attitude.
After all, it is the season of miracles … right, Santa?
Follow Rebecca on Twitter: @nscrwriter
You can contact Rebecca at.. Insider Racing News
You Can Read Other Articles By Rebecca
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.
