when I first sat down in my recliner and 2:00 when the race broadcast was to begin, I heard the words “The Chase” no less than 500 times. During the race, thousands of references to The Chase seemed to exempt even the description of racing action. Every possible scenario, with the exception of Martians landing on the track, was discussed.  What would it take to win “The Chase”?  Who has the best chance to win “The Chase”?  What team is best prepared to win “The Chase”? Can Tony Stewart do this year what he did last year?  Can you win “The Chase” without winning a race”?  On and on they rolled.

Last week, right here on the Rodeo, Jeff stated that he has begun to like The Chase, or to at least appreciate the concept.  I haven’t reached that point yet and it is not likely, in this lifetime, that I will.  Have we ever been told who might be the responsible party for development of this Chase?  Most of us assume it was Brian Z. France and it may have been.  I am more inclined to believe it was some marketing guru, fresh out of some university somewhere, who was ready to conquer the world and was content to start with the most easily influenced mind and thus sought out NASCAR.

Let me state, right here and now, that this Legendtorial is not a rant about complaints I may have with NASCAR.  As I have often said, I want NASCAR to be a success.  I have always promoted that and have always wanted the day to come when NASCAR would rule the sports world.  Looking back, I do believe NASCAR was on the way to becoming the major competitor to the NFL.  Now I sometimes wonder if it can hold its own against a tiddlywinks tournament at an old folks home.