NASCAR’s Crumpled Fenders and Bruised Egos

by Steve Wronkowicz

I am co-host of the syndicated radio show: ON PIT ROW. Over ten years on the air and three on the net; see what can happen when I don't let the facts get in the way of my opinions.

July 14, 2009 5:54 am UTC No Comments

There seems to be some dissension in the ranks as drivers aren’t liking the double file restarts as much as initially claimed.

Veteran Jeff Burton was not thrilled at all with the consequences of the new restart program. He went so far as to allude to not wanting to participate any more if the new program continues,

“I know it’s exciting for fans. But I’m tired of it. I’m about done with it.”

Would Burton really be done with double file restarts? What are his options? He could go to a series that doesn’t use the rule–the Camping World Truck Series hasn’t adopted the rule –yet. He could move to the ARCA Re/Max Series where they still do single file restarts with less than ten laps remaining. Neither option is likely to happen. The fact is that the fans love the new restarts and NASCAR would be committing public relations suicide to change back.

The fact is that NASCAR fans have something to look forward to at the end of a long race–some excitement. While I can enjoy a fuel mileage finish as much as the next guy; a couple of side by side restarts with less than thirty laps to go is what will bring fans back to the sport. Good tight racing for a win is what fans want to see and if there happens to be some bumping and grinding along the way, then so much the better.

Without double file restarts the on track incident between Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson would never have occurred. Regardless of who was at fault, it led to not only exciting racing but great post race fodder. Busch’s comments questioning a three time champion’s abilities on the race track are priceless. NASCAR can’t afford not to let that type of controversy and calling out of fellow drivers continue.

That leads us to this week’s BUZZ ON PIT ROW:

Who was to blame for the Busch/Johnson incident and will the feud continue?

Let us know what you think and we could use your answer on this week’s ON PIT ROW radio show. Listen live, every Tuesday from 5-7pm ET at www.onpitrow.com. Call us during the show at 1-800-645-2946 and you could win a Kevin Harvick bobblehead courtesy of Shell Gasolines if you are The Shell Nitrogen Enriched Call of the Day.

photo credit: Icon Sports Media, Inc

Filed under: Chicagoland Speedway, How to fix NASCAR, Jeff Burton, jimmie johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, NASCAR, NASCAR Bidness, NASCAR officials, On Pit Row The Fastest Two Hours on Radio

Tagged with: Jeff Burton, jimmie johnson, Kurt Busch, NASCAR

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