I've
been a NASCAR fan since the early 1980's. I like the action, the
competition and the speed. I used to park myself in front of the
television from pre-race hoopla to post race interviews. Lately
though, I've become increasingly bored with the Sprint Cup and the
Chase. I fast forward a lot on DVR,
skipping the long commercial breaks and mind numbing parade of cars
riding carefully around the track. At most races, there's no excitement unless one of the
drivers throws a tantrum. When the announcer says “Ooohh, they
almost touched going down the front stretch!” I wonder what
happened to the racing I once loved.
The
Truck Series is another story. Last weekend's truck race at Las
Vegas was more like old style racing, even with no Cup drivers
infiltrating the field. It was more thrilling than the past three Cup
races put together. Here's why I like the trucks.
Quality
racing: The drivers actually race each other from green flag to
checkers. They aren't afraid to rub fenders or bumpers. They take
chances and make a few mistakes. There's more side by side action,
passes for position, lap after lap, in the front and back of the
field.
Fewer
unnecessary cautions: Officials don't regularly throw yellow flags for hot dog
wrappers, water bottles, or bits of fake debris. When someone spins
or brushes the wall, as long as they get back under control, the race
usually stays green. Cautions come out for actual wrecks, not for
contrived drama.
Shorter
races: Fewer laps to the checkered flag means more intensity on the
track. There's no mid race slump where the drivers are content to just ride
around—every lap matters.
Yeah,
I know the stands are nearly empty at the truck races. It's like
they're the redheaded stepchild of NASCAR. There's no Dale or Danica, no Jimmie or Jeffie. There aren't as many big name sponsors.
But I still can't understand why more fans don't go, or watch racing
that is so competitive, action-packed and fun.
"No,
he didn't slam into you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you. He
rubbed you. And rubbin',
son, is racin'."
– Harry Hogge, Days of Thunder
“Finishing
races is important, but racing is more important.” – Dale
Earnhardt
