For many traditional NASCAR fans, the soul-searching comments of NASCAR chairman Brian France on Friday were overdue.
In a wide-ranging state of the sport speech in Daytona, France said he’s searching for ways to energize the increasingly older fan base of his slumbering sport.
As television ratings continue to slip and empty seats become commonplace, France is considering an adjustment to the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup to generate more “impact moments.”
If France really wants to create a national buzz, he should include the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway into the Chase. It’s a game-changing move that should have been embraced years ago.
Cautious drivers and powerful team owners would not be pleased due to the ever-present potential for mayhem at BMS, but fans would love it.
Far too many Sprint Cup races are won on strategy instead of survival and aggression. The best-laid plans can and do go awry at Bristol.
France has earned criticism and praise for his willingness to make bold moves. Adding NASCAR’s most popular track to the Chase would not only be bold, it would boost ratings and attract more spectators.
It’s been refreshing to see drivers display their emotions this season, on and off the track. NASCAR needs more emotion, more arguments and more behind-the-scenes reality.
The cult-like success of the racing-themed documentary “Madhouse” came as no surprise to stock car racing purists. Motorsports has always been ruled by ruffians and brave hearts who would rather race than eat. Call it “Wrestling on Wheels” if you want, but it’s good stuff.
For various reasons, NASCAR has become too generic and predictable.
Few things are more unpredictable in motorsports than the night race at Bristol. The high-impact show is part rock concert, part shock theatre and pure fun.
As France and other NASCAR power brokers ponder ways to energize their game and shake up the Sprint Cup schedule, let’s hope they eventually consider the Bristol wild card.
agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544
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