Experience tops glitz in fans’ eyes

The life of a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver is jammed with glamour.

Much like a movie star, these guys arrive at the track in helicopters. They are followed by waves of wide-eyed fans, guided by smooth media handlers and stay in luxurious motorhomes.

For some strange reason, those highly-paid drivers often wear glum faces in public. Hello, Kyle Busch.

Steering a 3,400-pound stock car around fearsome tracks at speeds approaching 200 mph is certainly serious business. But it just seems like these guys should be able to crack an occasional smile. Is that too much to ask?

Granted, the tension anxiety level has been amped up since the introduction of the Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff series. With only 12 spots available in the Chase, drivers cannot afford a single mistake.

Many of the questions in Friday’s press conferences at Bristol Motor Speedway focused on the pressure of the Chase, which begins Sept. 20 in New Hampshire.

While the stakes are high for NASCAR teams, many Americans contend with more extreme forms of pressure on a daily basis. Try working a 12-hour shift at the factory, dealing with chronic pain or facing the spectre of unemployment in the current troubled economy.

Many folks would happily accept the demands of being a Sprint Cup driver.

Mark Martin is one of the NASCAR stars who grasps the big picture. Maybe it’s because of his blue collar roots in Arkansas, but Martin genuinely seems to appreciate his role.

On the eve of his 1,000th start in the NASCAR series event, Martin reflected on his long tenure in the sport Friday.

“In some ways it’s an accomplishment but really to me it’s what you did in those 1000 starts that really matters,” Martin said. “It’s not just the sheer number, it’s what happened in those starts that makes it special.”

That bottom line approach is one reason why so many drivers and fans have respect for Martin. This guy is more concerned with results than earning the adoration of starlets or purchasing the next high-tech toy.

As for the hot-topic subject of Busch, Martin refused to follow off the lead of Brian Vickers who created a stir Friday morning when he criticized NASCAR’s bad-boy.

“In my circles I certainly have great respect for Kyle,” Martin said. “I’d be careful about taking a shot at Kyle Busch because I have so much respect for him and his abilities and everything else.

“Obviously he’s pretty out there in ways to get criticized by the media and the fans and competitors a lot.

“[Busch] is 24 . He’s got a lot of time to evolve as a person, as well as a driver. He’s an incredible driver and I respect him. Don’t forget how good he is and that’s one of the reasons why people take a shot.”

Fair or not, Martin said he understands why car owners have increasingly favored telegenic teens over battle-tested veterans.

“The economy has a lot to do with it, not just what I’ve been able to accomplish or [Ron] Hornaday for example,” Martin said. “Everyone is having to be a little bit more calculated with what they do.

“These young guys are going to get their shots, but they’re going to be the sure-bet guys like the Joey Loganos and so on. Experience means a lot, especially in the sport today with everything that’s going on.”

Judging from the cheers after Martin earned the pole for Saturday’s Sharpie 500, at least some NASCAR fans still value experience over good looks and glitz.

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