It’s been a strange week in the bubble-like world of NASCAR.
While a $225 million sexual harassment lawsuit generated most of the headlines, another item has to leave longtime fans dazed and confused.
On Friday, NASCAR officials called a mandatory meeting where they urged drivers to stop complaining about the many faults of the Car of Tomorrow and pay more attention to the fans.
Can you say smokescreen? Oh well, let’s move on.
For whatever reason, it seems the discerning NASCAR follower never gets any respect.
The television schemers and radio screamers are nothing more than puppets who repeat the same party line. Basically, everything is great in TV Land. Pass the milk and cookies.
Meanwhile, fans are falling asleep due to boring races and drivers are literally boiling due to the hot conditions inside the generic COT creations. Of course, we still hear nothing but happy talk from the TV gang.
According to NASCAR president Brian France and his highly-paid disciples, everything is fine within his sport. The lawsuit is nothing more than money grab, the racing action is mind-blowing and the critics are a bunch of jealous big-city types.
Not too long ago, the humble spectacle of stock car racing was covered primarily by writers from trade publications who partied and traveled with the drivers. Coverage from major newspapers was rare, and critical reporting was almost non-existent.
Believe it or not, some media types still travel and party with drivers.
Plenty of longtime followers, who actually appreciate hard racing over personality and looks, have grown weary of the positive spin game. They can see far beyond the hucksters and notice serious issues that need addressing.
Instead of chastising drivers for legitimate complaints, the leaders of NASCAR should do something soon to address the issue of dying short tracks, the few remaining independent team owners and suffering fans who are paying dearly to follow their passion. Does anybody even care about the little guy anymore?
In recognition of the insane gas prices, how about offering some sort of ticket rebate or coupon to ticket-buyers. Give them a free diecast car, a Dale Earnhardt Jr. poster, a shirt … just do something to honor those fans who fuel the NASCAR train. Dare we suggest an actual autograph session?
There are so many wonderful things about this sport. NASCAR may be failing miserably in terms of diversity, yet charismatic young drivers are emerging, TV ratings are way up and
at least the finishes of Sprint Cup races have been fascinating.
More than anything, major league stock car racing needs a big gulp of reality. Even if the voices go against the ever-present party line, NASCAR leaders need to listen to the drivers and fans.
This sport could be so much better. We just need to bust the bubble at times.
agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544
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